Whether it’s checking out the light displays, Christmas tree farms, or pictures with Santa, there’s just something about holiday traditions that make Christmastime feel like… well, Christmas. And if you’re around here for the holidays, let us know if we’ve missed anything from our list of holiday faves!
McAdenville Lights:
They don’t call McAdenville Christmas Town, USA for nothing! Say what you will about the lines, but this is one holiday tradition we think is worth the drive – and the wait! This Gaston County town is all sparkle for the season with holiday lights and decorations strung from every home, building and tree in sight. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights turn McAdenville into a one of a kind holiday sight that will straight-up get you in the holiday spirit.
http://www.mcadenville-christmastown.com
WBT Holiday On Ice:
Eat your heart out, Rockefeller Center, Charlotte’s got ice, too! Holiday on Ice brings the coolest surface in the city to the heart of uptown. Located on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, the rink has more than 7,000 square feet of ice for you to get your skate on. With skates available for rental, of course, or you can bring your own. Holiday on Ice is a ton of fun whether you’re born-and-raised Southerner with zero skate skills, or a dyed-in-the-wool yank with a closet full of custom blades.
http://wbt.com/shows/holiday-on-ice/
Pictures with Santa:
Yes, those pictures of us crying atop the lap of a department store Santa are still kind of embarrassing… but you know what? We don’t think you’re EVER too old to get a picture taken with Santa. And despite all the hubbub about the glacier and the Christmas tree, we still think the set-up at SouthPark Mall may be one of the best places to continue this holiday tradition. Consider it the gift that keeps on giving!
The Nutcracker
Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition – The Nutcracker, presented by the Charlotte Ballet – celebrates the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Bring your family and friends along for this holiday voyage featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony and over 100 performers. It’s really quite a show… and where else are you guaranteed a magical snowfall at each performance?!
http://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/charlotte-ballet-nutcracker
Carolina Panthers Tree Lighting:
Who knew, right? The red-hot Panthers continue their Christmas tree lighting event for the second year on Tuesday, November 24th. The celebration is free of charge, but will surely be a hot ticket given the team’s record! It all happens outside Bank of America Stadium, on the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street, from 6-7:30 p.m. The 58-foot Norway Spruce tree from Newland, N.C., should be a sight to see decked out with 48,600 lights. The tree lighting show will begin at 7 p.m. with performances by the Fort Mill High School choir and the Hickory High School orchestra.
http://www.panthers.com/community/article-2/Panthers-to-hold-tree-lighting-celebration/cc7722a3-3e8c-4740-a788-4b2d103db7cc
