Events

Free Tree Lighting at Bank of America Stadium returns Nov. 17

The Panthers and Charlotte FC will light a 50-foot Norway spruce at their 13th annual holiday event. It’s free, but you need a mobile ticket.

Lit Christmas tree in front of Bank of America Stadium, Dec. 2025
Photo: City Dweller 2 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Uptown’s holiday season gets an early start this year.

The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are hosting the 13th annual Tree Lighting presented by Belk at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 17, according to the Panthers. The tree is a 50-foot Norway spruce from Newland, N.C., and it gets lit after a stage show.

Schedule
• Gates open: 5:30 p.m.
• Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.
• Tree lighting: 7 p.m.
• Concourse festival: 7–9 p.m.

Along the stadium concourse, the team says there will be letter writing, hot chocolate stations, winter crafts and meet-and-greets with Santa.

Tickets and entry: The event is free, but everyone needs a mobile ticket. Check in at the Mint Street security screening near Lot 1 and the Residence Inn (410 S. Mint St.). The team says parking is available at independent lots and garages nearby.

Claim tickets through the Panthers’ event page linked below.

Source: Carolina Panthers: Tree Lighting 2026