10 Things to Know Before you go to "light the Knights"
Thanksgiving is wrapped up. My college boys were still home for 2 days so it was time to get into the Christmas spirit and see some Christmas lights! “Light the Knights” at Truist Field seemed like the perfect place. There wasn’t a lot written about it, but I was promised local vendor shopping, Christmas lights, and German food. It’s also important to mention that Truist Field, where the Knights play baseball, is one of my favorite places uptown offering an amazing view of the Charlotte skyline day or night. My family and I checked it out and here are the 10 things you need to know before going.
1. buy your tickets online
There are three options: the “Christmas village” tickets from 12-5; the “light the knight” tickets from 5-10; and then the “season pass” which I guess would allow you to go back as many times as you want. All you really need is the ticket that starts at 5pm. The Christmas lights show replays every 30 minutes, and you will have plenty of time to shop the vendors in between. The only reason you will want to buy the daytime tickets is if you have small children who need to leave immediately following the first light presentation. The lines to get in get longer around 5. The entire event shouldn’t really take more than 3 hours, even if you wait to sit on Santa’s lap.
2. Take advantage of all the photo ops
If your goal is to get some great family pictures, this is the place! From back drops with Santa riding a moped to blow up snowmen, there are endless possibilities.
As the sun goes down, there is a light tunnel and snowflake room that also come to life. One of the ads mentioned snow. There is one little snowman character who blows out snow when you push the button. I’m not sure what the “snow” is made of, but it hung out in my hair for hours. I’m going to guess the line gets long at night.
3. Plan on having dinner & dessert there
Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen has a menu of German food and between the four of us we taste tested most of it. The schnitzel and potato salad were both good, but my favorite was the bratwurst! Just make sure you save room for dessert because the strudel at the Village Bakery tent is amazing!
4. Don't forget the beer and Glühwein
Several vendors have a large selection of beers including local craft beer from Birdsong brewery and NODA brewing company. If you are feeling adventurous, you should try the Glühwein! Glühwein is a mulled, spiced wine served warm in Germany and other European countries during the holidays. A non-alcoholic version called Kinderwein is also available at Village Bakery.
5. Enjoy unique shopping in the christmas village
They have jewelry, handmade gifts, clothing, Charlotte inspired art, and even gutter guards! Make sure you visit my favorite tent; Hans & Heidi’s Holiday Haus where you can find unique German nutcrackers and ornaments.
7. Sit on Santa's Lap
Santa will be there during most days but make sure you check the schedule online before heading out. He’s in a big chair in one of the tents and is ready to hear about what you want for Christmas.
6. walk through the christmas tree lane
Although the trees are sparsely decorated, the lights make you want to run home and put up your own tree!
8. Check out the live music
The Mountain Top Polka Band was playing on the day that we went. Dressed in traditional lederhosen, complete with accordion, tube, and alpine horn, they play everything from Oktoberfest hits to Christmas favorites. There are several picnic tables to sit and watch. In between sets you can talk to the band and even take pictures.
9. Stay for the music light show
The light show made up of thousands of Christmas lights and set to music, really are the grand finale. They repeat every 30 minutes and last for about 5 minutes. Not to ruin the surprise but here is a little snippet of what you can expect.
10. Just enjoy the view of the charlotte skyline
The view of the city skyline is worth the visit alone. Set in the middle of uptown Charlotte, Truist stadium is one of my favorite places to see the skyline. The city in the background while you stroll through the Christmas village surrounded by Christmas lights, really makes this event worth going to. Not to mention it’s inexpensive and fun for the whole family. One last reminder; the entire event is outside so dress appropriately! Have fun and make some memories!
