What to do This Winter in Charlotte

The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter. If winter blues get you down, I know how to help. Explore Charlotte, North Carolina!  

The Queen City, as it is fondly called, has something for everyone from the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), the Coca-Cola 600, the Wells Fargo Championship, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Ballet, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Carowinds amusement park, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. 

Charlotte is also home to JWU Charlotte’s campus. Most of the activities below are near campus, so, if you do decide to visit, make sure to stop by and take a tour.

Camp North End

One great place to visit this winter is Camp North End, an outdoor hub that's winter-friendly. The inspiring and art-filled space is illuminated with mesmerizing art everywhere you look. There are small shops to visit and buy from to support local businesses, restaurants and cafes to enjoy delicious food and beverages and an overall artsy vibe.

Holiday Events 

If you're in the mood for a live event, take in a show at Belk Theater in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Make the Charlotte Ballet, The Nutcracker or Cirque de Noel a holiday tradition. Or check out Soulful Noel, a contemporary spin on your favorite holiday classics like Little Drummer Boy and more in a fantastic live show for all to enjoy in the Booth Playhouse.  

 
Visit Truist Field this winter, but not for a Knights game! During the holiday season, the baseball field is converted into a magical Christmas village for families to enjoy. Enjoy the lights and scenery and make sure to visit Santa while you’re there. There will also be vendors selling holiday-themed items, as well as food and beverages.  

Ice Skating

Ice-skating is a fun and exciting activity to take part in during the winter season. The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers ice skating to the public and you can skate by yourself or bring your friends or family. The Whitewater Center’s ice rink has four distinct skating areas which include two ice trails you can follow and two free skate zones. With multiple options of where to skate, it’s hard to get bored at this ice rink. The rink also has an on-ice Airstream which serves both hot and cold beverages for guests who need a break from skating.

The Whitewater Center is designed and operated as an outdoor center offering over 30 different recreational activities. Every element and activity is focused on supporting an all-encompassing experience around the outdoor lifestyle. Additionally, the Whitewater Center hosts international competitions in a variety of sports along with numerous festivals and events on a recurring basis.

Sports Events

Enjoy a basketball or hockey game with friends and feel the adrenaline of watching a game live. Charlotte offers exciting and fast-paced games of hockey and basketball. Visit a Charlotte Checkers Ice Hockey game or you can see the Hornets in action on the basketball court. You can also visit JWU Charlotte and cheer on our Wildcats! We have DIII men’s and women’s basketball at JWU Charlotte, so make sure to check out a game while you’re here.  

READ MORE >>> Insider’s Guide to Charlotte, N.C.

Museum Hopping

From viewing the works of 20th-century contemporary masters at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art to getting hands-on with science and technology at Discovery Place, the Queen City offers interactive, educational experiences for museum-goers of all ages. There’s even a museum dedicated to one of the state's favorite spectator sports: NASCAR. Some great museums in the area are Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture, Levine Museum in New South, and the Mint Museum.  

Uptown Charlotte Parks

Gorgeous parks are within walking distance of campus. Explore Romare Bearden Park and First Ward Park. Even prettier in the winter if there is a dusting of snow on the ground.

Winter in the Queen City can be exciting or just cozy. Explore the area take in the beauty and magic this season has to offer.

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