With all eyes on the upcoming holiday season, it can be hard to keep track of those don’t-miss parties, dinners and events. Our weekly round-up helps saves your sanity with a day-by-day guide of where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Poptopia Holiday Pop Up Shop
The Foundation for the Carolinas | Varying times through December 2
The Uptown pop-up shop is open for business through December 2. Check names off of your shopping list with the help of over 16 vendors and artisans lining the Foundation for the Carolinas with local goods, clothing, jewelry and accessories. View our picks from top vendors here.
Charlotte Symphony: Magic of Christmas
Belk Theater | Through December 2
Gather friends and family for a heartwarming show of your holiday favorites. From sing-alongs to a visit from Santa, this performance featuring Mark O’Connor and O’Connor Band, theCharlotte Symphony Chorus and Charlotte Children’s Choir is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Tickets start at $19.
Weihnachtsmarkt
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Varying times December 1-2
The first weekend of the Christmas Market at OMB features a special beer release (Yule Bock), a visit from Santa, over forty vendors and more. Now in its sixth year, the market will be open weekends in December through the 16th.
Gold District Holiday Pop-up
Magnolia Emporium | December 2-3
Did you miss out on Small Business Saturday? Head to South End for Magnolia Emporium’s Annual Winter Pop-Up this weekend. Shop gifts from local vendors and bring canned goods for Friendship Trays and unwrapped toys to benefit CMPD’s #ExplorersChristmasProject.
FRIDAY:
Jazz at the Bechtler: Jingle Bell Jazz
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 6 p.m.
Swing into the season with the help of the Ziad Jazz Quartet as they play favorites including Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride and the John Coltrane version of Greensleeves. The 6 p.m. show is sold out, so act fast for the 8:15 show!
Festival of Trees 2017
Levine Museum of the New South | 7 p.m.
Take in the sight of countless holiday trees as they light up the Levine Museum of the New South at the annual Festival of the Trees. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, silent auctions and raffles, all to benefit The Arc of Mecklenberg’s services for children and adults with IDD.
Santa Baby Release
NoDa Brewing Company | 4-10 p.m.
Just in time for the holiday season, NoDa will release their Christmas Ale, perfectly named Santa Baby. While you’re enjoying a pint or picking up some brews to-go, grab a bite from TIN Kitchen, take a free brewery tour at 6 p.m. and jam to live music from 6:30-8:30.
3rd Annual Tacky South End Holiday Party
Charlotte Art League | 9:30 p.m.
Break out your best tacky sweater for a night of fun with the Charlotte Art League. Expect a photo booth, food a drink, prizes for best sweaters and an interactive comedy show from Improv Charlotte. Bring a new toy or clothing item for Kids First of the Carolinas or $10 suggested donation to support the Charlotte Art League’s Relocation Fund.
Second-Chance Christmas 29th Annual Gala & Toy Drive
Flight | 7:30 p.m.
Second Chance Christmas is back for its 29th year. Support the Children’s Home Society’s Foster Children with toy donations and your attendance at Charlotte’s largest holiday and toy drive. The night features live music performances, a visit from Wallace The Camel, a photo Booth, and plenty of food and drinks. Day of party tickets are $60. Black tie optional.
SATURDAY:
The Fig Tree Restaurant’s Third Annual Charity Pancake Breakfast
The Fig Tree Restaurant | 9 a.m.
Fig Tree’s third annual pancake breakfast featuring all the classics – eggs, sausage, coffee, orange juice and of course, pancakes – benefits the Assistance League of Charlotte. Don’t miss your chance to support and visit with Santa Claus. $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under.
Holiday Trees for Wildlife
Wing Haven | 10 a.m. – Noon
Bring the whole family to enjoy fun creating edible ornaments for wildlife, take-home ornaments for your own tree, exploring on a holiday scavenger hunt and more. $15 per member family, $20 per non-member families,
Grand Opening Celebration and Old Fashioned Pig Pickin’
The Loyalist Market, Matthews | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Help welcome The Loyalist Market to the neighborhood as they throw a pig picking’ in support of a local charity. Your $10 suggested donation will get you a plate and all the fixings, an afternoon of live music and support the Isabella Santos Foundation.
2017 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game
Bank of America Stadium | 8 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to see Miami take on Clemson in this year’s ACC Championship game. Before the game, enjoy live music, games, mascot appearances and more at Fan Fest on Tryon Street from Stonewall to 4th Streets.
Give the Gift of Giving
All American Pub | Noon – 6 p.m.
Still in need of a Christmas tree? Bring three unwrapped gifts or $25 to donate to Toys for Tots to get this year’s perfect tree.
Cookie Tasting with A Smart Cookie
GoodRoad CiderWorks | 2-5 p.m.
Drop in to GoodRoad CiderWorks to taste and sample a variety of baked goods from Smart Cookie LLC that pair perfectly with ciders and meads.
Reindeer Romp 5K & Fun Run
Harris YMCA Kids & Families | 8:30 a.m.
Before the tempting sweets and treats of the season have you reaching for your stretchy pants, lace up for this weekend’s Reindeer Romp 5k and Fun Run. Walk or run the route as a family and challenge little ones with a course just for them. Be sure to wear your best tacky sweaters or costumes! Santa and Mrs. Claus will come to cheer on runners and visit after the run.
Chili Man/Unknown Brewery takeover of YOUR PIE to benefit Shred
Your Pie | Noon – 8 p.m.
Charlotte’s own Vic the Chili Man will team up with Unknown Brewery to takeover the pizza oven and taps to raise money to benefit SHRED. The team will be creating at least two pizzas from Vic the Chili Man’s daily hot dog menu for you to enjoy while sipping on Unknown brews and browsing goods in a pop-up shop.
SUNDAY:
Hello, Sailor Soft Opening
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius | 5 p.m. – close
The long-anticipated venture from Kindred owners Joe and Katy Kindred will hold a soft opening for dinner this Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. Stay tuned for information on an official grand opening.
Assorted Table Wine Shoppe – 5-Year Anniverary Party
Assorted Table Wine Shoppe @ 7th Street Public Market | 6-9 p.m.
Help the Assorted Table Wine Shoppe toast to five years with an evening of wine, beer Filipino-inspired appetizers, music and more. Bring slightly worn or new shoes and new socks for donation to the Urban Ministry Center. $15 per person which includes food and two drink tickets. Call 704.277.3234 to reserve your spot.
Skyline Style Pop Up Shop – Holiday Edition
Museum Tower | 1-5 p.m.
Let five of Charlotte’s premier boutiques help you with your holiday shopping at this weekend’s rooftop sip and shop. Take in the skyline views, desserts and champagne while shopping boutique clothing, accessories and home good items. RSVP for free here.
Riedel Seminar – Why Glassware Matters
The Pump House, Rock Hill | 4:30 p.m.
Does the shape of your wine glass really matter? See how flavors vary as you taste wines out of differently shaped glasses at The Pump House. Guests receive all four glasses to take home, a $100 value. Glassware will also be sold on site. $50 per person. Call for reservations 803.329.8888.
Defiant Requiem
Belk Theater, Robinson Hall | 2 p.m.
Experience this powerful concert-drama that tells the story of brave Jeweish prisoners who performed the Verdi Requiem in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The performance incorporates music, video and film and features the University Chorale, Sine Nomine and guest artists under the direction of Murry Sidlin.
PLAN AHEAD:
KISSmas Concert 2017
December 5 | Bojangles’ Coliseum | 7 p.m.
That’s right, backstreet’s back at this fun celebration of the season. Sing along to your favorite songs as the Backstreet Boys, Why Don’t We, MAX and Olivia Holt take the stage at Bojangles Coliseum.
Sparkling Wine Class: Holiday Favorites
December 7 | Corkbuzz Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
It’s holiday season and the perfect time to learn your bubbles. Discover blanc de noirs and blanc de blancs, why Champagne is more expensive than Prosecco and the difference between vintage and non-vintage bubbly. The class will cover how sparkling wine is made, which grapes are used, styles and pairing suggestions, including the cheese provided to each guest. $60 per person.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra In Charlotte
December 7 | Spectrum Center | 7:30 p.m.
Continue old traditions or start a new one as Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their 2017 tour, an updated presentation of their “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” to the Spectrum Center.
