The holiday season is here and December celebrations are well underway. If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate with loved ones, look no further than one of our Lake Norman Luxury Vacation Rentals. A stay in one of our Lake Norman waterfront homes is a holiday getaway you and yours will never forget. With homes that sleep anywhere from 8-21 guests you’ll have room for the whole crew. Every one of our homes is the perfect base from which to explore the many Lake Norman and Charlotte area holiday happenings. We’ve gathered up some of our favorites and listed them here to help you experience the holidays like never before.
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS THE KIDS WILL ENJOY
If holiday activities for kids are what you are after, you won’t be disappointed. The list below includes Chanukah celebrations, Winter Solstice celebrations, and Christmas events! If you are looking for where to find Santa, jump ahead to the next section!
When: December 8th – 11th, 13th-23rd
Where: North Carolina Transportation Museum
Participants are encouraged to wear pajamas when this holiday favorite comes to life aboard the trains at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. There will be cookies and hot cocoa and a reading of the Polar Express Book while young ones are transported to Santa’s Village where everyone can remember what it’s like to hear the bell and believe.
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village
When: December 20th
Where: Birkdale Village
Come to celebrate the third day of Chanukah with the Chabad of Lake Norman at Birkdale Village. There will be group activities, hot food, and drinks, all making for a memorable evening with your loved ones.
Movies on Main Presents Holiday Films
When: December 21st, 8-10pm
Where: Charles Mack Citizen Center
Bring a blanket and your friends and family for a free movie night where you’ll enjoy the Holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life!
RCNP Winter Solstice Celebration for Kids
When: December 21st, 3pm
Where: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Spend some time with your loved ones outdoors this holiday season at the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve where you’ll celebrate as the seasons shift from Fall to Winter.
WHERE TO TAKE PICTURES WITH SANTA
If photos with Santa are part of your Christmas tradition, there are plenty of fully immersive experiences to choose from! The following events will make you and your young ones feel like they’ve landed at the North Pole!
A Classic Christmas in Downtown Mooresville
When: December 9th, 6-9pm
Where: Downtown Mooresville
You’ll not only find Santa in Downtown Mooresville, but you’ll also find ice skating, Christmas carolers, live musical performances, plenty of shopping and dining, hot cocoa and treats, a gingerbread house competition and a life-sized snow globe!
When: November 20th – December 24th
Where: Birkdale Village
The elves have told us that booking an appointment is recommended to ensure a special time with Santa at his North-pole inspired cottage in Birkdale Village. Walk-ups are accepted if time allows.
Zootastic Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights
When: November 18th – January 1st
Where: Zootastic Park
Have you ever heard that Santa has baby kangaroos? He does at Zootastic Park! You’ll also experience 4 million Christmas lights in their drive-thru display. Be sure to stop for hot chocolate, s’mores, and a ride on their carousel or train!
EVENTS FOR THE ACTIVE ADVENTURER
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t explore the great outdoors and the wonderful winter activities this time of year brings. There is ice skating, hiking, snow tubing and even the option of a Holiday 5k!
Ice Skating at the US National Whitewater Center
When: Mid-November – Mid-February
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
The Whitewater River has turned to ice! There are two open skating rinks and an ice trail to explore at the Whitewater Center this year. Also available are hot cocoa, beer, and snacks for all to enjoy!
When: November 23rd – January 6th
Where: Truist Field
Did someone say snow tubing in Charlotte? Truist Field has transformed into a winter wonderland, with ice skating and hockey rinks, a holiday light show, a Christmas Village complete with European treats, and a 150-foot snow tubing hill!
Huntersville Half Marathon and Holiday 5k
When: December 9th-10th
Where: Huntersville
The Huntersville Holiday 5k starts Friday night at 7pm with the Half-Marathon and 10k event starting on Saturday morning at 8am. Runners can compete in two events if they are up for the challenge!
HOLIDAY MARKET SHOPPING AT ITS FINEST
If holiday shopping is on your to-do list, you’ll discover plenty of beautiful gifts and one-of-a-kind finds at the many Christmas Markets that come to town. Immerse yourself in these European-style holiday markets where food, music, and shopping abounds.
Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market
When: December 9th-11th, 16th-18th
Where: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Come experience a German Christmas Village when the Biergarten transforms into a holiday market, complete with shopping, music, lights, food, fire pits, and of course, plenty of beer!
When: December 4th, 11th, 18th
Where: Camp North End
Camp North End transforms into a Winter Wonderland with 25 of the most amazing regional handmade and vintage vendors. You’ll also find dogs in sweaters, marshmallow roasting over an open fire, live music, food, and drink!
EVENTS FOR LOVERS OF ARTS AND CULTURE
With so many museums, cultural centers, performing arts venues, and galleries so close to Lake Norman there is no lack of events that tantalize the senses and engage the intellectual. These December events are ones that every art lover and cultural enthusiast will love.
Charlotte Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
When: December 9th-23rd
Where: Belk Theater
With live music from the Charlotte Symphony, the Charlotte Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” is one you won’t want to miss!
When: December 24th
Where: Epstein Family Chabad Center
See Yoel Sharabi perform live on the seventh night of Chanukah during a time of celebration and music. Refreshments will be served and a Menorah lighting will take place. This is a Chanukah event you won’t want to miss!
When: December 26th – January 1st
Where: Charlotte
Join Kwanzaa Charlotte for 7 days of Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte! Each celebration highlights the 7 principles of the Nguzu Saba, which are unity, self-determination, collective and work responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Holiday House Tours at Historic Rosedale
When: December 6th – December 22nd
Where: Historic Rosedale
Walk through rooms of Christmas past as you witness a Victorian Christmas Dinner setting in the Great Hall, a 1940’s wartime family parlour decorated for the Holidays, and a cellar kitchen full of traditions of the African-American community at Rosedale.
When: November 25th – December 31st
Where: The Schiele Museum
Take a journey in the James H. Lynn Planetarium & Science Theater as you experience holidays as they are celebrated around the world in this seasonal film.
Winter Solstice Celebration at UUCC
When: December 21st, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte
There will be crafts, celebration, and hot beverages as you celebrate the Winter Solstice and the returning sun in this multigenerational, outdoor service. Dress warm and bring a chair!
CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS
If you’re looking for where to find the best Christmas light displays in Lake Norman and the surrounding areas, look no further than the following list. These Christmas light attractions will take your holiday celebrations to a whole new level.
4th Annual Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
When: December 17th, 5:30-7pm
Where: Lake Norman
This is a Lake Norman Christmas Tradition you won’t want to miss! Boats follow a path from Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek to the Duke Explorium. Be sure to end the festivities with a delicious meal from one of the food trucks stationed at Duke Explorium.
When: November 18th – January 8th
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Less than 30 miles from Lake Norman, the Speedway Christmas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the Southeast’s largest Christmas holiday traditions. Four million lights follow a four-mile course, set to synchronized Christmas music. The show is open from 6-10pm, rain or shine.
When: December 1st – 26th
Where: McAdenville
Enjoy over a mile of resident’s homes decked out for the holidays in this illuminated Christmas tradition. Viewers can explore by car or foot. Be sure to check the calendar for special events throughout the month.
THE PERFECT STAY FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY
Whether you enjoy drinking hot cocoa after a long day of ice skating or taking in the lights after a fun day of holiday shopping, Lake Norman has something for everyone. Why not make Lake Norman the holiday destination you return to year after year? Make your holidays magical by spending them in one of our stunning lakefront homes for rent. Start a new tradition when you cozy up in one of our luxury vacation rentals while making the most of this holiday season with the ones you love.
Article Updated December 5th, 2022
