Looking for ways to get out and enjoy all that this weekend has to offer? Find holiday events, cooking classes, shopping tours and more in our day-by-day guide of what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour (SOLD OUT)
December 7 – 9 | Fourth Ward Neighborhood
Hope you got your tickets!
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 7 – 23 | Belk Theater
The classic tales and music come to life in Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Don’t miss their Night at the Nutcracker on December 9, when the theater transforms into The Land of Sweets with children’s activities in Snowflake Village, seasonal cocktails, desserts and hors-d’oeuvres. Tickets start at $25.
Teddy Bear Tea
December 8 – 16
Make plans to have high tea for a cause at The Westin. Weekends during December, guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas, tea sandwiches, dessert displays and a special kids menu. The fun continues with visits with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, adoptable Build-a-Bears and ornament crafting. $58 for adults, $38 for children and free for those under two. A portion of all proceeds benefits families in medical crisis at the Hospitality House of Charlotte. Call 704.335.2103 to reserve.
Holiday Pop Up Shop at Winter Wonderland
December 8 – 9 | Symphony Park
Shop this weekend-long pop-up with local vendors and your favorite Frozen characters on Saturday, plus a hot cocoa bar and ornament making on Sunday.
64th Annual Singing Christmas Tree
December 8 – 9 | Knight Theater
This all-new production of Carolina Voices’ Singing Christmas Tree includes renditions of Christmas classics, performances by Miller Street Dance Academy, the All-Star Big Band and a special visit from Santa. Tickets start at $26.
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Dec 4 – Dec 9 | Ovens Auditorium
The classic 1983 movie comes to life at Ovens Auditorium complete with your favorite hilarious moments, from the infamous leg lamp to Ralphie’s pink bunny pajamas. Tickets start at $25.
FRIDAY
South End Gallery Crawl
South End Galleries | 5 – 9 p.m.
Spend your Friday exploring South End’s thriving art scene. Each month, neighborhood galleries stay open late to host lively receptions, showcase new exhibitions and welcome artists. Start planning your evening here.
Nebel’s Alley Night Market
101 W. Worthington Ave. | 5 – 9 p.m.
Shop under the stars as 30 local vendors offer handmade leather products, vintage accessories, kombucha and more. Shoppers will also enjoy projections of classic black and white movies, live jazz and a caricaturist.
Sip, Shop, Give Back
Friday, December 7 | Art House Charlotte | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Shop original art perfect for gifting at Art House’s holiday open house. The day also includes wine from Scout & Cellar wines and shoppable jewelry and accessories from Somers Collection. A portion of sales will benefit Families Forward Charlotte and their Holiday Essentials Baskets helping local families in need.
Arts at the Trolley
1507 Camden Road | 6 – 8 p.m.
For one night only, explore this juried art exhibition featuring 20 local emerging artists. Free admission with beverages available for purchase.
30th Annual 2nd Chance Christmas Gala
Flight | 7:30 – 11 p.m.
This favorite Charlotte event gives guests the chance to make an impact and enjoy a night out on the town. Expect live music, a photo booth, heavy appetizers and more, plus a visit from Wallace the Camel. $50+ plus a toy donation. Black tie optional.
7 Years at 7th Street
Not Just Coffee – 7th Street Public Market | 7 – 10 p.m.
Help Not Just Coffee celebrate their seventh anniversary with raffle prizes, a DJ, a signature non-alcoholic beverage and more, all benefitting Safe Alliance.
SATURDAY
Charlotte Holiday Boutique Crawl, powered by ShopOff
Charlotte Boutiques | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Unlock exclusive discounts at over 20 local shops and restaurants around Charlotte, then shop them all to check off everyone on your holiday shopping list (or score some deals for yourself.) A portion of ticket sales benefits Fashion & Compassion, an organization that empowers and connects vulnerable women in Charlotte and abroad through jewelry-making and spiritual development. $15 per ticket.
Bubbles & Bites Cooking Class
Mimosa Grill | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Special guest Mark Orsini leads this cooking class just in time for the holidays. Learn how to whip up bites ideal for entertaining, and the bubbles to serve with them. The class includes tastings, recipes and wine pairings. $48 per person. Purchase online here.
Experience Clay with Clayworks
Mint Museum Uptown | 1 – 4 p.m.
Your day at the Mint isn’t complete without tapping into your own creative side. Enjoy demonstrations from Clayworks and try your own hand in the studio in conjunction with the exhibition, Michael Sherrill Retrospective. While this event is free, general museum admission fees apply.
7th Street Public Market Vegan Dinner ft. Chef Majid
7th Street Public Market | 6:15 p.m.
Viva Raw, Assorted Table Wine Shoppe and Chef Majid of Zia Pia Imports + Italian Kitchen team up to host their next vegan dinner featuring three wines and six courses. View the full menu here. $60 per person.
Christmas Ornament DIY Class
Charlotte Flower Market | 10 – 11 a.m.
A master designer leads this DIY class just in time to deck your halls for the holiday season. Learn to make your own arrangement featuring fresh greenery and ornaments. $40 per person.
All-Grain Brewing Demo Day
Pilot Brewing | 12 – 4 p.m.
Have questions about how craft beer is brewed? Learn about the all-grain brewing process from start to finish from Certified Cicerones and professionally trained brewers.
2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl
December 8 | 2 – 10 p.m.
The second annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is the perfect excuse to bust out your most festive holiday wear and get in the “spirit”. A $17 ticket includes a t-shirt, koozie, drink specials at each stop and more.
Birdsong 7 Year Anniversary Party
Birdsong Brewing Co. | 12 – 10 p.m.
Birdsong Brewing is turning seven, and celebrating with special beer releases, food trucks, live music, commemorative classes and merchandise. Cheers!
11th Annual Cookies For Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale
Blackhawk Hardware | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grab a sweet treat and support the fight against childhood cancer with this bake sale supporting pediatric cancer research.
Wilson’s Stuff The Truck Wrap Party
Sugar Creek Brewing | 5 – 8 p.m.
Bring an unwrapped toy or donation to The Salvation Army Angel Tree, plus enjoy a performance by School of Rock Charlotte.
Ayrsley Holiday Celebration
Ayrsley | 3:30 – 8 p.m.
Ayrsley is getting into the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa followed by a screening of Elf on the event lawn. Bring your own chairs and blankets and enjoy complimentary popcorn.
Rhino’s Fourth Anniversary Party
1500 W Morehead St. | All day
The Rhino Market will celebrate their fourth anniversary with a special beer from Town Brewing, an espresso bar from Summit Coffee, baked goodies from Cardais Gourmet and music from a DJ.
Krueger Reindeer Romp
Harris YMCA | 8 – 11 a.m.
Deck out a stroller, find a Santa costume or simply lace up for this family-friendly 5K followed by hot chocolate, food and visits with Santa. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Annual Campaign which helps provide life-changing programs and services for kids and families. Kids five and under run free.
The Gray Holiday Party – A Fundraiser For The Gantt Center
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture | 8 p.m.
Join Herb and Felicia Gray and V101.9 for an annual holiday party in support of the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Tickets include delectable sweet and savory treats, live music, dancing to a DJ and more throughout the evening. $60 per person.
NoDa Krampus Krawl
NoDa Neighborhood | 5:30 p.m.
Roam the NoDa streets alongside the Krampus and enjoy music, face painting, story telling and more.
19th Annual Santa Bar Crawl
Uptown Charlotte | 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Whether you’ll channel your inner Grinch or take on the role of Santa, break out your best holiday attire for the 19th annual Santa Bar Crawl. Participants will enjoy no cover and drink specials at crawl locations. $19 general admission.
Age Statement Luncheon
The Cellar at Duckworth’s | 1 – 3 p.m.
The Cellar & Beam-Suntory’s Ambassador, Kevin Creasy, leads this four-course luncheon where each course is paired with a neat sample pour of whisky and a cocktail. View the full menu here.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2018
Spectrum Center | 3 p.m.
Enjoy the best of Trans-Siberian Orchestra in The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. $47.50+.
SUNDAY
Holiday Sip N Shop
Treehouse Vineyards | 1 – 5 p.m.
In Monroe, Treehouse Vineyards will host a sip ‘n shop with specialty vendors, raffles and wine samples.
Shop Drop ‘N Roll Winter Market
NoDa Brewing Company | 12 – 6 p.m.
This seasonal market will include a lineup of handmade, local vendors, craft beer, giveaways and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit a local charity.
Midwood Market – Holiday Edition
2008 Commonwealth Avenue | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Holiday Edition of the Midwood Market features 60 micro shops and plenty of holiday cheer.
