Charlotte, December 13, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina, welcomes the holiday season with festive parades, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Events include major Christmas parades in Kannapolis, Mount Holly, and Fort Mill, as well as a special Hanukkah concert by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Additional activities like Light the Knights and the McAdenville Christmas Town Lights further enhance the holiday spirit in the community. Enjoy the joy and traditions that bring together residents and visitors alike during this magical time of year.
Charlotte, NC: Holiday Season Brings Festive Parades and Celebrations
Charlotte, North Carolina, is embracing the holiday season with a variety of festive events, including Christmas parades, Hanukkah celebrations, and community activities. Here’s an overview of the upcoming events in the area.
Upcoming Christmas Parades
Kannapolis Christmas Parade
Date and Time: December 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Details: One of North Carolina’s oldest nighttime parades, featuring numerous floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The parade route begins at the intersection of Main Street and Laureate Way, proceeding past Kannapolis City Hall & Police Headquarters, turning onto West Avenue at the Gem Theatre, and continuing down West Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing.
Mount Holly Annual Christmas Parade
Date and Time: December 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: The parade will traverse Central Avenue and Main Street in historic downtown Mount Holly, showcasing festive floats, creative displays, and holiday cheer suitable for all ages.
78th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Date and Time: December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Details: This longstanding parade features bands, floats, dancing, go-carts, singing, schools, officials, churches, businesses, scouts, and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade route starts at Tom Hall and Unity Street, continues through Main Street and North White Street, and concludes at Walter Elisha Park.
Hanukkah Celebrations
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert
Date and Time: December 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte
Details: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will host a concert featuring local cantors and choirs, along with a sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.
Additional Holiday Events
Light the Knights
Date and Time: December 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and December 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: A festive event featuring holiday lights, entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages.
McAdenville Annual Christmas Town Lights
Date and Time: December 1, 2025, through January 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Details: Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville transforms into a holiday wonderland with extensive light displays and festive decorations. Visitors can drive through the town to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Background Context
Charlotte and its surrounding areas have a rich tradition of celebrating the holiday season with various events that bring the community together. From parades and concerts to light displays and cultural festivities, these events offer residents and visitors numerous opportunities to experience the joy and spirit of the holidays.
For the most current information on event schedules and any potential changes, it’s advisable to check official event websites or local community boards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kannapolis Christmas Parade?
The Kannapolis Christmas Parade is one of North Carolina’s oldest nighttime parades, featuring numerous floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The parade route begins at the intersection of Main Street and Laureate Way, proceeding past Kannapolis City Hall & Police Headquarters, turning onto West Avenue at the Gem Theatre, and continuing down West Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing.
When is the Mount Holly Annual Christmas Parade?
The Mount Holly Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The parade will traverse Central Avenue and Main Street in historic downtown Mount Holly, showcasing festive floats, creative displays, and holiday cheer suitable for all ages.
What is the Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert?
The Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert is an event hosted by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on December 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St, Charlotte. The concert features local cantors and choirs, along with a sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.
What is Light the Knights?
Light the Knights is a festive event featuring holiday lights, entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages. The event is scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and December 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
When are the McAdenville Annual Christmas Town Lights?
The McAdenville Annual Christmas Town Lights event runs from December 1, 2025, through January 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville transforms into a holiday wonderland with extensive light displays and festive decorations. Visitors can drive through the town to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date and Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kannapolis Christmas Parade | December 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. | Kannapolis, NC | One of North Carolina’s oldest nighttime parades, featuring numerous floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. |
| Mount Holly Annual Christmas Parade | December 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Mount Holly, NC | Parade showcasing festive floats, creative displays, and holiday cheer suitable for all ages. |
| 78th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade | December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. | Fort Mill, SC | Features bands, floats, dancing, go-carts, singing, schools, officials, churches, businesses, scouts, and Santa Claus. |
| Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert | December 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. | Charlotte, NC | Hosted by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, featuring local cantors and choirs, along with a sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs. |
| Light the Knights | December 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and December 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Charlotte, NC | Festive event featuring holiday lights, entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages. |
| McAdenville Annual Christmas Town Lights | December 1, 2025, through January 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | McAdenville, NC | Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville transforms into a holiday wonderland with extensive light displays and festive decorations. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duke University Wins First ACC Football Championship Since 1962
Charlotte Checkers Owner Plans $30 Million Practice Rink in East Charlotte
Charlotte Celebrates the Holiday Spirit with Weekend Events
Charges Dismissed Against Cristobal Maltos in Immigration Case
Mecklenburg County Opens Applications for Energy Assistance Program
Truist Wealth Launches New Mobile-First Investment Platform
Truist Financial Lowers Prime Lending Rate to Boost Local Economy
North Carolina Film Industry Thrives with New Grant Initiatives
Charlotte’s Festive Weekend: Top Events to Enjoy
Duke University Claims First ACC Football Title in Over Six Decades
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.
