Truist Field is transforming into a winter wonderland for the annual Light the Knights Festival.|Photo via Charlotte Knights
In a matter of days, Charlotteans will be walking in a winter wonderland. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Truist Field will welcome guests for the annual Light the Knights Festival.
The wintry display is jam-packed with ice skating, shopping, snow tubing + Christmas lights and photos with Santa — not to mention several collegiate hockey games.
Never been? Here’s everything you need to know.
The finishing touches are being put on the ice before Light the Knights welcomes guests.
Photo by CLTtoday
Things to do
Instead of running the bases, try ice skating or playing hockey on the NHL-sized outdoor rink in the center of the field.
In right field, guests will find 10, 150-ft snow tubing lanes for a thrilling ride.
Pro tip: Tickets for skating and tubing will be capped each day. Once they’re sold out, they’re gone. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Different areas inside Truist Field will be adorned with lights and snow to create the Tunnel of Lights, providing a choreographed show set to holiday music.
Thanksgiving Sides with Turkey Carving Demo | 6-9 p.m. | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen | $80 | Join the waitlist to learn from Chef Alyssa on creating your most delicious feast yet.
Sushi Rollin’ 101 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | King Canary Brewing, Mooresville | $60 | Let the good times roll during this guided class + craft brews.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club | 8-9:30 a.m. | Hestia Rooftop | $25+ | Network and learn about the successful projects and future landscape of South Charlotte.
Meet Loaf: Meatloaf Tribute | 7 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $28+ | “For Crying Out Loud,” this is a show worth going to.
Thursday, Nov. 21
How Great Leaders Deal with Culture | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Duke Mansion | $55 | Network over lunch + learn best practices for creating a healthy workplace culture.
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Party | 6:30-8 p.m. | Kitchen Tune-Up Charlotte | $25 | Share some laughs and sweet memories with the family at this cookie-decorating class.
Candlelight: Tribute to Lauryn Hill | 6:45 p.m. + 8:45 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $40+ | “Ready or Not,” Charlotte Strings will perform some of the award-winning singer’s best hits.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. |Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
Registration is open for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ 2025-26 school year. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 30. Looking to apply for a different school? The lottery application closes Jan. 3. Check out our local districts.
Transit
Construction is underway outside the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is bringing down the bay shelter, causing sidewalk closures and the closure of a traffic lane. A nearby bridge will be used as a temporary express route stop. (WCNC)
Concert
Lovin’ Life Music Fest will announce some performers this Thursday, Nov. 21, ahead of the concert in May. Last year, the inaugural event drew 81,000 people to Uptown. Tickets are on sale and the festival is scheduled for May 2-4, 2025. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Community
Caldwell Presbyterian Church is transforming property into 21 low-income studio apartments. The project is estimated to cost $6 million + includes an $800,000 contribution from the congregation. Residents are anticipated to move in next Spring. (WCNC)
Biz
Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to highlighting + supporting locally-owned small businesses, is on Saturday, Nov. 30. Let us know your favorite small businesses in the Queen City for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Ranked
Charlotte Douglas International Airport ranked as the No. 10 best airport in the country for holiday travel. The study analyzed the number of delays, cancellations, and on-time departures during the 2024 holiday season. (Locals Insider)
Plan Ahead
The Charlotte Checkers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss will be Saturday, Nov. 30. Fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to be thrown on the ice after the Checkers’ first goal (like this). The bears will then be donated to several nonprofits.
Sports
Panthers’ kicker Eddy Pineiro is now the most accurate in NFL history. The ranking comes as Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed two field goals over the weekend. The Panthers next play at home Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. (WBTV)
Listen
The Hornets are coming off a roller coaster weekend, winning against Milwaukee but losing against Cleveland. What can we expect against the Pistons? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
This the last call to secure your spot in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Get your giftable product or service in front of 33,000+ potential shoppers before the season ends.
The vision of “For the Love of Charlotte” is thanks to five UNC Charlotte alumni and campaign chairs.|Photo via UNC Charlotte
Let’s step up, Niner Nation.
UNC Charlotte launched its largest fundraising campaign in school history. “For the Love of Charlotte” aims to raise $500 million + has already reached the halfway point.
“For the Love of Charlotte captures the passion behind UNC Charlotte’s impact,” said David Ravin, campaign co-chair. “This isn’t just about a fundraising goal; it’s about opening doors, driving innovation and strengthening our community.”
The campaign has three main focuses:
Student success — create hands-on learning experiences, expand scholarships, and invest in support services to help students find employment after graduation
Academic and research leadership — fund cutting-edge research, attract and retain top faculty, grow hands-on and top-rated programs (like nursing and the Aviation Innovation and Research Institute)
Campus and community vibrancy — enhance athletic facilities (like the expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium), elevate art installations and performances, and strengthen UNC Charlotte’s young entrepreneurs
This 3-in-1 portable charger. Ditch your knot of clunky charging cords for Anker’s ultra-compact charger that includes a built-in USB-C cord, power bank, and foldable charger.
I don’t know about you but we’re in full holiday prep mode at my house! If you’re looking for places to order side dishes, dessert, or a full Thanksgiving spread, this guide lists local businesses accepting pre-orders this week.
Answered
Answered
What’s your favorite part of the Southern Christmas Show?
Speaking of spreading holiday cheer, the Southern Christmas Show is in full swing, welcoming shoppers to 11 football fields-worth of vendors, food, and holiday cheer.
While asking your favorite part, 40% said shopping was a favorite activity, 40% love the festive atmosphere, and the rest favor tasting yummy food and browsing Christmas trees.
