Charlotte 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Guide

 

Charlotte’s 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies 

 

Get Ready To Watch Charlotte Sparkle & Shine!

 

Ready to get into the Christmas spirit? Greater Charlotte is about to light up for the holidays, and there’s no shortage of ways to join the festivities! From dazzling Christmas trees and spectacular fireworks to holiday parades, visits with Santa, live entertainment and plenty of hot chocolate, the season is packed with reasons to get out and usher in the holiday season!

 

With 32 Christmas tree lighting celebrations across the Greater Charlotte region, there’s something for everyone! Looking for a big celebration with thousands of twinkling lights? A small-town tradition with Christmas carols and community festivities? Or an evening of holiday shopping, entertainment and a visit with Santa? You’ll find it all, from Lake Norman to Waxhaw and from Concord to Fort Mill.

 

Let the countdowns begin! I’ve rounded up 32 tree lighting celebrations throughout the Charlotte region, arranged chronologically so you can plan your holiday outings from mid-November through December. Pick your favorites, mark your calendar and get ready to watch Greater Charlotte sparkle!

 

 

1. Kannapolis Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, November 13

 

Time: 6:30 PM; fireworks approximately 6:45 PM

Location: Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC

Kannapolis opens its annual Celebration of Lights with live music, entertainment, the official tree lighting and fireworks. The park features thousands of lights, the Winterland Express train, a carousel and the Kannapolis Singing Bears. Admission is free; train and carousel rides require tickets.

 

2. Cotswold Village Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 14

 

Time: 4–7 PM

Location: Cotswold Village, 242 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC

Celebrate the holiday season at Cotswold Village with the tree lighting, complimentary hot cocoa and promotional tote giveaways. Admission is free.

 

3. LangTree Lake Norman Annual Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 14

 

Time: 5–9 PM; tree lighting at 7:30 PM

Location: 401 Langtree Road, Mooresville, NC

LangTree’s celebration includes Santa visits, bounce houses, a DJ, the Langtree Charter Academy Band, food and beverage vendors, craft vendors, face painting and a North Pole Post Office for letters to Santa.

 

4. Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC Tree Lighting — Tuesday, November 17

 

Time: 5:30–9 PM; ceremony at 6:30 PM, tree lighting at 7 PM

Location: Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC

The Panthers and Charlotte FC present their 13th annual tree lighting, featuring a 50-foot Norway spruce. Enjoy a stage show, Santa meet-and-greets, hot chocolate stations, winter crafts and letter writing along the stadium concourse.

Admission is free, but mobile tickets are required. Enter through the Mint Street screening area near 410 S. Mint Street.

 

5. Town of Weddington Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, November 20

 

Time: 5–8 PM

Location: Weddington Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington, NC

Weddington’s holiday celebration includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music by School of Rock Waxhaw, hot chocolate, ice cream, vendors and a mailbox for letters to Santa. Beer and wine will also be available.

 

6. Concord’s 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, November 20

 

Time: 6–9 PM

Location: Downtown Concord, NC; Santa Land at Courthouse Plaza

Concord goes all out with two stages of entertainment, food trucks, a kids’ zone, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a free screening of The Polar Express and fireworks to finish the evening. Admission is free.

 

7. Kings Mountain Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, November 20

 

Time: 6 PM ceremony; festivities listed through 9 PM

Location: Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC

Kings Mountain begins its Christmas celebrations with the lighting of the community tree at Patriots Park. More holiday festivities return December 5 for the town’s Christmas parade and festival.

 

8. The Lighting of Birkdale Village — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: 2–7 PM; parade at 4:30 PM, tree lighting at 6 PM

Location: Birkdale Village, 16725 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC

One of Lake Norman’s largest holiday celebrations features dance performances, face painting, balloon artists and a parade with Santa, first responders and the Hopewell High School Marching Band. A live band follows the lighting. The seasonal ice rink also opens, with skating available for a fee.

 

 

9. All Is Bright at Blakeney — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: 3–6 PM

Location: Blakeney Town Center, 9870 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC

Blakeney’s annual celebration includes visits with Santa, hot cocoa, a DJ with games, face painting, balloon artists, roaming entertainers and opportunities to write letters to Santa. A festive afternoon in the heart of South Charlotte.

 

10. Waxhaw Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: 4–6 PM; tree lighting at 5:45 PM

Location: Community Corner, Downtown Waxhaw, NC

Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday entertainment, character appearances, free crafts and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market with handmade goods and gifts. After the tree lighting, downtown businesses continue the celebration with “Keep the Glow Going” from 6–8 PM.

 

11. Holiday Magic at Rea Farms — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: 4–8 PM; tree lighting at 7 PM

Location: Rea Farms, 9855 Sandy Hook Place, Charlotte, NC

This free celebration includes Santa photos, visits with Mickey and Minnie and characters from Frozen, cookie decorating, cocoa, train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, princess story time and special holiday activities.

 

12. Five Points Plaza Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: Community event listed for 4–8 PM; tree lighting around 6 PM

Location: Five Points Plaza, Charlotte’s Historic West End

The Five Points Community Collaborative is bringing its community tree lighting celebration back to the plaza. Additional entertainment details have not yet been confirmed.

 

13. Monroe Christmas Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 21

 

Time: 6–8 PM; tree lighting at 7 PM

Location: Main Street, Downtown Monroe, NC

Monroe has moved its tree lighting to the same weekend as the Christmas parade. The community gathers downtown Saturday evening to illuminate the tree, followed by the annual parade on Sunday, November 22 at 2 PM.

 

14. Light Up Cornelius — Saturday, November 28

 

Time: 4–7 PM; tree lighting at approximately 6:30 PM

Location: Downtown Cornelius, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC

The town’s annual event features community performances, a sledding hill, trackless train rides, a model train display, s’mores, food and drink and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.

 

15. China Grove Christmas Tree Lighting — Saturday, November 28

 

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Hanna Park, China Grove, NC

China Grove celebrates the season with the lighting of its community Christmas tree, candlelit Christmas carols and a performance by a local school choir. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn add to the festivities.

 

16. Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting — Monday, November 30

 

Time: 6–7 PM; lighting at 6 PM

Location: Old City Hall, Downtown Belmont, NC

Belmont’s annual Christmas tree lighting features holiday caroling, seasonal treats and the illumination of the town’s Christmas tree. Admission is free.

 

17. Christmas Town USA — McAdenville — Tuesday, December 1

 

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: 102 Main Street, McAdenville, NC

McAdenville switches on its famous Christmas lights with a tree lighting ceremony and countdown. The celebration marks the beginning of the town’s annual light display, featuring more than 250 illuminated evergreens, floating Christmas trees on the lake and beautifully decorated homes. Lights remain on nightly through December 26.

 

18. Mount Holly Downtown Tree Lighting — Tuesday, December 1

 

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Main Street, Downtown Mount Holly, NC

Join Mayor David Moore for the downtown Christmas tree lighting. Local businesses will host a holiday window scavenger hunt and balloon and bubble artists will add to the festivities.

 

19. Tega Cay Lighting of the Tree & Santa’s Arrival — Thursday, December 3

 

Time: Not yet confirmed for 2026; previous ceremonies began at 6 PM

Location: Previously held at the Philip T. Glennon Community Center, 15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC

Tega Cay mayor and City Council will welcome Santa and officially begin the city’s Christmas celebrations. The city has confirmed December 3 but has not yet published the full schedule or venue details for 2026.

 

20. Fort Mill Christmas Village & Lighting of the Tree — Thursday, December 3

 

Time: 5–8 PM; tree lighting at 6 PM

Location: Walter Y. Elisha Park Amphitheater, 345 N. White Street, Fort Mill, SC

The Town of Fort Mill celebrates with its 50-foot Christmas tree, school choir and dance performances, a Christmas Village with local vendors, trackless train rides, food trucks and photos with Santa. Admission is free.

 

21. Christmas in Davidson Tree Lighting — Thursday, December 3

 

Time: 6 PM opening ceremony; festival 6–9 PM nightly December 3–5

Location: Davidson Town Green, Downtown Davidson, NC

Christmas in Davidson begins with Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the tree on the Town Green. The three-day celebration also features a holiday light show, strolling entertainment, live nativity displays, artisan vendors, crafts and bubble snowflakes.

 

22. Town of Pineville Tree Lighting — Friday, December 4

 

Time: 5:30–7 PM

Location: Pineville Town Hall, 505 Main Street, Pineville, NC

Pineville celebrates the start of the Christmas season with its annual town tree lighting. Local event guides also advertise a candy cane hunt, s’mores, Santa and festive activities.

 

23. Mount Holly Deck the Hall — Friday, December 4

 

Time: 5–8 PM; tree lighting at 5:30 PM

Location: The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Avenue, Mount Holly, NC

This free indoor/outdoor celebration includes the annual Christmas tree lighting, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music by the Yuletides, shopping with local vendors, food trucks and holiday activities.

 

24.  Harrisburg Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, December 4

 

Time: 6–8:30 PM; tree lighting shortly after 6 PM

Location: Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg, NC

Harrisburg’s celebration features craft vendors, food trucks, live performances and a visit from Santa. The town also selects a local elementary-school student or group of siblings to help light the tree. Admission is free.

 

25. Huntersville Town Tree Lighting — Friday, December 4

 

Time: 6–8 PM; tree lighting at 6:30 PM

Location: Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC

The Town of Huntersville hosts live music, rides, food and beverage vendors and Santa’s Workshop. The celebration continues Saturday, December 5 with Holidays in Huntersville, featuring more vendors, performers, ice sculptures and holiday characters.

 

26. Matthews Winter Wonderlights — Saturday, December 5

 

Time: 3:30–6:30 PM; lighting ceremony begins around 5:30 PM, with the tree and park illuminated around 6:30 PM

Location: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC

Matthews brings Stumptown Park to life with holiday crafts, glitter tattoos, inflatables, balloon twisting by Curley the Clown, community performances and photos with Santa.

The entertainment lineup includes Charlotte Academy of Music, Crestdale Middle School Chorus, Charlotte Dance Alliance and Metrolina Christian Academy Choir.

New for 2026: the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market runs from 2:30–7:30 PM, offering an opportunity to shop before and after the lighting. Food and treat trucks will also be available.

 

27. Indian Trail Winterfest & Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 5

 

Time: Christmas parade at 4 PM; Winterfest 6–9 PM

Location: Chestnut Square Park, 220 Chestnut Parkway, Indian Trail, NC

The afternoon Christmas parade leads into Winterfest, featuring free hot chocolate, snow sledding, photos with Santa, the official tree lighting and additional holiday activities.

 

28. Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 5

 

Time: Christmas parade at 3:30 PM; tree lighting at 5:30 PM

Location: Mount Pleasant Town Hall, 8590 Park Drive, Mount Pleasant, NC

Mount Pleasant celebrates with its annual Christmas parade followed by festivities at Town Hall. The parade travels along East Franklin Street toward the Town Square, continues onto North Main Street and finishes at North Drive.

The tree lighting celebration includes food vendors, a DJ, games and a 100% chance of snow! Children can also register for an opportunity to be selected to help light the town’s Christmas tree.  Admission is free.

 

29. Village of Marvin Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 5

 

Time: 5–7 PM

Location: Marvin Efird Park, 8909 New Town Road, Marvin, NC

Marvin celebrates the season with its annual community tree lighting at Marvin Efird Park. Additional activities and entertainment details have not yet been announced.

 

30. Mint Hill Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 5

 

Time: 5:30–9 PM; tree lighting scheduled around 6:30 PM

Location: Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill, NC

Mint Hill combines its annual Christmas parade with the lighting of the town tree. Expect holiday entertainment, food trucks and Santa Claus. The parade travels along Matthews-Mint Hill Road, with the celebration continuing at Town Hall.

 

31. Gastonia Christmas in the City & Tree Lighting — Sunday, December 6

 

Time: 4:30–7:30 PM; tree lighting following the parade

Location: Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South Street, Downtown Gastonia, NC

Gastonia combines its Christmas tree lighting with the annual Gaston County Jaycees Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 4:30 PM and travels east along Main Avenue. The Keep Gastonia Beautiful tree lighting follows at the pavilion.

The event also features live music, free entertainment and holiday activities.

 

32. Indian Land Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — Saturday, December 12

 

Time: Christmas Village opens at 10 AM; parade at 4 PM; awards and tree lighting at 5:30 PM

Location: CrossRidge Center, Indian Land, SC

Indian Land’s Christmas festivities have a new location for 2026! This year’s “Candy Canes & Christmas Carols” celebration brings the Christmas Village, parade and lighting of a new 50-foot tree together at CrossRidge Center. The day also features the Elf on the Run 5K and holiday performances.