There are only a few weeks left until Christmas, which makes this week a perfect time to get out and experience some of Charlotte's most unique holiday traditions. Whether it's ice skating at Holiday on Ice or taking a drive through Christmas Town USA, these ten traditions are well known to Charlotte locals and so much fun to try each year.
1. Ice skate among Charlotte's famous Uptown skyscrapers.
Holiday on Ice is an outdoor ice skating rink that magically appears Uptown each year right around the holidays. It opens in mid-November and stays open through Christmas so Charlotteans can enjoy skating with a view throughout the holiday season. Admission to the skate rink costs $10 plus an additional $4 for skate rentals. The opening of this rink is a sure sign that Christmas is upon us and is an awesome activity for the whole family to enjoy. Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
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2. Take a winter walk through our favorite garden.
Each year the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden hosts Holidays at the Garden from November 17 to December 31. If you're looking for a great Christmas lights show, this is the holiday activity for you as the famous Garden is outfitted with thousands of Christmas lights, decorations and more. Charlotte locals love strolling through the garden, sipping hot chocolate and taking in the beauty of the amazing greenery and lights each evening. Address: 6500 S New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC 28012
3. Take in a magical performance of a traditional holiday classic - The Nutcracker.
If you are one of those people who enjoy the arts, you might enjoy taking in a holiday performance of the Nutcracker. From December 9 through December 23 the Charlotte Ballet Company will be performing the Nutcracker at the Belk Theater for all to enjoy. Watch the popular holiday story come to life through the amazing talent of the dancers on stage. You'll feel like you're experiencing every move with them as you fall in love with this incredible story all over again. For more information, including online ticket purchase, head over to the Charlotte Ballet Company website for details.
Address: 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
4. Visit the Ballantyne Hotel to see the most intricate and delicious gingerbread houses.
If you love a good Christmas cookie, than Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel is the place for you. Each year, the hotel hosts a beautiful display of artfully designed gingerbread houses for the public to enjoy. Admission is free to everyone, and guests can vote for their favorite gingerbread house by purchasing a one dollar ticket. All proceeds of the contest are donated to the Levine Children's Hospital, so not only is this great holiday fun but you will be supporting a good cause as well. Address: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28277
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5. Drive through Christmas Town USA to see amazing Christmas lights.
McAdenville, North Carolina is just a 20 minute drive from Charlotte and has been named Christmas Town USA due to the amazing lights and decorations the town puts up each year. Visiting McAdenville at Christmastime is a well-known tradition to Charlotte locals and an awesome way to get into the holiday spirit.
6. Feed your mind by attending the Historic Latta Plantation's One Hundred Years of Christmas.
If you are history buff, you'll like this slightly weird Charlotte Holiday Tradition of 100 Years of Christmas at the historic Latta Plantation. Visitors can see the famous 1800s plantation home outfitted for Christmas and learn about how holiday festivities have changed over the years. What a great way to experience the season and learn a little something too! Address: 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
7. Experience Winterfest at Charlotte's one and only theme park.
This year, Carowinds theme park has introduced Winterfest at the park where visitors can see their favorite amusement park immersed in the Christmas season. Lights and decorations cover the park and family-friendly holiday events and activities are planned throughout the month of December. There's nothing like riding your favorite Carowinds ride while experiencing the magical holiday glow all around you. Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273
8. Get your chance to drive through the Charlotte Motor Speedway and experience the best light show you've ever seen.
Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is definitely a holiday tradition unique to the Carolinas and NASCAR lovers all through Charlotte. NASCAR fans finally get the chance to drive their own vehicles through the Charlotte Motor Speedway and see the more than 3 million Christmas lights that adorn the track during December. If you're family loves the sport of NASCAR, this is the way you must experience the holiday season. You'll be awestruck. Address: 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC 28027
One of the best things about Charlotte during Christmas time is that you can always find a German Christmas Market to do some shopping and enjoy some great food and gluhwein. One of our favorite German markets is the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's German Market taking place this weekend with great local vendors selling their works of art and handmade items. This market is a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy the spirit of the holidays while doing a little shopping too! Address: 4150 Yancey Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
10. Cheer on the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve.
Finally, there's no better way to celebrate Christmas in Charlotte than by cheering on our beloved Carolina Panthers each Christmas Eve. Typically a home game, the Bank of America Stadium is decorated with wreaths and full of Christmas spirit as loyal fans spend their night before Christmas at the game. This year, the Panthers go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Be sure to dress warm and come ready to support the home team. Address: 800 S Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202
What's your favorite holiday tradition in Charlotte? Share with us in the comments below!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Editor's Note: After 7 years, Charlotte Christmas Village has lost its home and is in search of a new venue. Therefore, the German Christmas market will be canceled until 2024. But don’t let that get you down, here are some charming Christmas neighborhoods in Charlotte that will spread some yuletide joy.
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Charlotte's Christmas Village is one of the best German Christmas Markets in North Carolina, and you'll definitely want to visit this Christmas season. Located at Truist Field on South Mint Street, this Christmas Village in Charlotte is the perfect weekend activity for shopping, eating, and getting into the holiday spirit!
Charlotte's Christmas Village is an awesome holiday market that lights up the area throughout the winter season.
The Christmas Village creates a unique European-style Christmas experience for all who visit. It's the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Charlotte.
Chances are one visit will be just the beginning of a new Christmastime tradition. After all, you won't find a more unique way to celebrate Christmas in North Carolina.
Numerous vendors set up shop at the village, selling an assortment of handmade jewelry, clothing, bags, mugs, and more. You just might get your Christmas shopping started - and finished! - during your visit.
The aroma of mouthwatering foods like German Bratwurst, pretzels, Austrian Strudel, and more fill the air as you walk through the village.
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Delicious eats await during your visit to this enchanting Christmas village in North Carolina. Indulge in such German classics as bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerkraut.
Don't let this Christmas season pass by without a visit to this beloved German Christmas Market in North Carolina.
Have you been to this German Christmas Market in North Carolina? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments. And don't forget to share your photos with us on Instagram (@onlyincharlotte) and Only In Charlotte on Facebook.
