12 Must-Do Holiday Experiences

Get into the spirit with the family at these holly-jolly events throughout the area.

- Michele Huggins

Holiday merriment is around every corner throughout the month of December. From a whole-town light display to a winter ice rink under the uptown lights, singing bears and the classic “Nutcracker” ballet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Pack up the cookies and hot chocolate and head out for one — or all 12 — of these merry holiday experiences.

1. Go Ice Skating

Finding a place to ice skate is easier than ever this holiday season with four outdoor ice-skating rinks open for the season. WBT and K107.9 Thee Link bring the annual Holiday on Ice skating rink to the heart of uptown again. Located at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, the rink is open through Jan. 6, 2019. Special events include Princess and Superhero Day on Dec. 9. Admission is $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. holidayonicecharlotte.com.

Winter Wonderland is located between Symphony Park and SouthPark Mall. The 5,000 square-foot ice-skating rink features holiday lights and décor, as well as attractions like Santa’s Pub and a coff ee shop, live music, special guests and ongoing activities through Jan. 22, 2019. winterwonderlandsouthpark.com.

Rock Hill also has its very own outdoor iceskating rink. The Founders Holiday Ice Rink, located just across from Fountain Park on Saluda Street in Rock Hill, is open through Jan. 21, 2019. Admission is $10 and includes skate rentals for two hours on the ice. Every Wednesday is buy one, get one skate passes. onlyinoldtown.com/ icerink.

2. Take a Winter Garden Walk