Things To Do
Optimist Hall
A favorite spot with several dining options to choose from! Join us here on Saturday evening to spend some time together and mingle before the fun on Sunday! Optimist Hall is a 147,000 square foot redevelopment of a former gingham mill featuring a food hall complemented by retail, restaurants, and the Duke Energy Innovation Center. Located in the Optimist Park neighborhood between Uptown and NoDa, the development by Charlotte-based White Point and Atlanta-based Paces Properties has transformed a turn-of-the-century textile mill into one of the most unique projects in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Christmastown USA
This was the location of our second date! Walk or drive through our downtown area to view the frosty majesty of the winter landscape. Green, red and white lights will shine from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night. Arrive early to enjoy dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante, a craft beer or glass of wine at 115 Craft, and shop at Mona’s Boutique and Gifts, The Modest Market and Revolver Records. An evening in Christmas Town U.S.A.® is like a magical trip back in time.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
From ice skating to ziplining after dark, winter is one of the best times to explore the outdoors at the Center. Experience Winter at Whitewater with new activities and events through mid-February. Experience over 24,000 square feet of ice split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails, two free skate zones and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages. Experience a new take on the Canyon with illuminated nighttime activities. Traverse spans of wooded canyon via a series of suspension bridges, ziplines and accompanying rope bridges. (Activity Pass & Reservation Required — can be purchased in advance or on site.) Introducing the Canyon Night Trail. Explore the woods at night with a walking trail that crosses two suspension bridges and features obstacles, play structures and discoveries for all ages. Access the Canyon Night Trail via walking path to the South Ridge behind the Ice Skating area. No pass or reservation required. Open daily starting at sunset.
Speedway Christmas Lights Winterfest Christmas Village at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
The 15th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show, Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health features more than five million lights on a four-mile course that includes the legendary oval, pit road and infield road course. The show is open 6-10 p.m. rain or shine and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Camp North End
This vibrant spot is a treasure trove of food and shopping experiences. In one place, we can explore unique eateries, savor delightful dishes, and shop at local boutiques. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a perfect weekend getaway for us. Whether we’re grabbing brunch or hunting for the latest trends, there’s something for everyone here. Explore some of our favorite spots to eat and shop at Camp North End. Celebrate the creativity of the season on our final Mistletoe Market of December on December 21st! Come out to support local artists inside the Ford Factory at the Hunnid Dolla Art Show. Check out the Hunnid Dolla Art Show by Blk Mrkt, explore 76 acres of holiday shopping with VTGCLT POP pop-ups, get creative with festive art activities, skate around at Camp North Pole, enjoy live music performances, and cozy up with tasty food and drinks in the Lodge
WinterFest
Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with holiday light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season's festive live entertainment. Embrace the season with holiday music from crooning carolers throughout the park and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Help children write letters to Santa and watch their eyes grow as thousands of glimmering holiday lights appear during the Carowinds’ Christmas tree lighting, adorning one of the largest Christmas trees in the area. After an evening of FUN, get caught up in the merry procession of the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and performers.