Friday, November 28
OMB Christmas Market
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery turns into a festive European style market with vendors, music, and plenty of holiday treats.
📍 OMB Brewery, LoSo and Ballantyne
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid crowds and snag the best vendor goodies.
Cost: Free
Get details
Tree Festival at Chickadee Hill Farms
Kick off tree season at this sweet family farm with photo ops, animals, and cozy holiday touches.
📍 Chickadee Hill Farms, Statesville
👶 Best For: Ages 0 to 7
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a blanket for a photo on the hillside and arrive early for the best tree selection.
Cost: Free admission, trees priced individually
Plan your visit
Small Business Saturday at Optimist Hall with Charlotte Vintage Market
Support local makers and shop special Small Business Saturday pop ups throughout Optimist Hall.
📍 Optimist Hall
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Grab lunch at the food hall first so kids have full bellies before you browse.
Cost: Free entry
More info
Outdoor Movie: Elf at Seoul Food Meat Co, Mill District
Bundle up for an outdoor screening of Elf, complete with comfort food and family friendly fun.
📍 Seoul Food Meat Co, Mill District
👶 Best For: Ages 3 and up
💡 Parent Tip: Bring blankets, chairs, and hand warmers to stay cozy after dark.
Cost: Free entry, food for purchase
Event details
Saturday, November 29
South End Small Business Saturday
Walkable blocks of pop ups, holiday displays, and local makers all celebrating Small Business Saturday.
📍 South End
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Park once and use the Rail Trail to move between markets easily with a stroller. Check out my "day in South End with a toddler" itinerary on the blog!
Cost: Free entry
Explore the event
Home Depot Kids Workshop, Teddy Bear Ornament
Kids can build and decorate a keepsake ornament in this free hands on workshop.
📍 Local Home Depot stores
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: These workshops fill quickly, so arrive early to secure a kit.
Cost: Free
Learn more
Free Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus at Blackhawk Hardware
A beloved Charlotte tradition with classic holiday charm and no reservations needed.
📍 Blackhawk Hardware, Park Road Shopping Center
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Lines grow fast, so arriving at opening is your best bet for quick photos.
Cost: Free
Event info
Handcrafted Market, Small Business Saturday on Levine Avenue of the Arts
Dozens of artisans, food trucks, and festive music in an Uptown outdoor market.
📍 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Uptown
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring snacks for kids so you can take your time browsing the booths.
Cost: Free
More details
Community Holiday Market at Museum of the Waxhaws
Small town charm, local vendors, kids activities, and holiday traditions.
📍 Museum of the Waxhaws, Waxhaw
👶 Best For: Ages 0 to 8
💡 Parent Tip: Pair the market with a stop at Cane Creek Park for a full afternoon outing.
Cost: Free
Plan your visit
Sunday, November 30
Ballantyne Light Spectacular
An immersive holiday light experience perfect for an after dinner family outing.
📍 Ballantyne, Charlotte
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Get there right when they open to avoid longer lines.
Cost: Varies
Event site
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express
Ride the miniature train and explore a glowing holiday village with music and displays.
📍 Village Park, Kannapolis
👶 Best For: Ages 0 to 10
💡 Parent Tip: Train tickets can sell out, so purchase ahead if available.
Cost: Small fee for train rides
More info
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Towering lights, cozy fire pits, food trucks, and beautiful garden displays.
📍 Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a stroller with good tires if you plan to stay for the full path.
Cost: Starting at $28/adults, $20/children (kids under 2 are free)
Get tickets
Monday, December 1
Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Belmont
A classic tree lighting with performances, treats, and small town holiday magic.
📍 Downtown Belmont
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to claim a good viewing spot.
Cost: Free
Event details
Tuesday, December 2
Ed’s Dinosaurs Live at ImaginOn
Life sized dinosaur characters, interactive learning, and a can’t miss experience for little dino fans.
📍 ImaginOn, Uptown Charlotte
👶 Best For: Ages 2 to 8
💡 Parent Tip: Plan extra time to enjoy the library afterward and grab lunch at 7th street market next door!
Cost: Free
More info
Belmont Christmas Parade
A festive community parade filled with floats, marching bands, and local holiday cheer.
📍 Downtown Belmont
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring folding chairs and snacks for an easier viewing experience. The parade kicks off at 3pm!
Cost: Free
Parade details
Wednesday, December 3
Free Art Kits, Skateboard Mini Fingerboard Craft
Pick up a free DIY fingerboard kit and learn about the artistry behind skateboard design.
📍 Mint Museum Randolph
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: Grab your kit early, then explore the museum or nearby park.
Cost: Free
Learn more
Toddler Holiday Small Group at The Bunny Hive
Music, movement, soft snowballs, crafts, holiday classics, a tacky sweater moment, and a book exchange.
📍 The Bunny Hive, Charlotte
👶 Best For: Ages 1 to 3
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a holiday book to swap and dress littles in comfy play clothes.
Cost: $30
Book a spot
Thursday, December 4
Phillips Place Shop and Stroll
Sip, shop, and enjoy festive extras throughout Phillips Place.
📍 Phillips Place, SouthPark
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Pair with an early dinner at the 800 Degrees or Salted Melon to keep kids happy while you browse.
Cost: Free
Event info
Annual Tree Lighting in Davidson
A charming community celebration with a light show, live nativity scenes, bubble snowflakes, unique gifts from the artisan village, and a children’s craft area.
📍 Downtown Davidson
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Parking fills quickly, so plan for a short walk or free trolley ride! Cost: Free
More info
Live Nativity at Davidson United Methodist Church
A family friendly outdoor nativity experience with animals and readings.
📍 Davidson United Methodist Church
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Make an evening of it: check out the nativity at 5 and then head over to the tree lighting at 6!
Cost: Free
Event info
Pineville Christmas Tree Lighting
Festive lights, music, and small town holiday magic.
📍 Downtown Pineville
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Stop for hot cocoa from Waterbean before the countdown begins.
Cost: Free
Details