Pascuales Farm, 11237 Plaza Extension Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Live Nativity and Christmas Market on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m.
This is a free event.
Join Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angle and the Wise Men. You can even wear traditional costumes and become part of this experience.
This Live Nativity is organized by the Latino community.
Live Nativity
Nativity Photo Stations
Christmas Market with local vendors
Hot chocolate and delicious food
Family Christmas caroling
Photos with Santa
Face painting
Gift-wrapping station
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
Looking for the biggest, brightest, best Christmas lights in the Charlotte area for the 2025 Christmas season? You’ve come to the right place.
This list will include professional displays, town events, and private homes.
We have a Google map with all the light on this page, and more! To see the map, just scroll down past the pictures of the lights, or jump right to the map. But we’ve just gotten started! It will grow a lot!
If you want to submit a display for the map or this post please fill out this form. If you have trouble with the form, just email info@charlotteonthecheap.com. If you maintain a website or Facebook page for the display, please let us know. That makes it easy for readers to keep up with your schedule.
The displays in private homes, often synchronized to Christmas music, are put on by regular people, at their own expense, and it takes an incredible amount of time and creativity. So visit and let them know you appreciate it.
Note: Every year we remove some displays because the homeowner was getting too much traffic and asked to be removed. We never want to contribute to a disturbance for a neighborhood, so make sure to let us know what works for you.
Some are collecting money for charitable causes. If a radio station is listed, tune your car radio to that station to listen to the coordinated music. Please be considerate of these folks’ neighbors.
If a website or Facebook page is listed, make sure to visit and check out the hours, start dates, and any additional information that you need to know. Most of these displays start shortly after Thanksgiving, but make sure to look at the schedule for each. Some families show videos and pictures of their works in progress as well.
You might also be interested in:
Read on for Charlotte on the Cheap’s big list of Christmas lights!
McAdenville’s famous Christmas lights will be lit in the downtown area, and this year there will even be floating Christmas trees on the lake. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 1, and the Yule Log Ceremony and Parade will take place December 11.
You’ve probably seen those long lines of cars entering McAdenville at night for the lights. The best way to to experience the lights, if you are able to walk, is to get there early (around 5 or 5:15 p.m.) and park, enjoy dinner in downtown McAdenville, and then walk around to see the lights.
Also, the lines are longest on weekends, especially approaching Christmas.
Carolina Holiday Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular November 28 to December 30, 2025 (every day, except Christmas Day) 5:30 to 10 p.m. Ballantyne’s Backyard 11611 N Community House Road, Charlotte, NC $10 to $25, depending on date (use promo code CHEAPLIGHTS20 for a 20% discount)
This popular attraction, which debuted in 2022, returns in 2025 with more light displays and new scenes. New this year is the Winter Wonderland Carnival, with rides for all ages.
Santa will be there every night through December 23.
For the fourth year, this nautical and pirate themed miniature golf course has transformed into Pirates Christmas. You’ll feel like you’re immersed in a giant treasure chest! There’s also a beer and wine garden. Play mini-golf or just enjoy the incredible displays.
Speedway Christmas
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Speedway Christmas Charlotte Motor Speedway November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (every day except Christmas Eve) 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $46.41 for a car (up to 15 people) on days without the Christmas Village and $57.93 for a car on days when the Christmas Village was open. (We are on the lookout for any discounts.) Follow the above link to see the schedule for the Christmas Village
The light show is along a 4 mile drive-thru course. The lights are synchronized to Christmas music that you can listen to from your car radio. There are more than 800 individual displays, including some that are eight stories tall. All in all, more than 4 million lights are in play.
When the Christmas Village is open, visitors can exit their cars and enjoy holiday activities like photos with Santa, making s’mores by the fire, and shopping for gifts.
On those nights there will also be popular Christmas drive-in movies to enjoy on the 16,000 square foot Speedway TV screen.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express November 15 to December 30, 2025, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Free to walk through the park; Train rides and carousel rides are $2
You can walk through the park for free and take in the impressive display of Christmas lights, or take the Winterland Express for $2. The attraction also features music, Santa visits (take your own picture for free), marshmallow roasting and more. Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra’s ensemble of animatronic bears performs every evening.
Carowinds Winterfest
Carowinds’ Winterfest Select nights from November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC Tickets direct from Carowinds are fairly pricey. Check back soon for prices. We will be on the lookout for any discounts, as always.
Holidays at the Garden
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Holidays at the Garden Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont November 28 to December 27, 2025 (select dates). 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday: Adult: $24; Seniors (age 60+): $22; Children (2 to 12): $18; Children under 2: Free Friday to Sunday: Adult: $28; Seniors (age 60+): $25; Children (2 to 12): $20; Children under 2: Free
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will again be decorated with imaginative and elaborate holiday lights. Sing along to your wintertime favorites at the popular topiary display, take in the rolling lights of the Piedmont Prairie and stroll among the blossoming cherry trees. Grab a bite from the food trucks, roast a marshmallow beside a roaring fire, sip a warm or cold beverage and soak up the season’s cheer.
Trackless train rides will be available on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20.) Santa will be available Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Light the Knights
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Light the Knights Festival Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street November 25, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (select dates) Start and end time varies by day $12 per person for just admission. $40 per person for admission, sledding and skating.
Light the Knights returns to Truist Field with the Christmas Village, Santa visits, holiday lights with the Uptown skyline backdrop, and lots of food and drink options. There is a full-sized ice skating rink and a 10-lane snow tubing slope in the outfield.
The Christmas Light Extravaganza transforms Patriots Park into a storybook wonderland full of color and light, with over a million lights.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Tanglewood Festival of Lights 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012 November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026 6 to 11 p.m. For a family car, van or truck: $20 by cash, or $23 by card. Commercial vans, limos or minibus: $45 by cash, or $48 by card. Motorcoaches: $115 by cash, $118 by card.
Discount nights:
Monday, November 17
Tuesday, November 18
Monday, November 24
Tuesday, November 25
Discount Prices:
Family (cars, vans, trucks): $10 cash, $13 credit card
We will be updating this section when we’ve been in touch with the homeowners and confirm that they’re doing the display in 2025.
Note: Any addresses included here have been made publicly available by the homeowner on a website or Facebook page, or they’ve emailed us asking to be included. If a homeowner lets us know that they don’t want to be listed, we’ll take that address off this list.
Please follow the links to the Facebook pages, if available, because changes to the schedule will usually be announced there, especially when due to weather.
This list got so big that we’re trying to make it easier for you and organizing by area. Also, once we update for 2025, you’ll be able to see a Google map with all the addresses.
Charlotte
Photo by Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Hillside Avenue in Myers Park The neighborhood has a tradition of creating chicken-wire Christmas balls and hanging them from tall trees. It’s very impressive. You’ll see the Christmas balls in surrounding areas, but the area of highest concentration is on Hillside Avenue between Selwyn Avenue and Westfield Road. Accepts cash or food donations for Loaves and Fishes. Follow Hillside on Facebook. 2025 update: We expect this stretch of Hillside Avenue to be lit up soon! (Check Facebook.)
McAlleyville. Photo by Sharon Welling.
McAlleyville Bay Street, near Lamar Avenue, Charlotte, NC This alley in Elizabeth, off of Bay Street, boasts a bunch of really fun decorations. You’ll need to get out of the car and walk down the alley that is nicknamed “McAlleyville,” a play on McAdenville. 2025 update: Check back soon
7323 Sherwood Forest Drive. Photo by Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Sherwood Forest Drive (off Colony Road) There are a couple very big displays in neighborhood, especially 7323 Sherwood Forest Drive. In past years, Santa was occasionally outside handing out candy canes. There is Christmas music and a collection for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 2025 updated: Haven’t checked yet, but most likely!
Cabarrus County
851 Burrage Road NE, Concord, NC 28025. Courtesy of the homeowner.
Sunday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Light show will start Thanksgiving night, November 27, 2025 Light show begins every half hour Tune radio to 88.9 FM.
Christian Family Lights 565 Keystone Court NW, Concord, NC
Isaac Alexander DIY. 113 Scaleybark Court, Mt. Holly, NC. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Mount Holly 113 Scaleybark Court, Mount Holly
This home features thousands of lights, and lots of giant hand-made giant props. Follow Isaac Alexander DIY on Facebook for lots of updates. This is a fantastic display. Also follow him on Youtube for tutorials. 2025 update: Confirmed.
Isaac Alexander DIY. 113 Scaleybark Court, Mt. Holly, NC. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Huntersville and Lake Norman
Gibson Family Light Show. 178 Kilborne Road, Mooresville, NC
Gibson Family Light Show 178 Kilborne Road, Mooresville Wyndham Shores Opening November 28, 2025, through the first weekend of the New Year Starts at 5:45 p.m.
This dazzling holiday tradition features over 40,000 synchronized LED lights dancing in perfect harmony with your favorite Christmas tunes! The music-sequenced light show transforms the season into a symphony of color and rhythm, where every twinkle, flash, and fade is timed to the beat.
The show runs nightly from the day after Thanksgiving through the first weekend of the new year, bringing joy, sparkle, and holiday spirit to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re driving by or stopping to watch, it’s a festive experience that captures the wonder of the season.
Tune in to 89.1 FM. Follow Gibson Family Light Show on Facebook and check them out on YouTube too. Turn your headlights off once you’ve parked. Don’t block neighbors’ driveways. 2025 update: Confirmed.
317 Cove Creek Loop, Mooresville
Lights at Chesapeake Pointe 317 Cove Creek Loop, Mooresville
Christmas light experience with over 18,000 pixels choreographed to music transmitted over FM radio. This year’s Christmas display is approximately 22 minutes long. Also, the entire neighborhood has a lot of lights, and there’s a gated cul-de-sac with thousands of lights. Follow Lights at Chesapeake Pointe on Facebook. 2025 update: Confirmed
Jordan Family Lights
Jordan Family Lights 107 Spartina Ct., Mooresville, NC
Tune to FM 107.1, and scan the QR code sign to choose from a large list of synchronized music. Follow Jordan Family Lights on Facebook. 2025 update: Confirmed
Over 50 songs are in the rotation, with the lights synchronized to them. You can use your phone to select a song. 2025 update: We believe this is taking place in 2025. We’ll update if we hear differently.
2816 Gilbraltar Street, Davidson, North Carolina
2816 Gilbraltar Street, Davidson, North Carolina This is a front and front and back yard display with a walking path. Park in the cul de sac at the end of the street to enjoy the full experience. 2025 update: Confirmed
Union County
Christmas on the Farm. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Christmas on the Farm 3999 Fincher Road, Indian Trail, NC 28104 Check Facebook page (above link) for schedules 6 to 9 p.m.
Free to the public. Walk through Christmas light display on a 5-acre horse farm. 2 lighted acres with miniature horses, a donkey, an alpaca and more. 2025 update: Confirmed
2111 Bluebonnet Lane, Stallings, NC 28104 Check Facebook page for schedule 4 songs running with lights. 2025 update: Confirmed.
Lincoln County
Isenhour Lights
Isenhour Lights 411 E Dixon Street, Lincolnton NC 28092 The show lasts about 28 minutes and is synchronized to music. 2025 update: Confirmed.
Duncan Family Christmas Light Show 3970 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC Starts Friday, November 21, 2025 Show starts at 5:30 p.m. 2025 update: Confirmed.
South Carolina
79446 Ridgehaven Road, Lancaster, SC. Photo courtesy of homeowner.
This light show begins at 6:30 and goes to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. Please come and enjoy the lights to music with over 2 and a half hours of songs. It may not snow a lot in SC, but it snows everyday at this house! Please come and enjoy the fun, all new props, music and fun! With over 25,000 pixels, snow, lights all while you sit in your warm car listening to the music over the radio at 93.3 FM.
This year, they are doing a charity on behalf of Santiago Strong foundation, a foundation for DIPG cancer research. Every donation enters you, or someone on your behalf into a raffle to win a programming song of your choice and dedication in next year’s Christmas show. No donation is required.
Don’t forget the mailbox to Santa for kids to drop their letters in!
Tune to 93.9 FM. There will be over 15,000 pixel lights all synchronized to music. You can help to choose the songs here! 2025 update: Confirmed
Matthews and Mint Hill
Christmas on the Hill 9451 Nugget Hill Place, Mint Hill, NC 28227 Bainbridge Great display synchronized to music. Three houses participate. Tune your radio to 94.5. Follow Christmas on the Hill on Facebook. 2025 update: Confirmed
The Town of Matthews is holding Winter Wonderlights on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, NC.
High Seas Miniature Golf, a pirate and nautical themed miniature golf course at 10001 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, South Carolina, will again transform into Pirates Christmas for the 2025 holiday season.
Pirates Christmas will open on November 14, 2025 (check back for any tweaks to the schedule) and will run nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., through January 19, 2026. They generally are open on holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) but make sure to follow their Facebook page for any tweaks to the hours.
This is an incredible holiday attraction. The glowing lights give the impression that you’re immersed in a giant pirate’s treasure chest. The lights adorn the pirate ship and reflect off the water. There are amazing details to see in every direction, including snowfall, children’s activities, projection videos, a human-sized snowglobe for photo ops, and more.
It’s one of the most reasonably priced Christmas light experiences available. The price is for unlimited play the entire day and night. And it’s FREE for police officers, firefighters, active military and veterans. In fact, it’s been free for them every day since the miniature golf attraction opened.
Photo courtesy of High Seas Miniature Golf
Cost:
$18 for adults
$13 for kids (4-12)
$13 for seniors (65+)
3 and under Free
$11 for “walkers” (those not playing mini golf)
The lights will go on at dusk, so although you can explore the facility and play mini golf during the day, you’ll definitely want to be there after the sun goes down. It closes every day between 4 an 5 p.m. to prepare for the light show. It’s open every evening, weather permitting.
Photo courtesy of High Seas Miniature Golf
Follow the pirates on their journey as they search for the Lost Treasure. A round of golf generally takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete, so make sure to arrive well before closing time. (Not to mention that you’ll want to take some time looking around this attraction!)
There’s also a beer and wine garden, Castaways, on the property, which will feature holiday drinks.
Both the ice skating and the Winter Trail will be available from November 14, 2025, through mid-February, 2026. The Winter Trail is free (after paying $12 for parking.) Skating requires an Activity Pass.
Ice Skating
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Once again the Upper Pond of the whitewater channel has been converted into a 24,000 square foot ice skating rink. It includes both ice trails and free skating.
Skating requires a pass, which is $25, including skate rental. It’s also included in the All-Access pass.
In the middle there’s an on-ice Airstream that serves hot and cold beverages. Off-ice, sandwiches, salads, soup, drinks and desserts are also available for purchase.
Enjoy skating or just relaxing by the fires watching skating.
Ice skating in 2023. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
The ice skating program includes an outdoor 3 v. 3 pond hockey.
Skating is available whenever Pass Activities are available. Check the schedule to see Pass Activity Hours.
Would you like your child to get a chance to meet Santa without having to pay for an expensive photo package? Here are a few opportunities in the Charlotte area for the 2025 Christmas season. Make sure to bring your camera. At most of these, you take your own pictures, but at some, professional photographers take the pictures.
Note: A few of these events are for your canine kids!
Another note: You have to sign up ahead of time for some of these events.
Read on for a day-by-day list! We’ve just started putting together the list. It will grow a lot, so keep checking back.
Esther and Elsa are presenting the first Christmas Tree Lighting at Cotswold Village, 242 S Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The first 200 attendees will receive free totes and free hot cocoa.
Enjoy a visit from Santa, the tree lighting, and snow!
As in previous years, Light the Knights features holiday lights, live entertainment, on-field concessions, gift vendors and Santa.
It will run from Wednesday, November 26, 2025, to Monday, January 4, 2026. (See schedule below.)
Santa is typically there every day the festival is open (until Christmas.) There’s no cost (after admission) for pictures with Santa. Bring your own phone/camera for pictures.
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Light the Knights Festival Schedule
Light the Knights is open from November 26, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with the following exceptions:
November 27 (Thanksgiving)
December 1 to 3
December 8 to 10
December 15 to 17
December 24 and 25 (Christmas Eve and Day)
Ticket Prices
Admission only is $12 (plus fees), and admission + skating + tubing is $40 (plus fees.) (There is not an option for just skating or just tubing.)
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Parking for Light the Knights
Prices can vary.
Mint Street Parking Garage at 410 S Mint Street
Surface lots at:
128 S Poplar Street
160 S Poplar Street
204 S Poplar Street
138 S Graham Street
220 S Graham Street
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, is hosting Mistletoe Market on Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20, 2025, from 2 to 7 p.m. Mistletoe Market features festive activities and events throughout all the districts of Camp North End.
Mistletoe Market features a curated vendor market, Camp North Pole igloos, fire pits, live music, photo opportunities, kids’ crafts, live music, ice skating, an art fair and more.
This year, the vendor huts (25 of them) will be inside The Ford Building, instead of outside.
Activities at Mistletoe Market, by District
Mount Jolly (aka The Mount)
Holiday photo ops
Writing letters to santa
Storytime
Kids’ programming
Candy Keswick Lane (aka Keswick)
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
Colorful trees
Holiday photo ops
Music
Festive treats
Tower of Lights (aka Boileryard)
Live music
Holiday crafts
Art Fair
Ice skating
Holiday photo ops
Live painting
Special Events During Mistletoe Market
Reindog Parade
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC
The Reindog Parade, a parade of costumed or holiday-sweater-wearing dogs, takes place December 13, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m.
It’s free for spectators and participants alike.
Check-in is at 2 p.m. and the parade is at 3 p.m.
Ice Skating
Skating rink at Camp North End. Photo by Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
For the third year, Camp North End, 400 Camp Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting ice skating! The outdoor ice skating rink is at “Camp North Pole” from November 20, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. It will be open every day, including holidays. (Except if it’s closed due to inclement weather.)
The Hunnid Dollar Art Fair returns December 5, 6, 13 and 20, 2025. At this art fair, every item is $100. Check back soon for details and follow BlkMrkt on Instagram.
Parking at Camp North End
There is a lot of free parking at Camp North End:
Boileryard district: 1824 Statesville Avenue
Mount district: 1774 Statesville Avenue
Keswick district: 1801 N. Graham Street
Garage: 120 Razades Way (first 3 hours free)
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
The Town of Davidson, North Carolina, is celebrating the season once again with Christmas in Davidson. It will take place December 4 to 6, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. This festival includes a ton of entertainment and holiday activities.
Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is presenting Holidays on the Homesite on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m.
HandCraftedMarket is hosting Charlotte’s Classic Christmas on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Levine Avenue of the Arts, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Shop from 50+ small businesses for unique gifts like:
Handcrafted gifts & ornaments
Stocking stuffers
Home décor & artwork
Candles & soaps
Holiday treats & baked goods
Jewelry, accessories & apparel
Toys, pet accessories & more!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
The parade will travel on Tryon Street, from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way.
Photo: Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners
You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade, but VIP seating will be available for purchase. VIP seating is $40 and will line Tryon Street. Learn more.
The parade will be broadcast live on WCCB Charlotte at 6 p.m.
Photo: Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners
Parking for the Thanksgiving Parade
Use this parking map to find the parking lots in Uptown Charlotte for the Thanksgiving Parade.
Alternately, take the light rail. The LYNX Blue Line has several stops that are convenient to the parade, including 7th Street, Charlotte Transportation Center, 3rd Street/Convention Center, and Brooklyn Village.
Photo: Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners
While You’re in Uptown for the Thanksgiving Parade
While you’re Uptown, visit Light the Knights at Truist Field, which opens on November 26, from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy ice skating snow tubing, visiting Santa, viewing the lights and shopping at the Christmas market.
Segwalloons at the Thanksgiving Parade
One tradition that we hope will always remain at the parade are Segwalloons! If you’re not a Charlotteean (or even if you are) you might be asking “What are Segwalloons?”
Photo by Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners
Segwalloons are a Charlotte original. Introduced at the 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade, they are a cross between balloons and Segways. The design allows the driver to interact with the crowd in a unique way. The original two Segwalloons were an elf and a snowman. Since then they’ve taken different forms, including Colonial characters, which are also in operation on Meck Dec Day.
You will find Segwalloons only in Charlotte.
Photo: Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
Billy Graham Library, at 4330 Westmont Drive, again presents its popular Christmas at the Library. This year, it will run from December 1 to 23, 2025.
Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Closed Sundays.
Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m. The Library is open at 9:30 a.m. each day and you will be able to make a reservation to visit before or after 5 p.m. Reservations here.
Admission and parking are free.
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Here are some of the highlights. Most of these activities are free and start at 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Read on for details and schedules for these activities.
Live nativity scene
Horse-drawn carriage rides through Christmas light displays. $6 for kids 12 and under. $12 for adults
Reservations are required for the Christmas dinner, and are strongly recommended for Christmas at the Library. Reservations are open now.
Live Nativity at Christmas at the Library
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
See a real life representation of the birth of Jesus, including shepherds, a camel, donkey, lambs, and other animals. This free attraction is located between the Library entrance and the Graham Family Homeplace. Please don’t pet or feed the animals during the evening nativity scene.
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Live Nativity Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Petting Zoo
Meet animals Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides at Christmas at the Library
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
Experience the ambiance of Christmas at the Library from a horse-drawn carriage. Purchase tickets in the Library parking lot, then get on board for a 15- to 18-minute ride around the BGEA Headquarters and Library grounds. Each carriage comfortably seats four adults.
Bring the little ones to the Billy Graham Library patio for a special time of reading from Christmas books available in the Ruth’s Attic Bookstore. Kids of all ages are welcome, but this free event is especially recommended for those under age 12. The patio is covered and heated so everyone stays warm.
Story Time Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Every 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Christmas Dinner at Christmas at the Library
Christmas dinner will be available at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday evenings. Dinner is $34.99 or adults and $17.99 for children under 13. Make reservations here. (Dates sell out quickly.)
Christmas Carolers
Photo: Sharon Welling for Mace Publishing, LLC
From “Joy to the World” to “O Holy Night,” songs of the season can be heard live each night of Christmas at the Library. This activity includes a variety of performances by different groups.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 8600 Mount Holly Huntersville Road, Huntersville, North Carolina, is hosting a Christmas market on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s free to attend.
Shop from local vendors for unique holiday gifts, baked goods and more.
In addition, visit with Santa! And there will be raffles and food for purchase as well.
Shop for gifts at these holiday markets in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Here’s a growing list of Christmas markets, church bazaars, crafts markets, arts markets and more.
We’re always adding to this list!
Scroll down for a day-by-day list of holiday markets in the Charlotte area.
Know of more that should be on this list? Please email us at jody@charlotteonthecheap.com. Please include a link to where it’s listed. We’ll see it faster that way than if you leave a comment to this post.
You might also be interested in:
Day by day list of Charlotte area holiday markets
This list is being updated all the time, so keep checking back!
The 49th Annual Working Fingers Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville.
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are joining together for a Tree Lighting Festival on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium, 410 S Mint Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
This beloved Charlotte tradition brings community members of all ages together for an evening of holiday-themed festivities, beginning with a spectacular stage show and tree lighting ceremony as the two organizations illuminate a 50-foot Norway Spruce from Newland, N.C. with thousands of sparkling lights.
The fun continues along the Bank of America Stadium concourse where guests can expect holiday staples such:
Letter writing
Hot chocolate stations
Winter crafts
Meet and greets with Santa
More
Schedule:
5:30 p.m.: Gates open
6:30 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony
7 to 9 p.m.: Festival
It’s FREE to attend, but you need to reserve tickets. Tickets are available now.
