Christmas in Lake Norman

Ring in the holidays in Lake Norman at all the area events in each lake town. The festivities start each year with the downtown favorite, Christmas in Davidson. A charming event full of warm drinks, shopping, family, friends, and everything to get you in the holiday spirit. Popular celebrations include Lighting at Birkdale Village, the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade, and Light Up Cornelius.

2025 Events

Carowinds Winterfest

November 28 – January 3  |  12 - 8 PM (12 - 9 PM on Saturdays)
Carowinds  |  Event Details

The Carolinas’ favorite theme park turns into a true winter wonderland once again for WinterFest at Carowinds. Expect millions of shimmering lights, Christmas carolers, live shows, and plenty of festive eats to keep you warm between rides. Don’t miss the towering Christmas tree lighting and nightly WinterFest Wonderland Parade—it’s easily one of the most magical sights in the region.

Speedway Christmas

November 21 – January 4 (Closed Christmas Eve)  |  6 - 10 PM
Charlotte Motor Speedway  |  Event Details

If you love holiday lights, this one’s for you! Speedway Christmas is one of the Southeast’s most spectacular drive-through light shows, with more than four million lights across a four-mile course. Tune in to the synchronized Christmas music, cruise through the glowing tunnels, and even catch a drive-in holiday movie Thursday through Sunday. It’s a Charlotte-area favorite for good reason.

Lighting of Birkdale Village

November 22 | 2 – 7 PM
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

Get ready for one of the most charming holiday celebrations around—The Lighting of Birkdale Village. Enjoy live music, performances, and fun activities for the whole family leading up to Santa’s big arrival and the magical tree lighting ceremony. Parking fills up fast, so plan to arrive early or grab a rideshare to skip the stress.

Birkdale on Ice

November 22 – January 18
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday season at Birkdale on Ice! This outdoor rink is the perfect winter hangout for friends, family, or a cozy date night. Sip hot cocoa, enjoy the festive lights, and reserve your skating time in advance—or roll the dice with a walk-up if you’re feeling spontaneous. The rinks' open seven days per week, check their site for details!

Santa at Birkdale Village

November 23 - December 24  |  Thursday – Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

He’s making his list and checking it twice! Visit Santa’s North Pole-inspired cottage at Birkdale Village for a picture-perfect holiday moment. Be sure to book your appointment ahead of time to secure your spot with St. Nick. Walk-ups are accepted if time allows.

13th Annual Light Up Cornelius

November 29 | 4 – 7 PM
Cornelius Town Hall & Cain Park | Event Details

Join the community for Light Up Cornelius, a festive evening filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy children’s activities, carriage rides, local performances, food and drinks, and even a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The tree lighting at dusk is the perfect way to kick off the season with family and friends.

Christmas in Davidson

December 4 – December 6 | 6 –  9 PM
Downtown Davidson | Event Details

One of the most beloved Lake Norman holiday events in Davidson fills Main Street with lights, laughter, and holiday spirit. Stroll through the shops, explore the Giving Tree Village, and enjoy live entertainment while you sip on hot cocoa. From handmade crafts to festive treats, it’s the perfect way to soak in small-town charm during the holidays.

Holidays in Huntersville and Huntersville Tree Lighting 

December 5 | 6 –9 PM | Tree Lighting
Veterans Park  |  Event Details

We invite you to shop a variety of artisan vendors, local food, and beverages. Santa will be onsite, too, at Veterans Park! Traditional children's rides and activities will be open. The lighting of the tree will kick off the festivities at 6:30 PM

December 6 | 3-8 PM | Holidays in Huntersville

Veterans Park  | Event Details

Free activities include children’s rides, Artisan Ice Sculptures, holiday performances on stage from various local groups, Carolers of Christmas Past, glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon twisters, roaming holiday characters, letters & pictures with Santa, and much more!  Shop with local vendors for the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Food & beverages will be onsite for purchase as well. 

Breakfast with Santa

December 6 | 8:30 - 10:45 AM
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

Enjoy the day's most important meal with the most important man of the season! All good boys and girls are invited to join jolly old Saint Nick and his cheerful elves for a delicious breakfast in Birkdale Village! Red Rocks Cafe will host Breakfast with Santa and provide a buffet-style breakfast. Tickets are required, and ticket proceeds will benefit Mission Christmas.

North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade

December 6 | 1 PM
Downtown Davidson  | Event Details

A proud Lake Norman tradition for over four decades, the North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade is a must-see. The route starts in Davidson and winds its way into Cornelius with marching bands, dance troupes, and floats decked out in holiday cheer. Stay to the very end for Santa’s grand finale appearance!

Huntersville Half Marathon & Holiday 5k

December 12 - 13  |  7 PM / 8 AM
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

The Huntersville Holiday 5k will start on Friday at 7 PM, and the Huntersville Half Marathon and 10k will start on Saturday at 8 a.m. in Birkdale Village. This schedule will allow runners to bundle two events if they are up for the challenge. Please be careful while registering and ensure you register for the correct event or the challenge.

The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village 

December 14 | 5:30 PM
Birkdale Village  |  Event Details

Join Birkdale Village and Chabad of Lake Norman for this season's Chanukah celebration at 5:30 PM! Guests are invited to the Parkway to celebrate Chanukah with a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, children's crafts, donuts, latkes, and gelt. Friends at Chabad of Lake Norman will assist Birkdale Village in lighting their menorah and have special goodies for guests!

Annual Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

December 20 | 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Lake Norman  |  Event Details

The lake shines bright during the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, as decorated boats cruise from Blythe Landing to Ramsey Creek Park. Grab a waterfront spot or a dinner reservation at a lakeside restaurant for the best view. Donations benefit Toys for Little Smiles, so it’s all for a good cause, too.