After weeks of planning, shopping and celebrating – the big day is finally here! If you’re staying in town for Christmas weekend you’ll notice that Charlotte is a bit quieter than normal, but there is still plenty of holiday fun to be had. Celebrate the end of Christmas shopping with a holiday-themed drink, watch the magic of Cirque in Charlotte, take the family to a Christmas day brunch, make your way to the Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions game, and more – all happening this weekend.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY DEC 22
Charlotte Symphony’s Cirque de Noël
December 22 & 23, 7:30p
Cirque de Noël brings the magic of Cirque to Charlotte, with aerialists and acrobats, performing amazing feats on and above the stage, accompanied by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and your favorite holiday tunes. Tickets are selling out fast! Click here to purchase.
Christmas at the Library
December 22 & December 23
Bring the whole family to experience a festive celebration each night at Billy Graham Library. The evening at the library features horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, a live nativity scene, storytime for kids, and shopping opportunities at Ruth’s Attic bookstore. By day, you can view the beautifully-decorated Graham Family Homeplace, Ruth’s Attic Bookstore, retrace the journey of Billy Graham, and enjoy lunch at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar.
Charlotte Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
December 22 & 23, Select times
Charlotte Ballet will be performing Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s holiday spectacular, The Nutcracker, several times before Christmas weekend. Feel the magic in the air as you watch Clara go on her timeless adventure, complete with extravagant sets and costumes, and even a magnificent snowfall on the Belk Theater stage. Tickets can be purchased here.
Holidays at the Garden
November 25 – December 31, 5 – 9p CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS
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. Purchase your tickets here.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY DEC 23
Cookies and Beer for a Cause at High Branch Brewing Co.
Stop by High Branch Brewing Co. to enjoy cookies and new flavors of beer while supporting a local nonprofit organization, Cara’s Purpose. On the menu will be delicious cookies from Cara’s Cookie Company, a new gingerbread oatmeal stout beer called “Oh Snap,” and a Gingerbread Oatmeal Whiskey Cream Pie to pair with the beer. Both treats are limited; cookies will be available starting Monday, beer available on Friday.
Carowinds WinterFest
Select nights through January 1, CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS
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, CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS
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
LAST DAY Friday, December 23
Charlotte’s European-inspired Christmas Market returns to Uptown inside Light the Knights Festival. Shop last minute gifts, enjoy live performances, get a taste of traditional German foods and beverages, and much more.
Grab a Holiday Drink at Tinsel Town at Billy Sunday Charlotte
December 1 – January 2, CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS
What better way to kick off Christmas weekend than with a holiday-inspired cocktail in hand? Billy Sunday has been transformed into a holiday bar, and it’s calling your name. Expect holiday-themed cocktails, a decorated bar, and a Kris Kringle pop-up market to shop as you sip.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY DEC 24
Santa’s Coming to Dilworth
Saturday, December 24, 5:30 – 7:50p
Santa will be making his way to Dilworth before heading out for the big night! Charlotte Fire Station #2 will be helping Santa and his elves make their rounds through the neighborhood, along with bringing candy and holiday cheer! Visit here to view the route and scheduled times.
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium
Saturday, December 24, 1p
It’s game day Charlotte! Rally the friends and family and join other Panther fans at the Bank of America Stadium to cheer on our home team as they take on the Detroit Lions. Tickets can be purchased here.
Reserve Christmas Eve Dinner or pick up take-out from your favorite Charlotte restaurant.
Here are scoop’s picks on dining out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Birkdale on Ice
OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS, 10a – 10p
The start of a new family tradition? Why not! Take the kids to The Plaza at Birkdale Village where you’ll find several a skating rink for you to lace up your skates and glide. Be sure to book your 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 ticket pricing.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY DEC 25
Begin the day with Brunch at Angeline’s
Sunday, December 25, 8 – 11a, 2 – 8p
Angleline’s Uptown will be serving both breakfast and dinner this Christmas. They will be open for breakfast from 8am to 11am, and will re-open at 2 pm for Christmas Dinner served ’til 8pm.
Christmas Day Ballantyne Ballroom Buffet
Sunday, December 25, 10:30a – 4p
Enjoy an elegant array of cuisine and desserts as you take in live music in the beautiful Ballantyne Ballroom. Cost is $95 per person plus tax and service fee and $45 per child ages 12 and under, plus tax and service fee. You also have the option of a Christmas al la carte Brunch or Dinner at the Gallery restaurant. Reservations are required and can be made here.
Speedway Christmas
Now – January 8, 6 – 10p
Take the magic of Christmas well into the evening as you drive through a Christmas wonderland at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Expect four million LED Christmas lights spread out over a four-mile course and synchronized to Christmas-themed music. Purchase your tickets here.
NEXT WEEK
Kwanzaa Charlotte Daily Celebrations
Daily through January 1, 2023, 7 – 9p
Kwanzaa Charlotte will have daily celebrations from now until January 1, 2023. All events are free and open to the public. Check above for the list of activities and locations!
Kwanzaa & Culture Night
Wednesday, December 28, 5 – 7p
Join the Teen Loft in celebrating the African American holiday, Kwanzaa, where you’ll learn the seven principles of Kwanzaa, symbols, and traditions. This program will take place indoors at ImaginOn and is recommended for teens ages 12 to 18.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Friday, December 30, 12p
End the year on a high note by watching the Big 10 vs ACC at the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Join fans from all over at the Bank of America Stadium as the college football season comes to an end – with University of Maryland and NC State going head to head to bring home the win. Known as the “only game with twang,” this is one you sure won’t want to miss. Click here to buy tickets.
