Southern Christmas Show

The largest Christmas show in North America, now in its 59th year, with more than 400 holiday merchants under one roof at The Park Expo on Independence Boulevard. Christmas Tree Lane, with real trees from the North Carolina mountains decorated by local designers, is the signature attraction, and the designer rooms, crafts hall, food and wine sections and stage schedule fill the rest of the building.

It is where a lot of Charlotte starts its holiday shopping, and the crowds show it: more than 100,000 people over the run. Santa is on site, there are Girls Night Out evenings and a selfie spot, and the vendor list runs from ornaments and decor to clothing, jewelry, toys, kitchen goods and specialty food you can only buy here.

What to expect

• More than 400 vendors across the full expo center
• Christmas Tree Lane, designer decorated trees from the NC mountains
• Designer rooms with holiday decorating ideas
• Santa, live entertainment and a food and wine hall
• Girls Night Out evenings and other themed days

Schedule

• Wed, Nov. 11 Opening day
• Daily through Nov. 22 Hours vary by day; see the show site
• Sun, Nov. 22 Final day

Plan your visit

Parking at The Park is the hardest part. Go on a weekday morning if you can, buy tickets online to skip the box office line, and bring a bag or a rolling cart for what you buy.

Good to know

• The Park Expo is at 2500 East Independence Boulevard, with paid parking on site and overflow lots on busy days.
• Tickets are cheaper online and there are discount days; check the show site for the current list.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The show fills every hall and you will walk miles.
• Strollers are allowed but the aisles are tight on weekends.