Thursday, November 20
Nourish Up Thanksgiving Food Drive
Help little ones practice kindness this season by dropping off canned goods and pantry items for local families in need. They are especially in need of pantry staples such as these priority needs items: frozen turkeys, canned meat, canned fruit & veg, rice, pasta (canned or dry boxed). The drive runs all week!
📍 901 Carrier Dr (weekdays 9am - 4pm, Saturday Nov 22 9am - noon)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Let toddlers help pick out items at the grocery store - a sweet way to teach gratitude.
Cost: Just the cost of the donations
No time to drop off? Check out their Amazon wish list instead
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole (Opening Day)
Camp North End transforms into a holiday wonderland with an outdoor rink, cocoa, and cozy lights. Even if your child is too young to skate, they’ll love the sights and sounds.
📍 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte
👶 Best For: Ages 0–5
💡 Parent Tip: Bring warm socks, gloves, and a thermos of cocoa to enjoy while watching the skaters.
Cost: $18 adults, $15 children under 10
Friday, November 21
Wintersville at Discovery Place Kids, Huntersville
Step into a snowy storytime world with hands-on winter activities, sensory play, and festive make-and-take crafts tailored for little explorers. Cozy, bright, and perfect for short attention spans.
📍 Discovery Place Kids, 105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC
🕐 Times vary by session
👶 Best For: Ages 0 to 5
💡 Parent Tip: Book an early session to beat crowds, then plan a stroller walk around Main Street for snacks after.
Cost: Museum admission required, check for special event pricing
Weddington Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration
Kick off the season in true small-town style! The Town of Weddington’s annual celebration features live school performances, a lively DJ spinning festive tunes, food trucks, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly cheer. The tree lighting caps off the evening with a little holiday magic.
📍 Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Rd, Weddington, NC
🕐 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a blanket or chairs and plan to grab dinner from a food truck while the kids enjoy the music and crafts.
Cost: Free
Saturday, November 22
The Mom Walk Collective – Charlotte
A relaxed morning walk for moms and little ones to connect, chat, and enjoy the fall air together.
📍 Thousand Hills Coffee, 10227 Prosperity Park Dr, Charlotte
🕐 10 a.m.
👶 Best For: Babies & toddlers in strollers
💡 Parent Tip: Grab a latte before the walk and bring snacks for the stroller ride.
Cost: Free
Charlotte Tree Climbing Competition at UNC Charlotte
Watch professional tree climbers show off their skills high above the lake at UNC Charlotte! Families can stroll around Hechenbleikner Lake, cheer on the climbers, and learn about tree care from local arborists.
📍 Hechenbleikner Lake (Hech Lake), UNC Charlotte – near University City Blvd & University Rd
🕐 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 3–8 (and up)
💡 Parent Tip: Bring binoculars for kids to watch the climbers and pack snacks for a lakeside picnic. Strollers welcome on paved paths.
Cost: Free
Yap Ye Iswa Festival at Catawba Cultural Center
A beautiful celebration of Catawba Nation culture featuring drumming, crafts, and storytelling.
📍 1536 Tom Steven Rd, Rock Hill, SC
🕐 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
👶 Best For: Preschoolers and up
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a stroller or carrier – the grounds are large but welcoming for families.
Cost: Free
Circle Round Live in Charlotte!
A live storytelling event from WBUR’s beloved folktale podcast. Short, music-filled, and perfect for young attention spans.
📍 Dale F. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte
🕐 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 3–5, but all ages welcome
💡 Parent Tip: Choose aisle seats for easy in-and-out during wiggles.
Cost: From $37
UCity Lights Winter Celebration
A festive lakeside evening in University City designed for families! Meet Santa, make ornaments, enjoy live music, and take a Polar Express-style train ride before the tree lighting.
📍 The Shoppes at University Place, 8931 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte
🕐 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive around 4 p.m. to beat crowds and find parking.
Cost: Free
Rea Farms Holiday Magic
A cheerful community festival with Santa, live music, crafts, and the annual tree lighting. Plenty of space for strollers and festive fun for little ones.
📍 Rea Farms Village Green, Charlotte
🕐 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early for parking and stay for the tree lighting at 7pm.
Cost: Free
Holiday Tree Lighting at Blakeney
A neighborhood favorite! Carolers, kids’ crafts, and the lighting of the Blakeney Village tree.
📍 Blakeney Shopping Center, 9870 Rea Rd, Charlotte
🕐 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring layers – it cools off quickly after sunset. There are lots of places to eat at Blakeney - we are partial to Greco Fresh!
Cost: Free
Sunday, November 23
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical
A joyful stage adaptation of the holiday classic, filled with favorite songs, colorful costumes, and plenty of magic to kick off the season. It’s the perfect first theatre experience for little ones!
📍 Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC
🕐 Showtimes vary (matinee options available)
👶 Best For: Ages 3–8
💡 Parent Tip: Choose an early show for toddlers and preschoolers, and arrive early for parking and stroller drop-off.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Southern Christmas Show – Final Day
Charlotte’s holiday classic! Wander through twinkling lights, festive décor, and hundreds of vendor booths. Santa will be on site and there are plenty of stroller-friendly aisles for browsing.
📍 Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and let babies take in the lights and music.
Cost: $20 weekday / $23 weekend, free for ages 5 and under, $12 for ages 5–13
Get tickets here!
Dad Meet-Up & Football Watch Party
A casual afternoon for dads to hang out while the kids play. Family-friendly and low-key.
📍 Grow Café CLT, 1520 South Tryon St, Charlotte
🕐 1 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring small toys or coloring books to keep little ones busy during the game.
Cost: Free entry (food & drinks available for purchase)
Union County Christmas Parade
A festive community parade in Historic Downtown Monroe featuring floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer galore.
📍 Main St, Historic Downtown Monroe, NC
🕐 2 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a small folding chair or blanket and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Cost: Free
Monday, November 24
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
A dazzling drive-through holiday light show featuring over five million lights synchronized to music, plus a Christmas Village with rides, food, and Santa visits. Perfect for kids who love staying cozy in the car.
📍 Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC
🕐 6 p.m.–10 p.m. (runs nightly through early January)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go on a weekday for shorter lines. Bring pajamas and cocoa for the drive!
Cost: Starts at $45 per car (max 15 people)
Tuesday, November 25
Art Class for Prewalkers, Toddlers & Preschoolers
A creative morning for your little artist! Each session introduces a new theme and hands-on art project, giving kids the chance to explore painting, collage, and color. Babies as young as four months can join in the fun.
📍 The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte
🕐 11 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
👶 Best For: Prewalkers, toddlers & preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: Dress for mess and bring a change of clothes – paint adventures can get delightfully messy! Please leave snacks with nuts at home.
Cost: $30 drop-in
Wednesday, November 26
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
🕐 9 a.m.
👶 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
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
A Charlotte classic! Floats, music, and lights make this a magical night for kids.
📍 Uptown Charlotte – Tryon St
🕐 5:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Rain or shine, so bundle up and bring a stroller blanket. Arrive early for parking. Streaming on WCCB starting at 6pm
Cost: Free
Light the Knights Festival – Opening Night
A winter wonderland at Truist Field featuring skating, snow tubing, and thousands of lights.
📍 Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte
👶 Best For: Ages 2–5 (and up)
💡 Parent Tip: For toddlers, skip tubing and enjoy the lights and market instead.
Cost: Admission from $12; activity passes extra
Thursday, November 27 (HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!)
Charlotte Turkey Trot – SouthPark
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a family-friendly run or walk through SouthPark! It’s a Charlotte tradition with routes for every age and stroller welcome.
📍 SouthPark Mall area, Charlotte
🕐 8:10 a.m.
👶 Best For: All ages (especially 0–5 in strollers)
💡 Parent Tip: Layer up for the morning chill and bring a snack for after the race.
Cost: Varies by registration; Free Tot Trot (50 yd dash) available for kids under 8!
Ballantyne Hotel Children’s Toy Drive
Donate a new toy and spread holiday joy! The Ballantyne Hotel collects gifts for local kids in need with a festive lobby display.
📍 The Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Let your child help choose a toy to give – a lovely Thanksgiving-week tradition.
Cost: Free to participate