The Charlotte area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte on November 17 to WinterFest in Charlotte, which runs through January 3. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in North Carolina, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Charlotte for 2026, in Charlotte, Huntersville and Pineville
- First: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk, Charlotte, November 17. Runs latest: WinterFest, Charlotte, through January 3
- Free: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk, Christmas at the Library, Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity, Letters to Santa Writing Group, Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration, Christmas Crafts, Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe, Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina and Holiday Cookie Decorating
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our North Carolina Christmas train rides page.
Charlotte Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Charlotte, Huntersville and Pineville
- Season
- November 17, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 9
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, holiday crafts, holiday story time and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Charlotte Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte on November 17; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by BelkCharlotte · Nov 17
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The MusicalCharlotte · Nov 21 to Dec 23
- WinterFestCharlotte · Nov 27 to Jan 3
- Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational ActivityHuntersville · Dec 1 to Dec 20
- Letters to Santa Writing GroupHuntersville · Dec 1 to Dec 22
- Christmas at the LibraryCharlotte · Dec 1 to Dec 23
- Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday TailCharlotte · Dec 5 to Dec 23
- Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas CelebrationCharlotte · Dec 13
- Christmas CraftsCharlotte · Dec 14
- Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad BilingüePineville · Dec 19
- Musical Family Storytime with Opera CarolinaCharlotte · Dec 19
- Holiday Cookie DecoratingHuntersville · Dec 21
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Charlotte? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Charlotte
8 confirmed events for kids in Charlotte, soonest first.
Charlotte: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk
Tree lightingFreeCarolina Panthers · Charlotte
- Host
- Carolina Panthers (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bank of America Stadium, 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- When
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free, mobile ticket required
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC host their 13th annual Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte. Gates open at 5:30 pm, the ceremony starts at 6:30 pm, and the tree is lit at 7 pm. After the lighting, a festival on the concourse runs until 9 pm.
The concourse festival includes meet and greets with Santa, letter writing, winter crafts and hot chocolate stations. The event is free for all fans, but mobile tickets are required for entry and are claimed through Ticketmaster from the team page. Check in is at the Mint Street security screening near Lot 1 and the Residence Inn at 410 S. Mint St. Parking is in independent lots and garages nearby, so allow extra time on a weeknight.
Parent tip: Claim free mobile tickets ahead of time and enter at the Mint St. check in near Lot 1.
See dates and details from Carolina Panthers (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Holiday showChildren's Theatre of Charlotte · Charlotte
- Host
- Children's Theatre of Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, 300 E Seventh St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- When
- Sat November 21 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 22 (11 am to 2 pm), Fri November 27 (2 to 4 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 29 (11 am to 2 pm), Sat December 5 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 6 (11 am to 2 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (11 am to 3 pm), Fri December 18 (7 pm), Sat December 19 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 20 (11 am to 2 pm), Tue December 22 (11 am to 2 pm) and Wed December 23 (11 am to 2 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, prices on the theatre site
- Ages
- For all ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For the first time, Children's Theatre of Charlotte is presenting Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. The show features the Grinch, Max the Dog and Cindy Lou Who, along with songs such as You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and tells the story of a heart that grows three sizes. The theatre lists it for all ages.
Performances run November 21 through December 23, 2026 in the McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn in uptown Charlotte. The show is one act and about 75 minutes, a good length for younger kids. Most performances are late morning or afternoon on weekends, with extra shows during the week before Christmas. Tickets are sold through the theatre, which offers savings when you buy three or more shows and group rates for ten or more.
Parent tip: One act, about 75 minutes. Buy tickets through ctcharlotte.org; group and multi-show discounts are offered.
See dates and details from Children's Theatre of Charlotte (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: WinterFest
Santa and Mrs. ClausCarowinds · Charlotte
- Host
- Carowinds (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates)
- Cost
- Included with park admission; some holiday extras cost more
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
WinterFest transforms Carowinds on the Charlotte state line into a holiday park with Christmas lights, festive live entertainment and select rides and attractions open for winter. The park lists visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, the holiday musical Tinker's Toy Factory with Santa, Tinker and the elves, and the new Carolers of the Carolinas.
WinterFest runs on select dates from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027, so check the park calendar before you go. Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission, while food, drinks, merchandise and some holiday experiences cost extra. The park points guests to its mobile app for showtimes and details on the day of your visit. Carowinds is at 14523 Carowinds Boulevard.
Parent tip: Open on select dates only, so check the calendar. Use the Carowinds app for showtimes.
See dates and details from Carowinds (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Christmas at the Library
Holiday story timeFreeBilly Graham Library · Charlotte
- Host
- Billy Graham Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (Mon to Thu 5:30 to 9 pm; Fri and Sat 5:30 to 10 pm), 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free admission and parking; carriage rides $12 adults, $6 kids under 12
- Ages
- All ages, especially children under 12 (story time)
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Each evening from December 1 to 23, the Billy Graham Library hosts a free Christmas celebration. A children's story time starts at 5:30 pm and repeats every 30 minutes, with Christmas books read aloud for all ages and especially children under 12. Families can also see a live nativity between the library entrance and the Graham Family Homeplace, listen to carolers performing nightly, and enjoy holiday treats like pound cake, cinnamon rolls and hot apple cider.
Horse-drawn carriage rides of about 15 to 18 minutes circle the grounds for $12 per adult and $6 per child under 12, with advance tickets preferred. A Christmas dinner is served Thursday through Saturday evenings with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 pm and requires a reservation. Admission and parking are free. Bags are subject to security inspection, and the outdoor nativity depends on the weather.
Parent tip: Reserve carriage rides and dinner ahead through the event page, and bring a blanket for the carriage. Please do not pet or feed the nativity animals in the evening; petting is offered Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm.
See dates and details from Billy Graham Library (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail
Holiday showChildren's Theatre of Charlotte · Charlotte
- Host
- Children's Theatre of Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn, 300 E Seventh St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- When
- Sat December 5 (10:30 am to 1 pm), Sun December 6 (10:30 am to 1 pm), Fri December 11 (11 am), Sat December 12 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Wed December 16 (10:30 am), Thu December 17 (10:30 am), Fri December 18 (9:30 to 11 am), Sat December 19 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Sun December 20 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Tue December 22 (10:30 am) and Wed December 23 (10:30 am), 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, prices on the theatre site
- Ages
- Pre-K
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Doggie on My Doorstep is a Children's Theatre of Charlotte holiday show made for the youngest theatergoers. When a mischievous stray dog turns up on a grumpy old man's doorstep, mayhem follows, told through physical comedy and puppetry with no dialogue at all. The theatre describes it as a heartwarming story about companionship and opening your door to the unexpected.
Performances run December 5 through 23, 2026 in the Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn in uptown Charlotte. The show is recommended for Pre-K audiences and runs about 45 minutes in one act, which suits short attention spans. Many performances are at 10:30 am, with afternoon shows on weekends. Tickets are sold through the theatre, with discounts for buying three or more shows and for groups of ten or more.
Parent tip: About 45 minutes with no dialogue, a gentle first theater outing for preschoolers.
See dates and details from Children's Theatre of Charlotte (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration
Holiday eventFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Charlotte
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1:30 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library on Beatties Ford Road is throwing a Community Christmas Celebration on a Sunday afternoon in December. The library promises an afternoon of fun, fellowship and winter festivity, with holiday treats and family photo opportunities, presented with businesses and resources from the Beatties Ford Road and West Side community.
The event is free, open to the public and geared for all ages, so it works for babies, big kids and grandparents alike. The library calendar offers online sign up for the event, which helps staff plan for treats, though the listing describes it as open to everyone. It runs for two and a half hours, so families can drop by at any point in the afternoon. The celebration runs from 1:30 to 4 pm.
Parent tip: Signing up on the library calendar helps staff plan; bring a camera for the family photo spots.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Christmas Crafts
Holiday craftsFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Charlotte
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28273
- When
- Monday, December 14, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Recommended for ages 3 to 11
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Steele Creek Library is hosting an hour of festive family fun built around Christmas crafts. Families work together on a variety of holiday themed projects using supplies provided by the library, and children take their handmade creations home at the end.
The library recommends the program for ages 3 to 11, and it is listed for preschoolers, school age kids and their parents or caregivers. The listing does not mention registration or a fee. The late afternoon time on a Monday makes it an easy after school stop, and since the projects are made together, it works well for siblings of different ages who can each work at their own level with a grown-up nearby. The program runs from 4 to 5 pm at the Steele Creek branch on Steele Creek Road.
Parent tip: Recommended for ages 3 to 11; supplies are provided.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Charlotte: Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina
Holiday story timeFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Charlotte
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- South Boulevard Library, 4429 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 1:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Toddlers, preschool and school age with caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
South Boulevard Library is hosting a musical storytime with performers from Opera Carolina, and the featured book is The Grinch. The singers read the story with musical numbers woven in, mixing live singing, interactive storytelling and early literacy skills to spark creativity in young listeners.
The library lists the program for toddlers, preschoolers and school age children with their parents or caregivers. It is a short, 30 minute Saturday afternoon program, so it fits easily between other weekend plans. The storytime is sponsored by Culture Blocks, a community partnership between the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, funded by Mecklenburg County. The listing does not mention registration. South Boulevard Library is at 4429 South Boulevard in Charlotte.
Parent tip: It runs only 30 minutes, so plan to arrive a few minutes early for a good spot.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Huntersville
3 confirmed events for kids in Huntersville, soonest first.
Huntersville: Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity
Holiday craftsFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Huntersville
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078 (near Charlotte)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (entries Dec 1 to 15, voting Dec 16 to 20)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families of all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
North County Regional Library is starting a new tradition with its first Intergenerational Gingerbread House contest. Families of all ages, from kids to grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, work together at home to create a gingerbread house that reflects their own holiday traditions. Any cardboard box works as the base, such as a shoe box or milk carton, and both edible and non-edible materials like paint, ribbon, wrapping paper and stickers are allowed.
Bring your entry to the third floor during business hours December 1 to 15 and fill out a short form. Houses are displayed on the children's floor, community voting runs December 16 to 20, and the winning family gets a special prize. Do not put names or pictures on the house. Pick it up December 22 to January 3.
Parent tip: No names or photos on your house. Pick it up by Jan 3 or it will be recycled.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Huntersville: Letters to Santa Writing Group
Santa visitFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Huntersville
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078 (near Charlotte)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (during library hours)
- Cost
- Free, no registration
- Ages
- Children of all ages and writing levels
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
North County Regional Library in Huntersville is collecting letters to Santa all month. Preprinted Dear Santa letters are available at the library, and children of all ages and writing levels are encouraged to fill one out and drop it in a special mailbox set up for rush delivery. The library says it will share the letters with Santa Claus on December 22.
No registration is required. Letters can be dropped off December 1 through 22, Monday through Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 to 5 pm. It is an easy, flexible activity to pair with a regular library visit, and younger children can draw a picture or dictate their wish list to a grown-up. The program is listed for toddlers through preteens.
Parent tip: Drop-off hours: Mon to Thu 9 am to 8 pm, Fri and Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Sun 1 to 5 pm.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Huntersville: Holiday Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Huntersville
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Ln, Huntersville, NC 28078 (near Charlotte)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Toddlers through preteens with caregivers
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
North County Regional Library is kicking off winter break with a holiday cookie decorating program led by library staff. All supplies are provided, so kids only need to bring their imagination. It is a hands-on, slightly messy afternoon activity that fits nicely into the first week the kids are home from school.
Registration is required, and the library asks you to register with your child's name and age and a parent email address. Staff suggest dressing children in clothes that can get dirty. The library notes that the program will be canceled in case of inclement weather. It is listed for toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids, preteens and homeschool families. The library is on Holly Crest Lane. The program runs from 2 to 3 pm.
Parent tip: Register with your child's name and age, and dress kids in clothes that can get messy.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pineville
1 confirmed event for kids in Pineville, soonest first.
Pineville: Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe
Holiday showFreeCharlotte Mecklenburg Library · Pineville
- Host
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pineville Library, 505 Main St, Suite 100, Pineville, NC 28134 (near Charlotte)
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, ticket required
- Ages
- Preschool through adults
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Pineville Library is celebrating the season with a bilingual holiday concert in English and Spanish. The Cafe Amaretto Band, with vocalist Ana Lucia Divins, Carlos Crespo on guitar, Jorge Luichy Martinez on percussion, Carlos Baez on bass and Franklin Pire on keys, performs traditional Latin American holiday songs and more.
The concert is part of the Creating the Soundtrack of Your Life series, sponsored by the Arts and Science Council's Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County. It is free, but the library asks guests to claim free tickets through the Eventbrite link on the event page, and seating is capped. The library lists the concert for preschoolers, school age kids, preteens, teens and adults, so it suits a multigenerational family outing on the Saturday before Christmas.
Parent tip: Claim free tickets through the link on the library event page, since seating is limited.
See dates and details from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our North Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonCharlotte Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Charlotte in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Charlotte for 2026 on each host’s own page: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte (November 17), Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in Charlotte (November 21), WinterFest in Charlotte (November 27), Christmas at the Library in Charlotte (December 1), Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity in Huntersville (December 1), Letters to Santa Writing Group in Huntersville (December 1), Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail in Charlotte (December 5), Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration in Charlotte (December 13), Christmas Crafts in Charlotte (December 14), Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe in Pineville (December 19), Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina in Charlotte (December 19) and Holiday Cookie Decorating in Huntersville (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Charlotte, North Carolina?
For families in and around Charlotte, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk (Tue, Nov 17, gates 5:30 pm, tree lit at 7 pm, free, mobile ticket required); Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Nov 21 to Dec 23, weekends plus select weekdays, ticketed, prices on the theatre site); WinterFest (Select dates, Nov 27 to Jan 3, included with park admission; some holiday extras cost more); Christmas at the Library (Evenings, Dec 1 to 23 (Mon to Thu 5:30 to 9 pm, Fri and Sat 5:30 to 10 pm), free admission and parking; carriage rides $12 adults, $6 kids under 12); Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail (Dec 5 to 23, mornings and afternoons, ticketed, prices on the theatre site); Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration (Sun, Dec 13, 1:30 to 4 pm, free); Christmas Crafts (Mon, Dec 14, 4 to 5 pm, free); Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 1:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Charlotte section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Huntersville, North Carolina?
For families in and around Huntersville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity (Entries Dec 1 to 15, display and voting through Dec 20, free); Letters to Santa Writing Group (Dec 1 to 22, during library hours, free, no registration); Holiday Cookie Decorating (Mon, Dec 21, 2 to 3 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Huntersville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Pineville, North Carolina?
For families in and around Pineville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe (Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 3:30 pm, free, ticket required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Pineville section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Charlotte?
Yes. 9 of the 12 events here are free: Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte, Christmas at the Library in Charlotte, Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity in Huntersville, Letters to Santa Writing Group in Huntersville, Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration in Charlotte, Christmas Crafts in Charlotte, Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe in Pineville, Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina in Charlotte and Holiday Cookie Decorating in Huntersville. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Charlotte this December?
Santa appears at Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte (November 17), WinterFest in Charlotte (November 27) and Letters to Santa Writing Group in Huntersville (December 1). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Charlotte?
Holiday story times on this page: Christmas at the Library in Charlotte and Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina in Charlotte. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Charlotte Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail in Charlotte (Pre-K), Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe in Pineville (Preschool through adults), Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina in Charlotte (Toddlers, preschool and school age with caregivers) and Holiday Cookie Decorating in Huntersville (Toddlers through preteens with caregivers).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Charlotte on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: WinterFest in Charlotte (through January 3).
How much is Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk in Charlotte?
Free, mobile ticket required. Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk is on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at Bank of America Stadium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in Charlotte?
Ticketed, prices on the theatre site. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is on Sat November 21 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 22 (11 am to 2 pm), Fri November 27 (2 to 4 pm), Sat November 28 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun November 29 (11 am to 2 pm), Sat December 5 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 6 (11 am to 2 pm), Sat December 12 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (11 am to 3 pm), Fri December 18 (7 pm), Sat December 19 (11 am to 3 pm), Sun December 20 (11 am to 2 pm), Tue December 22 (11 am to 2 pm) and Wed December 23 (11 am to 2 pm), 2026 at McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is WinterFest in Charlotte?
Included with park admission; some holiday extras cost more. WinterFest is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates) at Carowinds. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas at the Library in Charlotte?
Free admission and parking; carriage rides $12 adults, $6 kids under 12. Christmas at the Library is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (Mon to Thu 5:30 to 9 pm; Fri and Sat 5:30 to 10 pm), 5:30 pm at Billy Graham Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity in Huntersville?
Free. Family Gingerbread House Contest: Intergenerational Activity is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Sunday, December 20, 2026 (entries Dec 1 to 15, voting Dec 16 to 20) at North County Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Letters to Santa Writing Group in Huntersville?
Free, no registration. Letters to Santa Writing Group is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Tuesday, December 22, 2026 (during library hours) at North County Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail in Charlotte?
Ticketed, prices on the theatre site. Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail is on Sat December 5 (10:30 am to 1 pm), Sun December 6 (10:30 am to 1 pm), Fri December 11 (11 am), Sat December 12 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Sun December 13 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Wed December 16 (10:30 am), Thu December 17 (10:30 am), Fri December 18 (9:30 to 11 am), Sat December 19 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Sun December 20 (10:30 am to 3 pm), Tue December 22 (10:30 am) and Wed December 23 (10:30 am), 2026 at Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration in Charlotte?
Free. Allegra Westbrooks Community Christmas Celebration is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1:30 to 4 pm at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Crafts in Charlotte?
Free. Christmas Crafts is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Steele Creek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe in Pineville?
Free, ticket required. Bilingual Holiday Concert / Concierto de Navidad Bilingüe is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3:30 pm at Pineville Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina in Charlotte?
Free. Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 1:30 pm at South Boulevard Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Cookie Decorating in Huntersville?
Free, registration required. Holiday Cookie Decorating is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at North County Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Charlotte?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Charlotte Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
