The Polar Express
Nov. 7 - Dec. 23
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents this holiday event based on the popular Tom Hanks film of the same title features a train ride to the "North Pole". The train departs from Bryson City, N.C., about three hours west of Charlotte. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. The Polar Express runs from November 7 through December 23. Daily departure times vary. Ticket prices of $38 for adults and $26 for children 12 and under includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
226 Everett Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
1-800-872-4681
WBT Holiday on Ice 2008
Nov. 25 - Jan. 9
The Green in Uptown turns into a mini-Rockefeller Plaza with the only outdoor ice skating rink in the area. The rink opens for skating Wednesday, November 26 and remains open through Jan. 10, 2009. Admission is $7 and skate rental is another $3.
The Green Uptown
435 South Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-374-3720
SnowPark Charlotte
Nov. 27 - March 21
SnowPark USA will turn SouthPark's Symphony Park into SnowPark Charlotte every weekend and school holiday through the winter. Enjoy tubing and sledding on man-made snow. Admission is $35 ($30 in advance) per person.
Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
Holiday Lights at the Garden
Nov. 27 - Dec. 31
Visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens where more than 500,000 lights are on display from the Garden's Grand Entrance to the ponds to the spectacular formal displays in the gardens. The light display runs Nove. 28-Dec. 28, Tuesday through Sunday from 5-9 p.m. The Gardens are closed Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $5 for members, $2.50 for member children, $10 adult non-members, $9 seniors over 60 and $5 for children 4-12. Members can also view the lights free on Tuesday evenings.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
6500 South New Hope Rd.
Belmont, NC 28012
704-825-4490
Nutcracker Ballet
Nov. 28 - Dec. 16
This year you have four different opportunities to see the Nutcracker. Miller Street Ballet, Charlotte Youth Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre and the Moscow Ballet will all have performances in Charlotte.
Christmas Town USA
Dec. 1-26
The town of McAdenville, NC comes alive each winter with a fantastic light display drawing in visitors from all over the state. Located about 25 miles west of Charlotte, this holiday tradition for over 50 years is a must-see. There is no charge to see the lights, but donations are accepted. The lights are on Dec. 1-26, Monday through Friday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30-11 p.m.
Founder's Hall Bearstein Bears
Dec. 1-31
The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra -- or the Bearstein Bears as they're affectionately referred to -- at Founders' Hall in Uptown is one of Charlotte's most beloved Christmas attractions.
Founders' Hall
100 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-716-8649
Gingerbread Lane
Dec. 1-26
Visit the Ballantyne Resort and view a creative assortment of gingerbread houses and vote for your favorite!
Ballantyne Resort and Spa
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-248-4000
Jingle Bell Ball
Dec. 11
Enjoy a mix of music, refreshments and a live auctions with proceeds benefitting the United Family Services' Shelter for Battered Women. The Jingle Bell Ball takes place from 8 p.m. - Midnight.
Center Stage in NoDa
2315 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-940-1050
Wonders of Winter
Dec. 19
Take the kids to this wonderful workshop The Nature Museum as part of the Creature Feature program. Children will learn about the winter-loving animals at the Museum and their wild counterparts during their most active time of the year.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209
704-372-6261 ext. 605
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a live nativity and hot apple cider as the Library celebrates Christmas. Admission is free and activities take place nightly between 6-9 p.m.
Billy Graham Library
4330 Westmont Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28217
704-401-3200
