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In This Issue...

Free pictures with Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s through Dec 24
Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Bass Pro Shops, at Concord Mills, and Cabela’s, at 1000 Cabela Drive, Fort Mill, SC, are hosting Santa’s Wonderland, with a FREE Santa experience from November 6th to December 24th, 2022. On November 5th, 2022, officially kick off the Santa’s Wonderland experience with...

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Huge day by day guide to holiday and Christmas events around Charlotte 2022


This is a growing list of 2022 holiday events in the Charlotte area. This day by day guide will include events celebrating everything from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Please scroll down for a (soon to be) massive day-by-day list.

Make sure to bookmark this page, as it will be frequently updated.

And make sure to follow the links to get...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? You came to the right place! This list contains free and cheap things to do from Friday to Sunday (or Monday if it’s a holiday weekend.)

You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much...

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Wednesday Night Live — WARHOLiday Party
Grand Oiseau de Feu sur l’arche by Niki de Saint Phalle. Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC

The Levine Center for the Arts’ Wednesday Night Live returns in the fall of 2022.

The three museums that are part of Levine Center for the Arts — Mint Museum Uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for...

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Holidays at the Hall at NASCAR Hall of Fame — plan a visit and save

Looking to gift something experiential this season? Bring your pit crew to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and save 30 percent. From now through December 23rd, 2022, you can purchase four admission tickets, Simulator day passes and lanyards for just $99 total. Purchase here.

Holiday 4-Pack tickets can be redeemed through March 31st, 2023. Offer valid...

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Get a fully cooked Christmas dinner to go in 2022 — order your holiday meal in advance
Image: Depositphotos

If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, and focus on family (or maybe on pie), consider ordering your Christmas dinners from a grocery store, caterer, or restaurant.

We’ve put together a list of businesses in the Charlotte where you can order a fully-cooked Christmas dinner, with sides, in advance.

In...

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Best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area for 2022 — updated
House in Berewick

Looking for the biggest, best Christmas lights in the Charlotte area for the 2022 Christmas season? You’ve come to the right place.

This list includes professional displays, town events, and private homes.

We will have a Google map with all the light on this page, and more! To see the map, just scroll down past the...

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See & Save with the Explore Charlotte Marketplace

Want the best way to experience the Queen City without breaking your budget? Shop the Explore Charlotte Marketplace for a pass that fits your interests with savings at popular spots.

Ready for a brewery crawl paired with special discounts? The Charlotte Brew Badge has your next round covered.

Need a blast of inspiration at some of the...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this week

What is there to do this week in Charlotte? A lot! This list includes things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas, this week, from Monday to Sunday.

You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much more.

We focus on free and cheap events,...

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Save $5 at Speedway Christmas any night

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Speedway Christmas is at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a 13th year in 2022. It’s included in our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

Read on for all the information you need,...

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Charlotte Metro Bike Giveaway Dec 17

Mount Zion Greensboro is hosting a bike giveaway for children in Concord, NC, on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.

This is a time of year when many families could use a little bit of help, and this is a chance to get a free bike for your child!

Find all the best (and cheapest) kids’ activities on our list of upcoming...

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Win tickets to Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

The 1st Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is bringing holiday magic to Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, NC, this Christmas season.

Read on for a chance to win 4 tickets, plus a promo code for a 20% discount.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it...

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11 Hanukkah Celebrations in Charlotte 2022
Photo: Depositphotos


Every year, several organizations present Hanukkah celebrations for the community in the Charlotte area. These events are family friendly and most are free.

Events include Menorah lightings, concerts, parties, and even a Menorah Car Parade. We are waiting to hear back about some events that take place most years.

Some...

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Cocoa and Photos with Santa at Brace Family YMCA in Matthews

Brace Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews, is hosting Cocoa and Photos with Santa on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

We have put together a huge list of places in the Charlotte area to get free pictures with Santa!

Everyone is invited to this free event in the lobby.

Enjoy some sweets and take a picture...

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Big discounts for Bret Michaels, Barry Manilow, Foreigner, Monster Truckz and more

Don’t pay full price for concerts if you don’t have to! We will update this page as frequently as we can, but there will still be times when you events on this page have sold out, or the discount is no longer available, or the event is over.

We also include tickets for sports events, when there’s a discount.

Please note...

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Where to get a free picture with Santa around Charlotte–a huge day-by-day list


Would you like your child to get a chance to meet Santa without having to pay for an expensive photo package? Here are a few opportunities in the Charlotte area for the 2022 Christmas season. Make sure to bring your camera. At most of these, you take your own pictures, but at some, professional photographers take the pictures.

Note: A few of...

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Your guide to Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte 12/30 (including hotel discounts)

Duke’s Mayo Bowl will take place on on Friday, December 30th, 2022, at 12 p.m., at Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte.

The game will pit the University of Maryland Terrapins against the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

This game marks the 21st anniversary of this bowl game in Charlotte, although the name has evolved...

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Nature programs, hikes, animal encounters, crafts (and much more) at Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. The nature centers provide an excellent introduction to the wildlife and plant life of the area. In addition, they also host festivals, workshops, nature hikes, campfire and more events, many of which are...

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Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte 2022
Photo: Depositphotos


There will be several opportunities in 2022 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.

Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this series of...

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JazzArts Charlotte: Two Free Holiday Concerts

JazzArts Charlotte’s mission is to connect the cultural community and develop an audience for jazz, through quality education, performance, and musician support.

Here are a couple of their upcoming events. Go to their website for a full list, including ticketed shows that might not be “cheap enough” to list on Charlotte on the...

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8th Annual NoDa Krampus Krawl Dec. 17
Image: Depositphotos

Krampus is a not-so-beloved figure in Central European literature. You could say he’s Santa’s enforcer, or the evil side of Santa. He’s not that nice of a guy.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

He’s going to be in NoDa during the ...

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FIFA World Cup Watch Parties in Charlotte

The FIFA Men’s World Cup is taking place in November and December of 2022. It starts on Sunday, November 20th, with the final match taking place December 18th, 2022.

In all, 32 teams will compete in a total of 64 games in Qatar. This is the first time that a country in the Middle East is hosting the World Cup. You can see the team...

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Light the Knights Festival 2022, including ice rink, snow tubing slope, and Charlotte Christmas Village

Light the Knights Festival, at Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC, along with Charlotte Christmas Village, has significantly expanded its offerings for the 2022 holiday season.

It features a regulation size ice rink on the field and a 6-lane snow tubing slope in the outfield. You’ll need to sign a waiver to tube or skate.

...

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Firehouse Subs: Free sub with any purchase if you have the “name of the day”

From December 6th to 16th, 2022, Firehouse Subs is giving away subs to people who have the “name of the day.”

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you’re feeling hungry, check it out! We update it every day.

Here’s how it works.

Every morning, Firehouse will...

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Big list of things (many free!) for kids to do during winter break 2022/2023
ImaginOn

Wondering what to do with the kids over winter break 2022/2023? Look no further. Here’s a list of some cheap and free things that will be fun for kids during Christmas Break. Included are special holiday activities to do the first few days of break, plus some Charlotte area activities that are always free or cheap.

Scroll down...

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50 hikes and walks in Charlotte and beyond

Lace up your shoes because it’s time to start walking! We’ve put together photo guides for a wide variety of places to walk and hike in Charlotte, plus a few in other parts of North Carolina.

Each of these guides contains all the logistical information that you’ll need to plan your visit.

Whether you want to get away from it...

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Noon Year’s Eve Party in Birkdale

The Town of Huntersville is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party in Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville. This early New Year’s Eve party for families take place Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Check out more family-friendly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events around Charlotte.

...

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New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower in Salisbury

Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department is presenting New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower, at 120 South Church Street, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Check out our big list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in Charlotte!

This free event takes place Saturday, December 31st, 2022, at 9 p.m.

Welcome in the new year with...

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Light the World Giving Machine at Promenade on Providence

Light the World Mobile Giving Machine is a vending machine with a difference. When you swipe your credit card, instead of buying a candy bar you’re buying a goat for a family in a developing country or a pair of socks for a local family in need.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it...

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New Year’s Eve parties at Kate’s Skating Rink

All three locations of Kate’s Skating Rink are hosting early New Year’s Eve parties for kids.

Check out our list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in the Charlotte area for kids and families!

Photo: Depositphotos

The locations of Kate’s Skating Rink:

  • Indian Trail: 14500 East Independence Boulevard,...

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8 Christmas Trains in North Carolina – updated for 2022
Photo used with permission from Tweetsie Railroad

We’ve put together a list of several Christmas Trains you can take the kids to this holiday season around the state of North Carolina.

For each, we’ve indicated the number of miles it is from the center of Charlotte, and we’ve organized the list with the trains closer to...

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Charlotte area restaurants open for Christmas 2022 (including takeout and delivery)


Diners in the Charlotte area can cross a stress-free Christmas dinner off their holiday wish list. A number of restaurants serve a special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day menu. And others are open with their regular menu.

Most restaurants on this list offer take-out and/or delivery.

We are including restaurants at various price points, but...

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North Carolina Christmas Festival at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, including free Santa pictures

Create Amazing LLC is presenting the North Carolina Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC 49, Concord, North Carolina. It will take place in the Gold Hall.

Admission is free.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update...

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Dave & Buster’s Family New Year’s Eve Party

Dave & Buster’s is hosting a family New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at both of their Charlotte area locations, Concord Mills and Carolina Place.

This party is scheduled early in the evening so that all members of the family can participate.


It’s pricier than what we usually...

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Pirates Christmas at High Seas Miniature Golf — Christmas light display
Courtesy of High Seas Miniature Golf

High Seas Miniature Golf, a pirate and nautical themed miniature golf course at 10001 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, South Carolina, has transformed into Pirates Christmas!

This is a holiday attraction unlike anything that’s been seen in this area. The glowing lights give the impression that...

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Dunkin’ celebrates the holidays with 12 days of free donuts, plus free coffee on Winter Solstice

If you love Dunkin’ you came to the right place! We keep all the latest Dunkin’ deals right here.

Dunkin’ is making the darkest days of 2022 a little bit brighter, or at least a little bit sweeter, with 12 Days of Donuts.

Photo courtesy of Dunkin’

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in...

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Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Dec 1-26
Image: Mace Publishing, LLC

The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, is hosting the extremely popular Gingerbread Lane again this year.

Gingerbread artists are creating masterpieces that compete for top honors in three categories:

  • Professional
  • Amateur
  • Child

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday...

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Chanukah Wonderland with Ballantyne Jewish Center (registration required)

Ballantyne Jewish Center is presenting Chanukah Wonderland for kids age two and older. It will take place at 15105 John J Delaney Drive, Charlotte, NC.

Hanukkah begins the evening of Sunday, December 18th, 2022, and the final evening is Sunday, December 25th. Learn about all the Hanukkah celebrations in the Charlotte area!

It takes place:...

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CLT New Year’s Eve includes fireworks, live music, food trucks, more…
Photo by Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners

CLT NYE presented by Ally, Charlotte’s Uptown New Year’s Eve celebration, is back! Say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 at this party at Tryon Street and Levine Avenue of the Arts.

This is a free event and if you’re looking for fireworks near you, this is the...

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