The results are in! 62% of you are staying in town for Thanksgiving, so we thought we’d give you plenty of options to keep you (and your guests) occupied this week. Our round-up of what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
Wednesday
Carolina Panthers 3rd Annual Tree Lighting
Wednesday, November 23
Bank of America Stadium
On Wednesday evening, the action happens off the field at the third annual Carolina Panthers Tree Lighting. The TopCats, PurrCussion, Black & Blue Crew and Sir Purr get the party started at 6 pm, with Santa himself making an appearance before the big lighting. Attendees will also get to enjoy children’s activities and food trucks.
Thursday
The Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade
Uptown Charlotte
Begin turkey day with the Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade. Bundle up and head out early to grab a spot along the parade route. Get all of the details here.
Charlotte Christmas Village Opens Thursday, Thanksgiving Day
November 24-December 24
Romare Bearden Park
This year, check items off your shopping list by shopping in a European-inspired outdoor Christmas market. Beginning on November 24, Romare Bearden Park will transform into a winter marketplace, lined with local vendors and artisans. Enjoy specialty foods from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and roasted nuts along with hot non-alcoholic beverages and cold beer. There will be a wide assortment of traditional Christmas sweets to take home, like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen, cookies and marzipan. Admission to the village is free, and it will be open every day except for Mondays. Stay tuned for more details.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots
One of Charlotte’s longest-running events is turning 28 this year. Before you indulge, help them celebrate by running in the South Park Turkey Trot. The 8k and 5k route options loop around the South Park neighborhood, beginning and ending at South Park mall.
Turkey Dash Charlotte
Start & Finish lines in the parking lot of Village at Robinson Farms
this one’s for our friends in South Charlotte. The Turkey Dash is a four-mile run/walk with something for everyone. Join in the one mile fun run, enjoy the “Family Village” with the kiddos or compete for your best time on the four mile course.
University City Turkey Trot 5K
The Fresh Market at 3024 Prosperity Church Road
Lace up for the third annual University City Turkey Trot 5K. The fun kicks off at The Fresh market on Prosperity Church Road. Afterwards, enjoy a post-race mini feast along with refreshments and music. Don your best costume for a chance at prizes for the top three.
Turkey Trot at Millbridge
Waxhaw, NC
At the MillBridge Turkey Trot, enjoy a 4-mile morning run, walk or trot throughout the streets of MillBridge. All proceeds will benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital.
Saturday
Chef-Driven Dining in Uptown Food Tour
Saturday, November 26
Uptown Charlotte
After whipping up your own Thanksgiving feast, let Uptown’s Executive Chefs give you a tour of the kitchens behind Charlotte’s growing culinary scene. On this FEAST food tour, sample seasonal Chef’s creations at five Uptown hotspots, learn from the pros with cooking demonstrations, sip on beer and wine samples and more.
Small Business Saturday-South End
Saturday, November 26
South End
Historic South End does it up for Small Business Saturday. In addition to the many retailers in the South End, there will be pop-up shops adding up to over 300 options for your post-turkey shopping adventure. Browse them all here. But no need to be overwhelmed- the Holiday Trolley that takes you from store to store and shopping maps make it easy and stress-free.
NoDa Eclectic Marketplace
Saturday, November 26
Behind Smelly Cat Coffeehouse
Support local vendors are you search for the perfect unique gift for everyone on your list. Shop the selection of artisans, jewelry makers and more from 10 am- 3 pm.
Tree Lighting at the Hall
Saturday, November 26
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Kick off the holiday festivities at The NASCAR Hall of Fame with the lighting of the tree on Saturday evening. The fun starts at 5 pm with family entertainment, live music and a visit from Santa. The tree lights up at 7:15 pm.
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair
Saturday, November 26
The Dairy Barn at Anne Springs Close Greenway
It’s easy to shop local on Small Business Saturday with a trip to the Winter Wonderland Craft Fair. Over 150 vendors will line the Dairy Barn offering crafts, art, pottery, clothing and more. Admission is free and Parking is $5 per car.
