December 16, 2025
Whether you’re on winter break or just enjoying a free winter weekend, there’s so much to do in Cabarrus County, North Carolina this winter. Here’s our list of must-do activities this season.
Experience Thrills and Chills
The start of the NASCAR season arrives with the Daytona 500 in February, but stock car racing stars aren’t the only ones who can get behind the wheel this winter. Turn up the heat and book with the NASCAR Racing Experience for track time on the same oval that the legends have raced for decades at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
That’s not the only way to feel the fun of speed this winter in Cabarrus — even when the weather gets a little less than ideal. In Concord, you can enjoy the thrill of indoor go-kart racing at K1 Speed. Or for a real adrenaline rush, try out indoor skydiving: at iFLY, you’ll experience free fall in a wind tunnel, without a plane or parachute.
Shop Till You Drop
Whether you’re buying gifts, spending holiday cash or tuning up the seasonal wardrobe, Cabarrus has some great options. Head over to Concord to visit Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest outlet and retail value shopping attraction. With more than 200 stores to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for — plus restaurants and entertainment for when you need a break.
Love cozy crafts? Stop in Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore in Downtown Kannapolis. Along with awesome reads and great coffee, you’ll find a variety of yarn and other supplies for knitting and crochet projects.
Then check out the incredible Depot at Gibson Mill, the largest antique mall in the South with over 750 unique booths covering 88,000 square feet. Here’s our insider’s guide. (And while you’re there, be sure to fuel up at the food hall.)
Enjoy Some Great Local Bourbon
Cabarrus is home to several imaginative craft breweries, wineries and even a local distillery. Here’s our guide to some of our favorite seasonal drinks in town.
One you won’t want to miss is the craft liquor experience at Southern Grace Distilleries in Mount Pleasant, where they make their small-batch whiskey and bourbon in a unique facility, which was once a prison nearly a century ago. Bourbon lovers should also head to nearby 73 & Main, which boasts one of the largest selections of bourbon in North Carolina, including more than 35 rare and antique varieties.
Let the Games Begin
Cabarrus is a gamer’s paradise, no matter what variety you’re into. Sports lovers should head to Downtown Concord’s Mulligan’s Golf Club where simulators let players of all levels enjoy indoor virtual sports year-round.
For board game aficionados, Buzz City Games and Luck Factory Games board game café at Gibson Mill boast a huge library of titles to choose from. Arcade game fans should head to Basement Arcade Bar for throwback fun, or to Kingpin Underground, where you can also try your arm at duckpin bowling (or karaoke).
And if you want a real challenge, bring your family and friends to The Escape Game in Concord Mills — an escape room escapade you’ll never forget.
Pretend It’s Summer
If you find yourself pining after summertime, never fear: We’ve got you covered. Make-believe you’re at the beach by first heading to SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (in Concord Mills) and marveling at all of the amazing undersea creatures, from sharks and sea turtles to seahorses and jellyfish!
Then put on your bathing suit and book a family stay at Great Wolf Lodge, where the warm indoor water park — with eleven water slides, four pools and plenty of family fun — will help you enjoy a little staycation. Plus, dive into a cool treat with seasonal flavor, including ice cream and sundaes from sweet shops like The Bakery at Mount Pleasant.
Have a Game-Changing Meal
There’s so much good food in Cabarrus County that you could make a bucket list just for dining. Check out our Places to Eat to start yours!
