If you are lucky enough to live in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, prepare yourself for heaps of local Christmas cheer. There are countless holiday events for kids and adults of all ages throughout the region to help you to feel merry and bright.

Speedway Christmas

The Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms itself every year to a dazzling winter wonderland. There are 800 different displays, over three million Christmas lights and a soundtrack that you listen to through your car radio. Once you finish the tour, you can head over the charming Christmas village which has been decorated to resemble Bethlehem, boasts a 50-foot Ferris wheel, fire pits, pictures with Santa, and a big screen that shows classic Christmas movies projected upon it.

Leonard Bearstein’s Animatronic Symphony Orchestra

Taking up residence in Founder’s Hall, an orchestra of dozens of animatronic musicians play a 45-minute set with their interpretations of Christmas classics such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” and “Feliz Navidad.” The robots perform hourly from 10 am to 8 pm, with a few exceptions, so you should check the schedule before making your way there.

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour

The historic Fourth Ward area of Charlotte is opening its doors to holiday visitors with tours of the grand Victorians, urban condos, and historic locations that line the area. This walking, self-guided tour includes admission to numerous local private residences, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, free drink and food tastings (while supplies last), appetizers, and live music. What could be better than enjoying breathtaking homes whose halls have been decked for the season? And you never know, you may get a few ideas for your own custom home renovations while you are at it.

Holidays at the Garden

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden transforms itself every year into a magical Christmas wonderland. The gardens are decked to the nines with a brand new musically orchestrated topiary, live music, warm beverages and s’mores, and, naturally, pictures with Santa. With the temperate climate in Charlotte, residents get a chance to enjoy the gardens all year long. And with the beauty and bounty of the botanical gardens may come inspiration for your own outdoor living space.

Photo by Alair Homes CharlotteMore exterior home photos

Residents in the Charlotte, North Carolina area have many fantastic options to choose from when it comes to fun holiday events. Don’t miss these local events this year, because they will be gone before you know it.