Uptown's Holiday Guide
How to Holiday in Uptown Charlotte
Start the season with the Thanksgiving Eve Parade on Tryon Street, then come back Uptown for holiday markets, ice skating, festive performances and a New Year’s Eve toast. Here’s what’s on the calendar for the 2026 holiday season.
Kick off the holidays at the Thanksgiving Eve Parade
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade returns to Tryon Street on Wednesday, November 25, at 5:45 p.m. Bring the family Uptown for illuminated floats, marching bands and live performances. Find a spot along the route or reserve a seat ahead of time. Parade details and reserved seats
Seasonal celebrations
Holiday lights and family outings
- November 25–January 3 — Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field. Head to the ballpark for holiday lights, ice skating and snow tubing. Charlotte Knights
- Through January 17, 2027 — Julia Child: A Recipe for Life at Discovery Place Science. Explore the life and kitchen of the cook who brought French cooking into American homes. Discovery Place Science
- December 17–31 — Dune at Discovery Place Science. Take a break from the holiday bustle with a trip to the IMAX theater. Discovery Place Science
Holiday performances at Blumenthal Arts
- November 27 — A Motown Christmas at Knight Theater
- December 3 — Jim Brickman at Booth Playhouse
- December 4–23 — Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater
- December 6 — Noel & Maria: Christmas in a New Key at Booth Playhouse
- December 10 — Festival of Lights at Knight Theater
- December 11–13 — The Three Spirits: A Christmas Carol Reimagined at Booth Playhouse
- December 11–13 — Cirque de Noël at Knight Theater
- December 14 — Tosco Music Holiday Party at Knight Theater
- December 18–20 — Holiday Pops at Knight Theater, with a family performance on December 19 at 11 a.m.
- December 22–23 — Soulful Noel at Booth Playhouse
Explore the Blumenthal Arts calendar
Christmas at the Carolina
See a holiday favorite on the big screen or catch a live performance at the historic Carolina Theatre on Tryon Street.
- November 28 — Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
- December 5 — Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas
- December 13 — It’s a Wonderful Life 80th anniversary screening
- December 17 — The Holiday 20th anniversary screening
- December 19 — Sainted Trap Choir Presents This Christmas
- December 20 — Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- December 21–22 — Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
- December 23 — Elf
Christmas at the Carolina lineup and tickets · Uptown events calendar
Festive finds
Shop small at the Uptown Holiday Market, presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated, from December 2–5 at Legacy Union Plaza, 620 S. Tryon St. Browse gifts from local makers, grab a bite and let the kids drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox. The market runs noon–8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday. Market details and vendor lineup
Ring in 2027
Send off 2026 on Thursday, December 31, with the Voltage Brothers at Middle C Jazz. The band will play everything from Motown and funk to disco and Carolina beach music, with shows at 7 and 10 p.m. The late show includes a complimentary champagne toast. 7 p.m. tickets · 10 p.m. tickets
Leave a little time between stops to stroll Uptown and snap a holiday card photo. Explore Uptown’s holiday traditions and seasonal stops and check the Uptown events calendar for new listings.
Festive finds
Make a dent in your gift list and shop small at the Uptown Holiday Market, presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated. The market returns to Legacy Union Plaza, 620 S. Tryon St., December 2–5, with local vendors selling everything from ceramics and candles to books and pet treats. Bring the kids to drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox or explore the Doors of Christmas advent calendar. The market runs noon–8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday. Market details and vendor lineup.
Leave a little time between stops to stroll Uptown and snap a holiday card photo. For more ways to spend the day, explore Uptown’s holiday traditions and seasonal stops.
Explore
•Rydables Holiday Lights Tour Hop aboard a plush scooter and enjoy a fun ride around the city of Charlotte taking in the beautiful holiday lights.
