We’re thinking a few things will never change about Thanksgiving: we’ll eat too much, crave some time out of the kitchen by Friday, and be ready for holiday shopping and decorating before the leftovers are put away. If that’s you, or if you’re simply looking for some activities to fill your holiday week, read on for things to do in Charlotte this Thanksgiving week.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
District 57 – Now Open
This new immersive entertainment experience offers guests 20,000 square feet to enjoy food, libations, games and physical and mental challenges. Masks are required unless seated or actively eating or drinking. Find them at 1526 Alleghany St Suite B.
Epic Chophouse, Kingsley – Open now
The newest location for Epic Chophouse opened in Fort Mill’s Kingsley development on Nov. 17. Enjoy their menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and more with indoor and outdoor seating available. Find them at 1365 Broadcloth St., #101 in Fort Mill.
Nova’s Bakery Closing
The long-time family bakery with locations in Plaza Midwood and beyond will close its doors on Dec. 13.
VENTURING OUT
Editor’s Note:
We try to screen each entry below to make sure safety protocols are in place. If the venue or situation doesn’t look like safe to you, please avoid it and let us know as we will discontinue promotion. Please use safe or even overly safe practices if you do go to a gathering…masks on, hands washed or sanitized frequently, glasses or sunglasses when possible, and maintain plenty of distance.
Show UP for UPtown | Outdoor Crime Theater | Uptown Farmers Market | StreetEATS CLT
Nov. 27-29 | Uptown Charlotte
Celebrate Uptown all weekend long with on-street entertainment, pop-up vendors, green spaces and plenty of outdoor dining options with the additional of Uptown’s StreetEats program. Stroll down Tryon St. (which will be closed from 5th – 6th) to enjoy safe dining, live music and more. This week, don’t miss live music, food trucks and art exhibits on display all weekend long.
- Art Heist – A True Crime Immersive Theatre Experience
Now – December 13 (check for show times and days)
Grab your coat and get ready for an immersive true crime experience, This is an outdoor “walking theatrical”, where groups of 35 walk a route, meeting up with actors along the way to receive clues that allow them to ultimately “solve” an art theft. Put on by Blumenthal Performing Arts, this movable mystery takes the masked and socially distanced audience along a route throughout Uptown, with mysterious stops and characters along the way. Runs through December 13. Go to Blumenthal Performing Arts for tickets to your mysterious evening out.
- Uptown Farmers Market
Saturday, November 28
300 S. Davidson
8:00am – 12:30pm
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – free music performance by Anna Kimm
Special treat at the market this weekend – a free music performance from 10:00am – Noon. A socially distanced farmers market in the heart of Uptown. Only three more Saturdays to enjoy the Uptown Farmers Market this season, so don’t miss it!
Ongoing event: StreetEats around Charlotte
Enjoy the fall weather and support your local spots safely with StreetEats, which features temporary outdoor seating in parking lots and streets where guests can enjoy takeout from local restaurants. Find them in Plaza Midwood at Thomas Avenue, Shops at University (The Lake and The Armored Cow locations), Tryon Street, Beatties Ford Rd. and more.
Communities in Concert
Nov. 25 – Dec. 2 | Various locations
Communities in Concert, step two of Music Everywhere CLT’s ongoing effort to support local artists, is hosting a number of live concerts through the end of the month. See the full schedule:
Wednesday (Nov. 25)
- Camp North End: 12 – 2 p.m. Jesse Williams
Friday (Nov. 27)
- Victoria Yards: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Thirsty Horses
- Design Center Plaza: 7 – 9 p.m. Kenya Templeton
Saturday (Nov. 28)
- Uptown Farmers Market: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Anna Kimm
- Southend Farmers Market: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Brandon Stevens and 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Ellie Morgan
- Victoria Yards: 12 – 2 p.m Lisa De Novo and 3:00pm-5:00pm: Jason Jet
- N. Tryon: “Street Eats” 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. and T. Dubya and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Alexa Jenson
- 7th Street Public Market: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Charlez 360 and 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Jesse Williams
Sunday (Nov. 29)
- Flower Child: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and Paulina Simone 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Brad Bailey
- N. Tryon: “Street Eats” 1 – 2:15 p.m. Matt Branniff and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. TBA
- 7th Street Public Market: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Brandon Stevens and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Ellie Morgan
Wednesday (Dec. 2)
- Camp North End: 12 – 2:00 p.m. Lisa De Novo
Merry Midtown
Ongoing event | METROPOLITAN
Celebrate the season with over a month of festive activities including the VTGCLT pop-up shop and the kickoff to the Letters to Santa event this weekend. Other events include the Metropolitan Merry Midtown Market, holiday movie screenings and photos with Santa.
Thankful for Thanksgiving Holiday Camp
Nov. 25 | Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios: Charlotte Quail Corners
Kids can get in on the holiday cooking action with a cooking class featuring Pumpkin Muffins, a Thanksgiving Chopped Challenge for lunch, Sweet Potato Pie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting, and arts and crafts. $84. Ages 5-12.
Thanksgiving Schools Out Pottery Camp
Nov. 25 | Small Hands Big Art | 9 am – 12 pm or 1-4 pm
In this half day pottery camp, kids can experience the entire process beginning with wet clay and ending with kiln fired ceramic pieces. Ages 6 – 14. $55 / child, 10% sibling discount.
Drinksgiving 2020
Nov. 25 | Brewers at 4001 Yancey | 11 am – 10 pm
Kick off the holiday with some fun in the Brewers taproom with $5 Crowler Fills, $10 Growler Fills, and an exclusive Gobble Til You Wobble Thanksgiving Steal the Pint night starting at 4pm.
Holidays at the Garden
Nov. 27 – Jan. 3 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Head to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for this holiday season favorite event featuring the popular topiary display, shimmering lights along the Piedmont Prairie and blossoming cherry trees. Your experience also included food trucks, roasting marshmallows and more. Adult: $14.95; Senior (60+): $12.95 Child 2-12: $7.95; Child Under 2: Free.
Charlotte Christmas Village
Nov. 27 – Dec. 23 | Truist Field
The Charlotte Christmas Village returns this year with a partnership with the Charlotte Knights and a new home at Truist Field. Enjoy unique shopping and a traditional European menu including bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel, gluhwein, hot cider, beers, and hot chocolate. There is ticketed admission to the stadium to create the safest environment possible for guests. Starting Thursday, December 10, the event will expand with Light the Knights, a new walkthrough holiday experience at Truist Field featuring tens of thousands of lights.
The Buena Vista Legacy Band featuring Gino Castillo and More
Nov. 27-28 | Middle C Jazz (livestream available for select performances)
Enjoy performances from the Buena Vista Legacy Band, a tribute band to Buena Vista Social Club based in Charleston SC. Craft cocktails and small plates begin at 6 pm for in-person shows. Livestream available for select performances.
Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts Pop-up
Nov. 28 | 8 am – 2 pm | Shamrock Park
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy hot cider donuts and fresh apple cider from Mama Crockett’s food truck as they host a pop-up at Shamrock Park.
4th Annual Christmas At Cabarrus Holiday Market
Nov. 28 | Cabarrus Brewing Company | 10 am – 5 pm
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with a socially-distanced market featuring local vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, artists, services and more.
You Drink, We Donate Benefiting Heal Charlotte
Nov. 28 | NoDa Brewing Company | 12-10 pm
Raise your glass for a good cause as NoDa Brewing donates $1 from every pint of beer sold to Heal Charlotte, a local nonprofit organization that provides youth mentorship, rent relief, transitional housing, and food assistance to neighbors in need.
South End Small Business Saturday(s)
Nov. 28 | Atherton Mill and Market, The Design Center | 10 am – 3 pm
This season, Small Business Saturday isn’t limited to just one day. Pop-up vendors will join the South End retail scene every Saturday from November 28 to December 19 to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Where to find them:
- 11/28: Atherton Mill & Market
- 12/5: The Design Center
- 12/12: Atherton Mill & Market
- 12/19: The Design Center
University City Night Market Week 1
Nov. 28 | Shoppes at University Place | 6-9 pm
Don’t miss the opening week for this family-friendly, open-air marketplace in the University area featuring local vendors, small businesses and live entertainment. All events are open to the public and free to attend for all ages.
Charlotte Collective Small Business Saturday
Nov. 28 | 1222 Central Ave.
Charlotte Collective will host the ultimate socially-distanced Small Business Saturday celebration featuring 15 women-owned small businesses in one location and free snacks and drinks.
Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph
Nov. 29 | Mint Museum Randolph | 1-4 pm
Plan a Sunday in the park at Mint Museum Randolph to enjoy the museum, live music from The Mike Strauss band, Wrap ‘N Roll Food Truck, and a cash bar on the front terrace.
3rd Annual Festival of Trees
Nov. 30 – Jan. 3 | Downtown Belmont
In Downtown Belmont and Stowe Park, see community decorated trees as part of the Third Annual Festival of Trees. The festival kickoff will immediately follow the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30 when participants can stroll from City Hall to Stowe Park and enjoy caroling and other special treats.
Giving Tuesday at The Pump House
Dec. 1 | The Pump House
Make a reservation for lunch or dinner at the Pump House on Giving Tuesday to Dine Out to Do Good for the Miracle Park. Can’t make it? Make a donation at www.miracleparkrockhill.com/donations.
DropSound Strength and Sculpt with Body By Trainor
Dec. 1 | METROPOLITAN | 6 pm
Work off those Thanksgiving treats with a 45-minute fitness experience with Meghan Trainor of Body By Trainor. Class is limited to 40 people to ensure social distancing. Free for SweatNET members, $15 for General Public.
Marques de Vargas Wine Pairing Dinner
Dec. 1 | Bulla Gastrobar | 7 pm
Enjoy a private five-course wine dinner prepared by Executive Chef while tasting a special selection of wines from Marqués de Vargas. $80 per person.
DRIVE-THRU & DRIVE-IN ACTIVITIES
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway | Through Jan. 17
The 11th edition of Charlotte’s spectacular drive-through light show features more than 4 million lights over a 3.75-mile course that includes most of the oval as well as the infield. New this year, bring the family for ice skating at The Rink at Speedway Christmas and cozy up to FOX 46 WJZY Movie Nights on the giant Speedway TV every Thursday-Sunday.
Ballantyne Drive-In Movie Series: Elf
Nov. 27 | Cullman Building Parking Lot | 6 pm
Don’t miss the last Ballantyne Movie Series screening of the season featuring the holiday classic Elf. Pre-register per vehicle. Space is limited.
Drive-Thru Santa Experience
Nov. 28 | Blakeney Shopping Center | 1-5 pm
This Drive-Thru Santa Experience will feature socially-distanced visits with Santa along with festive entertainment from his helpers. Along the route, fun stilt walking elves, juggling acts, big brass live jazz music, and acrobatic entertainers will be sure to dazzle your family car side. $10 per car. Ticket proceeds benefit Loaves and Fishes.
Small Business Saturday Deals at CupLux
Nov. 28 | CupLux Coffee Drive-Thru
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at CupLux to enjoy:
- 20% off gift cards when you buy $25 worth or more (yes, we officially have gift cards!!!)
- Half off All Holiday Drink Releases (drum roll…. Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, and Gingerbread Latte)
- Free Hand Dipped Chocolate Pretzel with every drink purchased, a CupLux family tradition
Drive-In Movie in Old Town Cornelius: Holiday Series
Nov. 28 | Lake Norman YMCA | 6 pm
Get in the holiday spirit with Lake Norman’s festive drive-in movie series. This week, enjoy a screening of Home Alone from the comfort of your own car. Concessions will be available as well as car-side food truck service.
N.C. Transportation Museum In Lights: A Drive Thru Experience
N.C. Transportation Museum | Various dates through Dec. 30
Head to the N.C. Transportation Museum for a holiday light show guests can enjoy from the safety of their own cars. Along the 1.25-mile route, see the museum’s historic structures and antique railroading equipment, and enjoy socially-distanced photos with Santa, s’mores and a visit to the gift station.
STAYING IN
Art With Heart Virtual Art Sale to Benefit Safe Alliance
Nov. 27 – Dec. 4
Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade from Home
Nov. 26 | 4 pm
Enjoy the 74th anniversary of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade from home with a special broadcast featuring “best of” segments from years past including floats, marching bands, balloons, and other performances from local and regional performers.
Wine Exploration: Holiday Wines
Nov. 23 | 7 pm
In this SkillPop class, Kristy will cover Holiday wine shopping, food pairing, gift giving, and even a few “socially-distanced” party ideas to keep you and yours toasting together this year. $20.
Virtual Happy Hour with Justin Hazelton and Uncle Nearest
Nov. 23 | 7:30 pm
Join Unpretentious Palate and bartender Justin Hazelton of Leah & Louise for a virtual happy hour with Uncle Nearest whiskey. $10.
Cookie Decorating Essentials
Nov. 24 | 7 pm
In this SkillPop class, join self-taught cookie decorator and owner of Oakwood Cookie Co, Taylor Whitworth for an informative cookie decorating workshop covering all the basics for baking and tips and tricks to mastering a variety of royal icing techniques. $20.
Jazz N Soul Inspirations: Jackie O’ and the All of Us Band
Nov. 29 | 7 pm
Jazz N Soul Inspirations, A Virtual Concert Series, kicks off with vocalist Jackie O’ and The All of Us Band this weekend. Enjoy the best Jazz, Soul, and Funk vocalist and musicians in the Piedmont region.
Online class- Making a Holiday Grapevine Wreath with Natural Greenery
Dec. 1 | 6 pm
This live online class hosted by UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens will teach participants how to craft a beautiful natural display for the holidays using evergreen boughs with a grapevine wreath base.
