Five Free Winter Activities in Charlotte, North Carolina

There’s always something happening in the Charlotte area, even during winter. If you’re hoping to take advantage of a free activity this season, here are a few of our top suggestions.

Gingerbread Lane

Located at The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, the Gingerbread Lane competition is an annual event that brings together professionals and amateurs of all decorating backgrounds. The competition is open to all ages and it’s free to enter; simply submit your entry forms by Nov. 29. If you opt not to participate but you’d still enjoy seeing the gingerbread creations, you can do so after judging takes place on Dec. 7.

Kings Mountain Historical Museum

The Kings Mountain suburb 30 minutes from Charlotte boasts a lovely little historical museum that’s well worth the trip. Admission is free any time of year, but be sure to save the date for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ visit on Saturday, Dec. 10.

This annual tradition gives kids a chance to see Old Saint Nick and hear Mrs. Claus read “The Night Before Christmas.” You’ll also have a chance to explore the museum’s Toys, Games, & Trains exhibit. The event is free, but donations to the Kings Mountain Historical Museum are appreciated.

Christmas at the Library

The Billy Graham Library is a popular attraction in Charlotte, offering free admission year-round. During the holiday season, the facility hosts a number of Christmas-themed activities and events, including a Live Nativity between the Graham Family Homeplace and the Library entrance. The Live Nativity runs all December long, starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can also come early from noon to 2 p.m. to pet the animals.

Another free activity the Billy Graham Library offers is Story Time. Held during the same hours as the Live Nativity, Story Time is perfect for kids under 12, although all ages are welcome. The stories draw from Christmas books that are available for purchase in the Ruth’s Attic Bookstore.

Weihnachtsmarkt

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s seventh annual Weihnachtsmarkt is a traditional German-inspired holiday market consisting of open-air booths and local vendors. While you might want to splurge on a seasonal beer or two, browsing the market is free. It’s also a great way to find unique Christmas gifts.

The event kicks off Dec. 1 with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, and the market itself runs for three consecutive weekends. It’s the best place in town to enjoy a German-inspired Christmas holiday without the expensive plane ticket.

James K. Polk State Historic Site

Always free to visit, the James K. Polk State Historic Site was once owned by President Polk’s parents. The site currently features reconstructions of a log house, a separate kitchen, and an authentic barn, allowing visitors to experience what life was like during Polk’s time. The site also hosts holiday music on certain days in December, including live Christmas carolers and musicians.

With so many winter activities in the Charlotte area to explore, your seasonal calendar is bound to stay full. Do you plan on visiting any of these sites this season?

 

Image by GoToVan, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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