The 2022 Holiday Season is upon us, with Thanksgiving being just days away and Christmas trailing closely behind it, which means this is the perfect season for engaging in festive activities. Here are a few festive activities to do this holiday season!
Watch the Thanksgiving Parade live and in person this year on Thanksgiving eve. The 76th annual Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Wednesday, November 23rd, in Uptown at 5:30PM. Floats, performers and large inflatables will parade down Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way. If you’re too busy prepping the turkey for the next day, you can watch the parade on WBTV starting at 6PM. General admission is free. VIP tickets, which guarantee seating between 3rd St. and Levine Avenue, are $35.
Ice Skating & other winter activities @ The Whitewater Center. Ice skating returns now through February with two ice trails and two free skate zones. The “Lights” program returns, featuring an entirely new set of illuminated installations along a half-mile walking trail will also run through February. Also featured are two new suspension bridges that are longer than 600 feet and more than 60 feet above the canyon below, which will connect you to a whole new activity area. A new outdoor Pond Hockey league begins in January, which will follow a three-vs-three format. League registration is now open online. The WWC’s daily yoga series will also be extended beyond September for the first time. Daily classes now take place year-round at the South Ridge complex.
Shop Until You Drop @ The Southern Christmas Show. The Charlotte holiday tradition has returned to The Park Expo and Conference Center until November 20th. This year’s theme is A Winter Wonderland. You can expect more than 400 vendors, designer rooms, Christmas Tree Lane, Olde Town, an entertainment stage and, of course, Santa will be there. Tickets are $16 at the door and $5 for children 6-12 years old. Children under 5 years old get in free with a paying adult. You can also buy tickets at participating Harris Teeters for $13.50 with a VIC card through November 20th. Group tickets for more than 20 people are $13 per person and must be purchased in advance. Christmas show hours are 10AM-6PM Sunday through Wednesday; 10AM-9PM Thursday through Saturday. There is a fee for parking, $10 for standard parking; $20 for valet parking.
Experience WinterFest @ Carowinds. Catch dazzling light displays and live shows or do a hands-on activity like cookie decorating. Winterfest is jam-packed with fun and immersive holiday festivities that the entire family can enjoy. The WinterFest Wonderland parade will start at 9PM and feature a special guest from Mr. Claus himself. They are open select nights November 21st through January 1, 2023. Ticket pricing is $32.99 without a season pass. Free for seasonpass holders.
Go for a walk in Daniel Stowe Gardens. The Daniel Stowe Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual “Holidays at the Garden” event. Walk along the trail and take in the dazzling light displays, then stop by one of the food trucks for a quick bite or a warm drink. Opens November 25th through December 31st for the holiday experience. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5PM-9PM. The cost is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+, $10 for children 2-12, free for children under 2.
The holidays will be happening in Optimist Hall. The holiday season kicks off Friday, December 2nd at Optimist Hall with live carolers and festive treats from 7PM-10PM. Santa Claus is comin’ to the hall on Saturday, December, 10th, from 10AM-2PM. But a little reindeer told us he’ll be making frequent visits to take pictures with your pets at Billy Sunday throughout the season.
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