Ten Things To Do This Thanksgiving in Charlotte

Originally written in 2017 for Premier Property Solutions

The holidays are here, and that means activities are popping up all over Charlotte. While there's never really a shortage of things to do in the area, the holidays make for an extra festive itinerary. Whether your extended family is coming into town, or you’re spending the holidays with a close crowd, we’ve created the must do list for Thanksgiving week... that is if you’re not too full of turkey.

Start the week off merry and bright by heading over to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Christmas lights on Monday night. This fantastic display of twinkling trees, sparkling fountains, and over 600,000 lights turns the botanical gardens into a wintery wonderland. Every night from 5 until 9 p.m. there's live music, holiday shopping, and a model train display. Worried about being cold? Cuddle up with some hot chocolate around one of the crackling fires or snuggle in a horse-drawn carriage ride.

On Tuesday, hit the NASCAR Hall of Fame for some outdoor ice skating. Whether you’re looking for an activity for the whole family or a romantic date night, holiday on ice is the perfect spot for some cold weather fun. The rink is set up just outside the Hall of Fame and is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Take the family and head to the Panthers’ tree lighting on Wednesday to really get into the holiday spirit. The fourth annual tree lighting is free of charge and will be held outside the Bank of America Stadium. There will be performances by the TopCat cheerleaders, the "Purrcussion" Drumline, and the Black and Blue Crew. Snap a photo with Sir Purr, the Panthers’ mascot, or enjoy children’s activities, food, holiday movies and a special visit with Santa Claus.

On Thanksgiving, before you’re too stuffed with turkey and delicious sides, head to the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 70th annual parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Tryon Street, then heads north on Stonewall Street and ends at 9th Street in uptown. The lineup includes marching bands and floats from across the region. Want a guaranteed great spot? Head to the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade website for advance tickets.

There are two kind of people post-Thanksgiving, and if you're the shopping kind of person, there are all kinds of Black Friday activities. The South Park and North Lake malls will open at 6 a.m., but if that’s not early enough, head to the Concord Mills Mall at 4 a.m. for a 27-hour marathon. The Charlotte Premium Outlets will also be open for over a day straight.

Not into Black Friday? Work off your turkey with one of the many Charlotte-area hikes. The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers great hikes with all types of levels. A little further out, the Pisgah National Forest offers miles of land, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful views.

Need a little rest after all that food? Head to the Blumenthal Preforming Arts Center for a

performance of the Sound of Music.