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The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun for the Holidays!

Charlotte, Fort Mill and Union County Christmas and Hanukkah Family Fun Events

By Rachael Weiss ~ Publisher, Union County MacaroniKID and Fort Mill MacaroniKID November 14, 2021

Holiday cheer is never hard to find around the Charlotte area and we've rounded up some of the events and activities you won't want to miss. 



We'll be adding to this list, so make sure to bookmark it and feel free to print out the graphic to hang on your fridge if you need a reminder!




Christmas Tree Lightings and Celebrations

Town of Weddington Christmas Tree Lighting
November 19th 5PM
Food trucks, singing and loads of family fun, culminating in a tree lighting


Rea Farms Holiday Magic
November 20th 4PM - 8PM
Free photos with Santa, carriage rides, 100% chance of snow and fun with characters, face painters and balloon twisters plus a Makers Market so you can stock up on all of your holiday gifts! 


68th Annual Union County Christmas Parade
November 21st; 2 PM
North Main St., Monroe
The Union County Christmas Parade will celebrate its 68th year on November 21st, 2021, at 2:00pm in Downtown Monroe. This long-held tradition is an exciting opportunity for families, friends, businesses, and local government to gather in the spirit of community and holiday celebration. The Alliance for Children hosts the parade each year as its fundraiser to support programs that have a lasting impact on our youngest children. P


Light the Knights at Truist Field + Christmas Market
Begins November 24th; lighting begins at 5
Truist Field: 324 South Mint Street, Charlotte
Lights, snow, Christmas trees, holiday treats, more lights, Santa, you get the picture. Shop in the Christmas Village for unique handmade gifts and more! Tickets are required.


Cookies and Cocoa with Santa  
December 2rd; 7 - 9 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Rock Hill ~ 234 E. Main St. Rock Hill
After the Christmasville Rock Hill Opening Ceremonies, head over to the church for cookies and cocoa with Santa himself.


Santa's Workshop ~ Christmasville Rock Hill
December 3rd; 10 AM - 4 PM
300 Technology Center Way, Rock Hill
Join some very special friends at Santa’s Workshop for tons of holiday fun! This year we will have several activities to help Santa power his sleigh in time for Christmas! Winthrop will have science-based experiments and projects for everyone to enjoy.


Rock Hill Christmas Parade
December 3rd; 6:30 - 9 PM
Downtown Rock Hill ~ Parade begins at Oakland Ave and ends at Fountain Park
Make memories  in downtown Rock Hill for the 2021 Rock Hill Christmas Parade! The parade will begin at 6:30 PM. A detailed parade route map will be coming soon!


Singing Christmas Treet ~ Uptown Charlotte
December 3rd - 5th; Multiple performances, please check for specifics

The 67th Annual Singing Christmas Tree brings its spectacular production to Gateway Village, a grander setting you couldn’t imagine. Featured guests include the Chris Thompson Cultural Ensemble dancers, Grey Seal Puppets and the fabulous Tree Band, this year’s 70-minute production (without intermission) will delight as we all reclaim the holiday season live and in-person. Seven performances provide entertainment for the whole family.

For your and singers’ safety, for this outdoor event, all audience members must be properly masked during the entire performance and observe appropriate social distancing.

 

Free Photos with Santa in Waxhaw
December 4th; 1 - 4 PM
500 E. South Main Street
Santa is coming to town!! Bring the kids and enjoy a free 5x7 picture, a small gift for the kids and refreshments for the parents. There will be a bounce house to enjoy after! Sign Ups are Required.


Fort Mill Christmas Parade
December 4th; 11 AM
The parade features local schools, officials, churches, businesses, scouts, queens and of course, Santa & more! Filming of the parade for Comporium Channel 115 takes place in front of the Fort Mill Fire Station at 121 Tom Hall Street. Emcees for the event, David Ward, local Historian, and Rachel Richardson, CN2 News, will introduce each entry as they pass this location.


Tega Cay Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4th; 6 PM
Tea Cay Golf Club; 15083 Molokai Dr.
Come out and be part of the tree lighting in Tega Cay.


Town of Waxhaw Festival of Lights
December 4th; 3 - 8 PM
Downtown Waxhaw
Carnival rides, games, trackless train rides, vendor fair, food trucks, and more. Live Nativity Every Half Hour, starting at 5:30 and the lighting of downtown will happen at 5:45.

Mint Hill Christmas Parade
December 4th at 6 PM
Join the town of Mint Hill, downtown, for a special nighttime parade featuring local businesses, organizations, bands and of course, Santa. The parade will travel down Matthews-Mint Hill Road from Bain School to the Mint Hill Library. Santa will leave after the parade and return to Town Hall for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.


Indian Trail Christmas Parade
December 5th; 4 - 7 PM
Chestnut Square Park: 320 Chestnut Parkway, Indian Trail
Celebrate the season with Indian Trail's annual Christmas Parade. Enjoy some hot cocoa, games, crafts and a parade you won't forget!





Menorah Lightings & Hannukah Celebrations

Hanukkah Wonderland
Begins November 24th; Reservations required
7804 Rea Rd, Charlotte

An unbelievable Chanukah experience for preschoolers through teens. Look out for NEW and exciting games and fun this year!
~ Chanukah Crafts
~ Photo Booth
~ Dance Dance Revolution
~ Games
~ Scavengers
~ Chanukah Snacks and so much more!
(Children over 2 are $10 and accompanying adults are FREE; Children under 2 are free)

Unite with Light at Southpark Mall
November 28th 5 PM
Join in song on this official first night of Hannukah with Chabad of Charlotte. 8th Day will be performing and there will be food and beverage. Tickets are required. 


Stonecrest Menorah Lighting
November 29th 5:30 PM
Free fun for the family, join with Ballantyne Jewish Center as they light the Hanukkah Menorah along the Rea Road side in the fountain area. There will be donuts, latkes and crafts for the kiddos, 


Matthews Menorah Lighting
November 30th 5:30 PM
232 Matthews Station; in front of Town Hall
Join us on Tuesday, November 30 as we celebrate Haunukkah with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony! This event is FREE and open to the public.


Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
December 1st 5:30 PM
111 E. North Main Street
Join us for our SEVENTH Annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw!
Menorah Lighting at 5:30 PM


Weddington Menorah Lighting
December 2nd 5:30PM
Weddington Town Hall: 1924 Weddington Road
Join us for the first-ever Menorah Lighting in Weddington!
Menorah Lighting at 5:30 PM
Donuts, Latkes, Music & Crafts!





Miscellaneous Holiday Lights & Fun for the Family

  • Speedway Lights
    We love the speedway lights! It gets crowded so plan to be in the car a while. We like to go on New Year's Eve, after the holiday, when it's less crowded and still as much fun. 
  • Winterfest at Carowinds
    Check out the lights, stay late for the parade, rent an "igloo" for hot cocoa and treats! Carowinds is converted into a winter wonderland and holiday light spectacular.
  • Whitewater Center Ice Rink
    This year, the Whitewater Center will debut a brand new rink in the upper pond! YOu won't want to miss it.
  • Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel
    Come for the houses, stay for the cocoa! Dress up or down, this is one of our family favorites during the holidays. 
  • Town of Matthews Gingerbread Display
    Go, see, vote! Check out the local talent when it comes to Gingerbread houses. 
  • Lights Before Christmas at the Riverbanks Zoo
    This is a not-to-miss experience for the kiddos. Mine love it!
  • Believe at the NC Zoo
    One of my favorite memories as a child was seeing lights at the zoo in Chicago. This is much better because its not cold! 
  • Christmasville Rock Hill
    Check out the Facebook page for all types of events and fun for the family 
  • Christmastown USA ~ McAdenville 
    Some of the best light displays in the Carolinas, you won't want to miss it. Park nearby and walk, or drive through. If you walk, however, you'll be able to hit the side streets. It's a family favorite. 
  • Anne Springs Close Greenway Winter Wonderland Market
    Bring in the holiday season by stopping by our Winter Wonderland Holiday Market. Much like the Fall Market, we will be featuring local artists and vendors.


Did we miss something? Let us know and we'll be happy to add in more family fun for the holidays! email us at rachaelw@macaronikid.com. 

Happy holidays to you all!