Illustration of a Christmas market seen from above with stalls around a giant decorated tree in a cathedral square (Southern Christmas Show)
Christmas Markets

Southern Christmas Show

Visitors can browse hundreds of artisan and merchant booths filled with holiday decor, handcrafted goods, apparel, and toys, or wander through the charming storefronts of the Olde Towne village. Guests can stroll down Christmas Tree Lane to view decorated North Carolina evergreens, watch miniature trains run through detailed village scenes, and admire designer decor competitions. The event also offers festive stage entertainment, wine tastings from regional producers, and photo opportunities with Santa.

Nov 11 – Nov 22, 2026

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Harris Teeter discounted tickets: Adult GA ticket (ages 13+) WeekDAY: $19.00; Adult GA ticket (ages 13+) WeekEND: $22.00. Group tickets: $16.00 per person for groups of 20 people or more (Advance Only).

Hours

Wed, Nov 11: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Thu–Sat: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun–Wed: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Early Bird VIP: Sat, Nov 14, 8:00 AM–10:00 AM.

Ages

All ages (children 5 and under free on weekdays/weekends)

Neighborhood

Charlotte

Food & Drink

Visitors can sample holiday treats such as strudels and cookies, and taste or buy wine at the NC Wine Pavilion.

Parking

General parking is $12, valet parking is $25, and bus parking is $50. Parking is paid on site; advance parking purchase is not available.

Accessibility

Handicapped parking is available, and guests may be dropped off directly at the front door if accessible spaces are full.

Location

The Park Expo and Conference Center · 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and bustling

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Come early for the most convenient parking, because the lots open two hours before the show each day and the spaces tend to fill up quickly.
  • Bring exact cash for parking to keep the lines moving, although both general parking and valet also accept major credit cards.
  • Expect traffic around the facility at peak times on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, or take an Uber or Lyft and skip parking entirely.
  • Buy adult tickets online before opening day to get the advance discounted rate, because the price rises to the box office price once the show opens.
  • Buy a separate ticket for each day you plan to attend, since a new ticket is required for each day of the show.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Christmas movie star Marcus Rosner appears on the LeafFilter Entertainment Stage on Friday, Nov. 20, followed by an autograph signing and meet-and-greet.
  • Early Bird VIP early-access session on Saturday, Nov. 14; discount and complimentary tickets aren't accepted for it.
  • Girls Night Out on Friday, Nov. 20.
  • Christmas Cash: register at the Selfie Spot for a Visa gift card given away every hour of the show (21 and over).
  • Discounted adult tickets at select Harris Teeter locations, group discounts for 20 or more, and a mailing-list promo code off adult tickets.

Links & Contact

Run by Marketplace Events

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park?

There are more than 4,000 spaces at and next to The Park Expo. Lots include Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Arena, Golden Green Hotel and Chantilly Montessori School (weekends only). The Shriners run free golf cart shuttles from most lots to the front door, and donations go to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Valet parking is limited and not offered on Preview Night.

Can I get dropped off by Uber or Lyft?

Yes. Rideshare drivers can enter the main lot and drop you at the show. Just tell the parking attendants it's a drop-off, and they'll help if the main lot is full.

Does one ticket cover more than one day?

No, you need a new ticket for each day of the show. There are separate weekday and weekend general admission tickets.

What can I shop for?

About 400 vendors sell holiday décor, apparel, food and wine, jewelry, toys and more.

Where is the Selfie Spot?

It's at the bottom of the ramp in the Central Lobby. Adults 21 and over can also register there for the hourly Christmas Cash gift card drawing.

Browse Christmas in Charlotte

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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