Self-guided Christmas walking tour of Uptown Charlotte, with pictures

Every year, we put together a list of festive spots in Uptown Charlotte that you can visit on foot.

This year, things are a little bit different, and a couple of the more interactive attractions aren’t taking place, including ice skating at NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, and the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra.

But if this year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to appreciate what we do have.

So, with that in mind, here are some of the festive spots in Uptown Charlotte this holiday season.

Want to see it all in one night? Put on your comfortable shoes and try it yourself! And let us know what spots we missed, and, time permitting, we’ll add them.

This list has been updated for 2020.

1. Bank of America Plaza

100 North Tryon Street

Stop by Trade and Tryon to see the massive Christmas tree, as well as Santa’s Mailbox, which is available Thursdays through Sunday, until December 19th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once the child places their letter into the interactive mailbox, they will hear music and a special message from one of the Santa’s elves. Each child’s letter will be read and responded to from the North Pole.

A holiday attendant will host the mailbox during operational hours. Stationery, envelopes and pens will be available for letters to be written on site but please feel free to bring your own letter from home.

Another photo op could be the nutcrackers on the same block.

2. Truist Center

The Christmas tree inside Truist Center, on the College Street side, is pretty majestic. The entrance on College Street is just north of 5th Street, across from Mert’s Heart and Soul, where you should definitely order the macaroni and cheese.

3. Mint Museum Uptown

500 S. Tryon Street

The giant red ornament “half buried” in the ground is a popular photo op during the holiday season. It’s right in front of The Mint Museum Uptown, with a great skyline backdrop.

4. Ritz Carlton

201 East Trade Street
Visit any time

The model train set is not at Ritz Carlton this year, but the tree made from recycled bottles is. This picture is from a previous year.

5. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Picture by NASCAR Hall of Fame

400 East MLK Jr. Boulevard

We hope to get back to NASCAR Hall of Fame for a nighttime look at this tree, which is always one of our favorites! But it’s worth a daytime visit this year for families, because kids are admitted free through January 1st, 2021. Up to four kids age 12 and under can visit per paid admission. Use promo code CHEER if you purchase tickets online.

6. Carolina Panthers Christmas Tree

Outside Bank of America Stadium, at Mint and Graham Street.

7. Light the Knights and Charlotte Christmas Village

Truist Field, 324 S. Mint Street

Charlotte Christmas Village has moved to the concourse of Truist Field, and has been joined by Light the Knights, the Charlotte Knights stunning lights installation, which includes tons of Christmas trees, inflatables, and snow.