This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Looking for activities to do with your family this holiday season? The Queen City has so much to offer this time of year and we’ve got you covered with a list of 10 of best holiday activities around Charlotte. Each title in the list is clickable and will take you to the website for more information.
Make sure to follow House of Hensen on Instagram for even more holiday activity ideas this season.
Carowinds Winterfest
Carowinds theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday live music, festive food, ice skating, holiday activities and tons of amazing lights displays. Select family rides are open including a few rollercoasters, most of the Camp Snoopy kids rides, and many of the carnival style rides.
We go every year and this is one of my favorite holiday activities in Charlotte. They do such a great job and it’s fun for a wide range of ages. Go early to avoid crowds and make the most of the visit before bedtime.
- Where: Carowinds Theme Park
- When: Select Days Nov. 17th – Jan. 1st 2024. Hours vary based on the day.
- Price: Free for season pass holders or $32.99 for single day adult ticket and $19.99 for kids.
Speedway Christmas Lights
This is a drive-through light show inside of Charlotte Motor Speedway featuring more than 4 million lights that includes most of the speedway as well as the infield. The infield Christmas Village is back this year and open Thursday-Sunday nights. The village offers shopping, photos with Santa, food vendors, a few rides, fire pits, and indoor movies. Plan for about 45 min – 1 hour inside the speedway (not including the village).
Lines can get long for this one so it’s best to go on weeknights and get up there early to be at the start of the line. You can also buy a fast pass which will greatly reduce waiting. Tickets can be advanced tickets or bought at the gate.
- Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway
- When: Nov. 17th – January 7th. Closed Dec. 24th
- Time: Monday-Sunday 6:00pm – 10:00pm
- Price: $35-$40 depending on the day of the week. Check out their website for more pricing. Fast Passes are now offered at $75 per vehicle and that allows you to skip the line.
Light the Knights Festival
The Light the Knights Festival is a walkthrough holiday experience at Truist Field in Uptown. You’ll walk through the lights displays at the ballpark which includes food and drinks, live entertainment, a market and Santa. On the field there is Ice Skating and Snow Tubing. This year they’ll have 10 snow tubing lanes helping to make this activity move faster and have shorter lines. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the stadium box office.
Personal bags are allowed within the size limit of 9X14X14 inches; all bags will be checked at the main gates. Strollers are allowed.
- Where: Truist Field Uptown
- When: Nov. 22nd- Jan. 1st. Hours vary each day.
- Cost: $10 per person for admission for walk through lights and market only. All access day pass for $40 per person.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Lights
Stroll through the garden and view their amazing Christmas light displays set to festive music. They also have food trucks, roasting marshmallow stations, and warm or cold beverage options.
We’ve done this one several times and always have a great time! It’s usually not very crowded so you can move at your pace – its a nice stress free activity option.
- Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden about 30 minutes from uptown near Belmont, NC
- When: Nov. 24th – Dec. 23rd, 5-10pm
- Price: Adult: $25; Senior: $23, Child 2-12: $15; Child Under 2: Free. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard


This is a walk-through holiday lights experience with over a million lights and displays on the half-mike walking trail. This year there will be 40% more show area and the paths will be even more stroller friendly. In addition to the lights they have an Alpine Snow Tube Slide, holiday village, face painting, and bounce houses. There will also be a Santa onsite through 12/23.
We really enjoyed this event last year and can’t wait to go back again!
- Where: Ballantyne’s Backyard
- When: Dec. 12th – 31st. 5:00pm-10:00pm daily. Also open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve.
- Price: Pricing ranges from $15-$25 depending on the day of the week. Children under 3 are free.
White Water Center Ice Skating and Lights
The ice rink has grown to 24,000 sq ft and includes four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. There is also an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. I like the separated skate areas which make it easier to go at your own pace.
Experience a new take on the Canyon with illuminated, night-activities. Traverse spans of wooded canyon via a series of suspension bridges, ziplines and accompanying rope bridges. Activity Pass & Reservation Required – can be purchased in advance or on site.
Also new is the Canyon Night Trail. Explore the woods at night with a walking trail featuring obstacles, play structures and discoveries for all ages. No pass or reservation required.
Available beginning November 17.
- Where: White Water Center
- When: Nov 17th – Mid. Feb
- Price for skating: $25 for single activity skating pass. Lights walking trail is free. Parking is $12.
Birkdale on Ice
For the second year, Birkdale Village in Huntersville will have an ice skating rink. Guests can enjoy skating under the lights and then enjoy the many restaurants and retail shops around the center.
- Book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot. Walk-ups are also welcome, but they cannot guarantee you will be able to skate at that time. Tickets are for a 75 minute skate session.
Where: Birkdale Village Huntersville - When: Nov. 18th – Jan. 28th
- Monday – Friday: 3PM to 10PM
Saturdays: 10AM to 10PM
Sundays: 12PM to 7PM
Holidays (November 20-November 24; December 19-January 1; January 15): 10AM to 10PM - Pricing: General Admission: $18/per including skates. Children 12 years and under are $14/child including skates
Blakeney “All is Bright” Holiday Event
Friday, December 1st, from 6-8 PM Blakeney Town Center will host their annual holiday event, All is Bright. This magical evening will be filled with FREE family fun, including photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, balloon artistry, face painting, crafts, delicious hot cocoa, and even a chance to explore a real-life fire truck!
- Where: Blakeney Town Center in the Ballantyne area
- When: Friday, December 1st from 6-8pm
First Annual UCity Lights Festival
UCity Lights is a first time holiday event happening in the heart of University City. This magical event is scheduled for Friday, December 1st, 2023, commencing at 5:00 PM, with the grand tree lighting ceremony set to illuminate the night at 7:10 PM.
Activities include: pictures with Santa, live music and DJ, stilt walkers, ornament decorating, face painting, giveaways and more!
- When: Friday, Dec. 1st from 5:00pm-9:00pm
- Where: The Shops at University Place
Phillips Place Holiday Celebration
Phillips Place in Southpark will be hosting a Holiday Celebration and Market & Shopping Stroll on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. The even will include photos with Santa, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting and balloon art, seasonal treats and beverages, and special shopping offers.
- When: Dec. 13th from 4-7pm
- Where: Phillips Place Shopping Center in Southpark
- Price: Free
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