December is finally here and the holiday season is in full swing. This weekend, it’s all about getting ready for the big day. Shop for gifts at holiday markets, get a drink at a Christmas-themed bar, enjoy a live performance, take in art at a gallery crawl, ice skate at WinterFest, and so much more this week in Charlotte.
Looking for spots to get pictures with Santa this year? We’ve got you covered HERE.
Want to head out to Choose & Cut your own tree? Our list of spots is here.
FEATURED EVENTS THIS WEEK
South End Shop Small Saturdays
It’s the second weekend of Shop Small Saturdays in South End. Find 200+ open-air markets alongside unique retail at Atherton Mill, along Camden Road, and at the Shops at The Winnifred. Shop Small Saturdays will be back once more on December 10, so be sure to stop by!
Jagged Little Pill The Musical at Belk Theater
Tuesday, November 29 through Sunday, December 4
Re-live and enjoy a fabulous musical from Broadway, Jagged Little Pill, showing at the Belk Theater from Tuesday, November 29 through Sunday, December 4. Purchase your tickets here.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY DEC 1
Tinsel Town at Billy Sunday Charlotte
December 1 – January 2
Billy Sunday will be transformed into a holiday bar beginning December 1st. Expect holiday-themed cocktails, a decorated bar, and a Kris Kringle pop-up market to shop as you sip.
World Cup Watch Party at Gilde Brewery
Thursday, December 1, 1:30p
Gilde Brewery will be opening early at 1:30p so you can come and support your favorite team during the World Cup. Food won’t be available until 3p, but drinks can be served.
Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll
December 1-3, 5 – 9p
Get festive with a stroll through Historic Fourth Ward as it is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Nibble on delicious food and drink tastings from nearby restaurants, enjoy live music and holiday lights, and have the option to go on a carriage ride through the most picturesque Victorian-era part of the neighborhood.
Christmas in Davidson
December 1-3, 6 – 9p
Bring the whole family to downtown Davidson to help spread holiday cheer. There will be Christmas light shows, live music, food, holiday shopping, and more. This is a great way to support local businesses while getting in the Christmas spirit!
FRIDAY:
First Friday Gallery Crawl in South End
Friday, December 2
Take in the local art scene after hours every first Friday of the month. South End galleries and shops offer extended hours, special receptions, live painting and music. This event is free and doesn’t require a ticket or RSVP. Add in a visit to a nearby brewery or restaurant for the perfect G.N.O.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s 11th Annual Christmas Market
December 2 – 4, 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.
Deck the Hall at Optimist Hall
Friday, December 2, 7 – 10p
Kick off the holiday season and celebrate at Optimist Hall with live carolers, festive treats, and more.
Mint to Move: 10 Year Celebration + Día de las Velitas
Friday, December 2, 7 – 11:30p
Get ready to dance! Bring the girls to the Mint Museum Uptown as they celebrate 10 years of Mint to Move and Día de las Velitas, a Colombian holiday that marks the beginning of Christmas. There will be dancing, live musicians, and DJ Carlos Lebron playing Latin rhythms and Afro-beats, plus free dance lessons. Cost: $10 members; $13 nonmembers with $1 off before 9p.
SATURDAY DEC 3
Waverly Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 12 – 4p
Bring the kids to meet Santa and Frosty at Waverly Charlotte while you shop local for the perfect gift. Don’t forget to get a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie while you’re there.
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
Saturday, December 3, 4 – 8p
Eat, drink, and be merry at Camp North Ends’ Mistletoe Market. Visit local businesses in all three districts for delicious food and gifts, take a break in the Camp North Pole igloos or get cozy by a fire pit, shop Vintage Charlotte curated market vendors, enjoy photo moments and decor by Studio Cultivate, listen to live music with a warm holiday drink, and more.
Winter Holiday Artisan Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Saturday, December 3, 9am to 4pm
More Than 60 Regional Artists and Crafters to Sell at this Annual Artisan Market ~ categories include items ranging from baskets and jewelry to fine art, woodworking and ceramics. A number of food purveyors will also be in attendance.Tickets for the market are $6 per adult, ages 5-12 $4, ages 4 and younger free and are available at the gate. Admission is waived for Greenway members. Parking is $5 per car.
12th Annual Lake Norman Yacht Club Christmas Flotilla and Parade
Saturday, December 3, 6p
Decorate your boat and join in on this festive event hosted by the LNYC Keelboat Fleet. Skippers meeting at 5 p.m. at the LNYC Clubhouse, assemble at D7 at 5:45 p.m., and parade at 6 p.m. Free to enter, but bring an unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots is highly recommended!
SUNDAY:
Front Porch Sundays
Sunday, December 4, 11a – 4p
Front Porch Sunday is back, just in time for some holiday shopping. Expect 70+ local pop-ups, live music, cold beer, good coffee and even better community. Don’t miss your chance to gift from local businesses and makers this holiday season.
9th Annual NoDa Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 4, 4:30p
A tradition in NoDa, the 9th Annual NoDa Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at the front lawn of the Johnston YMCA. Bring the whole family for free cookies, cocoa, s’mores, along with fun activities including ornament decorating, games, and more. Celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. and the lighting of the tree will be at 6 p.m.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THESE ONGOING EVENTS
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.
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 this season’s magic in the city’s heart 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.
A Kannapolis Christmas
November 19 – December 30
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.
