Self-guided Christmas walking tour of Uptown Charlotte 2018

Updated for 2018

When Uptown Charlotte turns on the holiday lights it instantly becomes a festive destination. Within walking distance of each other are four towering Christmas trees, a Christmas market, outdoor ice skating, plenty to eat and drink, and, of course, an orchestra of animatronic bears.

Want to see it all (or at least a lot of it) in one night? Put on your comfortable shoes and try it yourself!

The distance between attractions is a little bit longer than last year because:

• The Christmas Village moved from Romare Bearden Park to 7th and Tryon.
• The official Uptown Tree moved from The Square to The Christmas Village. However there’s still a huge Christmas tree at The Square.

Some of the destinations are just for a quick look and others are places you’ll want to spend some time. Most of the attractions on this walk would be great day or night. Make sure to check the times for everything and to follow links for updates.

Everything on this tour is free to see. Just pay for food, drink and ice skating. Maybe bring a couple bucks for the busking musicians?

Scroll down for a Google map that shows all the destinations. It’ll help you map out the route that’s best for you.

Need to park? Here’s a parking map from Center City Partners. You can park in several garages after 5 p.m. for just $6.

Charlotte Christmas Village

7th and Tryon Streets
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 11 am to 7 pm
Thursdays through Saturdays: 11 am to 9 pm
Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays: Closed
Open through Christmas Eve

Shop from local vendors in this German-themed Christmas market. Enjoy bratwurst, fudge, cider and much more. This is a great place to get free pictures with Santa. Just bring your camera. Also, the official Uptown Holiday Tree is here this year.

More information on Charlotte Christmas Village, including the schedule for Santa visits and entertainers.

Thomas Polk Park

105 North Tryon Street

The Square

100 North Tryon Street

Thomas Polk Park, The Square and Founders Hall are all at the Trade and Tryon intersection. Polk Park is across Tryon Street from Founders Hall and The Square.

Although the official Uptown Tree is at Charlotte Christmas Village this year, there’s a massive decorated tree here, as always, as well as the giant golden ornaments. The Square is the heart of Uptown and is the perfect place to soak in the festive atmosphere.

Founders Hall

100 North Tryon Street

Inside Founders Hall, the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra performs on the hour. This ensemble, made up entirely of animatronic bears, is a long-standing and much-loved Charlotte tradition. The bears will be performing daily through December 27th, with some exceptions. Time varies.

Ritz Carlton

Holiday Wonderland at Ritz Carlton
201 East Trade Street
Visit any time

The lobby of the Ritz Carlton is all decked out. Check out the decorated trees, plus the 12-foot wide gingerbread house, complete with an electric train.

Outside, check out the 17-foot tall tree made of 789 green plastic bottles.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

400 East MLK Jr. Boulevard

You might be tempted to skip the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, because it’s a couple blocks away, but don’t. The tree here is actually one of the most colorfully decorated in Uptown Charlotte, and, even if you aren’t skating, Holiday on Ice sets a festive scene. There’s more going on too, including live music, Santa and special events.

The rink is open Wednesdays through Sunday, and starting December 12th, it’ll be open every day through January 6th. Schedule varies.

Poptopia

Sonia & Isaac Luski Gallery
Foundation for the Carolinas
220 North Tryon Street

For one weekend only, ending December 1st, shop for unique, local gifts at Uptown’s Pop-Up shop.

Thursday, November 29th, 11 am. to 6 p.m.
Friday, November 30th, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 1st, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information on Poptopia.

Carolina Panthers Christmas Tree

Outside Bank of America Stadium, at Mint and Graham Street. This could be a drive-by viewing.

Upcoming free and cheap holiday events around Charlotte