There are so many fun things to do in the Charlotte and surrounding area during the month of December. Below are the top five places in Charlotte to go for the holiday spirit.

1. Ice Skating

Slide over to the Nascar Hall of Fame plaza to Holiday on Ice. The outdoor ice skating rink is sponsored by WBT and K107.9 The Link. Admission is just $10 for all day skating and skate rentals are $4. Standard hours are Wednesday through Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are out. And nothing brings the holiday spirit better than a day spent on the ice. Skate in the heart of downtown this year to bring in the holiday.

2. Christmas Village

Ease on down the Charlotte Motor Speedway taking in over 3 million lights synced to music. Speedway Christmas is bringing the Christmas Village to life this year with a petting zoo, photos with Santa and a 50 foot ferris wheel. The Christmas Village will be open from Nov. 18- Dec. 31 from 6-10 p.m. every night except Christmas day. Admission prices range from $20-$30.

3. Winter Fest

Ride through a winter wonderland this December at Carowinds. They are truly bringing the holiday spirit to life with extravagant performances, 5 million lights, and a 70 foot Christmas tree. Children are also offered the chance to make sweets with Ms. Claus. This is the perfect place for families to go and experience the holiday season. Tickets start at $26 online.

4. Walk through a Winter Wonderland

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is having a winter wonderland. Everyday from Nov. 23- Jan. 6, 2019 from 5-9 p.m. they are opening their gates for all to explore the most festive parts of the garden. They will have illuminating fountains, decorated trees, and over 600,000 lights on display. Tickets are $7.95-$16.95, and free for members and children age 2 and younger. Save a few dollars by buying advance tickets online.

5. Gingerbread Lane

Persona chefs, amateurs, and kids are all welcome at the Ballantyne Hotel from Dec. 6-26 to view gingerbread house competition. Admission is free but attendees are asked to bring a $1 to vote on their favorite house. The $1 donation will go to the Levine Children’s Hospital.

Whether it’s riding, walking, or just watching others enjoy the holiday spirit, Charlotte’s got a place for you!