Things to Do

2026 Holiday Events in South Charlotte: Lights, Parades and More

Tree lightings, a Christmas parade, an outdoor ice rink and a walk-through light show. The 2026 holiday season across South Charlotte, with dates confirmed so far.

By Tripper Wood · October 23, 2026

The holiday season in South Charlotte starts the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs into the new year. Most towns hold a free tree lighting, Waxhaw throws one of the area's biggest Christmas parades, and Ballantyne turns into a winter destination with an outdoor ice rink and a walk-through light show. This guide collects the 2026 dates that organizers have published as of late October, plus what's still to be announced. Plans can change, so check the official page linked in each section before you head out.

The 2026 holiday calendar at a glance

Sat., Nov. 21: Waxhaw Tree Lighting, 4–6 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 21 – Sun., Jan. 10: Ice Skating at The Bowl, Ballantyne
Late November (date to be announced): Weddington Christmas Tree Lighting
Fri., Nov. 27 – Wed., Dec. 30 (select nights): Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, Ballantyne
Fri., Nov. 27 – Sun., Jan. 3 (select dates): WinterFest at Carowinds
Fri., Dec. 4: Pineville Tree Lighting, 5:30–7 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 5: Marvin Tree Lighting (time to be announced)
Sun., Dec. 13: Waxhaw Christmas Parade, 3 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 19: Wreaths Across America in Waxhaw, noon
Thu., Dec. 31: New Year's Eve celebration and fireworks at Carowinds

Ballantyne: ice skating and a light trail

Ice Skating at The Bowl

The Bowl at Ballantyne puts an outdoor ice rink inside TD Amp Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Avenue, from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 10. According to The Bowl:

Admission: $20 per person, $15 for children 5 and under, with skate rental included. If you bring your own skates, it's $18. Online tickets carry a small convenience fee.
Sessions: one hour.
Regular hours: Monday–Thursday 4–9 p.m., Friday 4–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday noon–9 p.m.
Holiday hours: noon–10 p.m. Nov. 25–27 and during winter break (Dec. 20 – Jan. 2, with Saturdays 11 a.m.–10 p.m.). Christmas Eve is noon–6 p.m. and Christmas Day is 3–10 p.m.
Weather: the rink closes in bad weather, and tickets are rescheduled or refunded.
Parking: nearby surface lots and garages offer three or more hours free.

All patrons must complete a digital waiver before buying tickets. The rink also serves as a donation site for Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need, which provides food support to families at 12 Ballantyne-area public schools.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

Now in its fifth season, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road, on select nights from Friday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 30. It's a walk-through trail with more than 40 lighted scenes and free live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. each open night.

Hours: gates open at 5:30 p.m., the last ticket is sold at 9 p.m. and the show closes at 9:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve the last ticket is 7:30 p.m.
Closed: Nov. 30, Dec. 1–2, Dec. 7–9, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.
Tickets: general admission starts at $20, and twilight tickets after 8 p.m. on select nights start at $10. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are date-specific, and prices go up at the gate.
Santa: on site every open night through Dec. 23, with free photos on your own phone or camera.
Getting in: parking is free at the Wells Fargo building, which is also the only entrance. There's no entrance from The Bowl side.
Accessibility: paths are concrete or decking and work for strollers and wheelchairs, with some gradual inclines.

If you're new to the area, our Living in Ballantyne guide covers the rest of what this part of town offers.

Waxhaw: tree lighting, parade and more

Waxhaw packs the most into the season. The town's 2026 calendar, as reported by The Waxhaws Dispatch, includes:

Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.
Tree Lighting: Saturday, Nov. 21, 4–6 p.m.
Senior Christmas Party: Saturday, Dec. 5, noon–2 p.m.
Christmas Parade: Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m.
Wreaths Across America: Saturday, Dec. 19, noon

A Menorah Lighting is also on the town's list, but no date had been confirmed.

Waxhaw Christmas Parade tips

The Town of Waxhaw says the parade features school marching bands, floats and entries from more than 70 businesses and community groups, and a visit from Santa. It draws a big crowd, so arrive early and expect delays.

Road closures: the route closes to inbound traffic at 2:30 p.m. and to all vehicles at 2:45 p.m. It reopens at 5:30 p.m.
No parking on the route: parking is no longer allowed along the parade route.
Suggested parking: Waxhaw Downtown Park at 301 Givens Street, or 521 N. Broome Street.
Accessible parking: along N. Church Street between Price Street and McDonald Street, and in the lot next to the Waxhaw Woman's Club. This area closes once it's full or at 2:45 p.m.

Groups that want to march can register until Nov. 30. For more on the town itself, see our Waxhaw page and our Waxhaw vs. Weddington comparison.

Weddington and Marvin tree lightings

Weddington holds its annual Christmas Tree Lighting in late November. As of early October, the town hadn't announced the 2026 date or venue, The Waxhaws Dispatch reported. The town's Park and Events Advisory Board had confirmed food vendors, a DJ, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and planned a mailbox for letters to Santa. The town's event page describes the tradition at Weddington Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Road, with local entertainment, s'mores, cookies, hot cocoa, food trucks and a toy drive. Bring a new, unwrapped gift. Watch the town's site for the 2026 details.

Marvin's tree lighting is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, at Marvin Efird Park, 8909 New Town Road, according to Stroll Firethorne. The Village of Marvin hadn't released a time or full details, and a holiday shopping market may be added.

Read more about both towns on our Weddington and Marvin pages.

Pineville tree lighting

The Town of Pineville lights its tree on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 505 Main Street. It's an easy evening to pair with dinner in Pineville's small downtown. See our Pineville page for more on the town.

Matthews: watch for the 2026 date

Matthews hadn't published a date for its 2026 tree lighting at Stumptown Park as of Oct. 23. For reference, last year's free Winter Wonderlights event was Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade Street. It included a tree and park lighting, Santa photos, holiday crafts, a winter maze, food trucks and performances on stage, Charlotte on the Cheap reported. Check the Town of Matthews calendar for this year's date. Our Matthews and Pineville guide covers both downtowns.

Steele Creek: WinterFest at Carowinds

On the southwest side, Carowinds at 14523 Carowinds Blvd. hosts WinterFest on select dates from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. Expect holiday live shows, including the park's Tinker's Toy Factory musical, light displays, Santa visits, cookie decorating and up to 29 rides and attractions. Carowinds says live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission. Food, drinks, merchandise and some holiday experiences cost extra.

The park will also hold a New Year's Eve party with a countdown and fireworks on Dec. 31, WSOC-TV reported. Check the park calendar for the exact operating days before you buy tickets. Our Living in Steele Creek guide covers the rest of the area.

Tips for the season

Go early on big nights. Parades and opening weekends draw crowds, and parking fills fast.
Buy timed tickets ahead. Both the light show and the ice rink sell online, and the light show charges more at the gate.
Check the weather. Outdoor rinks and light trails can close or reschedule for severe weather.
Bring a donation. Weddington's tree lighting collects toys, and the Ballantyne rink collects food for local families.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Waxhaw Christmas Parade in 2026?

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, at 3 p.m. in downtown Waxhaw. The route closes to all vehicles at 2:45 p.m. and reopens at 5:30 p.m.

When does ice skating at The Bowl in Ballantyne open?

The rink at TD Amp Ballantyne is open from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027. Admission is $20, or $15 for children 5 and under, with skate rental included.

Is Santa at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular every night?

Santa is there every open night through Dec. 23, and photos with your own phone or camera are free. The show continues through Dec. 30 without Santa.

Has Matthews announced its 2026 tree lighting?

Not as of Oct. 23, 2026. Last year's event was Dec. 6, 2025, at Stumptown Park. Check the Town of Matthews calendar for updates.

Sources

Ballantyne Waxhaw Weddington Marvin Pineville Matthews Steele Creek