This week is filled with festive family fun including hands-on crafts, holiday markets, Santa visits, outdoor movies, nature programs, magical light displays, and seasonal celebrations happening all across Charlotte.
December 18
Puffy Paint Christmas Tree Craft
Get festive with a hands-on holiday craft at Grow Cafe, where little ones can make their own puffy paint Christmas tree in a relaxed creative setting. This is perfect for kids who love sensory art projects and a bit of holiday magic.
📍Grow Cafe, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 2+
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to get set up and enjoy a warm drink from the cafe while your child creates.
Cost: $5–$10 depending on craft duration
Register here
Raclette Night at Orrman’s Cheese Shop
A warm, cozy dinner featuring scraped Raclette cheese over potatoes, greens, baguette, and optional salami, plus dessert. A fun winter treat for parents or for older kids with adventurous tastes.
📍Orrman’s Cheese Shop, The Market at 7th Street
🕒 December 18, seatings at 6:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Adults or teens
💡 Parent Tip: The Imaginon library next door is open until 8pm, so make an evening of it and check out a class, show, or exhibit at the library before grabbing dinner at Orrmans!
Cost: $28 without salami, $33 with salami
Reserve your spot!
December 19
Free Carriage Rides at Phillips Place
A charming horse drawn carriage ride through beautifully decorated Phillips Place, perfect for a simple, magical evening outing.
📍Phillips Place, SouthPark
🕒 December 19, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Lines can grow quickly since rides are free, so arrive close to 5 p.m. for the shortest wait. Do some shopping at JCrew, Hill House, or Peter Millar beforehand and grab pizza at 800 Degrees after!
Cost: Free
More info and see the carriage here!
Friday Fire and S'mores
Feel the cozy winter magic at Stevens Creek Nature Center with a simple, family friendly drop in campfire and s'mores experience. Kids can roast marshmallows, warm up by the fire, and enjoy an easy outdoor moment together.
📍Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
🕒 December 19, Drop in between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring gloves and a blanket so little hands stay warm while they roast. Parking is close to the fire pit which makes this an easy after school stop.
Cost: Free
More Details
Outdoor Movie Night at Seoul Food Mill District
Settle in for a festive outdoor movie night featuring The Christmas Chronicles, plus a Sunny Day Market for extra family fun. With free admission and plenty of food options, it’s an easy Friday outing with built in entertainment for kids.
📍Seoul Food Mill District Courtyard, 421 E 26th St, Charlotte
🕒 December 19, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Seating is first come, first served. Kids will love the playground area but be sure to keep them in sight since it’s shared space and can get busy.
Cost: Free
More Details
December 20
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
A lively holiday market with local vendors, food, and festive activities, including the adorable Reindog Parade at 4 p.m.
📍Camp North End
🕒 December 20, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: My friends went last week and said parking was insane, so plan ahead and get there early!
Cost: Free
More information
Animal Meet and Greet
Meet snakes, turtles, and other resident animals at Quest Nature Center in this interactive wildlife experience. It’s a fun hands on way for kids to learn about local species and build comfort with nature.
📍Quest Nature Center, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville
🕒 December 20, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: Elementary ages, but enjoyable for all ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early, as these events can fill quickly and little ones often like to sit up front for the best views.
Cost: Free
Enroll Here
Brunch With Santa at 4001 Yancey
Kick off Christmas weekend with a festive family brunch complete with holiday dishes, cozy vibes, and a special visit from Santa. After brunch, families can browse a vendor market filled with local makers and seasonal gifts.
📍Brewers at 4001 Yancey, 4001-A Yancey Rd, Charlotte
🕒 December 20, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Santa visits 12 PM to 2 PM, Vendor Market 1 PM to 6 PM)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: If your child wants extra time with Santa, plan brunch early so you’re seated before he arrives. The market afterward is stroller friendly and a good way to extend the outing.
More Details
Mingle with Kringle
Say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville during this festive afternoon of holiday photos and family fun.
📍Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville
🕒 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Museum admission includes this event, so plan to explore exhibits before or after your photo moment for a full day of fun.
Cost: $15/person, kids under 1 free
Get tickets
Crafty Kids Market
Support pint-sized makers at this fun holiday market where young vendors sell their handmade goods, perfect for gift shopping with kids.
📍Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
🕒 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Let kids bring a small budget to pick out a special item and practice money skills.
Cost: Free entry
Event details
Whimsical Woodland Ornaments
Kids can get creative with natural materials as they design their own woodland themed ornaments in this drop in crafting program at McDowell Nature Center. Adult participation keeps the activity relaxed and great for a wide range of ages.
📍McDowell Nature Center Classroom
🕒 December 20, Drop in
👶 Best For: Ages 1 and up
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a small bag or box so kids can safely carry their ornament home without smudging or bending delicate pieces.
Cost: Free
Register Here
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Watch dozens of festively lit boats cruise across Lake Norman in this beloved annual holiday tradition. Families can enjoy food trucks, Santa sightings, and a beautiful evening on the water while supporting Little Smiles, a nonprofit serving children in local hospitals.
📍Route includes Blythe Landing, Ramsey Creek, Peninsula Yacht Club, and ending cove at Duke Energy Explorium
🕒 December 20, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Viewing spots fill quickly, so choose a location with easy parking and bathrooms, like Blythe Landing or Ramsey Creek. Bring a warm blanket and hand warmers for little ones.
Cost: Free, donation of an unwrapped toy encouraged
Event information
Movies in the Park – Elf
Bring blankets and chairs for this outdoor screening of the holiday classic Elf under the stars, complete with games and treats available.
📍Stowe Park Pavilion, 24 South Main Street, Belmont, NC
🕒 6:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy free arcade games and cornhole before the movie starts.
Cost: Free
Event Information
December 21
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Blackhawk Hardware
Visit Santa in one of Charlotte’s most festive holiday settings inside Blackhawk Hardware’s decorated showroom.
📍Blackhawk Hardware, Park Road Shopping Center
🕒 December 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring your Christmas lists and drop then straight into Santa’s mailbox to be sent off to the North Pole!
Cost: Free
More information
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Children's Theatre of Charlotte
A live musical retelling of the classic holiday story, perfect for early elementary ages.
📍Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
🕒 December 21, 2:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 3 and up
💡 Parent Tip: The Childrens Theatre is inside the Imaginon Library so make sure to save time to explore before or after the show!
Cost: $44- 56
➡️ Get tickets
Nordstrom Santa Photos at SouthPark
Cardmembers get free Santa photos, and all guests can book a professional session including two digital downloads.
📍Nordstrom, SouthPark Mall
🕒 December 21, 1:30pm to 5pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Morning appointments tend to be calmest for little ones.
Cost: Free for cardmembers, $40 for others
Reservations here
OMB Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery transforms into a festive German style Christmas market with more than 50 vendors at each location, selling handmade gifts, baked goods, and cozy holiday treats. Families can enjoy fire pits, hot cocoa, and plenty of Christmas atmosphere across the final weekend of the market.
📍LoSo: 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte NC, and Ballantyne: 15025 Bowl Street, Charlotte NC
🕒 December 21, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you want a calmer experience for little ones. Both markets get crowded in the afternoon so a stroller friendly plan is helpful.
Cost: Free to attend
Event Details and Vendor List
December 22
Nature Book and Look
An outdoor storytime and nature exploration program featuring books, crafts, and hands-on learning.
📍McDowell Nature Center, 15222 South York Road
🕒 December 15, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
👶 Best For: Preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: This is not a drop off program, so plan to participate alongside your child.
Cost: Free with registration
Register here
Light the Knights Festival
Enjoy a holiday tradition at Truist Field featuring ice skating, snow tubing, holiday lights, festive decor, local makers, and more family fun at this interactive winter festival.
📍Truist Field, Uptown Charlotte
🕒 December 22, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Book tickets in advance since ice skating and tubing have limited capacity.
Cost: $45 for activity pass, $14 for admission only
Get tickets
Whitewater Day Camp Session (Ages 4+)
Give your little adventurer a day to explore the great outdoors! This special Thanksgiving-week camp at the U.S. National Whitewater Center includes nature-based games, crafts, and plenty of fresh air.
📍 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
🕐 December 22 and 23, 8:30 PM to 5:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: Drop off your camper for a day of fun, then grab a coffee and stroll the trails while they play and create. Spots are limited!
Cost: $79
December 23
Whitewater Day Camp Session (Ages 4+)
Give your little adventurer a day to explore the great outdoors! This special Thanksgiving-week camp at the U.S. National Whitewater Center includes nature-based games, crafts, and plenty of fresh air.
📍 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
🕐 December 22 and 23, 8:30 PM to 5:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: Drop off your camper for a day of fun, then grab a coffee and stroll the trails while they play and create. Spots are limited!
Cost: $79
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Step into a joyful holiday experience at the Billy Graham Library, where festive lights, seasonal displays, and special Christmas programming create a heartwarming outing for families. Explore the beautifully decorated grounds, take photos with the family, and enjoy the spirit of the season together.
📍Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive
🕒 December 23, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Parking can fill up quickly closer to the holidays. Plan to arrive earlier in the day for easier access and to enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
Cost: Free, but tickets are required. Carriage rides start at $6
Reservations
December 24
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne
A magical display of gingerbread creations, plus the life size Cocoa House where families can enjoy hot cocoa and festive treats.
📍The Ballantyne Hotel
🕒 December 14 to 28, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: You can receive parking validation when you make a Gingerbread Lane donation vote supporting Levine Children’s Hospital.
Cost: Free to view, donation encouraged
More information
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard
A large scale walk through holiday light experience with glowing displays, themed zones, and plenty of kid friendly visual magic.
📍Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Road
🕒 December 24, 5:30pm to 10pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Read my full review here!
Cost: Starting at $10
Get tickets