Thanksgiving week is here, and if you’re staying in town, we have just the list of things-to-do to keep you occupied. So grab the kids, the in-laws, and your best girl friends and make the most out of the four-day holiday weekend. Scroll down for popular ongoing Holiday events and click through here for BLACK FRIDAY AND WEEKEND SALES.
This week’s to-do round up is sponsored by SouthParkCLT Community Partners.
THANKSGIVING EVE
Thanksgiving Eve Party at Pinhouse
Wednesday, November 22
Head to Pinhouse to celebrate the start of a four-day holiday weekend! Enjoy a family-friendly night of free bowling, a Pizza Platter Box Special from Clubhouse Pizza, free s’mores buffet at 7 p.m. while supplies last, pumpkin pie shots, half-priced wine, and music bingo from 8 – 10 p.m.
A Very Tiki Christmas at el Thrifty
November 20 – End of December
This holiday season, el Thrifty is transforming the cantina into a tropical Christmas paradise featuring a menu of festive cocktails. Experience a beach filled and festive holiday celebration that is sure to make your spirits bright!
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Wednesday, November 22, 5:30p
Kickoff the holiday season with the festive sights and sounds of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tryon Street and will also air live on TV. It will go down Tryon Street, beginning at 9th Street and ending at Good Samaritan Way. Viewing the parade is free along the parade route. (bring your own chair.) To secure a guaranteed seat, purchase a VIP spot. Learn more about the parade and how to make a whole evening out of it here.
Light The Knights at Truist Field
Select dates: November 22 – January 1
Light The Knights is back at Truist Field this holiday season, bringing plenty of holiday fun for the whole family. Enjoy ice skating, hockey, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, a light show, and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole
November 22 – January 7
NEW this year, Camp North End will transform a corner of its lot into Camp North Pole which will feature a brand new ice skating rink. The ice skating rink will be open daily, including holidays. General admission is $15 per person with children 5 and under $10. After a few laps around the rink, warm up by the fire pits, sip a warm seasonal drink, enjoy local eats, and shop for the perfect gift for your loved ones.
THANKSGIVING DAY
Charlotte Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23, 7a
Lace-up your running shoes Charlotte, the 35th 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 an 8K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Tot Trot before heading home to celebrate with food and family. The trot begins and finishes at SouthPark Mall. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting here.
Turkey Dash Charlotte
Thursday, November 23, 8:30a – 10:30a
Start your turkey day by running the Turkey Dash, a 4-mile timed run/walk, and a 1-mile fun run/walk at the Village at Robinson Farm. While you’re running, the kids can be entertained with the “Family Village,” aka bounce houses and other activities for children while they wait. Sign up for the Turkey Dash here.
Eat. Gay. Love at Billy Sunday
Thursday, November 23, 2 – 5p
Queen City Nerve has partnered with Billy Sunday for its 5th 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. Come help spread love and enjoy food at this free event.
BLACK FRIDAY
OMB Christmas Market First Weekend
November 24 – 26
Experience the magic of OMB’s Christmas Market at its opening weekend. Shop 140+ vendors, holiday music, festive food, Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”), hot cocoa, beer, and more each weekend from November 24 through December 17.
Christmas Pop-Up Bar at The Garrison in Pineville
November 21 – December 30
The Garrison Cocktail Bar & Restaurant will transform into a winter wonderland both up and downstairs. Expect holiday decorations galore as you eat and sip on well-crafted and festive cocktails. There will be several new holiday cocktails served in festive glassware and garnished for the season. Glassware will also be available for purchase. Unlike several pop ups, reservations will continue as normal with guests being able to reserve a table by calling in or booking on Open Table.
Elf™ in Concert at Charlotte Symphony
November 24 & 25, 7:30p
Watch as Buddy the Elf travels to New York from the North Pole with a live symphony orchestra. You won’t want to miss John Debney’s wonderful score as the full film plays on the big screen. BOGO 50% off your tickets here with code “HOLIDAY23”.
Holidays at the Garden
November 24 – December 23
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 for gifts for everyone on your list. Note: Holidays at the Garden is closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Purchase your tickets here.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
South End Shop Small Saturday
Saturday, November 25, 8a – 3p; 11a – 5p
Kicks off this Saturday by shopping local all over South End with open-air markets alongside unique retail at Atherton Mill and Camden Road. There will be 120+ vendors to shop from, a holiday lounge at the Design Center featuring bean bags, Letters to Santa, Dreidel kits, a Little Free Library, and photos with Santa from 12 PM – 3 PM, and 150 free holiday drinks at the holiday lounge from Botanical House.
The Nutcracker Presented by Matthews Ballet and Dance
Performances on Saturday & Sunday
Get in the holiday spirit with the performance of the classic Nutcracker Ballet performed by Matthews Ballet and Dance. All tickets are $7 and can be purchased online or in person at the Matthews Community Center.
COMPANY at Belk Theater
November 21 – 26
Grab the girls for a night of laughter and singing as COMPANY answers those annoying life questions just in time for Friendsgiving. COMPANY is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical AKA a show you don’t want to miss while it’s in the QC. Get your tickets here.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Front Porch Fest at Protagonist Beer LoSo
Sunday, November 26, 11a – 4p
A little shopping after turkey day is never a bad idea. Front Porch Fest is coming to Protagonist Beer in LoSo for the final time this year and you don’t want to miss this shopping experience. Many local vendors will be there spreading holiday cheer and helping you pick out the perfect gifts. There’s also plenty of good food nearby and delicious beer from Protagonist themselves.
Black Girl Art Show
Sunday, November 26
Celebrate the magic and artistry of Black women at the “A Spectacular Black Girl Art Show.” This isn’t just an art show – it’s a journey through diverse expressions, powerful stories, and unparalleled talent, all in one vibrant space. Expect art in action, magnificent stories, feel-good vibes, networking, cocktails and light bites, and more.
Head to Margaux Wine, Pizza, & Market for lunch or dinner
Enjoy the CHICKEN PESTO Pizza of the Month at Margaux’s in Pineville, made with roasted garlic oil base, mozzarella and house cheeses, diced chicken, marinated tomatoes, basil pesto
ONGOING HOLIDAY FUN TO DO THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Photos with Santa at SouthPark Mall
Various Dates
Bring the whole family to take your annual photo with Santa at SouthPark Mall. Click here to book.
Winter at Whitewater Center
Head to the Whitewater Center to take part in all of its Winter activities. From ice skating to ziplining in the dark, to freshly cut Christmas trees, a new Canyon Night Trail, winter races, and more.
Carowinds’ Winterfest
Select nights from November 17 – January 1, 2024
Gather with friends and family to make lifelong memories at Carowinds’ WinterFest, the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event. Celebrate with holiday light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season’s festive live entertainment.
Speedway Christmas
November 17 – January 7
The 14th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show, Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health features more than five million lights on a four-mile course that includes the legendary oval, pit road and infield road course. The show is open 6-10 p.m. rain or shine and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV eve
SouthPark Community Partners
4250 Congress Street, Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28209
Email: info@southparkclt.org
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