Looking for something to do to get out of the house on Thanksgiving Weekend?
We are highlighting a few events you shouldn’t miss, but then, scroll down for a huge list of events we have on the calendar from Wednesday, November 22, through Sunday, November 26, 2023. Or just jump to the day-by-day list.
On Charlotte on the Cheap we focus on free and cheap events, and we have lots of those on the calendar. But we’re also including events that cost a little bit more, just in case a splurge is in your budget.
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Special Events Thanksgiving Weekend
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade takes place on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22.
Use this big list as a guide to the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area, including professional displays, municipal displays, and especially impressive displays on houses.
Check out five places with outdoor ice skating, especially Camp North End, which is debuting "Camp North Pole," with a skating rink and cozy chalet style atmosphere.
This is one of the best shopping events in Charlotte! Charlotte Warehouse offers new, name-brand overstock items at 65% to 90% off retail prices. At this holiday liquidation sale, get an additional 50% off.
Pirates' Christmas at High Seas Miniature Golf, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is open Thanksgiving evening and the rest of the weekend. This incredible nautical-themed, Christmas-infused mini golf experience is worth the drive!
All South Carolina State Parks are offering free admission on Black Friday, November 24. Learn about the parks closest to Charlotte and what they have to offer.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's 11th Annual Christmas Market
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery transforms into a German-inspired Christmas market for four weekends, starting Thanksgiving weekend. It features tons of vendors, and lots of festive cheer. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.
Every Wednesday night, get free admission to Bechtler Museum, Mint Museum Uptown and the Gantt Center.
Bring a main, a side, or a dessert to share at this potluck, which takes place on Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. Bring something delicious to share, as well as a food or toiletry donation for charity.
November 25, 2023, is the Small Business Saturday events in South End. Celebrate the holidays at South End Farmers' Market at Atherton Mill from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then enjoy street festivals on Camden Road.
Shop for handcrafted and food gift items at Hot Stuff Holiday Pop-Up Market at Petra's, at 1919 Commonwealth Avenue, on Sunday, November 26.
Skiptown, at 222 Rampart Street, is a dog bar, with 20,000+ square feet of indoor and outdoor off-leash play. On Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend, passes are free for your dog. They're normally $15. You still have to get the app and create a profile for your pup. Closed on Thanksgiving.
Get out and walk off some of that turkey! We include self-guided neighborhood walking tours, hikes through nature preserves, and much more.
Starting November 22, go to Truist Field for Charlotte Christmas Village and Light the Knights. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy holiday treats, and take in the entertainment, all with Charlotte's skyline as the backdrop. This year there will also be ice skating again and a much-expanded snow tubing run! Admission is $10. An admission ticket with an all activities pass (includes skating and tubing) is $40. (Not open on Thanksgiving Day.)
North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza will be at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 and parking is free. Shop from lots of small businesses.