Festival Fun in Charlotte: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Awaits!
Charlotte, N.C., is gearing up for a little holiday magic! The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are back at it again, inviting everyone in the community to join in on the festivities for their annual Christmas tree lighting celebration. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 26, because you won’t want to miss this special event happening at the corner of Mint and Graham streets, right outside the iconic Bank of America Stadium.
The Big Moment
This year marks the 11th anniversary of this beloved tradition, and they’ve really outdone themselves with a magnificent 50-foot tree that’s sure to dazzle the crowd. The lighting ceremony kicks off at 6:30 p.m., so arrive early to soak up the festive atmosphere! Expect an electrifying stage show with special appearances from fan-favorites like Sir Purr, Sir Minty, the Black & Blue Crew, the TopCats, and PurrCussion. It’s like a holiday kickoff party you’ve never seen before!
Post-Lighting Fun!
Once the big moment arrives and the tree is twinkling in all its glory, stick around for the fun-filled festival in the stadium concourse starting at 7 p.m.. Activities include charming letter-writing stations where kids (and adults, let’s be honest!) can pen notes to Santa, alongside hot chocolate stations that are sure to warm you up as the evening cools down. There will also be interactive football and soccer-themed crafts to keep everyone entertained. And let’s not forget about a very special guest—Santa himself will be on hand to snap some pictures!
Getting There
Planning on joining the celebration? Good news: tickets are free for everyone! Just remember, to gain entry, you’ll need to show your mobile ticket. If you’re driving to the stadium, there are plenty of parking options available. Look for lots on Graham Street behind Truist Field, and on Fourth Street, just off of Graham. Keep an eye out for the Mint Street parking deck as well, although its opening will depend on local road closures that night.
What To Know Before You Go
As you prepare for the festivities, don’t forget that the NFL’s clear bag policy will be in effect. This means that you can bring in transparent bags that are smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, after a quick inspection by event staff. So, plan ahead to ensure a smooth entry!
Weather Watch
Now, we know that chilly nights can sneak up on us when the sun sets, and while November evenings can be brisk, this Tuesday is shaping up to be rather pleasant. With afternoon highs projected to reach the mid to upper 60s, temperatures will settle around 59 degrees just before the ceremony starts, dipping to about 52 degrees by 9 p.m. Don’t fret about a little rain earlier in the day—it should clear up just in time for the lighting!
Supporting Local Communities
In an especially heartwarming touch, during the festival, the Panthers and Charlotte FC will spotlight vendors from the western region of North Carolina who are still recovering from the recent storm, Helene. These vendors will set up shop in the stadium concourse, offering festive goodies and gifts to support local business.
A Special Tree
And speaking of the tree, it will be coming straight from Sugar Mountain Nursery in Banner Elk, which experienced its own challenges due to recent storms. This year’s choice of tree not only adds to the holiday charm but also brings a sense of community spirit as it showcases the resilience of local areas.
So, bundle up, grab your friends and family, and get ready for a night filled with joy and holiday spirit right here in Charlotte! The Christmas tree lighting is an event that truly has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to see you there!
