As we prepare to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving, you can already hear the jingle of holiday bells approaching. Christmas lights are going up, holiday markets are ready for shoppers and Charlotte is buzzing with festive fun for the whole family. Prepare for your calendar to fill up fast as we get ready to ring in the holidays in the Queen City!
Thursday:
FRIENDS Trivia with Purpose CLT
Thursday, November 18, 6:00p – 9:00p
Celebrate Friendsgiving early and show off your 90s television trivia skills. Registration is now open.
Avant Goodyear with Matthew Shipp
Thursday, November 18, 7:00p
In the 2nd installment of the Avant Goodyear series, enjoy the music of jazz piano legend Matthew Shipp live at Petra’s. The event is free thanks to Women’s Impact Fund but donations are always appreciated.
Friday:
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Starts Friday, November 19
A favorite in the Charlotte area, the Speedway Christmas lights will switch on this weekend and light the track until January 16th. Tickets are available now.
24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Concord
Friday, November 19, 6:00p – 8:00p
Kick-off the Christmas season with an evening of live music, food trucks, holiday activities and a tree lighting followed by festive fireworks.
Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park
Starts Friday, November 19
Join Santa and his baby kangaroos for a day of Christmas fun including a drive-thru light show, s’mores & hot chocolate, pony rides and more!
Jurassic Encounter at Ballantyne’s Backyard
Friday, November 19 – Sunday, November 21
Get up close and personal with over 40 life-size dinosaurs, dig for fossils and get your photo taken with a prehistoric giant. Tickets are available now.
Saturday:
Santa Paws at Moxie Mercantile
Saturday, November 20, 10:00a – 1:00p
Head to Moxie Mercantile in the heart of Plaza Midwood and snap a photo of Santa with your favorite four-legged friend while supporting North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue.
NoDa Pottery Market Holiday Sale
Saturday, November 20, 10:00a – 4:00p
Find unique, handmade holiday gifts for friends and family at the NoDa Pottery Market. Six local potters will be on-site selling everything from cups & bowls to decorative art pieces.
Final Huzzah! at Carolina Renaissance Festival
Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21
It’s your last chance to experience the magic of the Renaissance Festival! Kids get in free with a canned food donation at entry.
Ballantyne Village Holiday Pop-Up Market
Saturday, November 20, 12:00p – 4:00p
Sip & shop from over 30 local vendors while enjoying live music and more holiday fun at Ballantyne Village.
Lager Fest at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Saturday, November 20, 10:00a
Lager-lovers rejoice! Spend an afternoon at the brewery enjoying morning yoga, new releases, live music and a Maker’s Market.
The Lighting of Birkdale Village
Saturday, November 20, 1:00p – 7:30p
Bring the family to Birkdale Village for a day of festive fun including live performances and activities for all ages. Stick around for Santa’s arrival and and countdown to the official Lighting of Birkdale Village.
Holiday Magic at Rea Farms
Saturday, November 20, 4:00p – 8:00p
Visit Santa at his Workshop, meet n’ greet some of your favorite Disney characters and enjoy all your festive favorites during Holiday Magic. Toys for Tots will be on-site to accept donations of unwrapped toys.
Noche Latina at Salud Cerveceria
Saturday, November 20, 9:00p
Grab a drink and put on your dancing shoes for a free Salsa lesson with Movimiento Dance Academy.
Young Affiliates of the Mint Fall Ball: The Queen is Back
Saturday, November 20, 7:00p
Spend an evening out in the Queen City and enjoy dinner, dancing and drinks at the Mint Museum Uptown. Help inspire a new generation of artists by supporting the Young Affiliates of the Mint in their mission to provide free museum admission to CMS students.
Sunday:
Vintage Charlotte Winter Market
Sunday, November 21, 10:00a – 5:00p
Treat yourself to a day of shopping with 60+ of the Charlotte-region’s best vintage and handmade vendors. Early bird admission begins at 10:00a, with general admission following at 11:00a.
Next Week:
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop with Bookout Blooms
Monday, November 22, 6:30p
Impress your Thanksgiving guests with a handmade centerpiece thanks to Bookout Blooms & Vin Master Wine Shop. Registration is required and wine & snacks will be provided.
Lights the Knights Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field
Opens Wednesday, November 24
Take a walk around Truist Field and enjoy an authentic Christmas Market full of holiday displays, traditional European treats and unique shopping options.
Chanukah Wonderland at StoneCrest Shopping Center
Wednesday, November 24, 10:00a – 1:00p
Experience the magic of Chanukah with holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, delicious snacks and much more! Reservations are now available.
Save the Date:
Home Alone in Concert with Charlotte Symphony
Friday, November 26 & Saturday, November 27
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Home Alone! Watch this classic film on the big screen, scored live by Charlotte Symphony. Tickets are on-sale now.
