The possibilities are endless when it comes to celebrating the season in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Whether you love looking at lights, gawking at gingerbread houses, or sipping festive cocktails, you’ll find something for you this December.
Jingle City Christmas Bar
Morehead Tavern
300 East Morehead Street
Now through December 29, enjoy holiday cocktails and Instagrammable moments at this pop-up bar at Morehead Tavern. While kids are welcome for photos during the day, the scene is geared toward 21+ after 8:00 p.m. Adult tickets costs $15, and children 5 and under are only $5. Hours of operation are Thursday – Sunday, 5:00 p.m.to 2:00 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Gingerbread Lane
The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
This grand hotel in Ballantyne hosts an annual gingerbread house competition for kids, amateurs, and professionals. It’s free to view, but you can pay $1 to vote for your favorite creation. All proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. Looking to brush up on your own gingerbread house decorating skills? Sign up for a class on December 14 or 15 ($60 per house, up to four people per house.)
Christmas Town USA
McAdenville, NC
212 Wesleyan Drive
The 64th year of Christmas Town USA has arrived, and if you can brave the traffic, it’s worth a trip to McAdenville. Take in the beautiful lights and decorations at 160 homes Monday through Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 5:30-11:00 p.m.
Holiday on Ice
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Head Uptown for some fun on the ice rink right on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Bring your own skates for only $12 per ticket ($16 with skate rental.) Payment is card-only! Post-skate, make plans to visit one of Charlotte’s best Uptown restaurants, like Fahrenheit, Rooster’s, Aria, 204 North, or Haymaker.
Holidays at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 S. New Hope Road
Grab your coat and head out to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for Christmas lights galore. As you walk through the displays, you can take a break by the fire for s’mores or listen to live music. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
