A Christmas Carol, Final Weekend of Holiday Markets, Jingle Bell Run, Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, Lights on the Lake, Pictures with Santa and More Things to Do This Weekend (12/16)

The countdown is on as we enter the final weekend before the Christmas holiday! Shopping days are limited, the kids are getting ready for a break and Charlotte is buzzing with last minute festive fun. Visit the last of the holiday markets, enjoy a live show, support local organizations doing good and create the memories now that we look back on each year with a smile.

Featured Event:

Image: Carolina Calouche & Co.

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 are available now.

Thursday:

Image: Theatre Charlotte

A Christmas Carol with Theatre Charlotte
Thursday, December 16 – Sunday, December 19
Enjoy a timeless holiday favorite on-stage at The Halton at CPCC. Tickets are available now for shows throughout the weekend.

Friday:

Image: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market
Friday, December 17 – Sunday, December 19
Don’t miss the final weekend of Olde Meck’s Christmas Market featuring the work of local artisans, festive food, seasonal brews and more!

Image: Cabarrus Brewing Co.

Final Food Truck Friday of 2021 at Cabarrus Brewing Co.
Friday, December 17, 5:00p – 9:00p
As the temps continue to drop, some of our favorite outdoor activities need to take a little pause. Stop by Cabarrus Brewing Co. for the final Food Truck Friday of the year featuring eats from Plant 6 Provisions, The Lost Cajun, Ace of Spuds and more.

Saturday:

Image: University City Partners

University City Night Market
Saturday, December 18, 6:00p – 9:00p
Bring the whole family to The Shoppes at University Place for an outdoor market full of unique, local pop-ups, live music, candlelit boat rides around the lake, plus festive drinks and snacks.

Image: Charlotte Black Dogs

Santa Photo Fundraiser with Charlotte Black Dogs
Saturday, December 18, 12:00p – 3:00p
Give your four-legged family member a chance to meet Santa and support Charlotte Black Dog’s annual “Paws in the Park” event. Advance registration is not required, cost is $10 for as many photos as you can get.

Sneakerhead Party
Saturday, December 18, 1 – 5 pm
NM SP is hosting a Sneakerhead Event this SATURDAY, December 18th. Santa & Live DJ will be in-store 1PM – 5PM, and some special treats as well. 

Image: Arthritis Foundation

Jingle Bell Run with the Arthritis Foundation
Saturday, December 18,
Another holiday favorite makes its return to in-person fun this year at Truist Field. Join the Arthritis Foundation for their Jingle Bell Run 5k or take it easy with 1-mile Reindeer Dash. Registration is now open.

Grinchmas at The Metropolitan
Saturday, December 18, 2:00p – 5:00p
Stop by Whoville this weekend and get some face-time with the grouchiest green guy in town. Enjoy hot cocoa, holiday music, fun for the kids, drinks for the adults and more.

Image: Lenny Boy Brewing

Holiday Hope Toy Drive at Lenny Boy Brewing
Saturday, December 18, 12:00p – 4:00p
Take a trip down memory lane in the toy aisle and share the magic of Christmas with deserving kids in the Queen City. Bring an unwrapped, new gift to the brewery and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card plus a beer on the team at Lenny Boy.

Image: Skiptown CLT

Dog Adoption Event at Skiptown CLT
Saturday, December 18, 12:00p – 4:00p
If you are thinking of adding a furry friend to your family this holiday, check out Catering to Cats & Dogs during their adoption event at Skiptown CLT.

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl with Lost and Found Charlotte
Saturday, December 18, 4:00p – 11:30p
It wouldn’t be Christmas without ugly sweaters and adult beverages! Enjoy a day of drinking in South End and show off your most unfortunate holiday wardrobe items.

Image: Camp North End

Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
Saturday, December 18, 4:00p – 8:00p
Join the fun at Camp North End during the final weekend of the Mistletoe Market. Shop local vintage and handmade vendors, grab a bite and celebrate the season with holiday music, photo-ops and more.

Image: LKN Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

3rd Annual LKN Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 18, 5:30p
Watch the Lake light up for Christmas during the parade which launches from Blythe Landing, making its way past Ramsey Creek Park and on to the Duke Energy Explorium. Parks will remain open 30 minutes after the parade has passed for viewers.

Sunday:

Image: The MAKRS Society

MAKRS@Protagonist South End
Sunday, December 19, 12:00p – 5:00p
Spend a day in Historic South End and browse the work of 35+ local vendors while enjoying a warm coffee/cold beer, live music and lunch from a favorite food truck.

Image: Charlotte Center City

Poptopia at Victoria Yards
Sunday, December 19, 1:00p – 4:00p
Visit uptown Charlotte for a pop-up shopping experience at Victoria Yards on 7th Street. You’ll find gifts from local vendors and fun festive activities – not to mention, it’s just a quick hop over to the 7th Street Market if you need a snack break.

Image: Blakeney Shopping Center

Photos with Santa at Blakeney Shopping Center
Sunday, December 19, 3:00p – 6:00p
It’s almost time for him to head back to the North Pole to make final preparations for the big day, but Santa will be on-hand at Blakeney this Sunday for family photos and last second gift requests. Donations will be accepted and support the CMPD Explorers Christmas Project.

Image: Birdsong Brewing Co.

Makers Market at Birdsong Brewing
Sunday, December 19, 1:00p – 5:00p
Take advantage of another opportunity for last minute holiday gifting at Birdsong Brewing. Local vendors will be on-site to help cross everyone off your gift list.

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scoop team
scoop team
This article was written by one of the many QC women who contribute to our website. They are out and about and around Charlotte digging up the latest & best scoop :)