Thursday, November 13 (through Sunday, November 23)
Southern Christmas Show
A Charlotte holiday classic! Wander through twinkling lights, festive décor, and hundreds of local vendor booths. It’s stroller-friendly, and Santa will be there for the older kids.
📍Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E Independence Blvd
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Babies love the lights and music!
Cost: Tickets are $20 during the week, $23 on weekends. (free for ages 5 and under, children 5 to 13 are $12)
Friday, November 14
Outdoor Movie at Seoul Food Mill District
Catch Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story outdoors with family and friends under the string lights.
📍Seoul Food Mill District Courtyard, 421 E 26th St, 7:30 PM
👶 Best For: Tweens & up
💡 Parent Tip: Bring blankets and chairs, and grab dinner beforehand! Free parking on-site or nearby.
Cost: Free
Register here!
Saturday, November 15
Lake Norman High School Holiday Market
A fun community event featuring 20+ vendors, food trucks, crafts, bounce houses, a ceramic wheel experience, and pictures with Santa!
📍186 Doolie Rd, Mooresville, 9 AM–1 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Don’t miss the ceramic wheel station: kids can try pottery with the art department!
Cost: Free
Learn more!
Socrates Academy Global Holiday Market
A cultural celebration with traditional foods, live performances, crafts, and a kid zone.
📍Socrates Academy, 3909 Weddington Rd, Matthews, 10 AM–3 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Sample treats from around the world and visit the young entrepreneurs’ booths!
Cost: Free
Learn more!
Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival
Think it's too early for holiday festivities? Instead watch talented sheepdogs show off their herding and agility skills at this family-friendly festival!
📍Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, 10 AM–5 PM (Nov 15–16)
👶 Best For: Animal lovers of all ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a blanket or chairs and plan for a full day outdoors. Dogs are welcome too!
Cost: Varies by ticket type
Learn more!
CabCo Movie Series: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Enjoy a cozy movie night with retro arcade games and classic concessions.
📍Cabarrus Brewing Co., 329 McGill Ave NW, Concord
🕒 Nov 15, evening showtime
👶 Best For: Big kids & tweens
💡 Parent Tip: Bring chairs or blankets and come early for snacks and seating.
Cost: Free
Learn more!
Tuesday, November 18
Tree Lighting Festival at Bank of America Stadium
Kick off the holiday season with this Charlotte favorite! Enjoy a stage show, Santa meet-and-greet, hot chocolate, winter crafts, and a sparkling 50-foot tree lighting.
📍Bank of America Stadium, 410 S Mint St, 5:30–9 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early for parking and bring a blanket for the show. The Santa line fills fast!
Cost: Free
Learn more!
Wednesday, November 19
Puppet Show at ImaginOn
A whimsical, interactive puppet performance that’s perfect for little ones.
📍ImaginOn Library, Uptown Charlotte, 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: Kids under 5
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to grab front-row floor space. Explore the Children’s Library afterward!
Cost: Free
Learn more!
Little Learners: Thankful Every Day
Hands-on learning for preschoolers with nature-themed crafts and activities at the Whitewater Center.
📍U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, 10–11 AM
👶 Best For: Ages 2–6
💡 Parent Tip: Register online ahead of time, spots fill quickly! This is a flexible drop-in hour.
Cost: $5 per child (free with Annual/Day/Activity Pass)
Learn more!
Light the World Giving Machine
A vending machine with a difference — buy essentials for families in need instead of snacks.
📍Carolina Place Mall, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy, Pineville
🗓️ Nov 19–Dec 7, during mall hours
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Let kids pick what to give. It’s a beautiful, hands-on lesson in generosity.
Cost: Donation-based
Learn more!