The holiday season is in full swing and there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week! If a little retail therapy is what you need, check out any one of the holiday markets going on around the Queen City. If art and music is your scene – there’s live jazz, exhibit openings and creative performances to choose from. Run a race, get a history lesson, grab some plants to liven up your home and more this week in Charlotte.
Thursday:
Melvin Crispell & McDonald’s® Inspiration Celebration® Tour Donation to Charlotte’s Ronald McDonald House
This Thursday, Dec. 9th approximately 10 am, Melvin Crispell III will deliver a bag full of toys and a check representing the $10,000 donation from McDonald’s. Charlotte’s own Grammy Nominated Crispell is one of five 2021 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour artists delivering surprises at Ronald McDonald Houses around the country for a total of $50,000 worth of gifts.
JAZZ Room Holiday Edition at Booth Playhouse
Thursday, December 9, 7:00p – 9:30p
Show your support for JazzArts Academy and enjoy an evening of holiday favorites performed by Preservation Hall All-Stars. Tickets are available now.
Holiday Pop-Up at Dilworth Artisan Station
Thursday, December 9, 10:00a – 1:00p
Cheese, charcuterie, pound cakes, florals – oh my! Celebrate the season and the end of the year with all this, plus some delicious cocktails, at Dilworth Artisan Station.
Friday:
Charlotte Art League Winter Juried Show Opening Reception
Friday, December 10, 6:00p – 9:00p
Charlotte Art League’s annual Winter Juried Show is back and the competition is next-level. Check out this years’ entries, enjoy live music from Evan Brezicki and get some holiday shopping done for the art lover in your life.
Courtyard Cinema: Elf at Optimist Hall
Friday, December 10, 6:00p
Cozy up in the courtyard and watch the perfect Christmas movie to get you in the spirit – Elf! Drinks and s’mores will be available but you are in charge of your own blanket. Check the Events page for more holiday fun at the Hall this weekend.
Saturday
We Believe Santa 5k Trail Race & Dog Jog at USNWC
Saturday, December 11
Grab your best Santa costume and your favorite four-legged friend for a day on the trails at USNWC. Awards for the Best Dressed runners will be presented!
University City Night Market
Saturday, December 11
Pop Up Vendors, Live Music, Candle Lit Boat Rides, Hot Chocolate & More
December to Remember at Promenade
Saturday, December 11, 3:00p – 5:00p
Take a carriage ride around The Green and get a family photo with Santa this weekend. Online registration is required for photos.
Photos with Santa at The Metropolitan
Saturday, December 11, 11:00a – 3:00p
Get some face-time with Santa at The Met this weekend and enjoy hot chocolate and festive cookies while you wait. Photos are first come, first serve and four legged friends are welcome.
NoDa Krampus Crawl
Saturday, December 11, 6:00p
Krampus returns to roam the streets of NoDa once again but the year he’s sticking to the outdoors. Watch him wreak havoc and holiday cheer, enjoy live music and support local businesses in the arts district.
Winter Wonderland on Winnifred in South End
Saturday, December 11, 11:00a – 4:00p
This week’s installment of Shop Small Saturday is showing some love to Winnifred St. in South End. Home to an eclectic selection of small businesses, take a walk along Winnifred and spread some holiday cheer.
Holiday Market at Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden
Saturday, December 11, 3:30p – 7:00p
Combine the beauty of the garden with a festive holiday market this weekend at Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden. Enjoy live music, delicious treats, local gifts and more!
Funky Festivus at Town Brewing Company
Saturday, December 11, 2:00p – 11:00p
Looking for an alternative to all the holiday cheer? You won’t find Christmas trees or compliments here. Grab a pint and support Feeding CLT while enjoying live music and showing off your Feats of Strength.
Christmas Market at The Boathouse – Catawba Riverkeeper
Saturday, December 11, 12:00p – 5:00p
The holiday’s just got a little better in Christmas Town USA with Catawba Riverkeeper’s first Christmas Market. Visit The Boathouse for local arts & crafts, hot chocolate, food trucks and more.
Winter Market Place at Dallas Lavender Lane
Saturday, December 11, 12:00p
Bring the family to Dallas Lavender Lane for a day of holiday fun including a Christmas light show, movies under the pavilion, crafts and delicious lavender concessions. Train rides will also be available weather-permitting.
Northern Lights of LKN Boat Parade
Saturday, December 11, 5:00p – 7:00p
Head to the northern part of Lake Norman for the 3rd Annual Boat Parade as it lights up the lake for the holidays and supports both the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Home Hope of Mooresville.
Huntersville Half Marathon
Saturday, December 11, 8:00a
For those who like to enjoy a little fitness during the holiday season, look no further than the Huntersville Half Marathon plus 10K + Holiday 5k. Registration is required and spots are filling fast.
Plant Sale + Holiday Market with The Children’s Schoolhouse
Saturday, December 11, 11:00a – 1:00p
Fill your home with holiday cheer in the form of poinsettias, succulents and other glorious greens at the second annual Plant Sale + Holiday Market benefitting The Children’s Schoolhouse. Local vendors will be on-site as well as a family photo-op and fun activities for the kids.
Sunday:
Poptopia Returns to Uptown on Sundays This Month for Holiday Shopping and Treats
Poptopia is a pop-up holiday market in the heart of Uptown Charlotte and it’s returning this year in a new location at Victoria Yards (209 E. 7th Street).
For three Sundays from 1pm to 5 pm ~ Dec. 5, 12, 19 ~ you’ll a variety of small shops with vendors offering great gifts and stocking stuffers. From hot cocoa bombs to candles and more you can grab some gifts and join in fun activities such as ornament-making from AR Workshop and posing for unique family portraits from Cody’s Caricatures.
Shop Small Holiday Pop-Up at The Market at 7th St.
Sunday, December 12, 1:00p – 5:00p
Check out current vendors at the market as well as a pop-up section with lots of tasty holiday specials; not to mention a tap takeover by Resident Culture Brewing!
Historic Holiday Open House at Wing Haven Garden
Sunday, December 12, 1:00p – 4:00p
Venture to a very special part of Wing Haven and learn about the historic homes and gardens on the property. Cider and cookies plus a special activity in SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden will be available, as well. Advance registration is appreciated.
Save the Date:
Clara’s Trip with Carolina Calouche & Co. at Booth Playhouse
Thursday, December 16 – Sunday, December 19
A holiday treat for the whole family; Clara’s Trip tells the story of an aspiring dancer who has an unfortunate accident that upends her plans. Tickets available now.
