Charlotte wears many hats—financial hub, NASCAR capital, Southern foodie favorite—but every December, it takes on its most dazzling role yet: holiday headquarters of the South. The Queen City, and the surrounding towns, are lit up with over 15 million bulbs during this period, turning the area into a colorful patchwork.
For those who prefer their Christmas spirit to have a little bit of power, Speedway Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway delivers pure spectacle. The four-mile drive through course will be lit up with nearly five million LEDs from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 in time to the holiday music played on local radio. A Christmas Village on site adds even more magic, with Santa’s Workshop, an Ice Maze, and many festive photo opportunities.
Uptown is the place to be for the festivities. Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field. The park is transformed into a full-blown Winter playground with an NHL-sized Ice Rink and ten-lane, 150-foot Snow Tubing Hill on the baseball field. A holiday market with local vendors, thousands lights and seasonal treats will make your winter experience in the Queen City one to remember.
Also, there’s Camp North EndEach December, Camp North Pole is transformed. Highlights include outdoor ice skating rinkCrackling firepits and lively Mistletoe MarketThe market is a mix of handmade items, vintage finds and local treats. Candy Keswick Lane serves seasonal drinks and sweets. Mount Jolly is a themed zone where children can write to Santa Claus.
Charlotte is also a good example. NC Holiday Lights at Ballantyne’s Backyard The trail is illuminated with more than a million twinkling lights. You can explore 25 interactive scenes as well as larger-than-life ice globes and a winter festival complete with rides, a ferris wheel, and more.
McAdenville (also known as Uptown) is located 15 miles west. Christmas Town USA. In December, the town’s holiday soundtrack is completed by the reflection of more than 100 homes and 250 evergreens across the lake. Church bells also play Christmas carols. Between 5:30 and 10:00 p.m. visitors can drive or stroll the streets, then explore Main Street. It is home to mom-and pop shops such as Mona’s Boutique and Gifts, Revolver Records. Life Is Sweet Candy Shop—perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.
