19 Christmas Events To Enjoy This Weekend November 18-20th In The Charlotte Area
I am in shock that Thanksgiving is next week. November has flown by. But that means it’s almost time for Christmas! I can already hear the chiming of the jingle…
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty ImagesI am in shock that Thanksgiving is next week. November has flown by. But that means it's almost time for Christmas! I can already hear the chiming of the jingle bells and Mariah Carey belting 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. But you don't even have to wait! In the Queen City and the surrounding area, Christmas events are already in full swing! And there are tons of Christmas events this weekend, November 18-120th in the Charlotte North Carolina area. Attend a tree lighting or parade, try your hand at ice skaing, get some shopping done, or catch a show. As alwasy we are here to help you make plans to get everything done this holiday season.
If you've already decked your halls, or maybe you are looking for some inspiration. Find it this weekend at a tree lighting or parade, ice skating, shopping event, or Christmas show. All of these events offer a fun chance to get in the spirit of the season. After all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.
View our Ultimate Holiday Events Guide here or find it at the end of this article.
Have an event you'd like included on this list? Email full info to Melanie.Day@bbgi.com.
Happy Holidays!
Christmas Events This Weekend In The Charlotte North Carolina Area November 18-20
Speedway Christmas
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord
When: November 18th-January 8th
What: Four million lights strewn across a four-mile course, with displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music and a Christmas Village with rides, animals, movies on the in-field, and more.
Cost: $40 per car (up to 15 people) buses and express lane extra
NC Transportation Museum THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Where: NC Transportation Museum Spencer
When: November 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and December 2-4, 8-11, 13-23
What: Train ride to "the North Pole" set to the sounds of The Polar Express soundtrack, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers are entertained by a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas.
Cost: Tickets range from $35 to $390 for VIP tables for 4 people
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Where: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City
When: November 10th-December 31st
What: A 1¼ hour round-trip train ride from the Bryson City depot through the quiet wilderness for a special visit to the North Pole. The train ride is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, and guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train will arrive at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting who will board the train greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift silver sleigh bell.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by train class, dates, and passenger ages
Concord Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Concord
When: Saturday, November 19 beginning at 2:30 p.m
What: The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina. The TrueCare 94th Concord Christmas Parade route begins at the intersection of Church Street N and Lake Concord Road.
Cost: Free
Union County Christmas Parade
Where: Monroe Downtown
When: November 20th, 2022, from 2 to 4:30 p.m
What: 69th Annual Christmas Parade
Cost: Free to attend
Birkdale On Ice
Where: Birkdale Huntersville
When: November 19 – January 16
What: Outdoor ice rink that will be reservation only
Cost: $18/person includes skates, children under 12 $14 including skates
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Founders Holiday Ice Rink
Where: Old Town Rock Hill
When: November 17th-January 16th
What: Ice skating rink
Cost: $15 covers skate rental & 90 minutes on the ice.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Piedmont Town Center
Where: Piedmont Town Center Charlotte
When: November 18th 6-9pm
What: Tree lighting, face painting, train rides, Santa, Mickey & Minne, and more.
Cost: Free
Holiday Magic at Rea Farms
Where: Rea Farms Shopping Center Charlotte
When: November 19th 4-8pm
What: Tree lighting, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, train rides, Mickey, Minnie, Frozen Characters, and more.
Cost: Free
Waxhaw Downtown Holiday Lighting
Where: Downtown Waxhaw
When: November 18th 5-9pm
What: Downtown holiday lighting, shopping, more info to be released later.
25th Annual Concord Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Downtown Concord
When: November 18th, 6-8:30 pm
What: Tree Lighting, Santa, fireworks, food trucks a kids’ zone featuring inflatables, a rock wall, a balloon artist, a kids’ train, and more.
Cost: Free
Kannapolis Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Village Park Kannapolis
When: November 19th at 6pm
What: Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Kannapolis with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Fireworks will immediately follow the Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Illusionists Magic of the Holidays
Where: Belk Theater
When: November 20th
What: Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowingshowcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage.
Cost: $29.50-$99.50 per ticket
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Musical
Where: McColl Family Theatre Imaginon
When: November 19th- December 22nd
What: The Herdmans are ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? What if they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays.
Cost: $16-$26 per ticket
Jazz At The Garden Holiday
Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
When: November 20th
What: Get ready for an intimate performance with 2 time Grammy winner Paul Brown and our special way to begin your Holiday season! It's Jazz at the Garden Holiday Sunday November 20th!
Cost: $60 per ticket
Southern Christmas Show
Where: The Park Expo & Conference Center
When: November 10th-20th
What: Shopping, artisans and crafts, live entertainment, food and drink, designer decorated trees and rooms
Cost: Advanced Adult (ages 13+): $16, Child (ages 6-12): $7
Besties Boutique Holiday Pop Up Market
Where: Besties Boutique Indian Trail
When: November 19th
What: 30+ local vendors, food, music, drinks and the kick off to holiday shopping! Bring the whole family! Also a chance to win a gift basket!
Cost: Free
KKP Holiday Market
Where: Hope Fellowship Church
When: November 19th
What: With a unique shopping experience, we hope our market will become part of your annual holiday traditions. From desserts for your Thanksgiving table to gifts for everyone on your list, the Holiday Market has something for everyone.
Cost: Free
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Where: Village Park Kannapolis
When: November 20th-December 30th
What: Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Area choirs and school groups will perform on select evenings between 6 and 8 pm (December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15). Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale.
Cost: Free
