CLT Delivers Holiday Cheer

Blue, silver and gold ornaments, bauble garland and gift boxes have arrived in the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE), helping to spread holiday cheer.

The Airport’s new holiday décor greets passengers above the main doorways in Ticketing, on the luggage carousels in Baggage Claim and wrapped around wayfinding signage and Flight Information Display Systems throughout the TLE.

The festive decorations join CLT’s reindeer (Wilbur and Orville) who made their debut in 2019 and 2020 in the Atrium and the Airport’s holiday doves that were introduced in 2023 at the entrance of Concourse E.

“I look at the holiday décor as not only putting our passengers into the holiday spirit but also helping to take some of the stress off of flying,” said Exhibits Coordinator Charles Tabor. “Seeing the lights and ornaments automatically puts you into a better mindset.”

Installation Process

CLT’s holiday decorations were installed Monday, Nov. 17 - Thursday, Nov. 20. The Airport’s facilities team and vendors worked each night from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. “There are coordination meetings that begin in October so on installation night - in that five-hour window - everyone knows what to expect and everyone knows their role in finishing the display within that timeframe,” said Customer Engagement Manager Lauri Golden.

When selecting the new décor, Golden and her team looked for decorations that would not impede passenger traffic, tie in nicely with the TLE, complement CLT’s existing holiday pieces and make its own mark.

“We strive for CLT to be a different airport, to have its own identity,” Golden said. “We think that CLT is a signature airport, and this is one of the many ways that we try to achieve that by leaving a positive impression.”

Festival of Trees

Speaking of a leaving a lasting impression, CLT’s second annual “Festival of Trees” now adorns the D/E Connector.

Passengers can delight in 23 artfully decorated trees and make a donation to help support local, underserved families. Each tree features a QR code indicating which foundation it benefits.

The holiday event also serves as a friendly competition among various Airport departments, partners and contractors that worked to decorate the trees. Passengers can vote for their favorite, with the winner receiving a trophy.

“We’ve seen lots of smiling faces and compliments on how beautiful the trees look,” said Project Organizer Veronica Brannigan. “People love taking photos in front of the trees and our popular snow globe. The joy and excitement make the effort worthwhile!”

The “Festival of Trees” was created by HMSHost by Avolta, the Airport’s food and beverage concessionaire, and will be on display at CLT through Dec. 26, 2025.

Stay tuned for what 2026 holiday decorations will be added.