Things To Do in Charlotte This Weekend: December 5-December 7
The Charlotte area is buzzing with festive energy as the season brings together car-loving celebrations, small-town holiday traditions, and cheerful community gatherings.

The Charlotte area is buzzing with festive energy as the season brings together car-loving celebrations, small-town holiday traditions, and cheerful community gatherings. From the Cars + Coffee: Christmas Cruise-In to the Mint Hill Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting and Indian Trail's Winter Fest, the weekend offers holiday fun for every style. Add beloved performances and vibrant markets, and it's a perfect mix of seasonal spirit across the region. Be sure to explore the weekend activities in Charlotte with your family and friends.
Cars + Coffee: Christmas Cruise-In
- What: Holiday-themed gathering for car enthusiasts of all kinds
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
- Where: Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
- Cost: Free
The Cars + Coffee: Christmas Cruise-In invites all car lovers to gather for a festive, family-friendly meet-up as part of Holidays at the Garden. Enthusiasts can showcase any make or model while enjoying conversation, holiday spirit, and plenty of chrome. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in a cheerful seasonal style, and every driver receives complimentary passes to explore the Gardens at Stowe.
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- What: Mint Hill's signature community Christmas celebration
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Mint Hill; the parade route runs from Bain School down Matthews Mint Hill Road to Publix
- Cost: Free to attend; vendors will have items available for purchase
The annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Mint Hill spreads joy and festive spirit throughout downtown, featuring a fun parade and a festive tree-lighting ceremony. Starting at Bain School and winding down Matthews Mint Hill Road, the procession leads to Publix before gathering at the Town Hall for music, food trucks, and a visit from Santa.
Indian Trail's Winter Fest and Tree Lighting
- What: Indian Trail's cheerful holiday kickoff
- When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Parkway, Indian Trail
- Cost: Free
Each year, Chestnut Square Park is transformed into a snowy holiday wonderland for Indian Trail's Winter Fest and Tree Lighting, featuring various family-friendly activities throughout the day. From hot chocolate and sledding to trackless train rides and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, folks will enjoy an evening of winter magic and community fellowship as they gather for the tree lighting ceremony, bringing early holiday cheer to Indian Trail.
Other Events
Charlotte weekend events are brimming with holiday charm as the season brings together beloved traditions, local markets, and festive gatherings:
- The Nutcracker: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (additional days/times available through Dec. 21, 2025) at Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market: Weekend Two: Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, with Santa joining on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. for photos at both locations: LoSo, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte; and Ballantyne, 15025 Bowl St., Charlotte
- Mistletoe Market at Camp North End: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte




