The week between Christmas and New Year’s doesn’t have to feel like a letdown. If you reframe it as a way to extend the holiday season (and for some, the holiday season isn’t over until January!), you can get in all the things you wanted to do before December 25th, but couldn’t squeeze in. Here’s some ideas for Charlotte area activities that are still going strong from now through New Year’s Day (and maybe even a little after!):
- Kwanzaa Charlotte: For those who celebrate Kwanzaa, the holiday season is just beginning! Kwanzaa festivities begin on December 26th and continue through January 1st. Kwanzaa Charlotte is hosting events every night from 6:00pm-9:15pm; sandwiched between a beautiful African Marketplace comes a celebration featuring spoken word, dance, music, and more in honor of the holiday. The Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church hosts the first and last night’s events; the rest take place at the Movement School in Charlotte.
- Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2025: From 12:00pm-4:00pm on Saturday, December 27th, people of all ages are welcome to visit the Gantt for festivities honoring the second day of Kwanzaa.
- Light the Knights: This favorite event at Truist Field will host its own ball drop on New Year’s Eve at 9:00pm, with a fireworks show at midnight! It’s family friendly, so if the kids can make it til midnight, bring ’em! Activities from snowtubing to holiday light viewing run through January 4th!
- New Year’s Day Bowl Watch: Carolina Beer Temple will play all the bowl games from 12:00pm-7:00pm. Come alone or with your friends and enjoy the game(s)!
- Jazz at the Bechtler: This traditional “post-holiday blues” musical event is always a hit at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Buy your tickets on the website; the event takes place on Friday, January 2nd at 6:00pm!
- Winterfest at Carowinds: Get over to Carowinds to soak up all the winter and holiday fun that you can! The last day of Winterfest is Saturday, January 3rd.
- Epiphany Celebration: Honor the Epiphany at this Mint Museum event from 1:00pm-5:00pm on Sunday, January 4th with an exhibition honoring The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!
