The holiday rush is in full swing, and there’s only one way to stay sane: planning ahead for the weekend. Fill your calendar with concerts, wine tastings, bar crawls and more with our day-to-day guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte. ICYMI, here are our posts on Where to See the Christmas Lights in CLT and more news you can use:
25 Picks for Where to See the 2017 Christmas Lights in Charlotte
December scoopEATS ~ new restaurants, happenings, menus and comings soon.
ALL WEEKEND
Carolina Voices’ 63rd Annual Singing Christmas Tree
Knight Theater at Levine Center | Various times through December 10
What could be more festive than a singing Christmas tree? Carolina Voices will be leading the joyful performance, with help from guest artists Caroline Keller, Grey Seal Puppets, Miller Street Dance Academy and Torrance Creek Elementary and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Choir. Performances will be December 9 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and December 10 at 4 p.m. Tickets begin at $25.
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center | Through December 23
The joy of the holidays come to life as audiences join Clara in her adventures through a life-like snowfall, encounter with the Sugar Plum Fairy and an epic battle between the Mouse King and Nutcracker. Choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux with music from the Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker is sure to become a beloved family tradition.
Weihnachtsmarkt
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Varying times December 8-9
The second 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.
FRIDAY
Orin Swift Cellars Tasting
Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark |Â 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Reid’s Fine Foods and host Jordan Keese in a tasting of Orin Swift Cellars wines. Try a mannequin white blend, abstract red blend and Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tom Petty Tribute To Benefit Levine Children’s Hospital
Neighborhood Theatre | 8 p.m.
Enjoy your favorite classics as this Tom Petty Tribute band takes the stage to support the mission of Levine Children’s Hospital. $10 suggested donation.
Plaza Midwood’s Lighted Christmas Ball Fun Run
Resident Culture Brewing Company | 7 p.m.
Lace up for this free and fun 5K run through the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The route starts at Resident Culture Brewing, and is lit by the help of neighbor’s festive displays. The run ends with a celebration back at the brewery.
Roederer Cristal & Caviar Holiday Event
Petit Philippe | 6-8 p.m.
Petit Philippe will host their annual holiday and birthday celebration with champagne by Roederer and premium caviar from Marshallberg Farms. $65 per guest. Call Petit Philippe at 704.332.9910 to RSVP.
SATURDAY
Girl Tribe Pop Up – Holiday Edition (Featuring Dude Tribe)
Sugar Creek Brewing | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (with preview night Friday!)
After their VIP preview night on Friday (just $25), Saturday shoppings can shop jewelry, clothing and other goods from local women-owned businesses. $10 VIP access opens at 9 a.m., while admission from noon – 5 p.m. is free.
The Gray Holiday Party – A Fundraiser For The Gantt Center
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture | 8 p.m.
Make plans to join Herb and Felicia Gray and V101.9 for their annual holiday party to support the Harvey B. Gantt Center. The evening features sweet and savory treats, a specialty drink, live music and more. $60 per guest.
NoDa Krampus Krawl
NoDa Neighborhood | 6 p.m.
St. Nick & his Krampus will be roaming the streets of NoDa discovering who has been naughty or nice this year. Join in the annual Krampus Krawl to enjoy music, costumes and special stops along the way. Learn more here.
Resonance Exhibit Open House
NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios | 1-7 p.m.
NoDa@28thCreative Arts Studio, in collaboration with St. Lawrence & Martin art consultancy, will host an open house for new exhibit RESONANCE featuring artists Doba Afolabi and J.R. Miles, III. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Call 704.380.7489 to RSVP and for more information.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Plaza Midwood Bars | 2 – 10 p.m.
Break out your best (or worst) holiday sweater for the inaugural Charlotte Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Over nine Plaza Midwood locations will offer exclusive food and drink specials, holiday music, giveaways and more. View all locations and specials here. Tickets start at $20.
Oyster Roast & Seafood Bash
Three Spirits Brewery | Noon – 8 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to fill up on fresh seafood and beer at the Oyster Roast and Seafood Bash. Hosted by SouthEast Crab Feast and Three Spirits Brewery, the event will feature NC oysters, Alaskan snow crab legs, shrimp, blue crabs, gumbo and Three Spirits Brewery beer, wine and cider. Prices for menu items vary, $5 admission includes a complimentary craft beer.
Birdsong 6 Year Anniversary Party
Birdsong Brewing Co. | Noon – 10 p.m.
Bird Song Brewing Company is turning six this weekend. Help them celebrate with live music and food trucks all day, a limited release IPA on draft and in cans, a six year anniversary glass (first 100 guests receive for free!), a special barrel bar for barrel aged specialty brews and limited release brews.
Holiday Bake Sale and Brews
Sycamore Brewing | 2:30 p.m.
Between brews, satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting a worthy cause. This Saturday’s bake sale and brews fundraiser will feature a variety of cookies, candies and breads with donations benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
18th Annual Santa Bar Crawl
Registration is at Flight | 3 p.m.
Last year over 1,800 crawlers took the streets in the name of holiday cheer. Will you join in this year? Wear your best estivate attire as 25 locations feature specials in the spirit of the holidays. $18 ticket includes a koosie, giveaway bag, specials and cover at participating locations.
SUNDAY
Ayrsley Christmas Celebration
Piedmont Social House | 2-6 p.m.
In addition to the tree lighting and visits with Santa, this family-friendly event features musical performances, s’mores roasting, a gingerbread house competition and prizes for the best tacky sweater. Bring a toy to donate to the CMPD Christmas Explorer’s Project for a free bowling pass. Free admission with a $20 option that includes activity options and all-you-can-eat s’mores and unlimited hot chocolate.
Midwood Market: The Return of Holiday Central
2008 Commonwealth Avenue | 1-6 p.m.
Check off everyone on your list as Commonwealth Avenue is transformed into Holiday Central. Freely roam the retail shops in search of the perfect gift from 1-6 p.m.
Finders Keepers Market December
NoDa Brewing Company | 1-6 p.m.
Shop local with the help of the vendors at this month’s Finders Keepers Market. Browse handmade goods and artisanal creations while enjoying NoDa brews.
Truffle Dinner
aqua e vino | 6:30 p.m.
This six-course dinner stars white truffles from Alba, Piemonte Italy and features wine pairings. Limited to just 30 people. $180 per guest. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your spot.
Pet Photos with Santa
SouthPark Mall | 7-9 p.m.
Who says pictures with Santa are just for your human children? Give Fido the chance to tell Santa his wishlist this Sunday at SouthPark.
PLAN AHEAD
Les Misérables
December 13-17 |Â Ovens Auditorium | 8 p.m.
The Tony-award-winning musical phenomenon comes to Charlotte with new staging and scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, beloved songs and the classic story of redemption in 19th century France.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show at Phillips Place
Thursday, December 14 | 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the second of three special nights in Phillips Place, as the shopping destination is transformed into a winter wonderland. The night features two light shows stretching across a six-story canvas, visits from stilt walkers and elves, children’s activities, complimentary hot chocolate by Dean and Deluca, special guests Santa and Mrs.. Claus and 100% chance of snow. Free and open to the public.
Giant Hanukkah Book Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 12 | SouthPark Mall | 5 p.m.
Help children in need this Chanukah by bringing a new book or toy to the Menorah lighting at SouthPark. In addition to the lighting, enjoy latkes, entertainment and music.
