The very first Amtrak “test train” arrived at Charlotte’s new Gateway Station in December 2022. | Photo via WCNC
Train travel is full steam ahead. In FY 2025, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) served 34.5 million riders — an all-time ridership record. Charlotte’s Amtrak station served 328,008 people in 2024 alone.
The sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could be part of your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Carolinian
If you’re leaving from Charlotte’s train station, you’ll most likely be riding the Carolinian:
Wi-Fi | There’s free Wi-Fi + you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
Food + Drink | This train offers café service (snacks and drinks for purchase).
Accommodations | The Carolinian features coach and business class-level seats.
Catch this blockbuster exhibition before it’s gone
Presented by South Carolina State Museum
Created by The Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition includes costumes from the film “Mary Poppins Returns” and many more. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
No pressure,but you’d better hurry, because the exhibition closes Sunday, Jan. 4. And now through Tuesday, Dec. 23, visitors can snag $10 off tickets with code HOLIDAYEM.
Dash In — a convenience store chain with food, gas, and a car wash — is the first retailer coming to The River District. Construction is expected to begin next year + the retailer also plans to open 10 locations in the Charlotte area.
Development
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) recently filed a rezoning request for 385 acres south of CLT for manufacturing and industrial facilities — an area currently zoned for residential development. Stay tuned for a community meeting before a public hearing with Charlotte City Council. (The Charlotte Observer)
Biz
City National Bank opened its first office in Uptown yesterday. The California-based bank moved into One South, the 40-story tower at 101 S. Tryon St. The bank’s expansion leader says the office serves as a launch point for commercial banking in the region. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Ranked
The Queen City is among the top five cities in the country for high-wage job growth. According to the study, the cities chosen are forecasted to have strong economic and population growth in 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Weather
Yesterday’s low temperature was officially the coldest morning of 2025 so far. This week, the lows and highs will climb — though you should still bundle up. (WCNC)
Try This
Vote for your favorite creation at Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel. Dozens of creations are on display through Sunday, Dec. 28, and casting a vote costs $1 — proceeds benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Bonus: Parking at The Bowl can be validated with at least one vote.
Sports
Kon Knueppel recently dropped a career-high 33 points, but the team still saw a loss. Where did they fall short? Go beyond the buzzer for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
The approaching New Year is befitting a time as any for a healthy dose of wanderlust. That’s what we’re doing with Condé Nast Traveler’s 26 hottest travel destinations for 2026. Whether you’re after natural wonder, buzzy cities, or a vibrant food scene, you’ll get there quicker by starting at CLT.
Fact or Fiction
Our body’s natural circadian rhythms can play a significant role in orthopedic pain presenting at night. Think you know the answer? Find out if you’re right.*
Read
Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer. The Code is a twice weekly newsletter with curated tech news, practical resources, and insights decoded. Join 100,000+ engineers who read The Code to stay ahead of the curve.*
Truist Field is transforming into a winter wonderland for the annual Light the Knights Festival. | Photo via Charlotte Knights
According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the Queen City attracts 33 million visitors annually — and 54% come to see friends and relatives. What better way to show friends and family around town than by skating through the South’s holiday headquarters?
Here are four rinks worth visiting: Ice Rink at Camp North Pole | Through Sunday, Jan. 4 | Camp North End | Go ice skating at this outdoor rink before shopping the Mistletoe Market on select Saturdays.
Ice Skating at The Bowl | Through Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | The Amp Ballantyne | The Bowl will transform into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and an outdoor ice rink.
Birkdale on Ice | Through Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Birkdale Village, Huntersville | Glide into the holiday on this outdoor ice rink before savoring a dinner nearby.
Winter at Whitewater | Through mid-February | Times vary | US National Whitewater Center | Peruse the illuminated trails, skate on a 24,000-sqft ice rink, or try your hand at cask curling or pond hockey.
Add some fun and laughter to holiday gatherings with a few of our favorite card and board games. We love these five:
🎲 Put your drawing skills to the test in Telestrations — perfect for 4-8 players.
🎲 The award-winning game Flip 7 is self proclaimed “the greatest card game of all time.”
🎲 Shut the Box is an easy-to-play dice game for up to six players.
🎲 Perfect for parties, Ransom Notes will have your entire crew belly laughing.
🎲 Connect words with colors in an engaging game of Hues and Cues.
Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying in the Queen City, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy all month long. My favorite: seeing the highland cows at Winter at Whitewater.
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