With the unseasonably warm temperatures creeping in this week it may not be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but there’s still plenty of reason to celebrate. Grab a cup of cheer and join us out and about the Queen City this holiday weekend! Here’s our round up of what to do and where to go this weekend:
Traditional Holiday Cookies Baking Class
Thursday, Dec. 17
Bar Cocoa
This is your year to own the holiday cookie exchange. Take some tips from the pros at the Cocoa Lab’s most popular class this Thursday evening. On the menu are Sweet Potato Brown Butter Cookies, Cherry Pecan Bar, Chewy Chocolate Walnut Cookies, Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. $90 per person.
J.Sam’s 3rd Annual Holiday Party
Thursday, Dec. 17
J. Sams
Come out and enjoy live music from Mike Crowley and Friends, $6 wine glasses and drink specials at J. Sams’ third annual holiday party.
Holiday Market Mingle & Music
Friday, Dec. 18
Salvaged Beauty NoDa
Join local art vendors and musicians for the Holiday Market Mingle & Music. Shop local vendors, enjoy music from CMS students and enjoy arts & crafts projects for children. The proceeds from the event’s raffle, food and beverage sales benefit music and art programs in CMS schools.
Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night!
Friday, Dec. 18
Mint Museum Uptown
Show off your moves at the Mint Museum’s bimonthly Mint to Move event. This edition will feature a special presentation of Venezuelan folkloric dance led by Jorge Salas.
Handel’s Messiah
Friday, Dec. 18- Saturday, Dec. 19
Knight Theater
Experience the joy of the season with Charlotte Symphony Chorus’ performance of  Handel’s Messiah, led by Director of Choruses Kenney Potter.
Noda’s All Arts Market
Friday, Dec. 18- Saturday, Dec. 19
CenterStage@NoDa
Finish up your gift shopping at the December All Arts Market. For two nights, over 70 local artists will be displaying and selling their work in the heart of NoDa. Free admission.
Santa’s Sleepover
Friday, Dec. 18- Saturday, Dec. 19
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Spend the night with jolly old St. Nick himself at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The whole family can explore the Hall after dark, have dinner together, enjoy fun activities, view “The Polar Express” on the big screen and enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa in the morning.
Dark History Walking Tour: Scrooge Edition
Friday, Dec. 18
Corner of Trade and Tryon
Explore five block of Uptown with a dark holiday twist. Discover the untold stories of the Queen City’s busy streets and the often untold spooky stories. Reserve your tickets online to save your spot.
Holidays at Blakeney
Friday, Dec. 18- Saturday, Dec. 19
Blakeney Shopping Center
Bring the family out to enjoy the Holidays at Blakeney. Get your pictures with Santa, hop aboard a carriage ride, enjoy a holiday movie on the Green and even scoop up those last minute gifts.
Pig & Beer Fest
Saturday, Dec. 19
Sycamore Brewing
Sycamore is putting up their big tent for the winter and celebrating with a whole hog roast. Come enjoy craft beer, live music and more.
2nd Annual Chili Cook Off
Saturday, Dec. 19
The Unknown Brewing Company
It’s time for all of the chefs who are only famous in their kitchens (for now) to come out and share their best chili creations with all of South End. A $10 ticket gets you unlimited samples of chili from almost 20 teams and live music all day. Cleanse your palate with a beer from Unknown and know that proceeds are going to a great cause, Purple Heart Homes.
3rd Annual Bulldog Beer & Wine Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec. 19
Bulldog Beer & Wine – Dilworth
Grab your buds and your best Christmas gear and head to Bulldog’s 3rd Annual Beer & Wine Christmas Party this Saturday. Enjoy a visit from Santa (if you’ve been good), music from Dead Man’s Banjo and food from Street Spice International Sliders.
Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market
Through Saturday, Dec. 19
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
You don’t have to travel to Germany to shop at an open air Christmas Market. Just swing by Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on weekends from Dec. 4-19. You’ll find booths of local Charlotte vendors selling gifts and baked goods. To make the deal even sweeter, Olde Meck is releasing their winter beers to enjoy as you shop, or opt for a sip of their homemade Glühwein: a delicious, spiced red wine served hot and fresh.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker
Through Wednesday, Dec. 23
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
It isn’t the holidays without the magic of the Nutcracker. Bring friends and family to this time honored tradition performed by the Charlotte Ballet. Runs through December 23.
