Four Reasons YOU Should Donate a Coat to the 12th Annual Charlotte Coat Drive
August 22, 2022
During these cold fall and winter months, we are hyper focused on warmth. Of course, that typically means helping you avoid cold water and frozen pipes and maintaining or servicing your heating unit. But we like to have fun too! We have rounded up six festive events around town that are sure to warm up your holiday spirit. So, bundle up, grab your face covering and enjoy a variety of sights and sounds around Charlotte.
Note: As promoted, these events appear to be following government guidelines and enforcing the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of Covid-19. However, please use your best judgment about crowd size and safety and leave if it appears you cannot socially distance properly and/or if the venue or other guests are not following all government ordinances/guidelines. Check the host venue’s website or call prior to arriving for any scheduling/logistics changes.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: Ice Skating & Lights
You’re never too old to ice skate! The U.S. National Whitewater Center always has fun outdoor activities and through mid-February, you can skate on an ice trail or free skate on 17,000 sq. ft. of ice. Ice skating capacity has been limited pursuant to guidance regarding outdoor ice skating in NC Executive Order #169.
If tossing blades on your feet isn’t your thing, perhaps you might like their illuminated walking trail called “Lights.” The website describes it as “a series of immersive light installations featuring webs, vines, crystals and other natural features integrated into the forest.”
When: Both activities are available mid-November through mid-February; check the schedule here for ice skating hours. You can experience Lights from 6-10 p.m. daily.
Pricing: Ice skating requires a Single Activity Pass($20) or All Access Pass ($59 Day Pass; $219 Annual Pass) and Lights is free.
Contact-Free Santa Experience at Black Lion
The kiddos can see and chat with Santa through the Black Lion storefront window while he makes his list and checks it twice. The store will even have holiday displays along their front sidewalk (and heaters – nice touch, Black Lion!) so you can snag the perfect family holiday photo while observing social distancing.
When: Various Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec.19; check the Facebook event here for times.
Pricing: Free!
Holidays at the Garden: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
The mission of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is to “create an inspiring, unforgettable garden experience that instills a love of nature and its beauty.” For the holiday season, you can enjoy their popular topiary display, enjoy the sparkling from the rolling lights of the Piedmont Prairie and stroll among the blossoming cherry trees. Grab a bite from the food trucks, roast a marshmallow beside a roaring fire, sip a warm or cold beverage and soak up the season’s cheer.
When: Nov. 27– Jan. 3; 5-9 p.m. Advance tickets will be available for 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. arrival times. Guests with 5 and 6:30 p.m. arrival times can arrive up to 90 minutes after the time on their ticket but cannot be admitted prior to the time on their ticket. Guests with 8 p.m. arrival times are encouraged to arrive promptly to enjoy the show.
Pricing: Adult: $14.95; Senior (60+): $12.95 Child 2-12: $7.95; Child Under 2: Free; tickets are available on the website here.
Letters to Santa at the Metropolitan
Take your annual tradition of letter-writing to Santa to the next level! The Metropolitan shopping center is supplying custom stationery, writing utensils and more. The event page promises “plenty of moments worth capturing,” so bring your camera. Located in front of Launchpad (next to Teriyaki Madness).
When: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 24 through Dec. 24
Pricing: Free!
McAdenville: Christmas Town USA
This year marks their 65th year! Like most events this year, it won’t be quite the same, but at least you and your family can enjoy it in some way. So, load up the car with some snacks and hot cocoa for the road and prepare for a majestical ride!
If you’re new to Charlotte, this town goes all out with Christmas cheer; you might feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Lights will go off regardless of the number of cars in line. All Christmas Lights in the common areas of town are on timers, which turn the lights on and off at pre-set times. Check the website for all the 2020 changes and precautions.
When: Dec. 1 – 26; Monday– Friday; 5:30 until 9:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday 5:30 until 11:00 PM
Pro tip: If possible, visit on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights. A tremendous increase in traffic occurs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Pricing: Free!
Light the Knights and Charlotte Christmas Village
And last but certainly not least, our friends at the Charlotte Knights are swinging into the holiday spirit with two holiday experiences.
Light the Knights is a new walkthrough holiday experience at Truist Field. From Christmas Tree Lane to the Snowtastic Winter Wonderland, the website promises that "you'll be treated to tens of thousands of lights, trees, and displays as you stroll through the ballpark culminating at the Charlotte Christmas Village."
Charlotte Christmas Village, also at Truist Field, will offer shopping, including unique handmade gifts, and live entertainment.
Light the Knights and Christmas Village will also feature an European menu (like strudel - yum!), along with the popular gluhwein, hot cider, beers, and of course, hot chocolate.
When: The Village will open Nov. 27 and Light the Knights on Dec. 10
Pricing: To see ticket pricing and buy tickets, click here
