Could it be that time again? Is it already the end of the year? Well, look around! The stores have changed their décor, and the neighborhood lights are shining in every direction. The holidays are back!

The weather outside isn’t too frightful, but winter in Charlotte is surely delightful. From holiday lighting displays to festive events and shopping, our Simply Camden blog is your guide to fun around town this holiday season.

Photo Courtesy of Camden

Charlotte Shines Bright

If you’re in the mood for the unforgettable holiday lights, we have some fantastic recommendations:

Charlotte Motor Speedway: Speedway Christmas

Dates/Times:

• November 21st – January 4th - Nightly from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

Why you must go:

• This drive-through light show features over 5 million lights across its 4-mile course. Listen to 101.3FM on your radio for synchronized music and pull up for a drive-in movie! I can’t think of a more fitting way to experience Charlotte’s culture than Christmas lights at the racetrack.

Ballantyne’s Backyard: Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

Dates/Times:

• November 28th – December 30th

Why you must go:

• Minutes from Camden Ballantyne, this half-mile stroll features over 1 million lights, interactive displays, a Ferris wheel, and festive rides for the family!

Photo Courtesy of Camden

Zootastic Park

Dates/Times:

• Every night from November 21st – January 1st

Why you must go:

• Just a short drive from Camden Sedgebrook, this family-owned zoo hosts a mystical drive-through nighttime safari. Everyone will love this memorable festive experience of animal gazing while supporting a local family business.

A couple more options for those living near the South Charlotte neighborhoods, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Carowinds, truly come to life with gorgeous, can't-miss displays for the holiday season.

Photo Courtesy of Camden

Festive Fun and Winter Events

If you’re living in the Uptown, South End, or NoDa neighborhoods, we have just what you’re looking for.

Camp North Pole (Camp North End)

Dates/Times:

• December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 2:00 PM-7:00 PM

Why you must go:

• A short drive from Camden NoDa and Camden Cotton Mills, Camp North End transforms each December into holiday heaven! Enjoy their ice skating, fire pits, warm drinks, and rotating local vendors for shopping and seasonal dishes.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Dates/Times:

• November – February (See event calendar for exact times)

Why you must go:

• The Whitewater Center houses the largest ice-skating rink in the Southeast. They also have two full ice trails for an unforgettable skate through the trees.

• Purchase your locally sourced Fraser fir tree or wreath to illuminate your home.

• Nightly zip lines with thousands of holiday lights and traversable obstacle courses.

Light the Knights at Truist Field

Dates/Times:

• Select evenings from December 4th – January 4th

Why you must go:

• This holiday wonderland is your gateway to enjoy a chilly night with ice skating, snow tubing, festive pop-up shops, holiday snacks, and thousands of colorful lights.

Photo Courtesy of Camden

Holiday Shopping and Performances

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Dates/Times:

• Weekends from November 28th – December 21st

Why you must go:

• The OMB Christmas Market in South End and Ballantyne hosts over 50 vendors, Gluhwein, and appearances from Santa for an authentic German-style holiday market with all the food, drinks, and festive crafts you can imagine.

Belk Theater: The Nutcracker by the Charlotte Ballet

Dates:

• December 5th – 21st

Why you must go:

• The timeless holiday classic with live accompaniment from the Charlotte Symphony is a winter experience to remember forever.

The Carolina Theatre

Dates/Times:

• December 6th – December 22nd

Why you must go:

• This event’s grand return after decades will restore memories for our Charlotte natives and become a wonderful new holiday tradition for our newcomers! Don’t miss out on booking a seat to hear more live holiday music or see a classic Christmas movie.

Photo Courtesy of Camden

Season’s Greetings!

From our Camden family to yours, we hope you have a blessed, safe, and memorable holiday season with your loved ones.

Happy holidays from our Simply Camden blog!