Top Chef Party, Holiday Home Tour, Jingle Bell Jazz, Gallery Crawl, Santa (of course) & More.
The last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been polished off and we’re in full holiday swing. We’ve got your round-up of events to try this weekend, from the smooth sounds of holiday jazz classics to walking tours. Your guide of what to do and where to go this weekend in Charlotte:
Heading up to the Lake this Weekend? Or just looking for a change of Christmas Scenery? Here are our picks for what to do in LKN this weekend.
And here is our list for Family Fun for this week.
Top Chef Viewing Party Premiere at 5Church
Thursday, December 1
5Church
This season you may recognize a familiar name on Bravo’s “Top Chef”. Cheer on 5Church’s very own Jamie Lynch in the season premiere at 10 pm. Get the party started early with cocktails beginning at 9 pm.
Lights on the Square
Thursday, December 1
Founder’s Hall
The heart of Charlotte comes alive with holiday performances and the lighting of the tree this Thursday. Beginning at 5:30, dancers and choirs bring cheer to the crowd until Santa himself lights the tree at 6:30. Stick around for music, food and family fun inside of Founder’s Hall.
Jazz at The Bechtler: Jingle Bell Jazz
Friday, December 2
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
It’s not quite the holidays without a little jazz. This Friday evening, the Ziad Jazz Quartet will get you into the holiday spirit with lively renditions of Winter Wonderland, Deck the Halls, Sleigh Ride and more. You have two chances to enjoy: one concert at 6 pm and one at 8:15 pm. Tickets are $14 for the public and $8 for museum members. Buy tickets online, by phone at 704.353.9200 or at the admission desk.
South End Gallery Crawl
Friday, December 2
Southend Charlotte
The first Friday gallery tour is back for the holiday season with a night full of local art. Browse through the galleries at your leisure and enjoy receptions, food, drink and artist meet and greets along the way. Kicks off at 5 PM. View our guide to this month’s crawl (including individual gallery offerings) here.
Poptopia Holidays
Through Saturday, December 3
The Foundation for the Carolinas
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping with a week of pop-up shops throughout the Sonia & Issac Luski Gallery. National and local retailers will line the Foundation for the Carolinas halls and holiday cheer will fill the air at evening receptions. Free admission. Open 11 am- 8 pm weekdays, 9 am- 1 pm on Saturday.
Friends of Fourth Ward 2016 Holiday Home Tour
Friday, December 2-Sunday, December 4
Fourth Ward Neighborhood
Walk through the already enchanting 19th century homes of Fourth Ward as they deck the halls for the holiday season. Homeowners welcome guests all weekend long during the 39th Annual Friends of Fourth Ward Walking Tour. The self-guided tour also includes seasonal performances on the porches of featured homes, horse-drawn carriage rides and refreshment samplings. Friday (5-9 pm), Saturday (5-9 pm) and Sunday (1-5 pm). $30 per person. Buy tickets online here.
Weihnachtsmarkt 2016
Friday, December 2- Sunday, December 17
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Experience the sights, smells and tastes of a traditional Christmas market at OMB beginning this weekend. Fill your December weekends with open air booths selling local gifts and goods, seasonal beers from OMB and tons of good cheer. Open 4-9 pm on Fridays and 2-9 pm on Saturdays. Free admission.
Tacky South End Holiday Party
Friday, December 2
Charlotte Art League
Post-gallery crawl, stick around for the Tacky Sound End Holiday Party hosted by the Charlotte Art League. The festivities include a photo booth, food and drinks, a tacky sweater contest and laughs brought to you by Improv Charlotte. Bring an unwrapped new toy or $10 suggested donation. 9:30 pm.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Saturday, December 3
METROPOLITAN
Bring the kids out for a dose of holiday cheer at Metropolitan. They’ll love chatting and posing with Santa and enjoying cookies and hot cocoa. 4-6 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Holiday Vines and Bites
Saturday, December 3
METROPOLITAN
After the family fun, stick around for a wine tasting brought to you by Dressler’s Restaurant, Pizzeria Omaggio and Vivace. Sip a variety of featured blends from each restaurant, nibble on appetizers and enjoy live holiday music. $20 per person, with 100% of proceeds benefitting SHARE Charlotte. Get your ticket here.
Christmastime Is Here
Saturday, December 3
Dana Auditorium
Kids from one to 92 will love that classic sounds of Saturday’s holiday performance from Charlotte Concert Band. 7 pm. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
Winter Warm-up with 2ULaundry and The Crisis Assistance Ministry Project
Monday, December 5- Monday, December 19
2ULaundry is making it easier than ever to help neighbors warm up this holiday season. Simply gather up your extra coats, blankets, hats, gloves and socks and schedule your donation pick-up. Donations benefit the Crisis Assistance Ministry.
