It’s the final weekend before Christmas and yes, we can’t believe it either. In between shopping for those last-minute gifts, make time for free donuts, learn how to make breakfast cocktails, take a stroll down Gingerbread Lane, shop from young entrepreneurs, join in on a Krampus Krawl, and more — all happening this weekend.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom to check out ongoing holiday events!
Where to See the Holiday Lights Displays around the area? Our picks here.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY DEC 15
Light the World Giving Machine comes to Promenade on Providence
December 13 – 17
The world-famous Light the World Giving Machine is coming to Charlotte this Christmas. The bright red vending machines work in reverse by giving people an opportunity to buy
much-needed items for local and global charities, instead of junk food that is usually found in vending machines. The Light the World Mobile Giving Machine will be near the fountain in the Promenade on Providence shopping complex.
inbloomltd Holiday Pop Up
Thursday – 10 am to 3 pm. (or by appointment)
This fab floral designer is utting together a last minute pop up shop at his In Bloom, Ltd. studio at 1420 S. Mint Street, Suite N. Candles, adorable containers, fresh wreaths, potted amaryllis and more.
Visit Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel
December 1 – 26, 11a – 7p
Stroll through the enchanting display of gingerbread creations, made from novice to professional bakers. While you’re there, enjoy hot cocoa and holiday libations from the life size gingerbread hut. Attendees can vote on their favorite entries with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH).
Pop Up Holiday Market at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Thursday, December 15, 5 – 9p
Come for the lights and find the perfect gift! This special holiday market at Daniel Stowe will be around for one day only and will feature locally handmade gifts, from jewelry to artwork, clothing, and more.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY DEC 16
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s 11th Annual Christmas Market
December 16 – 18, 11a – 10p
Experience the magic of OMB’s Christmas Market at its final weekend. Shop 40+ vendors, holiday music, festive food, Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”), hot cocoa, beer, and more. Feel free to bring along your furry friend as pets are welcome outside in the Biergarten and on the patio.
Gather your friends and family for delicious specials at Sea Level
Limited reservations remain for the holidays
Impress your friends and family during your holiday gathering with a “Bubbles & Brine” pairing (12 house oysters plus a bottle of J Cuvee Sparkling Wine) or 3-tier seafood tower! Limited reservations remain for the holidays.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY DEC 17
Saturday Morning Yoga at Lenny Boy
Saturday, December 17, 10a
Start the morning with an hour-long Vinyasa style yoga class at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. in South End. Cost to join is $5, and includes a 6oz kombucha afterward. Yoga classes are held weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Mindful Market aka Good Earth Essentials Holiday Sip & Shop Saturday & Sunday
Shop VTGCLT Pop at the Metropolitan
Weekends through December 23, 10a – 7p
Find gifts for everyone on your list at VTGCLT’s holiday pop-up market at the Metropolitan. This seasonal pop-up features products from 90+ local and regional vintage and hand-made brands. Find them at the corner of Charlottetowne and Metropolitan.
Crafty Kids Market at Free Range Brewing
Saturday, December 17, 11:30a – 2p
Stop by Free Range Brewing to see what young entrepreneurs have on sale this weekend. Shop hand-made and unique gifts for everyone in the family, including pet treats and accessories, jewelry, art, bandanas, animal feeders, treats and more.
Nightmare Before Christmas 26 Makers Market
Saturday, December 17, 1 – 6p
Shop Christmas items with a twist at the 26 Makers Market Popup at 26 Acres Brewing Co. The pop-up, hosted by Starving Artist Market, will be fully immersed in all things Nightmare Before Christmas, handmade by local artists and vendors. Stock is limited, so come early!
Strolling Holiday Entertainment at Blakeney Town Center
Saturday, December 17, 3 – 6p
Tackle the rest of your holiday shopping list at Blakeney Town Center while being entertained! Enjoy a variety of entertainers, including stilt walkers, interactive performers, live music, and artists, strolling and spreading holiday cheer throughout Blakeney.
Hot Cocoa Wars at The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing Company
Saturday, December 17th, 4 – 7p
Who can create the best hot cocoa? That’s up to you to decide. Be a judge in the best contest for those with a sweet tooth — Hot Cocoa Wars. Try all of the majestic cocoas from select favorite Charlotte restaurants, including: Manolo’s Bakery, QC Pour House, Suffolk Punch, Wentworth & Fenn, Yunta Nikkei, and more. This event is free, with 4 oz pours costing $2 each.
Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
Saturday, December 17, 4 – 8p
Eat, drink, and be merry at the last weekend of 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.
NoDa Krampus Krawl 2022
Saturday, December 17th, 5 – 11:59p
Head to NoDa for the annual Krampus Krawl — a night filled with music, dancing, drinking, and maybe even a visit from the “evil” side of Santa himself, Krampus. This event is free to attend and will be held throughout the neighborhood, but rumor has it to keep an eye on The Chamber at Wooden Robot, The Evening Muse, NoDa Company Store, and JackBeagles for special kinds of mahem and merryment.
Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec 17, 5:30-7pm
See it from your spot on the lake or any of 3 public viewing areas – Blythe Landing, Ramsey Creek, & Duke Explorium. Great video to see what it’s all about here on @carolinacruisingcharters
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY DEC 18
@confectionsofamartian is doing another round of donut pop ups this Sunday
at Archive Coffee shop 10am-1pm/sold out and Mistletoe Market at CNE in the late afternoon/early evening so you can get ready for the big week ahead.
mariposaatthemint has Holiday Jazz Brunch from 11-3pm on both Saturday & Sunday. This will be their last jazz brunch of the year ~ not happening again until January 7th & 8th. So reserve now and enjoy your brunch served with a side of smooth, festive jazz courtesy of local musician Gary Marcus featuring @dnasings (12/17) and Ron Brindle (12/18).
Plaza Midwood Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 18, 3 – 8p
Kick off the week of Christmas with Plaza Midwood’s Candy Cane Crawl and Tree Lighting. Join in as participating businesses in the area will have kids crafts, live music, holiday cocktails, pictures with Santa, and more. The afternoon leads up to the Tree Lighting, held on the Lawn at The Pizza Peel at 6:30p with live music to start after.
- Pictures with Santa 11am – 2pm at Legion Brewing.
- Pictures with Buddy the ELF will be set up at the stage in the Gordon Street Alley starting at 3pm. (located between Snug Harbor and Sherwin Willams)
- CLTCH – Will provide a holiday treat.
- Sanctuary Imports – Enjoy a Candy Cane light display + Complimentary Candy Canes + Receive a FREE Tumbled Crystal with any $35 purchase.
- Moxie Mercantile – Holiday cocktail + Sweet Treats for Kiddos.
- Burial Beer – All the Candy Cane decorations for you to take and enjoy.
- The Pizza Peel – Make your own table-side Smores and Hot Chocolate creations for $3 each.
- Betty – Holiday Prosecco Cocktail + Beer + Holiday Kid’s Craft.
- Legion Brewing – Candy Canes for all.
Hannakuh Begins This Evening
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog – Sunday
Celebrate the beginning of Hannakuh with a morning of breakfast, activities, music, and more, with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 11 a.m. at Lerner Hall.
Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park – Sunday
Join Chabad of Charlotte on the first night of Chanukah for the Unite with Light Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park. The Menorah lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m., followed by a fire show at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and will have activities for kids, music, food, and a Chanukah gift shop.
Chanukah Wonderland – Starts Sunday
Ballantyne Jewish Center is presenting a fun Chanukah experience for ages two and up. Kids can enjoy making Chanukah crafts, games, photo booths, snacks, and more over four days. Reservations are required and can be made here. The cost of event is $10 per child.
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest – Monday
This celebration, held at The Fountains Plaza, will include a laser show, LED juggler, music, latkes and donuts, and more. There will also be goodie bags with Chanukah crafts and fun for the whole family. Event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village – Tuesday
Head to Birkdale Village at 5:30 p.m. to watch the Menorah lighting, and enjoy crafts, Chanukah food, hot drinks, and more.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting – Wednesday
The 8th Annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw will take place at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include donuts, latkes, hot drinks, crafts, music, and more fun for the whole family.
THINGS TO DO DURING THE WEEK
Feast of Seven Fishes at The Porter’s House
Monday, December 19
Opt out for making dinner and head to The Porter’s House for a special seven-course dinner celebrating the “Feast of Seven Fishes,” an Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition featuring dishes with a vast variety of different fish and seafood. All are welcome to join, with the cost being $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. An optional wine and cocktail pairing will be available for you to enjoy as well. Menu coming soon. (***REGULAR DINNER MENU WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE THIS DAY)
ONGOING HOLIDAY 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.
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.
Tinsel Town at Billy Sunday Charlotte
December 1 – January 2
Billy Sunday has been transformed into a holiday bar for the month of December. Expect holiday-themed cocktails, a decorated bar, and a Kris Kringle pop-up market to shop as you sip.
