Now Open & To Do in Matthews, Ballantyne, Waverly, Fort Mill & More. The Scoop from South South CLT.

Holiday cheer isn’t limited by ZIP code. All month long, there are plenty of ways to get in the spirit on the south side of town. Here are the latest South Charlotte openings and events to fill your December:

Little Big Burger, Rea Farms – Open Now!

Portland-based Little Big Burger has opened its newest location in South Charlotte. The fast-casual concept is known for their cooked-to-order burgers, truffle fries and root beer floats. Find them at 9904-F Sandy Rock Pl.

Improper Pig Fort Mill – Opening Soon!

Soon, barbecue lovers in Fort Mill will be able to enjoy The Improper Pig’s classic and distinctive takes on the beloved Southern fare. Guest favorites include traditional pulled pork and St. Louis-style ribs, which share a menu with globally-inspired flavors like Korean barbecue salmon and Thai and hoisin sauces. Find them soon at 202 Main St. in Fort Mill.

Holiday Afternoon Tea
December 1 – 30 | The Ballantyne

Mark the holiday season with a special tea at The Ballantyne complete with seasonal blends by rare Tea Company, savory sandwiches, traditional treats, live entertainment and the option to add Champagne for $10. Served Tuesday – Sunday December 1 – 30 from 1 – 4 p.m. $58 for adults, $25 for ages 5 – 12 and $15 for children under five. Bring a new and unwrapped toy to donate to Levine Children’s Hospital.

Santa’s Workshop at Blakeney
Through December 23 | Blakeney Shopping Center

Visit Santa’s brand new workshop on the Village Green at Blakeney Shopping Center this holiday season for portraits with Santa Claus from November 17 through December 23! Blakeney will host two pet-friendly Paws & Claus Saturdays on December 8 and 15 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Don’t worry, humans are still welcome during these two dates!

Wreath Making Workshop
December 4 | Sweet T Flowers, Inc., Waxhaw | 7 p.m.

Choose from a selection of fresh greenery to craft your own aromatic holiday wreath with the guidance of a professional floral designer. Mulled Cider and appetizers will be served, and guests can bring their own wine. $84.95 per person.

Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
December 4 | E North Main St., Waxhaw | 5:30 p.m.

The fourth Annual Waxhaw Menorah Lighting will include donuts, latkes, crafts, warm drinks and more.

Winter Wednesdays at Waverly
Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Waverly | 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Fill up on mid-week cheer with music, shopping, treats and visits from Santa every Wednesday through December 19. Visitors can also expect special appearances from favorite characters and the chance to win a $100 Waverly restaurant gift card each week.

Santa’s Night Off – Sip & Shop
December 6 | Main Street Fort Mill | 5 – 8 p.m.

Select Main Street shops will make holiday shopping a bit more fun with wine tastings, snacks, discounts and more on Santa’s Night Off. First, stop at Olive’s Mud Puddle first to get your card and your first stamp. Move on to Aesthetic Addiction, Main & Gray, R. Hanauer, Crossings and end up at Southern Sugar for a special treat and raffle drawing.

Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel
December 6 – 26

Stroll through Gingerbread Lane to view an array of gingerbread creations and vote for your favorite with $1 donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital, A Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, dedicated to caring for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.

Fort Mill Historic Homes Tour
December 8 | Fort Mill History Museum | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn the stories that fill five historic Fort Mill locations on this self-guided tour. Featured destinations include the Founder’s House, Garrison House, Smith House, Unity Church and Mack Train Car. $50 per ticket.

Light up Millbridge
December 8 | MillBridge, Waxhaw | 5 – 8:30 p.m.

See more than 4,000 luminaries light up the streets of MillBridge and the area’s only functioning covered bridge before arriving at a fully decorated 16-foot evergreen. Guests will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, s’mores and visits with Santa.

Holiday Spectacular
December 8 | Ballantyne Village | Noon – 3 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, face painting and balloon artists.  The first 500 kids will receive a free goodie bag.

Pancakes with Santa Benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank
December 8 | StoneCrest at Piper Glen | 10 a.m.

Start your day by doing good and diving into a stack of pancakes or other breakfast fare from Flying Biscuit Cafe. Kids will also get the chance to visit with Santa and a balloon artist. The event supports Second Harvest Food Bank. Be sure to bring the camera to capture a special photo with Santa.

Holiday Artisan Pop Up Market
December 8 | The Loyalist Market, Matthews | Noon – 3 p.m.

Shop 15 vendors as Good Cup Coffee, The Matthews Beacon and The Loyalist Market team up for this hyperlocal pop-up market. Fuel up with lunch at the market before shopping.

Waxhaw’s Annual Christmas Parade
December 9 | Town of Waxhaw | 3 p.m.

Waxhaw’s annual Christmas Parade will include appearances from local school marching bands, festive floats and more.

Arts & Crafts Christmas Event
December 9 | Dust Off Brewing Co., Rock Hill | 1 – 6 p.m.

Shop local vendors and enjoy craft beer at Dust Off Brewing Co.’s first Arts & Craft beer event.

Holiday Cocktail Class
December 13 | The Ballantyne | 7 p.m.

This holiday cocktail class featuring Ciroc and Brandy will give you plenty of inspiration for your holiday spirits. Call 704.248.4100 to reserve your spot. $40 per person.

Yoga, Beer, & Holiday Cheer
December 18 | Amor Artis Brewing, Fort Mill | 6 – 7 p.m.

Lisa Felton Gajdzis will lead this festive Carolina Sweat class, followed by beers in the Amor Artis Brewing taproom. $16 per person.