Charlotte, NC, December 12, 2025
This weekend, Charlotte will host a plethora of festive activities highlighting the holiday spirit. From captivating performances like ‘Clara’s Trip’ and ‘The Nutcracker’ to festive markets and parades, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in community celebrations. Activities also include WinterFest at Carowinds and the Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park. The collaborative effort among local leaders ensures a vibrant atmosphere, making Charlotte a hub of holiday cheer.
Charlotte Celebrates Holiday Spirit with Weekend Events
Join the festivities as Charlotte offers a delightful range of activities this weekend, from enchanting performances to vibrant community gatherings.
Charlotte, NC – This weekend, December 12-14, 2025, Charlotte will come alive with festive events that embody the holiday spirit, showcasing local culture and community. As residents and visitors explore a variety of activities, it is evident that a spirit of resilience and creativity thrives among local organizers. These events highlight how, with minimal bureaucratic hurdles, communities can come together to celebrate, innovate, and foster civic engagement.
The collaboration between local leaders, businesses, and residents is pivotal in creating a vibrant environment where events flourish. Access to unique experiences not only enriches the community’s cultural fabric but also fosters a sense of belonging. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top activities you can enjoy this weekend in Charlotte.
Holiday Performances
- Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
Experience a contemporary twist on the classic tale with performances at the Booth Playhouse. Shows are scheduled for Friday through Sunday, with matinee children’s shows on Saturday and Sunday. - The Nutcracker by Charlotte Ballet
Enjoy the traditional ballet accompanied by live music from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Belk Theater. Performances are available throughout the weekend. - Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas
Celebrate North Carolina’s musical heritage with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Knight Theater on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoon.
Festive Markets and Parades
- Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest
Experience a traditional German-style holiday market in downtown Belmont on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., featuring over 40 vendors, Bavarian food, drinks, and live music. - Reindog Parade at Camp North End
Join the 8th annual Reindog Parade on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., where pets and their owners can showcase festive attire. Participation is free. - Lake Wylie Boat Parade
Witness decorated boats illuminate Lake Wylie on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., a unique holiday tradition. Admission is free.
Additional Activities
- WinterFest at Carowinds
Enjoy a dazzling holiday celebration at Carowinds, featuring millions of lights, festive shows, and seasonal treats. The event runs through January 3, 2026. - Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Drive through a 3.75-mile course illuminated with over 4 million lights, a holiday tradition at the speedway. - Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park
Celebrate Chanukah on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring live music, traditional food, and a giant Menorah lighting. Admission is free.
Weather Forecast
Expect varied weather conditions throughout the weekend:
- Friday, December 12: Partly cloudy with a high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 29°F (-2°C).
- Saturday, December 13: Mostly cloudy with a high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C).
- Sunday, December 14: Breezy with plenty of sunshine; gusty winds and dry conditions may lead to a high fire threat. High of 44°F (7°C) and a low of 19°F (-7°C).
For more details on these events and others, visit local event listings and official websites. Enjoy the festive season in Charlotte!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the top holiday performances in Charlotte this weekend?
This weekend, Charlotte features several holiday performances, including “Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story” at the Booth Playhouse, “The Nutcracker” by Charlotte Ballet at the Belk Theater, and “Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas” by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Knight Theater.
What festive markets and parades are happening in Charlotte this weekend?
Charlotte offers several festive markets and parades this weekend, including the Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest in downtown Belmont on Saturday, the 8th annual Reindog Parade at Camp North End on Saturday, and the Lake Wylie Boat Parade on Saturday evening.
What are the weather conditions for Charlotte this weekend?
The weather forecast for Charlotte this weekend is as follows: Friday, December 12, will be partly cloudy with a high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 29°F (-2°C); Saturday, December 13, will be mostly cloudy with a high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C); and Sunday, December 14, will be breezy with plenty of sunshine, a high of 44°F (7°C), and a low of 19°F (-7°C).
Key Features of Charlotte’s Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story | Dec 12-14 | Booth Playhouse | Contemporary twist on the classic tale with acrobatic performances. |
| The Nutcracker by Charlotte Ballet | Dec 12-14 | Belk Theater | Traditional ballet accompanied by live music from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. |
| Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas | Dec 12-14 | Knight Theater | Celebration of North Carolina’s musical heritage with festive music. |
| Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest | Dec 13 | Downtown Belmont | Traditional German-style holiday market with vendors, food, and live music. |
| Reindog Parade at Camp North End | Dec 13 | Camp North End | 8th annual parade featuring pets and owners in festive attire. |
| Lake Wylie Boat Parade | Dec 13 | Lake Wylie | Decorated boats illuminating the lake in a unique holiday tradition. |
| WinterFest at Carowinds | Dec 12-14 | Carowinds | Holiday celebration with millions of lights, festive shows, and seasonal treats. |
| Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway | Dec 12-14 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Drive-through holiday light display with over 4 million lights. |
| Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park | Dec 14 | Symphony Park | Celebration with live music, traditional food, and a giant Menorah lighting. |
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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.
