Holiday lights near Charlotte for families (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 31 – Jan 15 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 4 holiday light events around Charlotte for Oct 31 – Jan 15: 2 displays running for weeks and 2 one-night events. 2 list free admission. Displays that run for weeks come first, then one-night parades and tree lightings around Charlotte. Popular nights can sell out, so check the official page before you go.
Light displays open for weeks
Speedway Christmas New · Just listed
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 3 (Nightly Nov 20 – Jan 3) · 6–10pm nightly, rain or shine
- Cost
- Per-vehicle tickets; Value Nights (lights only) cost less than Village Nights (see site)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Southeast's largest drive-thru light show: more than 5 million lights on a four-mile course around the oval, pit road and infield, with lights synced to music on 101.3 FM and drive-in movies on the Speedway TV. Village Nights add the Christmas Village. Sunday and Thursday nights have shorter waits.
✓ Checked Oct 28, 2026 on the organizer's official page
WinterFest at Carowinds
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Jan 3 (Select dates Nov 27–Jan 3) · Evenings on select dates (see park calendar)
- Cost
- Included with park admission (live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides); food, drink and some holiday experiences cost extra
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Holiday festival with live shows, light displays, Santa, holiday treats and up to 29 rides and attractions, including the new Snoopy’s Racing Railway.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
One-night light parades and tree lightings
Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium New · Just listed
- When
- Tue, Nov 17 · Gates 5:30pm · ceremony 6:30pm · tree lit 7pm · concourse festival 7–9pm
- Cost
- Free (mobile ticket required)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC light a 50-foot Norway spruce after a stage show, then open the stadium concourse for letter writing to Santa, hot chocolate, winter crafts and Santa meet-and-greets. Entry is free, but every guest needs a mobile ticket; check in at the Mint Street security screening near Lot 1.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
UCity Lights Winter Celebration New · Just listed
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 · 4–8pm · tree lighting 7pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A free University City holiday evening by the lake at The Shoppes at University Place: meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, make ornaments, sip hot cocoa and ride a Polar Express train before the big tree is lit at 7pm.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When do holiday lights open around Charlotte in 2026?
2 light displays on our list run for weeks: Speedway Christmas (Concord, Nov 20 – Jan 3) and WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte, Nov 27 – Jan 3).
Which holiday light events near Charlotte are free?
2 light events list free admission on the official page: Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, Tue, Nov 17) and UCity Lights Winter Celebration (Charlotte, Sat, Nov 21).
How much do ticketed light displays near Charlotte cost?
Prices from the official pages: Speedway Christmas (Per-vehicle tickets) and WinterFest at Carowinds (Included with park admission, live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides). Prices can change by night.
Can kids see Santa at a light display near Charlotte?
Yes. 3 light events on our list have Santa: Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, Nov 17), UCity Lights Winter Celebration (Charlotte, Nov 21) and WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte, Nov 27 – Jan 3). Some charge extra for Santa photos.
Which Charlotte-area cities have holiday lights events?
We list holiday lights events in 2 cities, including Charlotte (3) and Concord (1).
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
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