CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Charlotte with holiday activities around every corner.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Dec. 12-14, 2025:
Channel the Holidays 5K (Whitewater Center), Saturday 8 a.m.: End the year with a brand-new race at the Whitewater Center. It’s your chance to race through the epic channels of the center without the rapids. This mixed terrain foot race also access to the post-race hot chocolate bar where you can select your own toppings. Registration is $45 for the 5K, $37 for the 1-mile, and $20 for the kids 1-mile.
Merry Midtown (Metropolitan), Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Still need pictures with Santa before the holidays? Head to the Metropolitan shopping district to meet Ol’ St. Nick along with the Grinch. Check out the Metropolitan’s twinkling giant Christmas tree You can also grab a cookie and get your face painted. Admission is free.
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Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest (Downtown Belmont), Saturday noon to 7 p.m.: You won’t need your passport for this traditional German-style holiday market this weekend. Returning for its second year, the Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest features over 40 vendors selling homemade goods, Bavarian food and drinks and the sounds of a traditional German polka band. There will also be a fine art sale, kids activities and live performances. Admission is free.
Annual Singing Tree (Central Piedmont Community College), Saturday & Sunday: The 71st annual Singing Tree returns to serenade the Charlotte community with their soaring voices. From classical Christmas music to new pop sounds, the Singing Tree will spread fill the air with the sounds of the season with its 32-foot tree surrounded by the MainStage Choir, the Miller Street Dance Academy and the Carolina Kids’ Voices Tree Choir. Showtimes are 1 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $27.86.
Reindog Parade (Camp North End), Saturday 3 to 5 p.m.: As part of the second week of Mistletoe Market, the 8th annual Reindog Parade returns for furry festivities. Watch as our four-legged friends strut in their holiday best. It’s free to both watch and to participate. Then soak in the holiday magic at the Mistletoe Market and Camp North Pole’s skating rink.
Lake Wylie Boat Parade (Papa Doc’s Shore Club), Saturday 6:30 p.m.: It’s a South Carolina holiday tradition. Feel the holiday spirit as twinkling boats light up Lake Wylie decorated by the community. Bundle up as the lights, music and creativity float right by you in this unique and festive experience. Admission is free.
Chanukah Festival (Symphony Park), Sunday 4 to 7 p.m.: Share the light and celebrate Chanukah at Symphony Park. Watch as the giant Menorah lights up and brings the magic of the holiday to life. Enjoy live performances and dance the evening away, eat traditional Chanukah food like Kosher latkes and donuts, and stick around for activities for the family. Admission is free.
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Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker (Belk Theater), ongoing: Experience the wonder and magic of The Nutcracker performed by the Charlotte Ballet. Go on a festive holiday adventure with Clara and the Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets with choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Hear Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Check their schedule for dates and showtimes. Tickets start at $35.
Speedway Christmas (Charlotte Motor Speedway), ongoing: Five million synchronized lights surround you in a holiday tradition four miles long. Speedway Christmas is back for its 16th year taking you on the Charlotte Motor Speedway track and beyond for a dazzling display that’s bigger and better than before. Admission starts at $46.41 per vehicle up to 15 passengers.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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