Fun Things to do in Charlotte in the Winter

There a lot of fun things to do in and around Charlotte during the winter months.  Charlotte winters are considered mild, especially to our transplants from northern states, so getting out and about usually isn’t challenging.  From ice skating with an uptown view to driving on a racetrack with Christmas lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Ice skating

At the Whitewater Center
This year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is offering ice skating for the first time.  The Upper Pond area now includes 17,000 square feet of ice on which there are three distinct programming areas. 

At Winter Wonderland at SouthPark Mall
There will be an outdoor ice skating rink, Christmas Tree Farm, Live Music, and visits from Santa.  Shea Custom is a proud sponsor of Winter Wonderland. 

At Holiday on Ice at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
Holiday on Ice is the only outdoor ice skating rink in Uptown Charlotte. 
 

Winterfest at Carowinds

Winterfest at Carowinds debuts for the first time this season on November 24, 2019.  It is a unique experience as the theme park becomes a winter wonderland.  There will be over 5 million twinkling lights, a 70-foot, decorated tree, live shows, and festivities throughout the park.  A Wonderland Parade can be seen nightly, with Santa Claus even making an appearance!  A seasonal menu, complete with festive desserts, is available at various eateries throughout the park. 

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Drive through a display of over 4 million lights at the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas.  Tune the radio to 101.3 FM to listen to Christmas music that coincides with the twinkling of the lights.  Part of the tour is on the racetrack, which is a unique experience in and of itself.  Make a pitstop at the infield to have photos with Santa, grab some snacks, and view the Bethlehem village.  Fun fact: Charlotte Motor Speedway is a short drive from Shea Homes Charlotte’s Lantana neighborhood. 

Watch a Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game

The Charlotte Checkers are a part of the American Hockey League and play at the Bojangles’ arena near Uptown Charlotte.  Grab some concessions and get ready to watch the full-contact sport in action.  The Checker’s season goes through April 2020. 

Participate in Queen's Feast

Queen's Feast is Charlotte’s Restaurant Week, and it will run January 17 – 26, 2020.  More than 130 restaurants in the Charlotte area participate, offering three-course dinners for $30 - $35 per person. It's a good opportunity to try a restaurant for the first time.  
 

Visit Discovery Place

Discovery Place has science and nature museums at the uptown location, and there are two Discovery Place Kids museums – one in Huntersville and one in Rockingham.  The uptown location also has a kid’s area, so any location would be great to explore with the kids on a cold winter day.  There are many exhibits to explore, and there are rotating exhibits, such as a Dinosaur exhibit, and the current one called ¡Cuba!

What do you like to do around Charlotte in the winter months?  What did we miss?