The holiday season in Charlotte, North Carolina, begins with one very special tradition. Every November, thousands of families, friends, and shoppers gather at The Park Expo and Conference Center for what has become the largest holiday show in North America. The Southern Christmas Show is more than just an event. It is a beloved seasonal experience that has marked the unofficial start of Christmas for generations of Carolinians.
In 2026, the show runs from November 11 through November 22. If you are planning your visit, this guide covers everything you need to know, from ticket prices and show hours to shopping tips and special attractions.
2026 Event Overview at a Glance
Here is a quick summary of the key details for this year’s event:
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Southern Christmas Show 2026 |
| Dates | November 11–22, 2026 |
| Venue | The Park Expo and Conference Center |
| Address | 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 |
| Sun–Wed Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thu–Sat Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Early Bird VIP | Saturday, Nov. 14, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Website | southernchristmasshow.com |
Dates and Show Hours
The show opens on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, and runs through Sunday, November 22. That gives you twelve days to plan a visit — or even two.
Hours vary by the day of the week. On Sundays through Wednesdays, the doors open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. However, on Thursdays through Saturdays, the show stays open until 9:00 PM. This makes the longer weekday evenings a great option for those who want to avoid larger weekend crowds.
There is also a special Early Bird VIP session on Saturday, November 14. VIP ticket holders can enter as early as 8:00 AM — two full hours before general admission guests arrive. This is an excellent way to browse the vendors with extra breathing room.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Tickets are available online in advance through the official website. Buying in advance saves you money. Advance pricing applies through November 10, 2026.
| Ticket Type | Advance Price | At the Door |
| Adult Weekday | $20 | Higher |
| Adult Weekend | $23 | Higher |
| Children (6–12) | $12 | Higher |
| Children 5 & Under | Free | Free |
| Group (20+ people) | $16 per person | Advance only |
Additionally, General Admission adult tickets are sold at a discounted rate at select Harris Teeter grocery store locations. You can find participating stores on the official show website. This is a convenient option if you prefer to purchase tickets in person before the event begins.
For groups of 20 or more, a discounted group rate of $16 per person is available. Groups can purchase these tickets online or use the consignment form to have them mailed. A bus pass is available upon request for larger groups.
Getting There: Location and Parking
The Park Expo and Conference Center sits at 800 Briar Creek Road in Charlotte, NC 28205. The venue is easy to find, and the surrounding area offers over 4,000 parking spots.
Parking costs $12 for general parking. Valet parking is available for $25, though space is limited. Bus parking is $50. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted. The organizers note that exact cash is preferred, as it helps keep parking lines moving faster.
Lots open two hours before the show doors do each day. Therefore, arriving early is highly recommended, especially on weekends. Nearby overflow lots at Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Arena, and the Golden Green Hotel also open up for attendees. On weekends, the parking area at a nearby elementary school opens as well.
If you would rather skip the parking hassle entirely, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a smart alternative. Drivers can enter the main lot and drop passengers at the door.
One charming bonus: look out for golf cart shuttles run by the Shriners. They ferry guests from the parking areas to the front door. Donations benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
What to Expect Inside: Attractions and Entertainment
Walking through the doors of the Southern Christmas Show feels like stepping into a holiday wonderland. The event draws hundreds of specialty vendors from Charlotte and across the country. There is something for every taste and budget.
The LeafFilter Entertainment Stage is one of the most popular areas. Live performances throughout the day bring a festive soundtrack to your shopping. Music, dance, and seasonal shows keep the energy high from morning to evening.
The Designer Rooms showcase are another highlight. Interior designers create fully decorated holiday room displays. These rooms inspire visitors with fresh ideas for home decor. The Décor Competition adds a fun competitive element to this experience.
The Selfie Spot and Christmas Cash feature gives visitors a chance to pose for holiday photos while entering for a chance to win prizes. It is a fun stop for families, groups, and solo visitors alike.
Girls Night Out is a popular special event as well. It gives groups of women a dedicated evening to shop, celebrate, and enjoy the show together.
Veterans Day on November 11, the opening day, also carries special significance. The show honors veterans with recognition as part of the opening festivities.
Shopping: What You Will Find
Shopping is the heart of the Southern Christmas Show. Hundreds of vendors fill the exhibition hall with a wide range of products. Whether you are looking for gifts, decorations, or food, you will likely find it here.
Here is a general breakdown of what shoppers can expect:
| Shopping Category | What to Look For |
| Holiday Gifts | Handcrafted goods, jewelry, personalized items |
| Home Décor | Christmas ornaments, wreaths, festive decorations |
| Gourmet Foods | Jams, sauces, sweets, regional specialties |
| Clothing & Accessories | Scarves, hats, handmade apparel |
| Specialty Items | One-of-a-kind finds from artisan makers |
| New Products | Fresh 2026 arrivals debuting at the show |
The show also features a dedicated “Show Specials” section on its website. Vendors post their exclusive deals there before and during the event. Checking this page ahead of your visit helps you plan strategically and avoid missing limited-time offers.
New products get their own spotlight as well. Many vendors use the Southern Christmas Show as the launch platform for items new to the market. Therefore, early visitors often get first access to items that will sell out quickly.
Where to Stay: Hotel Partners
If you are traveling from outside Charlotte, the show has partnered with several nearby hotels to offer discounted room rates. Booking must be done through the show’s designated group blocks.
| Hotel | Location | Room Rate | Booking Deadline |
| Courtyard by Marriott SouthPark | 6023 Park South Dr, Charlotte | $105/night | Oct. 21, 2026 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Uptown | 201 S McDowell St, Charlotte | $129/night | Nov. 4, 2026 |
| Hilton Garden Inn SouthPark | 4808 Sharon Rd, Charlotte | $109/night | Oct. 28, 2026 |
All three hotels include complimentary internet access and breakfast. The Courtyard SouthPark and Hilton Garden Inn are both within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The Fairfield Inn Uptown is just 5 to 10 minutes from The Park Expo, making it ideal for those who want to be close to Uptown Charlotte’s dining scene.
Room availability is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is wise to book as soon as possible, particularly for weekend dates.
Accessibility and Guest Services
The Southern Christmas Show takes accessibility seriously. Standard push wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pick one up at the Coat Check Desk in Liberty Hall. You will need to provide a driver’s license as a hold until the wheelchair is returned.
Guests who have their own motorized or oversized wheelchairs are welcome to bring them inside. Additionally, handicapped parking is available for guests displaying the proper placard. Parking attendants will direct you to the correct area after you pay for parking.
For guests who cannot locate their tickets, the show offers a resend tool on its website. You can have your confirmation email resent instantly at no charge.
Awards and Recognition
The Southern Christmas Show has earned some impressive recognition in recent years. It won Charlotte magazine’s “Best of the Best” award for Best Holiday Event in Charlotte in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, it took Gold in Charlotte’s Best for Best Annual Event/Festival in the same two years.
The show has also appeared on Trips to Discover’s Top 6 List of Holiday Events in North Carolina. This national recognition reflects the event’s broad appeal and consistently high quality.
Tips for a Great Visit
A few practical tips can make your experience even better:
- Buy tickets online before November 10 to lock in the lowest prices.
- Visit on a weekday if possible — crowds are typically smaller than on weekends.
- Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, when the Early Bird VIP session gives you a head start.
- Check the vendor list and Show Specials page on the official website before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the show floor is large and you will be on your feet for several hours.
- Use rideshare for the most stress-free arrival experience.
- Subscribe to the show’s mailing list for exclusive ticket discounts and reminders throughout the year.
Conclusion
The Southern Christmas Show 2026 is set to be another unforgettable holiday experience in Charlotte. Running from November 11 to November 22 at The Park Expo and Conference Center, the show offers twelve days of shopping, entertainment, food, and festive fun. Tickets are affordable, especially when purchased in advance. The show hours accommodate both weekday visitors and weekend shoppers. Special features like the Early Bird VIP session, the Entertainment Stage, Designer Rooms, and Girls Night Out add extra layers of excitement. Partner hotels make overnight stays easy and affordable. Whether you are a longtime visitor or attending for the first time, the Southern Christmas Show is well worth adding to your holiday plans this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Southern Christmas Show 2026?
The show runs from Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 22, 2026, at The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte, NC.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 show?
Advance adult weekday tickets are $20, and adult weekend tickets are $23. Children aged 6 to 12 are $12, and children 5 and under are free. Group discounts of $16 per person are available for parties of 20 or more.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets are available at the box office on the day of the event. However, prices are higher at the door than online advance pricing, so buying in advance through the official website is recommended.
What is the Early Bird VIP session?
The Early Bird VIP session is held on Saturday, November 14, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. It gives VIP ticket holders two hours of exclusive access before general admission guests arrive. Note that discount and complimentary tickets are not accepted for this session.
Is there parking at The Park Expo and Conference Center?
Yes, there are over 4,000 parking spots at and around the venue. General parking costs $12. Valet is $25 with limited availability. Lots open two hours before the show each day, and rideshare drop-offs are also available at the main entrance.
