It’s the weekend before Thanksgiving, which means we should try to relax a little and enjoy some free time before the hecticness of the holidays start. Charlotte has a lot going on this weekend to keep you entertained; from multiple holiday markets to start your Christmas shopping, to muscial performances, tree lightings, a mac-n-cheese competition, and more.
Thursday: 11/17
Jazz at the Gantt
November 17 & 18
Shake off the stress of the week and head to Harvey B. Gantt Center for this month’s Jazz at the Gantt show. This performance showcases Stacy Dillard Quartet and will be held Thursday, November 17, 6 pm & 8:30 pm and Friday, November 18, 6 pm & 8:30 pm.
Mini Pop-Up Market at Hi-Wire Brewing
Thursday, November 17, 6p – 8p
Shop ’till you drop at Hi-Wire Brewing’s weekly mini pop-up market. Each week has a new vendor with many opportunities to shop local from Charlotte creators.
Friday:
Salvation Army Angel Tree at SouthPark Mall
November 18 – December 5
The Salvation Army Angel is back at SouthPark Mall, located near the Dining Pavilion. Take this time to donate and provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
Dinos at 11: The Jurassic Encounter at Ballantyne’s Backyard
November 18 – 27
Travel back in time as this exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs takes over Ballantyne’s Backyard. From November 18 – 27, walk through this prehistoric experience with over 50 true-to-detail dinos. Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Piedmont Town Center
Friday, November 18, 6p – 9p
Begin Christmas festivities by heading to Piedmont Town Center for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The free event will include face painting, cookie making, train rides, pictures with Santa, and more. Donations for Toys For Tots are welcome and highly recommended.
Saturday:
Birkdale on Ice
November 19 – January 16
For the first time ever, you can ice skate at Birkdale Village, beginning November 19th. The Plaza has been transformed into a skating rink for you to lace up your skates and glide. Guests will need to book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot. Walk-ups are welcome, but they cannot guarantee you will be able to skate at that time. Visit here for daily hours and ticket pricing.
Charlotte Art Collective’s Winter Show
Saturday, November 19, 10a – 4p
Kickoff your holiday shopping with Charlotte Art Collective’s Winter Show. Join 20+ curated local artists as they bring their finest art and craft to this show. Admission and parking is free.
NoDa Pottery Market Holiday Sale
Saturday, November 19, 10a – 4p
Head to NoDa to shop pottery creations and meet 8 Charlotte ceramic artists. This market offers a great variety of works, from functional cups, bowls, and mugs to decorative raku, wall tile art, birdhouses and more. Enjoy live music as you shop, along with free parking and admission. A percentage of proceeds are donated to NoDa Neighborhood & Business Assoc.
VTGCLT Winter Market
Saturday, November 19, 11a – 5p
Join VTGCLT for their annual Winter Market where you can shop 70+ vendors of vintage and handmade goods. Early bird entry starts at 10am and is $8, General admission is 11am-5pm and is $3.
Book Launch and Story Time with Michelle Nott
Saturday, November 19, 11a
Join author Michelle Nott at Park Road Books as she launches her new picture book Teddy, Let’s Go!. To celebrate, she will host a special reading Saturday at 11 a.m. Books are available for preorder in the store or through the link above.
Holiday Pop-Up Market at Ballantyne Village
Saturday, November 19, 12p – 4p
Ballantyne Village’s Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market is back just in time to begin holiday shopping. Enjoy live music, an outdoor bar, free hot chocolate and more as you shop through 35+ local craft vendors.
Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus to Benefit Mitchell’s Fund
Saturday, November 17, 2022 from 9-11 a.m.
Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, face painting, fairy hair, raffle, silent auction and more. Free parking. $30 single ticket includes breakfast, professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, one drink ticket with the choice of hot chocolate, beer or mimosa, one raffle ticket for two signed books by Molly Grantham. Purchase tickets at https://mitchellsfund.org/events/
Belk’s In-Store SantaFest
Saturday, November 12 from 12-3 p.m.
Kids will enjoy holiday-themed crafts, yummy treats, and festive music while hanging out with Santa’s elves. Meanwhile, customers will also have a chance to win a $500 Belk gift card to use online or in store. All they need to do is create a special Belk-branded holiday wish list and post the completed list on their social media pages using #BelkWishList2022
Holiday Magic at Rea Farms
Saturday, November 19, 4p – 8p
Head to Rea Farms to celebrate the magic of Christmas. This fun, family friendly event will feature cookie decorating, coffee and hot cocoa, visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with characters from Frozen, horse and carriage rides, and more. Don’t miss your chance to get a free photo with Santa while you’re there.
CLT s’MACdown: Mac-N-Cheese Competition & Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, November 19, 1p – 5p
Mac-N-Cheese lovers, rejoice. Charlotte’s largest Mac-N-Cheese and craft beer festival is back for the 5th annual CLT s’MACdown. Explore the culinary genius of Charlotte chefs as they carefully prepare exquisite versions of your favorite dish and compete to be crowned the CLT s’MACdown champs. As you feast, also enjoy local vendors, sample local craft beer, and support a local charity, Project Halo. Purchase your tickets here.
Sunday: 11/20
Maker’s Market CLT at Birdsong Brewing Co
Sunday, November 20, 1p – 5p
Every third Sunday of the month is your chance to shop local and sip the latest beers on tap at Birdsong Brewing Co.
2022 Jazz at the Garden Holiday at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Sunday, November 20, 8p
Treat your ears to an intimate performance of jazz, blues, and even some holiday tunes with 2-time Grammy winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, Paul Brown. While you’re there, enjoy an exclusive preview of the lights for Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens annual Holidays at the Garden. Tickets are $60 per person with a 20% discount for members.
