41 fun things to do in Charlotte from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day

Presented by Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Atrium Health, now through January 8. Experience four million lights along a 3.75-mile course synchronized to Christmas-themed music, plus a Christmas village. Buy tickets.

FRIDAY, December 23

44. Showers/Wind. 40% chance of rain.

Miracle Bar at Backstage Lounge: Check out the holiday-themed speakeasy, open every day of the week until New Year’s Day. Prices vary. 5pm. Details

Off the Rails at Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall: Sip on signature cocktails and enjoy music as you mingle. Prices vary. 10pm-12am. Details

Stirred Whiskey Cocktails Class at The Cocktailery: Learn how to create three whiskey cocktails. $90. 6:30pm. Details

Holidays at the Hall at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Take pictures in front of a large Christmas tree, view thousands of LED lights and browse gifts for the NASCAR fans on your list in the Gear Shop. Prices vary. Details

Light the Knight at Truist Field: Expect ice skating, tubing, Santa visits, a light show and live entertainment. $10-$99. 12-10pm Details

Campfire Movie Club at Boileryard: Watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to get you in the holiday spirit. Free. 7pm. Details

Dupp & Swat’s Holiday Market at Camp North End: Shop for holiday items filled with local flavor throughout December. Free. 12-7pm. Details

SATURDAY, December 24

Christmas Eve

33. Sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard: View a holiday light display, oversized snow globes, snow tube, live performers and Santa visits. Prices vary. 5-10pm. Details

Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions at the Bank of America Stadium: Watch the home team take on the Detroit Lions. Tickets start at $27. 1pm. Details

SUNDAY, December 25

Christmas

36. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Ice Skating at US Whitewater center: Grab the ice skates and a few friends to skate across one of two ice trails or two free skate zones before taking a break to enjoy hot and cold beverages. Prices vary. 5-10pm. Details

MONDAY, December 26

40. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Puzzle Challenge at Hi-Wire Brewing: The fastest team to complete their 500-piece puzzle wins a Hi-Wire gift card. Plus, get $3 pints of three select beers all night long. Free. 7-9pm. Details

Barn Burners Run Club at Trolley Barn: Meet by the front patio to run their 2, 3 or 4-mile routes — runners of all levels are invited. Enjoy a discounted pint afterward. Free. 6:15pm. Details

TUESDAY, December 27

44. Partly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

“Undeck” the Hall at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Receive a gift while celebrating the Hall of Fame’s tradition after the holidays. Free. 10am-5pm. Details

Queer Climb Night at Inner Peaks (South End): Meet, climb and hang with other members of the Charlotte LGBTQ community. Free for members; $20 for non-members. 6-8pm. Details

Tuesday Trivia Night at Wooden Robot (South End): Grab a brew and test your trivia knowledge at Tuesday Trivia at Wooden Robot. Free. 7-9pm. Details

Mad Miles at YVY Training: Get your daily workout in with a run, walk or jog before dancing to music with other people excited about working out. Free. 6:30pm. Details

WEDNESDAY, December 28

46. Mostly sunny. 20% chance of rain.

Wednesday Night Live at Uptown Museums: Enjoy free admission to the Mint Museum, Bechtler, and Harvey B. Gantt Center. Free. 5-9pm. Details

Wine & Cheese Pairing at Assorted Table Wine & Shop: Sample five wines and cheeses with a presentation at each stop. Free. 6-7:30pm. Details

Wednesday Night Live: Kwanzaa Celebration: Celebrate the themes and traditions of Kwanzaa with live music from Drums 4 Life and collective art with Elizabeth In Pearls. Free. 6:30-8:30pm. Details

Music Bingo at Resident Culture (South End): Head to Resident Culture every Wednesday for music bingo starting at 7pm. Grab a beer and order tacos from El Toro Bruto while you’re there. Free. 7pm. Details

Monthly Plant Swap at Hi-Wire Brewing: Grab a beer, mingle, swap and propagate with your fellow Charlotte plant people. Free. 6-7:30pm. Details

THURSDAY, December 29

52. Partly Cloudy. 0% chance of rain.

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tickets start at $16.50. 7pm. Details

Martini Making Class: You’ll learn the history of martinis and make three martini variations using different spirits. $90. 6:30-8pm. Details

Live Jazz at Harvey B. Gantt Center: Enjoy a soothing musical performance from Lee Odom Quartet. $65. Times vary. Details

FRIDAY, December 30

58. Partly cloudy. 24% chance of rain.

Bullet Journaling Workshop at Smitten Boutique: ​​You’ll create your own bullet journal with hand lettering and illustrations. All supplies will be provided, and participants will receive a free dot journal from Paperage. $45. 3-5pm. Details

TopShelf Candle Class at Tax & Tea Lounge: Learn how to create a candle with a preferred scent to take home during this two-hour workshop. $50. 7-9pm. Details

DIY Terrarium Building at Planthouse: Get your hands dirty by creating a terrarium through a guided class. Times vary. $25. Details

SATURDAY, December 31

62. Cloudy with showers. 58% chance of rain.

South End Farmer’s Market at Atherton Mill: Shop for groceries while enjoying live music before exploring South End. Free. 8am-1pm. Details

CLT NYE at Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts: Bring in the New Year with the annual tradition of live music, DJ and fireworks. Free. 8pm-12am. Details

Mad Miles at Elizabeth Park: Start your morning with a run, walk or jog before dancing to music with other people excited about working out. Free. 10am. Details

Glitz & Glam New Year’s Eve Party at Ink & Ivy: Get a VIP New Years’ experience with two dance floors, a DJ, cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres. $115. 9pm-2am. Details

Charlotte Hornets vs Brooklyn Nets at the Spectrum Center: Take a friend to a professional basketball game as the Hornets take on the Brooklyn Nets. Tickets start at $28. 7pm. Details 

Gatsby Gala NYE Party at The Music Yard: Bring in the new year with a large party featuring three stages with bands, DJs, performances, and food. Tickets start at $45. 7pm. Details

NYE at Hoppin’: Celebrate the new year with half-off liquor prices, appetizers, a photo booth. $70-$85. 8pm-1am. Details

New Year’s Eve at Puttery: Ring in the New Year with festive attire, a live DJ and a game of putt-putt. $55. 8:30pm-2am. Details  

NYE 23 at RSVP South End: Take your friends to celebrate the new year in a new venue with four different nightlife options on their opening day. $145-$195. 9:30pm-2am. Details 

[Related Axios guide: 32 New Year’s Eve events in Charlotte to ring in 2023]

SUNDAY, January 1

66. Rain showers. 55% chance of rain.

The Carters Party at The Music Yard: Vibe to Hip Hop hits from Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and Beyonce during this themed party plus DJs and NFL Redzone. $5-$275. 1pm. Details

Live Jazz at The Warmack Plaza Midwood:  Vibe to jazz and R&B sounds every Sunday with a menu curated by Chef Nobu. Free. 7-10pm. Details

Sea of Lights at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord: Relive the holidays with an interactive aquarium experience with thousands of Holiday lights and 35+ decorated Christmas trees to view as you visit the several sea animals. $17.99. Times vary. Details

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Drive through Christmas lights across the four-mile course of the Speedway and enjoy Christmas-themed music. Prices vary. 6-10pm. Details

Tina Turner the Musical at Belk Theater: Watch the musical about the journey of Grammy award-winning artist Tina Turner. Tickets start at $25. Times vary. Details  

Check out more upcoming events on our Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our weekday newsletter. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email [email protected].