December 11
Twin Christmas Pajama Storytime at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
A cozy Christmas themed storytime where kids can wear matching holiday pajamas, listen to festive read alouds, and decorate cookies together.
📍Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
🕒 December 11, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 2 to 7
💡 Parent Tip: Bring wipes for cookie decorating and arrive a few minutes early because this branch fills up fast.
Cost: Free
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 11, 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
Register here
McAdenville Yule Log Parade
A beloved McAdenville tradition featuring singing, a festive community walk, and the ceremonial lighting of the Yule Log at Legacy Park.
📍Lineup at 100 Main Street, McAdenville
🕒 December 11, singing begins at 5:30 p.m. and festivities end around 7:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Drive around the town after the festivities end and see all the houses decorated for Christmas!
Cost: Free
More details
December 12
Holidays on the Homesite at Charlotte Museum of History
A festive evening at the 1774 Rock House with crafts, live music, historic holiday traditions, food trucks, a shopping market, and the burning of the Yule Log.
📍Charlotte Museum of History
🕒 December 12, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Babywearing is easier than strollers on the uneven historic grounds.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
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 12, 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!
Chickadee Hill Farms Tree Festival
A festive holiday experience on the farm featuring lights, treats, and local vendors in a relaxed outdoor setting.
📍Chickadee Hill Farms
🕒 December 12, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Don’t miss the mini pony experience where kids can brush or walk a pony before their special visit with Santa.
Cost: Starting at $15/adults, $10/children over 2. Additional fees for games, raffles, food/drink, and the Grinch and Mini Pony experiences.
All the details here!
Santa at the Arboretum Shopping Center
A simple, low key Santa visit with easy photo opportunities near Link & Pin at the Arboretum.
📍Arboretum Shopping Center, 8008 Providence Road
🕒 December 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Park near Link & Pin to make the walk easier with littles.
Cost: Free
More information
Visit Santa’s House at Blakeney Plaza
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos in a festive outdoor setting with an optional donation supporting local charities.
📍Blakeney Plaza
🕒 December 12, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Weeknight visits tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Cost: Free, $10 optional donation
More information
Atlantic Coast S Gaugers Model Train Display
A detailed model train exhibit with holiday scenes that is perfect for train loving kids.
📍Swanee Theatre, 200 West Avenue, Kannapolis
🕒 December 12, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 2 and up
💡 Parent Tip: The Kannapolis Christmas Parade is at 6pm, so plan your day trip accordingly!
Cost: Free
More information
December 13
Polar Express Movie & Winter Wonderland Brunch at Blinders
Take photos with Santa in a snowy Winter Wonderland, then enjoy a 10 a.m. showing of The Polar Express and a festive brunch menu for kids and grownups.
📍Blinders, South End
🕒 December 13, 10:00 a.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: If your child is sensitive to loud sound, bring headphones for the movie.
Cost: Adults $40, Children $20, Kids under 2 free
Register here!
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End (with Reindog Parade)
A lively holiday market with local vendors, food, and festive activities, including the adorable Reindog Parade at 4 p.m.
📍Camp North End
🕒 December 13, 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
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 13, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip:
Cost: Free
More information
10 Year Anniversary Celebration at Legion Brewing West Morehead
A family friendly celebration featuring food, music, and special brews to mark Legion’s 10 year anniversary.
📍Legion Brewing, West Morehead
🕒 December 13, 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages until evening
💡 Parent Tip: There will be a Kids' Holiday Zone from 12-3pm with ornament painting, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, and a hot cocoa bar.
Cost: Free to attend
More information
Santa at Optimist Hall
Meet Santa and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa from Undercurrent Coffee in a bright, festive food hall setting.
📍Optimist Hall
🕒 December 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Grab pastries from Suarez Bakery for a full morning treat.
Cost: Free
Event details
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 13, 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
Woodland Christmas at Frank Liske Park
A cozy outdoor Christmas event with festive activities inside the Frank Liske Park barn. Get in the spirit with s'mores, hot cocoa, nature crafts, winter bird feeds, holiday games, "snowball" fights, and a visit from Santa!
📍Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Road, Concord
🕒 December 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Wear warm layers since the barn stays chilly.
Cost: $5
Register here (click on Parks Programs and then Special Events)
Merry Metropolitan
Meet Santa, take photos with holiday characters like the Grinch, enjoy treats, and dance along to a live DJ.
📍Metropolitan, 1111 Metropolitan Avenue
🕒 December 13, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Approach the Grinch based on your child's comfort level.
Cost: Free
Bavarian Holiday Fest in Downtown Belmont
A European inspired market with artisan vendors, Bavarian food and drink, polka music, and cookie decorating.
📍Downtown Belmont
🕒 December 13, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring $5 for the Kinder Craft Gingerbread Heart Cookie (“Lebkuchenherzen”) decorating station!
Cost: Free to attend
Event schedule and map
Annual Lake Wylie Boat Parade
Watch decorated boats light up Lake Wylie, with Santa available for photos at Papa Doc’s.
📍Papa Doc’s Shore Club, 3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie
🕒 December 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Santa from 5 to 8 p.m.)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring warm blankets and arrive early for the best views.
Cost: Free
Event details
December 14
Waxhaw Farmers Market Holiday Market
A festive outdoor holiday market featuring local makers, treats, and seasonal produce.
📍Waxhaw Farmers Market
🕒 December 14, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Grab a pint at Mary O'Neills Irish pub in downtown Waxhaw after!
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 14, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Ages 4 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
Bumps and Bagels at The New Mom School Ballantyne
Enjoy light bites, refreshments, and all the real talk about labor, delivery, and those first few weeks with baby. They'll be sharing all the secrets no one tells you before birth and connecting you with other local moms-to-be.
📍The New Mom School, Ballantyne
🕒 December 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: Expecting mothers
💡 Parent Tip: This is a really popular event so make sure to register early!
Cost: Free
➡️ Register
Local Vendor Holiday Market at Legion Brewing SouthPark
A relaxed market featuring local makers, a pop up bar with special holiday cocktails for the adults and a visit from Santa for the kids!
📍Legion Brewing, SouthPark
🕒 December 14, 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: The patio is stroller friendly and typically quieter. If it's not too cold you can walk over to the South Park mall after!
Cost: Free to attend
Event information
Villa Heights Community Cleanup
A neighborhood volunteer opportunity to help clean up local spaces and engage kids in community service.
📍Villa Heights Elementary
🕒 December 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00pm
👶 Best For: Ages 5 and up
💡 Parent Tip: Bring gloves for both you and your child.
Cost: Free
Event details
AAPI Cultural Holiday Festival
Dive into the rich heritage and wellness holiday traditions of the AAPI community through an exciting lineup of activities and performances!
📍Eastway Regional Recreation Center
🕒 December 14, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Visit craft stations early since they fill fast.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Hanukkah on the Green in Davidson
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with music, treats, kids’ activities, and a community menorah lighting.
📍119 S Main Street, Davidson
🕒 December 14, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Dress warmly; this event is fully outdoors.
Cost: Free
Event details
Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park
A large community Hanukkah celebration with crafts, food, live entertainment, and a menorah lighting.
📍Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road
🕒 December 14, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early to find parking near SouthPark Mall. This event is open to the whole community!
Cost: Free
Event information
Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
A festive menorah lighting with treats, crafts, music, and children’s activities at one of Lake Norman’s most walkable destinations.
📍The Grove at Birkdale Village
🕒 December 14, 4:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Stay afterward to enjoy the village’s holiday lights.
Cost: Free
More details
December 15
Family Nature Hour: Winter Solstice
Celebrate the winter solstice with seasonal stories, a craft, and a short nature walk to observe this special time of year.
📍Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2986 Rocky River Road
🕒 December 15, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages (adult participation required)
💡 Parent Tip: Register yourself and your child; both count as participants.
Cost: Free with registration
Register Here
StoneCrest Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah with music, dreidels, gelt, and the lighting of the giant menorah on the Town Green.
📍StoneCrest at Piper Glen, 7800 Rea Road
🕒 December 15, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a blanket or portable chair if you want to stay for the full ceremony.
Cost: Free
More information
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
December 16
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
A joyful community Hanukkah celebration with music, latkes, doughnuts, crafts, and the menorah lighting.
📍North Main Street at the Overhead Bridge, Waxhaw
🕒 December 16, 5:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Downtown Waxhaw gets busy during events; give yourself extra parking time.
Cost: Free
More information
Matthews Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah on the Town Green with traditional music, gelt, dreidels, and the lighting of the giant menorah.
📍Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street
🕒 December 16, 5:30 p.m.
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Matthews’ downtown is stroller friendly for early arrivals.
Cost: Free
Event details
December 17
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 17, 5:30pm to 10pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Read my full review here!
Cost: Starting at $10
Get tickets