Looking for a place to see holiday lights in the Charlotte Metro with your family or nanny kids? We have compiled a list of places around the area where you, your nanny kids, or your family can share in the merriment of the holiday season by viewing these holiday lights. We hope one of these events creates some fun family memories and brings joy to your holiday season!
1. McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA | McAdenville, NC
Visit this enchanting downtown to see a town full of classic Christmas lights and displays. This has been a Charlotte area holiday tradition since the 50’s. We recommend visiting early in the evening as traffic can get heavy. Or better yet, get there early, park your car, get hot chocolate, and walk around the town.
https://townofmcadenville.org/visitors/christmas-town-usa/
2. Ballantyne’s Backyard Carolina | Holiday Light Spectacular | Ballantyne’s Backyard
Visit Ballantyne’s backyard to see their Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular.
This immersive walk-through experience will feature a walking trail with over a million lights, holiday displays, and a jolly holiday village.
https://www.goballantyne.com/events/carolina-holiday-light-spectacular
3. Daniel Stowe Conservancy | Holidays at the Garden| Belmont, NC
Step inside a botanical garden of holiday lights at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Year after year Daniel Stowe does an amazing job at spreading holiday cheer with their annual holiday light display. Featuring a glowing light display across their new Prairie Castle Playground, a trackless train ride for children on Saturdays, food trucks, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa on Friday and Saturday evenings.
https://danielstoweconservancy.org/visit/holidays-at-the-garden/
4. Truist Field | Light the Knights Festival | Charlotte, NC
Join the Charlotte Knights for their annual Light the Knights festival featuring holiday lights, ice skating, snow tubing, and holiday vendors. Some activities require an additional ticket.
https://www.milb.com/charlotte-knights/ballpark/christmas
5. Charlotte Motor Speedway | Speedway Christmas | Concord, NC
This is a wonderful holiday experience for any fan of cars, racing, and holiday lights. At the speedway the holiday light display features a drive-thru light course with over 4 miles and millions of lights that are synchronized to music. This event also features a holiday village in the infield.
https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/speedway-christmas
6. Kannapolis | Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express | Village Park, Kannapolis, NC
Visit downtown Kannapolis for the Celebration of Lights and ride on the Winter Express at Village Park. There will be a beautiful holiday light display, opportunities to ride the Winter Express train, performances by the famous Leonard Bernstein Symphony Orchestra, rides on the Carousel, a FREE photo op with Santa, holiday crafts, s’mores, and local artisans on hand on weekends, and food trucks. You need to reserve train tickets in advance. The train and Carousel cost extra to ride.
7. Rock Hill | ChristmasVille & Fountain Park Lights | Rock Hill, SC
December 4th – 7th attend this fun downtown walk-through light display and 70 events and activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling carolers, art, theater, dance, music, a gingerbread house contest, multiple Santa activities, and a ice skating rink.
https://www.christmasvillerockhill.com/
8. Winter Wonderlights in Stumptown Park | Matthews, NC
Join the town of Matthews for this holiday light display featuring visits from Olaf and Elsa, food trucks, games, a winter maze, a visit from Santa, tree lighting, and more.
https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=21014
9. Birkdale Village Holiday Lights | Huntersville, NC
Visit Birkdale Village throughout the holiday season to see a synchronized light show, have breakfast with Santa, attend the Menorah Lighting, and enjoy visits with Santa.
https://www.birkdalevillage.com/events
10. Kingsley Town Center Lights | Fort Mill, SC
Join the community for a festive Holiday Celebration at Kingsley Town Center on December 6th, 2025. Enjoy free admission and an afternoon full of family-friendly holiday fun, including a cookie crawl, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive treats, photo ops, faux snow, food and drink samples, and holiday music from Fort Mill School Choirs. A joyful event for all ages to get into the holiday spirit!
