We’ve brought you a winter wonderland this week to match the weather! From ice-skating to tree lightings and everything in-between it’s going to be a magical week!
Holiday on Ice | @holidayoniceclt
Uptown Charlotte’s outdoor ice rink is back at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, open Weds thru Sundays til 12/17, when it opens 7 days a week.
Tickets:
Ice skating: $12
Ice skating plus skate rental: $16
Winter Wonderland Skating Rink
Southpark Mall
Also go ice skating at SouthPark in the Winter Wonderland.
Mooresville Christmas Parade
Main Street
Floats, marching bands, dance and tumbling troupes, vintage and modern modes of transport, plus plenty of fun and entertainment for the family, and of course Santa.
Carolina Panthers Tree Lighting
Bank of America Stadium
This annual event includes visits from Sir Purr, the TopCats, PurrCussion and photos with Santa.
Story Time and More
Children’s Garden at Wing Haven
Join Rutherford Rabbit to enjoy a seasonally themed story and craft activity in the Children’s Garden. Children can water vegetable plants, dig for worms, and explore the sensory and butterfly gardens. Feel free to bring a snack or picnic lunch to extend your stay in the garden. Recommended for children younger than 10, but all are welcome.
Toddler Tuesday at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Get one free child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket on Tuesdays. Each additional child (ages 3-12) receives a discount, costing only $5 each.
Know Your Nature Exhibit
The Museum of York County
This nature-themed exhibit is packed with fun, hands-on activities that highlight ways for kids and families to discover, appreciate and experience the natural world. Colorful, scenic settings and displays encourage children and families to be active explorers and stewards of nature.
School Break Special: Turkey Time Seek and Find Outdoors
Myers Park Library
Develop literacy and critical thinking skills through reading and hands-on activities. Join the special outdoor scavenger hunt where participants will look around the exterior of the library for pictures and words related to Thanksgiving. Participate as an individual or a team. Register online.
Counting is for the Birds
Discovery Place Nature
Join a Nature Presenter for a fun bird story. Learn about what local birds eat and take home a bird craft.
Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
Huntersville Fire Station 1
Certified technicians will check and help families install car seats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance.
Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum
Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions during a family-friendly 10-minute guided tour.
Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Zootastic Park
Visit with Santa, take a pony ride, pet animals, and roast marshmallows over a fire and more.
Southpark Turkey Trot
SouthPark Mall
Do not miss the 30th Annual Southpark Turkey Trot! This family-friendly event features a Fun Run, 8K run, 5K run and Tot Trot.
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade
Tryon Street
The largest Thanksgiving parade in the Southeast will include huge balloons, magical floats and exciting marching bands. The parade will run a new route south on Tryon Street, from 9th Street to Stonewall Street. See the giant balloons, floats, Segwalloons, marching bands and special tributes throughout the parade to honor the city’s 250th anniversary.
Charlotte Christmas Village
New Location: Cnr 7th + Tryon
This uptown holiday event is presented as a German-inspired Christmas Market and includes traditional German foods and treats, homemade crafts and gifts, and other featured programming such as local musical performances. Closed Mondays.
Book Signing: Look, See the Bird with Illustrator Leigh Ann Carter
Carolina Raptor Center
“Look, See the Bird!” is a hand-drawn, beautifully illustrated children’s book that promotes curiosity in children and values connection with nature – meet the author.
Black Friday Fun Day and Campfire
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
Instead of spending the day in crowded shops, learn tips and tricks for fire building to keep warm all winter. Roast marshmallows, bring a picnic or snacks, and enjoy activities. Meet at the Waterfront Parking Lot.
Holidays at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Experience new features, including a musically-orchestrated topiary display in the Four Seasons Garden, illuminated prairie garden, extended lights of fire and ice in the perennial gardens and an expanded display of the Dickens’ Village series. Also enjoy annual traditions including the towering orchid tree, live music, shopping, fires, warm beverages, activities and model trains.
16th Annual Toys, Games and Trains
Kings Mountain Historical Museum
This annual exhibit fills Kings Mountain Historical Museum with model train displays, as well as railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games. Visitors of all ages will be enchanted.
Tweetsie Christmas
Tweetsie Railroad
Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more. Advance tickets required.
Home Depot Workshop: Gingerbread Ornament
Home Depot locations
Run, run, run as fast as you can to this hands-on holiday workshop where you and your child can assemble a gingerbread picture frame that doubles as an ornament. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
Light Up Cornelius
Cornelius Town Hall
Stop by for refreshments, the annual tree lighting, choir and dance performances, holiday crafts, carriage rides, vendors and a visit from Santa.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Tree Lighting Celebration
NASCAR Hall of Fame
The NASCAR Hall of Fame brings the holiday season to light with the fourth annual tree lighting on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza in Uptown Charlotte. The community is invited to join Santa Claus, Champ the Cheetah and Sheri Lynch from WLNK/107.9 The Link for an evening of family-friendly activities, live music and entertainment as the 39-foot tree glimmers with thousands of LED lights.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Ballantyne
The Ballantyne
Join the hotel to light a magnificent tree in the lobby while enjoying caroling, hot chocolate, cider and cookies and visiting with Santa.
Holiday Tea with American Girl
American Girl SouthPark Mall
Create an unforgettable experience at American Girl’s 2018 Holiday Tea! Enjoy a selection of delectable treats and delicious drinks for both kids and adults. Reservations required.
All images sourced from Facebook/ website of events listed or free sources.
