35 Things to Do this Winter in Charlotte
Don’t hibernate until spring. These winter events and activities will keep you busy all season.
by Arielle Patterson Dec 05, 2024
Camp North End
This article is brought to you by Camp North End.
Charlotte’s mild weather and array of activities make the city an ideal destination for a winter getaway. Discover the whimsy of winter in the Queen City at these memorable events and seasonal activities.
Season-Long Activities
Explore Camp North End
Join Camp North End for endless cozy vibes, including ice skating now through Jan. 5, 2025 and Mistletoe Market the first three Saturdays in December. Cozy up by the heaters with a hot beverage in hand to take a break from exploring Camp North End’s 76-acre site. There will also be plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, shop and explore with the entire family throughout the season.
Go Ice Skating
Glide across the ice, and maybe try a few jumps and spins, at venues in Charlotte. Truist Field is transformed into an NHL-sized rink during the Light the Knights Festival. Head to the seasonal ice skating rink near Ford Factory at Camp North End. Take to the ice at one of the four skating areas at the Whitewater Center.
Watch the Charlotte Checkers Battle on the Ice
The Charlotte Checkers season is in full swing in winter, as the minor-league team takes on competitors in the American Hockey League. Browse the Checkers’ schedule to find out what home-game promotions are happening, like themed jerseys and discounted ticket nights, at Bojangles Coliseum.
Cheer on the Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets take center court at Spectrum Center throughout the winter season. Mark your calendar for the Holiday Hoopla game on Dec. 23, 704 Night on Jan. 25, 2025, and more themed nights that feature special jerseys, player honors and freebies for fans.
Drink and Dine on a Heated Rooftop
Don’t let the cooler temperatures stop you from enjoying Charlotte’s rooftop bars and restaurants. Aura Rooftop is outfitted with a heated canopy through February, while Merchant & Trade boasts standing heaters and a heated igloo so you can stay warm while sipping cocktails overlooking Uptown.
Toast to the Season with a Winter Beer
Charlotte breweries are trading pumpkin beers for full-body stouts, dark lagers, red ales and more. The winter season brings the return of NoDa Brewing’s Hoppy Holidays IPA, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Yule Bock and Birdsong Brewing’s Mexicali Stout. Get a Charlotte Brewery Pass to save money as you explore the Queen City’s beer scene.
Revamp Your Wardrobe at a Local Boutique
Start 2025 off with a refreshed wardrobe. Browse the racks at a thrift store or trendy boutique for new pieces that fit your style. Find apparel, jewelry, sneakers and more at local shops and boutiques in Charlotte.
Browse Art from Southern Artists
The Mint Museum Uptown’s newest exhibition is “Coined in the South,” a juried exhibit featuring nearly 1,500 thought-provoking works from 49 artists from across the Southeast. This diverse range of perspectives and styles is on display from Dec. 14-April 27, 2025.
Attend a Winter Concert
Concert venues in Charlotte are still jamming in the winter months, with national headliners like Mary J. Blige, Kelsea Ballerini and The Avett Brothers making their way to the Queen City. Catch these performances, along with local and regional acts, on stages across the city this season.
Visit the Whitewater Center at Night
The days may be shorter, but winter at the Whitewater Center has plenty to offer after dark. Through mid-February, walk the Whitewater Center’s illuminated trails, with activities for kids at Wildwoods and dogs at Off Leash.
Find the very best of what Charlotte has to offer during the winter season.
December Events & Activities
Celebrate the Holiday Season in Charlotte
The Queen City sparkles a little brighter during the holiday season. From dazzling light displays at Carowinds’ WinterFest and Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens’ Holidays at the Garden to parades on land and on the water, check out these 30 ways to celebrate the holidays in Charlotte.
See a Holiday Show
‘Tis the season for merry performances and holiday sing-alongs. Throughout December, family-friendly holiday shows take center stage at venues across Charlotte. “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition, and Charlotte Ballet presents this whimsical show from Dec. 6-22.
Finish Your Holiday Shopping
Charlotte has the stores that will help you cross everyone off your holiday gift list. Get to know the Charlotte shopping scene, from traditional and outlet malls to shopping centers throughout the city. This Queen City Gift Guide can help you find the perfect local gift or experience for someone in your life.
Sip Festive Cocktails at a Holiday Bar
Keep your spirits merry and bright at one of the holiday-themed bars in Charlotte. The holidays get a tropical twist at the Sippin’ Santa pop-up at The Royal Tot. Billy Sunday’s Tinseltown features cocktails and mocktails named after holiday movie quotes. BackStage Lounge is decked out from floor to ceiling in festive decorations during the Miracle pop-up.
Watch Teams Compete at the ACC Football Championship
The SMU Mustangs take on the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, but weekend events include Fan Fest on Friday and Saturday that features tailgate games, photo opportunities with mascots and giveaways.
Immerse Yourself in Basketball Culture at the Jumpman Invitational
The Jumpman Invitational features men’s and women’s basketball match ups between Florida vs. UNC and Michigan vs. Oklahoma at Spectrum Center. Night one tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, while night two starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18
Watch a Reimagined Christmas Classic
For more holiday entertainment for the whole family, get tickets for 'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil at Ovens Auditorium from Dec. 20-Jan. 4, 2025. This captivating show showcases jaw-dropping stunts, based on the classic holiday poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas.”
Celebrate the Holidays at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Rev up your holiday season with Holidays at the Hall, Dec. 22-23, 26-30. The NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the season with fun for all ages, including race trivia, hands-on engineering experiments and craft workshops.
Ring in the New Year in Charlotte
Say goodbye to 2024 and watch the lighting of the Queen City crown at CLT NYE in Uptown. This free event features access to the Light the Knights Festival and fireworks Truist Field. Let the kids have some New Year’s Eve fun at noon at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium.
January Events & Activities
Don’t Miss the Mayo Dump at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is the only bowl game that dumps mayo on the winning team. Watch college football contenders Minnesota Golden Gophers and Virginia Tech Hokies battle it out on the gridiron on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.
Watch Hockey Outdoors during the Light the Knights College Hockey Series
Catch the final game of the 2024 Light the Knights College Hockey Series as the University of North Carolina club hockey takes on Virginia Tech’s club hockey team on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at Truist Field.
Hear the True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte kicks off 2025 with “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!,” based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. This family-friendly, musical parody tells the Big Bad Wolf’s side of the story as a jury decides his fate. Performances run Jan. 4-26, 2025 at Wells Fargo Playhouse.
Don’t Miss the Phenomenon of “Hamilton”
The Broadway hit, “Hamilton,” is back on tour, making its way to Belk Theater from Jan. 7-Feb. 2, 2025. Lin-Manuel Miranda's revolutionary musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through a dynamic blend of hip-hop, R&B and traditional musical theater.
Have a Night of Hilarity with Kevin Hart
Comedian Kevin Hart brings his Acting My Age tour to Charlotte for three nights, Jan. 17-19, 2025. Don’t miss the Emmy-nominated star’s latest stand-up show, where he performs his trademark humor and storytelling at Ovens Auditorium.
Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Charlotte honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, as more than 100 community organizations, bands, and step and drill teams march down Tryon Street in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade.
Embrace the Rhythm of Black Music
The Black Notes Project is back for two days to celebrate and amplify Black music and artistry. Jan. 24-25, 2025, attend some of the diverse programming, including concerts and a family-friendly show with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra, at Blumenthal Arts venues.
Dine on a Discount during Queen’s Feast
Don’t miss the winter edition of Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week from Jan. 17-26, 2025. During this 10-day event, nearly 100 restaurants in the Charlotte region offer three-course, prix-fixe menus ranging from $30 to $50 per person. This is your chance to enjoy your favorite restaurant at a discounted price or discover something new from Charlotte’s dining scene.
February Events & Activities
Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month in Charlotte by recognizing and honoring the contributions of the Black community. Attend the Charlotte Museum of History’s African American Heritage Festival, browse murals that honor the Queen City’s Black history, dine at Black-owned restaurants and attend special events throughout the month.
Honor the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024
Watch as a new class of racing legends is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Carl Edwards, Ralph Moody and Ricky Rudd make up the Hall of Fame’s 15th class. NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Weekend takes place Feb. 6-8, 2025 and features a variety of events and special programming for racing fans to enjoy.
Get Tickets for an Opera Carolina Production
Celebrating its 75th season, Opera Carolina brings the crowd-pleasing opera, “Carmen,” to the stage at Belk Theater. Feb. 6-9, 2025, don’t miss Georges Bizet’s sultry tale featuring some of opera’s most recognizable scores.
Sample Craft Beer at the Queen City Brewers Festival
Charlotte is well known for the city’s craft beer scene. Sample more than 40 of these breweries at the Queen City Brewers Festival, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at The Innovation Barn. Wash down your ale with a bite from one of the on-site restaurant and snack vendors.
Enjoy a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner
Plan a romantic night out with your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Charlotte has several restaurants with the perfect menu and mood lighting to celebrate this holiday of love. Have a “Lady and the Tramp” moment with pasta at Ever Andalo, or head to Customshop for craft cocktails and delectable desserts.
Laugh All Night with the Legends of Laughter
The Legends of Laughter tour, on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, brings a star-studded cast of comedians to Ovens Auditorium. Experience hilarious sets from Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Gary Owen, Guy Torry and Special K.
Witness a Superstar Smackdown at Spectrum Center
The Road to WrestleMania 2025 Tour makes a pitstop in Charlotte as Spectrum Center hosts a WWE Monday Night Raw smackdown, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. See your favorite WWE superstars, including heavyweight champion Gunther and women’s world champion Liv Morgan.
Watch “Dancing with the Stars” in Person
Dancing with the Stars: Live! brings your favorite pros to Ovens Auditorium for two shows on Saturday, Feb. 22. Joining the pro dancers will be members from this past season’s final four, including gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and special guest Chandler Kinney.
Find even more exciting things to do when you check out our event calendar.
