Lucky you. You just found CLTtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout the Queen City each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst... Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Now buckle up for some of the biggest events happening this December.
Sports
Charlotte Invitational | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $53+ | Francis Tiafoe, Madison Keys, Taylor Fritz, and Venus Williams will take the court for a thrilling matchup.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans | Friday, Dec. 5 + Saturday, Dec. 6 | Times vary | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | Cheer on the Checkers as they face Rochester at The Biscuit.
Virginia vs. Dayton | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $38+ | The Cavaliers and the Flyers will face off at this neutral-site showdown for their 2025-2026 men’s basketball season.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Brooklyn FC | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Cheer on the Ascent as they look to climb the rankings and score a win.
ACC Football Championship Game | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $79+ | Fill the stands as Virginia and Duke’s football teams take the field for the final win of the season.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+ | The Hornets take on the defending champs in a high-energy Sunday showdown that’s sure to bring big plays to Uptown.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Cleveland Monsters | Tuesday, Dec. 9 + Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | There’s no fear on the ice when the Checkers face the Monsters.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls | Friday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $29+ | The Hornets won’t get the horns as they shoot buckets against the Bulls.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+ | It’s a Southeast Division rivalry night as the Hornets and Hawks battle it out under the bright lights.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds | Saturday, Dec. 20 + Sunday, Dec. 21 | 4 p.m. | Bojangles Coliseum | $29+ | Feel the thunder as the Checkers bring the heat at The Biscuit.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | The Ascent’s talent is electrifying — be there when they take the pitch.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $66+ | No swashbuckling here — the Panthers will keep pounding for a playoff spot.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+ | The Hornets will hope for some magic on the court to transport the Wizards back to the West Coast.
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks | Sunday, Dec. 28 | Bank of America Stadium | $54+ | The Panthers will fight to keep their playoff dreams alive at this home game.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks | Monday, Dec. 29 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $27+ | Cheer on Buzz City as they look to send Giannis and the Bucks back to the snowy Midwest.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 1 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $89+ | Davidson-born Steph Curry returns to the Queen City to face our hometown Hornets.
Theater and comedy
Charlotte Ballet: “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Belk Theatre | $45+ | The Charlotte Ballet brings its beloved tradition back to Uptown with sparkling sets, stunning choreography, and festive magic for all ages.
Handel’s Messiah | Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7| Times vary | Knight Theater | $47+ | Experience the powerful orchestration of Handel’s masterpiece performed live.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $22+ | Revisit the timeless classic on the big screen and soak in all the nostalgic holiday feels.
Steve Hofstetter | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s | $35+ | Laugh along with this comic’s razor-sharp wit and crowd work.
Sammy Obeid | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $36+ | This comic will bring high-energy wordplay and laughs to the intimate venue.
“Be a Lion” | Wednesday, Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $57+ | This musical reimagining, inspired by “The Wiz,” brings empowerment, soul, and showstopping performances.
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14| Times vary | Booth Playhouse | $45+ | Experience this playful twist on “The Nutcracker,” as it blends acrobatics, humor, and holiday whimsy.
DL Hughley | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $48+ | The legendary comedian and actor headlines a weekend of sharp and laugh-out-loud stand-up.
Christmas Double Feature: “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 2 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $14+ | Settle in for a festive double feature pairing two classics perfect for the whole family.
Zac Townsend | Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $38+ | The touring comic will bring laughs for one night only in Uptown.
“Sister Act” | Thursday, Dec. 18-Saturday, Dec. 20| Times vary | Booth Playhouse | $28+ | Get ready for big laughs and big choir vibes as this cast takes the stage, inspired by the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $52+ | Celebrate the season with a luminous evening of music performed live.
Rocky Dale Davis | Friday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 20| Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $33+ | This comic is sure to leave you laughing with his Southern storytelling and humor.
“Miracle on 34th Street” | Monday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $16+ | Revisit the beloved Christmas classic in the cozy, historic theater.
“Elf” | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $16+ | Kick off the holidays with this hilarious film — just leave the maple syrup at home.
Rachel Feinstein | Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s | $29+ | Get ready to laugh as this comedian brings her pitch-perfect storytelling to Uptown.
Timmy No Brakes | Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28| Times vary | The Comedy Zone | $38+ | The TikTok sensation is sure to bring a high-energy set to keep you laughing all weekend.
J-L Cauvin | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 5 p.m. | The Comedy Club at Duckworth’s | $23+ | The impressionist and stand-up comic will take the stage for one night only.
Rock out with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. | Photo by TDelCoro via Wikimedia Commons
Concerts
Alabama | Friday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $37+ | Uptown will transform into a “Dixieland Delight” when this band takes the stage.
Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas featuring Maggie O’Connor | Friday, Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $40+ | Celebrate the season with the Grammy-winning fiddler.
Franklin Presents: My Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 8 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $76+ | Enjoy this jazz concert inspired by “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Noel and Maria: A Jazz Celebration of the Holidays | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $10 | Enjoy a cozy evening of holiday cheer as this duo jazzes up the season.
Nightrain: The Guns & Roses Tribute Experience | Friday, Dec. 12 | 8 p.m. | The Underground | $10+ | Get ready for a rocking evening as this tribute band plays Guns & Roses’ biggest hits.
Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $28+ | Kick off the holidays with toe-tapping country favorites.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghost of Christmas Eve | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $55+ | Rock out to this holiday spectacle featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and unforgettable music.
Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14| Times vary | Knight Theater | $37+ | Come home for the holidays in a merry celebration featuring North Carolina’s rich musical heritage.
One Tree Holiday: Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele | Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Underground | $37+ | “One Tree Hill” fans, this one’s for you — the singer-songwriters will take the stage with holiday classics and heartfelt original songs.
The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $47+ | Enjoy a soulful holiday performance with rich harmonies and festive flair.
Alyssa Edwards: A Very Mary Christmas | Friday, Dec. 18 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore | $33+ | The drag superstar will bring sass, sparkle, and holiday cheer to Uptown.
Cirque de Noël | Friday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 21| Times vary | Knight Theater | $35+ | Experience jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the orchestra, alongside awe-inspiring acrobatics set to your favorite holiday music.
A Sainted Christmas Carol: Iced Scrooge | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $47+ | The Charlotte singers will bring soul and a rocking beat to the timeless classic.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour | Monday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Knight Theater | $59+ | Celebrate the season with timeless holiday classics performed by the Vienna Light Orchestra.
Face 2 Face | Saturday, Dec. 27 | 8 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $27+ | Sing along to classics like “Uptown Girl” and “Tiny Dancer” during this Elton John/Billy Joel tribute.
Congress the Band | Saturday, Dec. 27 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore | $35 | Dance into the weekend as this band delivers an energetic mix of rock, funk, and soulful grooves.
Hardwired: The Tribute to Metallica | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 8 p.m. | The Underground | $11+ | Metalheads unite — this tribute will bring all the riffs and high-octane energy of Metallica for one night.
Seasonal + family-friendly
WinterFest | Select nights Friday, Nov. 18- Saturday, Jan. 3 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Carowinds | $24+ | Experience holiday thrills with light displays, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday-inspired comfort food.
Speedway Christmas | Friday, Nov. 21- Sunday, Jan. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway | $35-$45 per vehicle | Cruise the speedway marveling at 5+ million lights on display + shop the market or slide down the 250-ft tubing hill.
Light the Knights | Wednesday, Nov. 26- Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Truist Field | $44+ | Ice skate, savor holiday treats, shop local vendors, and more during the Knights’ annual event at Truist Field.
Symphony Park Chanukah Festival | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4 p.m. | Symphony Park | Free | The annual celebration boasts a giant Menorah lighting, live music, fresh food, and local vendors.
First Night of Hanukkah on the Green | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5-7 p.m. | The Village Green, Davidson | Free | Enjoy the Menorah lighting, crafts, donuts, hot chocolate, and vendors.
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 5:30 p.m. | The Grove at Birkdale Village | Free | Light up the night during this annual ceremony, plus enjoy family-friendly crafts, donuts, and latkes.
StoneCrest Chanukah Menorah Lighting | Monday, Dec. 15 | 4:30-6 p.m. | StoneCrest at Piper Glen | Free Take part in holiday activities, hot drinks, fresh food, and live music before the lighting planned for 5:30 p.m.
Holidays at the Garden | Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Dec. 20 | 5-10 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Conservancy | $15+ | Wander the grounds at the garden covered with twinkling lights, savor s’mores and hot cocoa + shop for everyone on your list.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | Friday, Nov. 28-Monday, Dec. 30 | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $10+ | More than one million lights will illuminate Ballantyne’s Backyard for the holidays, packed with themed walking trails, real snow, playgrounds, and winter carnival rides.
Active + outdoors
Winter at Whitewater | Friday, Nov. 14 through mid-February | Times vary | US National Whitewater Center | Cost of purchase | Peruse the illuminated trails, skate on a 24,000-sqft ice rink, or try your hand at cask curling or pond hockey.
Ice Rink at Camp North Pole | Thursday, Nov. 20–Sunday, Jan. 4 | Camp North End | $15+ per person | Go ice skating at this outdoor rink before shopping the Mistletoe Market on select Saturdays.
Birkdale on Ice | Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Birkdale Village, Huntersville | $15+ | Glide into the holiday on this outdoor ice rink before savoring a dinner nearby.
Ice Skating at The Bowl | Saturday, Nov. 22- Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | The Amp Ballantyne | $12+ | The Bowl will transform into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and an outdoor ice rink.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.