Charlotte, NC, December 11, 2025
This December, Charlotte, North Carolina, is brimming with festive events that invite locals and visitors to celebrate the season. From community races to holiday festivals, the weekend from December 12 to 14 offers diverse activities that highlight the community spirit. Notable events such as the Channel the Holidays 5K, Merry Midtown, and the Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest are perfect for families and friends to come together and partake in the holiday cheer.
Charlotte, NC: Top 9 Events for December 12-14, 2025
Celebrate the Season: Engaging Events This Weekend
Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to come alive with a flurry of festive activities this weekend. From community races to holiday celebrations, residents and visitors alike have ample opportunities to engage, connect, and celebrate the spirit of the season. These events reflect the resilience and initiative of local organizers in creating vibrant experiences in a bustling city, showcasing what can be achieved when community leaders harness local resources effectively.
Charlotte’s calendar from December 12 to December 14, 2025, invites residents to choose from activities that not only entertain but also celebrate our community’s rich diversity. This weekend highlights the importance of community choice and how collaborative efforts—often with minimal bureaucracy—can lead to a thriving local culture. Below are nine exciting events to consider as you immerse yourself in the holiday cheer.
1. Channel the Holidays 5K
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 8 a.m.
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
Details: Embrace fitness and community spirit by participating in a mixed-terrain 5K race through the center’s channels, capped off with a cozy post-race hot chocolate bar. Registration fees are $45 for the 5K, $37 for the 1-mile, and $20 for the kids’ 1-mile.
2. Merry Midtown
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan, 1100 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte
Details: Bring the family for complimentary photos with Santa and the Grinch while enjoying holiday cookies, face painting, and the splendid sight of a giant Christmas tree.
3. Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Belmont, 200 N. Main St., Belmont
Details: Experience the charm of a traditional German holiday market with over 40 vendors, Bavarian treats, live polka music, arts for sale, and activities for children. Admission is free, embodying community inclusiveness.
4. Annual Singing Tree
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Where: Central Piedmont Community College, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte
Details: Enjoy a mesmerizing performance surrounding a 32-foot tree where choirs and dancers will present classical and contemporary holiday music. Ticket prices begin at $27.86, making it an accessible cultural experience.
5. Reindog Parade
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte
Details: Pet lovers can gather to watch festively adorned dogs in a delightful parade. Admission for both participants and spectators is free, promoting community engagement.
6. Lake Wylie Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Papa Doc’s Shore Club, 1000 River Rd., Lake Wylie, SC
Details: Delight in a spectacle of boats decorated with holiday lights. This popular parade is free for spectators, emphasizing the community’s spirit of celebration.
7. Chanukah Festival
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte
Details: Embrace the spirit of Chanukah at this festival featuring a grand menorah lighting, live performances, traditional foods, and family-friendly activities—all at no cost for attendees.
8. Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas
When: Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Where: Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
Details: Enjoy an evening of holiday melodies reflecting North Carolina’s musical heritage, including bluegrass, blues, and gospel influences. Tickets start at $37.90, an affordable way to experience local talent.
9. Speedway Christmas
When: Friday, December 12, 2025, through Sunday, December 14, 2025
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC
Details: Drive through a dazzling 3.75-mile course illuminated by over 4 million lights. Ticket prices start at $46.41 per vehicle (up to 15 passengers), promoting a festive outing for families and friends.
Conclusion
This weekend in Charlotte is packed with events that foster community spirit and celebrate the holiday season. These activities reflect a strong sense of local initiative, civic pride, and collaboration, showcasing how reduced bureaucratic barriers can enhance community engagement. We encourage you to participate in one or more of these events, support local organizers, and immerse yourself in the joy of the season as Charlotte shines brightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Channel the Holidays 5K?
The Channel the Holidays 5K is a mixed-terrain race through the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s channels, followed by a post-race hot chocolate bar. Registration fees are $45 for the 5K, $37 for the 1-mile, and $20 for the kids’ 1-mile.
2. Where is Merry Midtown held?
Merry Midtown takes place at Metropolitan, located at 1100 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. What can I expect at the Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest?
The Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest features over 40 vendors, Bavarian food and drinks, live polka music, a fine art sale, and children’s activities. Admission is free.
4. How much are tickets for the Annual Singing Tree?
Tickets for the Annual Singing Tree start at $27.86. The event is held at Central Piedmont Community College, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4 p.m.
5. Is there an admission fee for the Reindog Parade?
No, admission to the Reindog Parade is free. The event takes place at Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m.
6. Where is the Lake Wylie Boat Parade held?
The Lake Wylie Boat Parade is held at Papa Doc’s Shore Club, 1000 River Rd., Lake Wylie, SC, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
7. What is the Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park?
The Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park is a celebration featuring a giant menorah lighting, live performances, traditional foods, and family activities. The event is free and takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte.
8. How can I purchase tickets for the Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops?
Tickets for the Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas start at $37.90. The performances are held at Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 p.m.
9. What is Speedway Christmas?
Speedway Christmas is a 3.75-mile drive-thru course illuminated with over 4 million lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC. The event runs from Friday, December 12, 2025, through Sunday, December 14, 2025. Admission starts at $46.41 per vehicle up to 15 passengers.
Key Features of Charlotte’s December Weekend Events
| Event Name | Date and Time | Location | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel the Holidays 5K | December 13, 8 a.m. | U.S. National Whitewater Center | $45 (5K) |
| Merry Midtown | December 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Metropolitan | Free |
| Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest | December 13, noon – 7 p.m. | Downtown Belmont | Free |
| Annual Singing Tree | December 13 & 14 | Central Piedmont Community College | Starting at $27.86 |
| Reindog Parade | December 13, 3 – 5 p.m. | Camp North End | Free |
| Lake Wylie Boat Parade | December 13, 6:30 p.m. | Papa Doc’s Shore Club | Free |
| Chanukah Festival | December 14, 4 – 7 p.m. | Symphony Park | Free |
| Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops | December 12-14 | Knight Theater | Starting at $37.90 |
| Speedway Christmas | December 12-14 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Starting at $46.41 |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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