Nov 26, 2025 - Things to Do

The biggest holiday events in Charlotte this December

McKenzie Rankin

Left: People browsing a holiday market stall with red and white tent and garland. Right: A man helps a child use a blue ice skating aid on an indoor rink with other skaters. — Camp North End's Mistletoe Market runs the first three Saturdays in December. Photos: courtesy of Camp North End (L) and Corine Olarte (R)

Charlotte goes all-in on December, from massive holiday markets to packed pop-up bars, and the calendar fills up fast.

Why it matters: Whether you're looking for free, kid-friendly fun or you just want an excuse to grab a festive cocktail, we rounded up the biggest events so you don't miss a moment of the holiday season.

🎾 Dec. 4: Charlotte Invitational | Frances Tiafoe vs Taylor Fritz & Madison Keys vs. Venus Williams at Spectrum Center. | 7pm

💂‍♀️ Dec. 5-21: Charlotte Ballet's Nutcracker at Belk Theater. | Showtimes vary

🏈 Dec. 6: ACC championship game at Bank of America Stadium. | 8pm

🏀 Dec. 6: Virginia vs. Dayton | NCAA men's basketball | at Spectrum Center. | 12pm

🛍️ Dec. 6, 13 & 20: Mistletoe Market at Camp North End. | 2-7pm

🛍️ Dec. 7: Front Porch Sundays in South End. | 10:30am-4:30pm

✨ Dec. 12: Holiday night market at Seoul Food Meat Co. South End. | 5-9pm

🩰 Dec. 12-14: Clara's Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story at Booth Playhouse. | Showtimes vary

🎺 Dec. 13: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Spectrum Center | Shows at 2:30pm & 7:30pm

🎥 Dec. 17: "Elf" in Truist Field — access to Light the Knights activities is included with ticket purchase. | 6:30pm

🎭 Dec. 23-28: Dr. Suess' "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" the musical at Belk Theater. | Showtimes vary

Here are a few festive happenings to keep on your radar all month long:

🍸 Raise your spirits at one of Charlotte's holiday pop-up bars.

⛸️ Lace up your skates at any of Charlotte's five outdoor ice-skating rinks.

✨ Take a holiday lights tour of the city's brightest displays.

📝 And if you're building your own December bucket list, don't miss our full guide: 26 things to do in Charlotte this holiday season.

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The biggest holiday events in Charlotte this December

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