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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Charlotte’s Top Guide to the Best and Brightest Holiday Light Displays in 2024

November 19, 2024

We’re asking you to Shine Your Light for our neighbors this winter, and what better way to celebrate the difference you make than to soak in the bright lights of the holidays. 

Here’s a collection of some of the best places to catch lights this season in or around Charlotte: 

  1. McAdenville, N.C 
  2. Light the Knights at Truist Field 
  3. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 
  4. Fourth Ward Holiday Sip and Stroll 
  5. Ballantyne’s Backyard 
  6. Charlotte Motor Speedway 
  7. Ardrey Neighborhood 
  8. Jones Family Holiday Lights in Huntersville 
  9. Tanglewood Festival of Lights 
  10. Family Light Displays 

McAdenville, N.C 

Also known as Christmas Town USA, McAdenville boasts a month-long display of thousands of Christmas lights. Don’t miss the Christmas tree lighting downtown to kick off the season. 

Light the Knights at Truist Field 

Even during their off season, the Knights don’t stop lighting up Charlotte. From fireworks to Christmas lights, don’t miss plenty of winter activities like ice skating, hockey, snow tubing, and even some shopping. This year kicks off on November 27th so make sure you don’t miss it. 

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 

Holidays at the Garden begin on November 24th where you can explore the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in a new light. Get hot chocolate, cider, and snacks to enjoy while you walk. 

Fourth Ward Holiday Sip and Stroll 

If you’re looking to stay Uptown, then Fourth Ward has you covered. On the weekend of December 7th, take a self-guided tour around the homes and park to see how the neighborhood comes together to celebrate the holidays. Also enjoy food and cocktail tastings along your route. 

Ballantyne’s Backyard 

Don’t miss the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne. This outdoor trail will have over a million lights complimented by performances, shopping, and food trucks. It begins in early December and should certainly be a stop on your list. 

Charlotte Motor Speedway 

If you prefer to stay in the warmth and comfort of your car to soak in the sights, don’t miss the Christmas light display at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You can drive through the holiday scene, listen to music, and even get out and enjoy other activities like tubing. 

Ardrey Neighborhood 

Another beautiful spot to walk or drive through is the Ardrey Neighborhood. They are known for their Charleston-style houses that neighbors decorate every year. A beautiful spot to see local individuals express their light for the holiday season. 

Jones Family Holiday Lights in Huntersville 

Another local family endeavor, drive by the Jones Family home or park nearby and walk along their trail to see the full display. Don’t miss hidden gems like these. 

Tanglewood Festival of Lights 

Another drive-thru experience sure to brighten your winter is the Tanglewood Festival of Lights. Complete with a gift shop, S’moresville, and horse-drawn carriage rides, soak in the lights in comfort and style. 

Family Light Displays 

Make sure to look for the unique family light displays around town as well. Keep up with Axios Charlotte and the Charlotte Observer to find them, often complete with FM radio stations so you can watch the lights dance to the beat. 

Spreading Light & Hope This Season

Winter is always a season of light and giving. While you enjoy the lights that shine for you, we ask you to shine your light for neighbors who are struggling to stay warm and stably housed this season. You can make the difference by contributing at crisisassistance.org/hope.

Donate Now

Filed Under: Campaign Tagged With: Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Christmas, Christmas Lights, Holiday, holiday giving, Holiday Lights, McAdenville, Tanglewood Festival of Lights, Truist Field, winter

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

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  • (704) 371-3001
  • 500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
  • Tax ID:
    EIN 56-1416719
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Recent Photos

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18092586461597816
From a cramped two‑room apartment to her first home at fifty‑one, Jennifer’s path has been anything but easy. Short‑term rent and utility help kept her family housed long enough to rebuild, save, and keep going.

Her journey shows what’s possible when a community steps in at the right time.
👉 Read the full story at https://ow.ly/jTwy50YSA6w (link in bio).

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18428012689135956
In this chapter of our history, Crisis Assistance Ministry became an independent 501(c)(3), evolving from “not just a faith based organization, but a community based organization,” as Caroline Myers described it. Being named the lead agency for financial assistance across Mecklenburg County solidified our role as a trusted place where neighbors turn when a financial shock threatens their stability.

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18105629506808957
What does care look like in real life?

For our neighbors, it looks like a bag filled with tissues, lip balm, a handwritten note, hand sanitizer wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, body wipes, and lotion. The Red Ventures IT team packed almost 200 of these care kits so families in crisis can feel just a little more human on some really hard days. 

Huge thanks to @RedVentures for putting compassion into action. Want to rally your own crew for a care kit build? Our Volunteer team would love to help you get started. Link in bio or https://ow.ly/V11950Z2H6E

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18364380457233417
Choose your person.

In this “fight” video, four of our teammates from four different departments show off their best moves. But there is no real winner, because we are all on the same side: fighting to keep families stably housed, utilities connected, and hope alive.

Step into the arena with us. Take the Challenge and double your impact for neighbors working hard to get back on their feet.

Learn more and give: link in bio 🔗

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 17993048591794191
Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18456485662112745
In November 1982, Mecklenburg County commissioners recommended that Crisis Assistance Ministry administer the county’s General Assistance funds. Becoming the lead agency for emergency financial assistance cemented our role as the place where neighbors turn when a financial crisis threatens their stability.

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18118754632688004
Tap the link in bio to open our very first Volunteer Yearbook. Baby Yoda starts the story, but it’s your service that lifts up neighbors and strengthens our community.

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18117598576816467
Summer fun is loading … and so is the laundry. 😅

This week’s most needed Amazon Wishlist items are summer beach towels and laundry detergent – because sandy, sunscreen‑covered, popsicle‑dripped clothes do not wash themselves. Families should be worrying about memories, not messes.

Shop our Amazon Wishlist and send towels and detergent straight to Crisis Assistance Ministry so neighbors can enjoy the sun and still show up in clean, fresh clothes.

Link in bio to give.

crisisassistmin

Open post by crisisassistmin with ID 18110341013486214
Eddie had a full-time job, a wife, and four kids, and was still one step away from eviction.

After joining our Financial Empowerment program, he spent months being honest about his spending habits and learning to be intentional with every paycheck. Now he has a savings plan and a lot more peace of mind.

During the 2026 Challenge, every gift is matched up to 1 million dollars, so your support can put Financial Empowerment and other critical programs within reach for twice as many families.

Double your impact for parents like Eddie who are ready to change their financial story: Link in bio

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