Santa might have parked his sleigh and headed to a much-deserved vacation, but for those wintering in the Charlotte area, there is plenty to do in January. Check out our list of the top things to do in January, 2026, in Charlotte.
We’re highlighting several major events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge calendar of things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas in January. This calendar will be updated all the time.
Of course, we focus on the “free and cheap” here, so many of these events are absolutely free.
Before making plans for a restaurant, trampoline park, concert or spa treatment, make sure to check Groupon for a deal! You can often save 50% or more.
New Year’s Day Celebrations
Celebrate the first day of 2026! Charlotte boasts an impressive number of “first day” celebrations, including a New Year’s Day party with bagels and coffee at Birdsong Brewing (for a donation), Free Soup Day at Free Range Brewing, a Chili Cook-Off at Vaulted Oak, First Footin’ at Rural Hill and the Barefoot Skiing Tournament at Lake Norman Marina. Learn about all of Charlotte’s New Year’s Day celebrations.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Duke’s Mayo Bowl pits Wake Forest against Mississippi State at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, January 2, 2026. Leading up to the game, Fan Central takes place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 7 p.m., at Truist Plaza. This pep rally features the schools’ marching bands, cheerleaders and live music. Then, Duke’s Mayo Bowl FanFest is on game day starting at 3 p.m., outside of Bank of America Stadium. There will be live music, a kids’ zone and partner activations. FanFest and Fan Central are free. Learn about all these events, and purchase tickets for Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night Celebrations
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night
On January 4, 2026, celebrate the end of the holiday season Three Kings Day celebration at Mint Museum of Art Randolph. James K. Polk State Historic Site is also presenting a Twelfth Night program on January 3. Plus, we have some information on where to get Rosca de Reyes.
Pirate Christmas
High Seas Miniature Golf, 10001 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, South Carolina, has transformed into an elaborately designed pirate-themed holiday paradise. It will be going through January 19, 2026. (But check with High Seas for any updates to the schedule.) $18 for adults and $13 for kids ages 4-12. If you just want to walk through and marvel at the decorations (and not play mini golf) it’s $11. It’s free for police officers, firefighters, active military and veterans.
Speedway Christmas
If you haven’t gotten your fill of Christmas lights yet, Speedway Christmas is open through January 4, 2026, and you can be assured of shorter lines this time of year. Drive the oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway and soak in the lights!
A Wicked Evening
Rice Family Community Events presents A Wicked Evening at Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Avenue NW, Concord, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 4 p.m. until close (11 p.m.)
This is a free, family-friendly Wicked-themed event, featuring a meet and greet with Glenda and Elphaba, as well as themed drinks and snacks.
Small Batch Concert
WDAV Classical Public Radio’s Small Batch Concert Series has returned for the 2025/2026 season. This popular chamber music series presents innovative music in an unconventional, laid-back atmosphere. On January 16, 2026, at 7 p.m., cellist Anita Graef is performing in a Small Batch Concert at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Admission is pay what you want, including free, but if you buy a $20 ticket you receive a limited edition Small Batch pint glass and a Free Range beer or nonalcoholic beverage of your choice.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of many events around Charlotte, including the MLK Day Holiday Parade, a family celebration at the Gantt Center and much more. Most events take place from January 17 to 19, 2026.
Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Horse! The Lunar New Year takes place February 17, 2026, but celebrations start in late January. Learn about Lunar New Year celebrations in Charlotte.
Outdoor Ice Skating
It’s not the cheapest thing in town, but if you’ve got a hankering to slide across the ice, there are six outdoor ice skating rinks in the Charlotte area:
- Light the Knights at Truist Field, through January 4, 2026
- Founders Holiday Ice Rink in Rock Hill, through January 19, 2026
- Whitewater Center, through mid-February
- Birkdale Village, through January 18, 2026
- Camp North End until January 4, 2026
- The Bowl at Ballantyne, through January 4, 2026
Wednesday Night Live at Levine Center for the Arts
Wednesday Night Live at Levine Center for the Arts
Every Wednesday night, from 5 to 9 p.m., the three museums that are part of Levine Center for the Arts (Mint Museum Uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture) are free to visit. In addition, each week there will be a special performance or activity at one of the museums.
Free Programs at Mecklenburg Nature Centers and Preserves
Free programs at Mecklenburg County Nature Centers and Preserves
If you’re not perusing the activities calendar of Mecklenburg County’s Nature Centers and Preserves you’re missing a whole world. We’ve highlighted some of the guided hikes, animal encounters, kids’ activities, campfires, and more.
Independent Picture House
Check out a flick at Independent Picture House, a non-profit community cinema that screens diverse, foreign and independent films.
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week
This twice-annual event features specially priced prix fixe meals at dozens of Charlotte’s best restaurant. it’s a great chance to try a new restaurant or visit a favorite. January 23 to February 1, 2026.
Aerial CLT Open House
Aerial CLT, at 801 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, is hosting an open house on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sign up for 30-minute mini-classes for just $5 each. Ages 15+.
Puppet Palooza
ImaginOn, at 300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting Puppet Palooza, an all-day celebration of puppets, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free event features giant roving puppet karaoke, performances, puppet crafts and so much more.
