CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Sail away at the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, plus winter festivals to get you in the holiday spirit.
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. 19-21, 2025:
WinterFest (Downtown Matthews), Saturday noon to 6 p.m.: Still searching for those last-minute gifts? Find something unique at the second annual Matthews WinterFest. Stroll along Downtown Matthews where you’ll find over 100 local small businesses to help you get through those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Admission is free.
Mistletoe Market (Camp North End), Saturday 3 to 8 p.m.: It’s your last chance! Camp North End transforms into your holiday headquarters with the return of the Mistletoe Market. Dozens of vendors set up camp so you can find some of the most unique gifts this year. Along with the festive market, you’ll also find ice skating at Camp North Pole or head under the Tower of Lights for live music, holiday crafts, an art fair and plenty of holiday photo opportunities. Admission is free.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade (Lake Norman), Saturday 5:30 p.m.: Returning for the 7th year, the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is back to brighten up your holidays. The parade begins at Blythe Landing and ends at the Duke Energy Explorium. Admission is free but toy donations are being accepted for Little Smiles bringing toys to kids in local hospitals.
Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bank of America Stadium), Sunday 1 p.m.: The Panthers are back on their home turf as they take on the Buccaneers. Can they continue their wins in the Queen City after beating the LA Rams after their last game at Bank of America Stadium? Tickets start at $100.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker (Belk Theater), through Sunday: 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.
Light the Knights (Truist Field), through Jan. 2: Experience a winter wonderland in the heart of Uptown. For the sixth year in a row, Truist Field transforms their diamond into a magical world of snow, holiday markets and ice skating. Thousands of lights, displays and dozens of Christmas trees will surely put you ins that holiday spirit. Go snow tubing down a 150-foot hill if you’re feeling brave. Tickets start at $12 for general admission or $40 for an all activities pass.
WinterFest (Carowinds), through Jan. 3: Experience the glittering wonder of the holidays in both North and South Carolina. Millions of lights surround families for a holiday tradition filled with special shows, activities and live music. Plus, you can still ride all of your favorite roller coasters and family attractions. Best of all, it snows nightly! Admission starts at $37 when purchased ahead online.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole (Camp North End), ongoing: Tie up those laces for a winter outdoor skating rink as Camp North Pole returns. The rink is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $18 per person and includes skate rentals.
Ice Skating (Whitewater Center), ongoing: The upper pond at the whitewater center transforms into a one-of-a-kind skating rink. With over 24,000 sq. ft. of ice split into four areas: two ice trails and two free skate zones. Take a break at the on-ice Airstream where you can grab hot and cold beverages. Activity passes are $25 per person and includes skate rentals or you may bring your own.
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.
Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.