Where to see Santa near Charlotte (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 31 – Dec 24 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 3 ways to see Santa around Charlotte for Oct 31 – Dec 24: 1 Santa set open most days and 2 events on select days. 2 list free admission. Hours change and Santa takes breaks, so check the linked schedule before you go.
Santa most days through Christmas Eve
WinterFest at Carowinds
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Thu, Dec 24 (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
Santa on select days: parades, tree lightings and more
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 does Santa arrive near Charlotte in 2026?
Santa is at 1 spot on our list from these dates: WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte, from Nov 27).
Where can kids see Santa for free near Charlotte?
Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte) and UCity Lights Winter Celebration (Charlotte) say they're free on the official page (2 of our 3 Santa listings). 1 listing has a cost: WinterFest at Carowinds.
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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