Camp North End in Charlotte sets a holiday mood with outdoor ice rink, seasonal market

Heidi Finley
·3 min read

Camp North End is bringing back a holiday season filled with ice skating, gift shopping and more in Charlotte.

The adaptive reuse campus is kicking off Camp North Pole on Friday, Nov. 22, with its annual Mistletoe Markets taking place on pre-Christmas Saturdays in December.

Expect igloo photo ops, shopping and seasonal drinks, plus a cozy indoor lounge and firepits to help set the mood. Live music, family-friendly entertainment and special crafting activities for all ages will also take place.

Here are the details you need to know.

Camp North Pole

Details: The outdoor ice rink runs daily Nov. 22 through Jan. 5

  • Tickets will be available online in advance, or you can walk-up to the rink and get them there. General admission is $15 per person, and children (5 and under) are $10 each.

  • Skate rentals are included. Guests can use their own skates, but there’s no discount.

  • Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Closures can be expected during inclement weather.

  • Holiday Hours:

    • Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-Nov. 30, noon-10 p.m. daily

    • Winter Break: Dec. 22-Jan. 3,noon-10 p.m. daily

    • Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, noon-5 p.m.

Camp North Pole is open daily from Nov. 22-Jan. 5.
Camp North Pole is open daily from Nov. 22-Jan. 5.

Pro tip: On opening weekend you can catch a few free events, courtesy of Extreme Ice Center.

  • Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6:15 p.m.: Watch a 15-minute professional ice dancing show.

  • Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.-noon: Join a 30-minute group ice skating lesson before the rink opens at the public. Ages 5 years and up are welcome, and RSVPs are required.

“The holidays are always a magical time of year at Camp North End, and this year we’re so excited to grow our annual ice skating tradition with the generous support of OrthoCarolina,” Varian Shrum, community manager at Camp North End, said in a news release.

The Lodge at Camp North Pole

The Ford Factory will be transformed into cozy chalet with a variety of festive seating and open when the ice rink is running. Camp North End Canteen will offer warm drinks and light concessions, including s’more kits to use at outdoor fire pits.

After ice skating, warm up at The Lodge at Camp North End in the adjacent Ford Factory.
After ice skating, warm up at The Lodge at Camp North End in the adjacent Ford Factory.

Mistletoe Market

Details: Mistletoe Market events will be held Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 from 3-8 p.m. There will also be a holiday pop-up shop curated by Vintage Charlotte.

  • Explore Camp North End businesses offering seasonal food and drinks and shop the 25 Market Street huts.

  • Take photos with vintage blow mold penguins throughout the site or near one of Camp North End’s 100+ murals.

  • Warm up by the firepits.

Mistletoe Market events will be held Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 from 3-8 p.m.
Mistletoe Market events will be held Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 from 3-8 p.m.

Pro tip: Special events take place during the markets throughout December, and early birds can grab a limited edition enamel mug each week.

  • Saturday, Dec. 14: Reindog Parade

  • Saturday, Dec. 21: The Hunnid Dollar Art Fair by BLK MRKT, which will showcase the work of 50+ local creatives. Art pieces are marked at $100 or less, and artists retain 100% of their sales.

Seasonal decor will be set up around Camp North End for photo opportunities.
Seasonal decor will be set up around Camp North End for photo opportunities.

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