Planning on staying in town for the holiday weekend? There is a lot to do in Charlotte to keep you busy. Read on for the best happenings for Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend, and scroll down for the Holiday Events that are ongoing throughout the season this year.
FEATURED EVENTS THIS WEEK
Shop the ‘scoop’ sale at LEMONDAISY DESIGN! Get 20% off any purchase when you use the code scoop22. SO MANY CUTE gift items at this local artist’s site!
Novant Health Thanksgiving EVE Parade
Wednesday 11/23 5:30 pm, Uptown
If you are in town for Thanksgiving this year, your Wednesday evening plans should be happily “set” as the Parade returns to light up the night on Tryon Street once again.
South End Shop Small Saturdays
Kicks off Saturday, 11/26 all over South End Charlotte with open-air shopping markets alongside unique retail at Atherton Mill, along Camden Road, and at the Shops at The Winnifred. Shop Small Saturdays will continue in for the two subsequent Saturdays in December, 12/3 and 12/10 so stay tuned for more scoop each week!
THANKSGIVING DAY
Charlotte Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 24
Lace-up your running shoes Charlotte, the 34th annual Turkey Trot is here. Listed as one of the 30 Best Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in America, the Charlotte Turkey Trot gives you a chance to kick off the day with a 5K walk/run or 8K run before heading home to celebrate with food and family. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting here.
Eat. Gay. Love at Billy Sunday
Thursday, November 24, 2 – 5p
Queen City Nerve has partnered with Billy Sunday its 4th annual inclusive Thanksgiving dinner. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community are often excluded from family functions during the holidays. Eat. Gay. Love is a safe, inclusive space to enjoy the holiday They ask that if you are willing and able, to donate either your time or food and supplies to this effort.
BLACK FRIDAY
Black Friday Survival at Primal Brewery
Friday, November 25, 8a – 10p
Black Friday can be a lot to handle, and Primal Brewery gets that. Stop by for their annual Black Friday Survival to sit down, relax, enjoy live music while having a beer, and snack on some good food. Christmas trees will also be for sale from Woodie Tree Farms.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s 11th Annual Christmas Market
November 25 – 27, 11a – 11p
Experience the magic of OMB’s Christmas Market at its opening weekend. Shop 40+ vendors, holiday music, festive food, Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”), hot cocoa, beer, and more each weekend from November 25 to December 16. Feel free to bring along your furry friend as pets are welcome outside in the Biergarten and on the patio.
World Cup Watch Party at Camp North End
November 25 & 26, 10a – 5p
Head to Camp North End to support your favorite team during the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Telemundo Charlotte. Enjoy free entry, authentic food and drinks, and support from fellow fans.
SATURDAY
North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza
Saturday, November 26 & Sunday, November 27, 11a – 5p
The North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza will be held at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center just in time to start your holiday shopping. There will be many small businesses to shop from along with an appearance from Santa himself. Admission is free, parking is $7.
The Nutcracker performed by Matthews Ballet and Dance
Saturday, November 26, 2p & 7p; Sunday, November 27, 3p
Watch as the classic and beloved Nutcracker comes to life with a performance choreographed by Matthews Ballet and Dance. Enjoy two acts of the Nutcracker at Fullwood Theater along with light concessions for sale. Tickets are $7 per person and can be purchased here. There will be three showings this weekend and more to come the first week of December.
11th Annual Light Up Cornelius
Saturday, November 26, 4 – 7p
Join the town of Cornelius in their annual Christmas tree lighting filled with festivities for the whole family to join. The fun begins with a performance from the Cornelius Youth Orchestra and a visit from Santa, followed by more live performances and the lighting of the tree at 5:45p.
SUNDAY
Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph
Sunday, November 27, 1 – 5p
Finish the weekend by spending the afternoon at the Mint Museum Randolph where you can enjoy free admission to the museum, food trucks, live music, special programming, and a cash bar on the front terrace (weather permitting).
NEXT WEEK
The Waterman South End celebrates FOUR years afloat on Tuesday, Nov. 29th + LIVE Treasure Hunt
Don’t miss this all-day celebration filled with $1 house oysters, $4 food specials, and $4 drink specials. Dress in your best pirate attire for this epic party and search for a bit of treasure with their LIVE treasure hunt starting Black Friday. Details on the LIVE Treasure Hunt hosted by Alx Rox can be found here.
ONGOING
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.
‘Lights’ at the Whitewater Center
November 15 – Mid February, 6 – 10p
New this year, Lights is made up of 50 installations and assets that represent engagement with the outdoor lifestyle, located throughout the southern portion of the Whitewater Center for guests to experience.
Speedway Christmas
November 18 – January 8, 6 – 10p
Drive through a Christmas wonderland at Charlotte Motor Speedway Presented by Atrium Health, Speedway Christmas features four million LED Christmas lights spread out over a four-mile course and synchronized to Christmas-themed music. The show is rain or shine and closed on Christmas Eve. Purchase your tickets here.
Birkdale on Ice
November 19 – January 16
The Plaza at Birkdale Village 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.
Santa at Birkdale Village
November 20 – December 24, Fridays – Sundays
Take the kids to visit Santa at his cozy North Pole-inspired cottage near the Fountain at Birkdale Village, where you’ll find festive photo ops to cherish for a lifetime. To guarantee your special time with Santa, book an appointment as walk-ups will be accepted only if time is available.
Carowinds WinterFest
Select nights November 21 – January 1
Carowinds has transformed into a Christmas wonderland for the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event, WinterFest. Celebrate the best time of the year with holiday light displays, ice skating, holiday activities, live performances, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and more. Don’t miss the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade featuring festive music and performers.
Light the Knights Festival
November 23 – January 6
Celebrate the magic of this season in the heart of the city at Light the Knights Festival, located in Truist Field. New this year is a regulation-size outdoor hockey rink for ice skating, hockey, tournaments, figure skating, and more. Also new this year is a 6-lane, 150-foot snow tubing hill. There’s much to do at this event, from a holiday walkthrough experience and light show to shopping, live entertainment, and visits from Santa. Don’t miss out on all of the holiday fun and purchase your tickets here.
Charlotte Christmas Village
November 23 – December 23
Charlotte’s European-inspired Christmas Market returns to Uptown inside Light the Knights Festival through December 23. Shop gifts, enjoy live performances, get a taste of traditional German foods and beverages, and much more.
Holidays at the Garden
November 25 – December 31, 5 – 9p
Stroll through dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this holiday season. Make s’mores and gather around the warmth of an outdoor fire, grab snacks and warm beverages at food trucks, and shop at The Garden Store & Wine Nook for gifts for everyone on your list. Note: Holidays at the Garden is closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Purchase your tickets here.
