Charlotte, December 19, 2025
This weekend, Charlotte, North Carolina, comes alive with a series of community events, showcasing local initiatives and collaborative efforts. Highlights include the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, holiday markets featuring local artisans, and engaging performances by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. With events designed to reflect the spirit of cooperation and festive celebration, the weekend promises a plethora of activities for residents and visitors alike, fostering connections and supporting local economies.
Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to host a vibrant array of community events this weekend, December 19-21, 2025, showcasing the power of local initiative and civic engagement. From dazzling lighted boat parades to bustling holiday markets and captivating performances, the Queen City demonstrates how individual achievement and a spirit of cooperation can transform a city into a hub of festive activity. These events, often driven by dedicated organizers and private partnerships, highlight the benefits of a community empowered to create its own enriching experiences, fostering growth and connection without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
The upcoming weekend offers a testament to the organizational prowess of local groups and businesses. Through careful planning and a commitment to serving the community, these entities provide diverse opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate, and support local talent and commerce. This dynamic environment encourages personal initiative, allowing unique events to flourish and contribute significantly to the city’s lively atmosphere during the holiday season.
A Nautical Spectacle: Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
One of the weekend’s most anticipated spectacles is the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.. This annual tradition sees illuminated vessels cruise a route from Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek Park, concluding at the Duke Energy Explorium. The parade is more than just a visual delight; it embodies community generosity by benefiting TOYS for Little Smiles, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to children at Levine Children’s Hospital. Spectators are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys, showcasing how a festive event can simultaneously serve a meaningful charitable cause through private initiative and public participation.
Festive Gatherings and Marketplaces
The spirit of local commerce and community spirit is on full display with several holiday markets. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Christmas Market marks its final weekend from Friday, December 19, through Sunday, December 21, 2025. Held at both its LoSo and Ballantyne biergarten locations, this market transforms the brewery grounds into a European-inspired festive village. It features over 50 local vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and traditional Glühwein, supported by the brewery’s holiday beer releases. A special highlight includes Santa Claus making an appearance for photos on Saturday, December 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.. This market exemplifies how private enterprise can create platforms for local artisans and foster community gathering.
Another vibrant marketplace is the Urban District Market Holiday Market, running Friday through Sunday, December 19-21, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. This event showcases local vendors, alongside a tattoo pop-up and an outdoor Christmas movie on Friday night. Additionally, the Charlotte Vintage Market will pop up at Lenny Boy Brewing on Saturday afternoon, December 20, with more than 30 vintage vendors. For those seeking artistic finds, the Hunnid Dollar Art Fair on Saturday, December 20, offers affordable pieces from local artists. Lastly, Camp North End’s Mistletoe Market concludes its run on Saturday, December 20, providing a final opportunity to support local businesses across its 76-acre campus. These markets underscore the importance of local choice and the entrepreneurial spirit in enriching community life.
Arts, Entertainment, and Sports
Cultural and sporting events also punctuate Charlotte’s weekend calendar. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents “Cirque De Noël,” a captivating performance running all weekend at the Knight Theater. This production combines jaw-dropping acrobatics with beloved holiday classics, offering performances on Friday, December 19 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday, December 20 (3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), and Sunday, December 21 (3:00 p.m.). Another notable performance is Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Alyssa Edwards’ “A Very Mary Christmas” at The Fillmore on Friday night, December 19. For music enthusiasts, the Georgia rock band Futurebirds will perform at the Neighborhood Theatre on Friday night, December 19.
Sports fans have two exciting options: the Charlotte Checkers face off against the Springfield Thunderbirds at Bojangles Coliseum on both Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, December 21, at Bank of America Stadium. These events demonstrate a diverse entertainment landscape, catering to a wide range of personal preferences and contributing to the city’s dynamic social fabric.
Winter Wonderland Activities and Community Celebrations
Beyond the markets and performances, Charlotte offers a host of winter-themed activities. Ice Skating at The Bowl at The Amp Ballantyne provides a festive outdoor skating experience throughout the weekend, with extended hours on Friday, December 19 (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.), Saturday, December 20 (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, December 21 (noon to 9 p.m.). For an immersive light display, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne’s Backyard offers dazzling illuminations from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening, December 19-21. Another expansive display, the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field, transforms the venue into a winter wonderland with lights, a Christmas Village, snow tubing, and more. This festival runs through early January, providing ongoing enjoyment.
Community celebrations include the Rock Hill Outdoor Center’s Winter Showcase on Friday evening, December 19, featuring art vendors, food trucks, and a holiday showing of “The Polar Express” at 6:30 p.m.. On Saturday evening, December 20, Caromont Health Park will host a Winter Wonderland with family-friendly activities, a visit from Santa, and a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7 p.m.. For a nostalgic touch, a Holly Jolly Hayride is available at Patriots Park in Kings Mountain on Saturday evening, December 20. Concluding the weekend with a charitable endeavor, the Classic Cruisers of Monroe’s Toys for Tots Cruise-In takes place on Sunday, December 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. These varied activities underscore the value of local leadership and volunteer efforts in creating engaging and meaningful community experiences.
Conclusion
Charlotte’s vibrant calendar for December 19-21, 2025, reflects a community energized by individual achievement and strategic local partnerships. From the sparkling waters of Lake Norman to the bustling holiday markets and cultural stages, these events provide ample opportunities for connection and celebration. They stand as a testament to what can be achieved when citizens and local organizations take the initiative, demonstrating that a focus on community choice and streamlined coordination truly fosters robust civic engagement. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to embrace these opportunities, support local ventures, and contribute to the ongoing development of dynamic community life in the region.
FAQ
- What is the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade?
- The Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual event on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., where illuminated boats parade from Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek Park, ending at Duke Energy Explorium. It benefits TOYS for Little Smiles.
- When is the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Christmas Market?
- The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Christmas Market is held for its final weekend from Friday, December 19, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, at both LoSo and Ballantyne biergarten locations.
- What performances are available from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra this weekend?
- The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents “Cirque De Noël” all weekend (December 19-21, 2025) at the Knight Theater, featuring acrobatics set to holiday classics. Performances are on Friday, December 19 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday, December 20 (3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), and Sunday, December 21 (3:00 p.m.).
- Are there opportunities for ice skating in Charlotte this weekend?
- Yes, Ice Skating at The Bowl at The Amp Ballantyne is open Friday, December 19 (4-10 p.m.), Saturday, December 20 (11 a.m.-10 p.m.), and Sunday, December 21 (noon-9 p.m.).
- Where can I see holiday lights in Charlotte?
- The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne’s Backyard offers dazzling, immersive holiday lights from December 19-21, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.. The Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field also features extensive light displays.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Festive Weekend (Dec. 19-21, 2025)
| Event Category | Highlights for Dec. 19-21, 2025 | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Parades & Lights | Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m. Benefits TOYS for Little Smiles. |
| Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Dec. 19-21, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at Ballantyne’s Backyard. | |
| Light the Knights Festival | Through Jan. 4, 2026, at Truist Field. Winter wonderland with lights, ice skating, snow tubing. | |
| Holiday Markets | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Christmas Market | Final weekend, Dec. 19-21, at LoSo and Ballantyne locations. 50+ local vendors, Santa on Dec. 20 (2-5 p.m.). |
| Urban District Market Holiday Market | Dec. 19-21, 12-5 p.m. Local vendors, tattoo pop-up, outdoor Christmas movie (Fri). | |
| Charlotte Vintage Market | Saturday, Dec. 20, at Lenny Boy Brewing. Over 30 vintage vendors. | |
| Camp North End’s Mistletoe Market | Last day Saturday, Dec. 20. Local vendors across 76 acres. | |
| Performing Arts | Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: “Cirque De Noël” | Dec. 19-21, at Knight Theater. Acrobatics to holiday classics. |
| Futurebirds Concert | Friday night, Dec. 19, at Neighborhood Theatre. | |
| Alyssa Edwards “A Very Mary Christmas” | Friday night, Dec. 19, at The Fillmore. | |
| Sports Events | Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds | Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at Bojangles Coliseum. |
| Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sunday afternoon, Dec. 21, at Bank of America Stadium. | |
| Family & Community Events | Ice Skating at The Bowl | Dec. 19-21 (various hours) at The Amp Ballantyne. |
| Rock Hill Outdoor Center’s Winter Showcase | Friday evening, Dec. 19. Art vendors, food, “The Polar Express.” | |
| Caromont Health Park Winter Wonderland | Saturday evening, Dec. 20. Activities, Santa, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” | |
| Classic Cruisers of Monroe’s Toys for Tots Cruise-In | Sunday, Dec. 21, 1-4 p.m. | |
| Pilot Brewing Holiday Party | Saturday, Dec. 20. Beer release, DIY ornaments, holiday sweater contest. Benefits Hearts United for Good. | |
| Hunnid Dollar Art Fair | Saturday, Dec. 20. Affordable pieces from local artists. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Port Charlotte Benefits from New Home Availability and Thriving Arts Scene
Charlotte Sees Surge in Public Safety Incidents
Former Brewery Co-Owner Faces New Felony Charges in Child Exploitation Case
Deadly Collision Claims Lives in York County
Holiday Assistance and Lumbee Tribe Recognition Progress
Charlotte Experiences Surge in Fatal Incidents and First Child Flu Death
Charlotte Restaurateurs Network at Accelerate Event
Tragic Shooting and Camper Fire Incidents in Charlotte and Gastonia
One Person Seriously Injured in East Charlotte Shooting
Huntersville’s Jones Family Lights Bring Holiday Joy
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
