With only a few weekends left in 2023, we want to make the most out of each one. The holiday fun continues this week with the ultimate shopping experience in SouthPark (time for last-minute Christmas shopping!), the opening weekend of Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, two holiday-themed 5K’s, free carriage rides in Phillip’s Place, an ugly sweater bar crawl, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
SouthPark Holiday Hop
December 6 – 10
There is a 100% chance of holiday cheer at the Holiday Hop this year, where you’ll find festive events, exclusive deals, free shuttle rides, and locally designed holiday window displays. Visit HERE for the scoop on special deals, window displays, and the SouthPark Holiday Hopper.
The Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll
December 7 – 9
Enjoy a festive evening stroll through the Historic Fourth Ward. There will be delicious complimentary food, wine & cocktail tastings, live music, and more. Tickets start at just $30. (Make sure to swing by Sea Level NC’s tent to savor the Smoked Trout Dip).
Friends and Family Event at Paul Simon Women
December 7 – 9
Find exclusive deals, trunk show shopping, giveaways, and unique gifting ideas at Paul Simon Women during the SouthPark Holiday Hop. Plus, you can get $50 off any purchase of $150 or more while you shop.
Free Gift Card with $50 Purchase for the First 25 Customers at Bedside Manor
December 7 – 9
During the SouthPark Holiday Hop, the first 25 customers at Bedside Manner who spend $50 on full price merchandise can receive a free $50 gift card. Limit one per person.
Cookie Decorating at IRO SouthPark
December 7 – 10
Head to the bar and lounge inside Hyatt Centric SouthPark for free cookie decorating. Plus, try the special SouthPark Holiday Hop cocktail while you’re there.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
Brunch at Link & Pin
All December long, Link & Pin will be open on Fridays for brunch, available 11:30am-3:30pm every Friday in December at all three Link & Pin locations.
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story
December 7 – 10
The perfect holiday treat for your friends and family. Clara’s Trip is a contemporary twist on a holiday classic; centered around an aspiring dancer who ends up in the hospital, changing her holiday plans. Tickets available now.
OMB Christmas Market Third Weekend
December 8 – 10
Experience the magic of OMB’s Christmas Market. 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.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
December 8 – 30
Enjoy over ONE MILLION lights displayed along an outdoor trail, larger-than-life holiday scenery, oversized snow globes, and more. Shop at the Holiday Village, watch performances by ballerinas and others on select nights, go down the Alpine Avalanche snow tube slide, see Santa through December 23rd, and more.
Amsale Couture Trunk Show at Ladies of Lineage
December 8 – 16
Ladies of Lineage located in SouthPark will be debuting their Amsale Couture trunk show this weekend. The two weekend trunk show will feature stand-out gowns from Amsale’s ‘23 and ‘24 couture collections along with an in-person visit from an Amsale representative (and wealth of knowledge), Susan Miller. Book your trunk show appointment here.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Pajamas All Day 5K & 10K Snow Day
Saturday, December 9, 8:30a
Roll out of bed and bring your friends and fam to the fifth annual Pajamas All Day 5K /10K – Snow Day Edition. Charlotte may not have snow in the forecast, but this fun-filled 5K / 10K will bring all of your favorite snowy memories to life, including building a snowman and throwing snowballs. There will also be a DJ, sponsor and vendor expo’s with giveaways, food vendors, children’s fun run and endless activities for the kiddos, a petting zoo, adoptable animals, adult beverages, and more.
Breakfast with Santa at The Dunhill
Saturday, December 9, 9 – 11a
Meet and greet with Santa at the historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte on Saturday, December 9, 9-11 am, as you enjoy a family-friendly breakfast from The Asbury’s executive chef Tim Groody. Tickets are $35 per adult and $25 per child under 12.
Jingle Bell Run at Truist Field
Saturday, December 9, 9a
Get moving for a good cause! The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get dressed in all of your festive things and race to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Wear your favorite holiday attire and come ready to jingle all-the-way for a cure. Registration begins at 9 am with the race kicking off at 10 am.
Photos with Santa + The Grinch at Metropolitan
Saturday, December 9, 11a – 3p
Santa Clause is coming to the Metropolitan! Bring the whole family for free digital images, a yummy hot cocoa bar and cookies, photo opportunities with the Grinch, face painting and more. The event will be located by the Metropolitan greenway entrance between Dressler’s Restaurant and Clean Your Dirty Face.
Belk’s Annual Open House Event
Saturday, December 9, 12 – 4p
Stop by your nearest Belk from 12 – 4 pm as they celebrate the holiday season with deals on all the best gifts for your loved ones, free gifts with purchase, many festive activities to take part in, and a chance to give back to those who need it the most. While there, bell ringers and iconic red kettles will be set up outside for you to donate to The Salvation Army. Donations can be made to the organization through December in any Belk store.
Craft Across Continents: Contemporary Japanese and Western Objects: The Lassiter/Ferraro Collection at Mint Museum Uptown
Opening December 9
The exhibition features 60 stunning objects from the private collection of Charlotteans Lorne Lassiter and Gary Ferraro. The exhibition includes glass, ceramics, bamboo, and textile contemporary objects by artists from around the globe and will be presented in a domestic-like setting to underscore the theme of enjoying life through living with art just as Lassiter and Ferraro do. There will be free museum admission both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Special programming scheduled for December 9 includes a presentation by Japanese art expert Joe Earle at 1 p.m. and two in-gallery conversations with the collectors at 2:15 and 3:30 p.m.
The Official Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Saturday, December 9, 2 – 11p
Put on your best ugly sweater and get ready to crawl around town. Crawlers will take advantage of drink specials, no covers, souvenir beads and koozies, and the chance to win cash and prizes. Bar list and specials coming soon. Register here.
Reindog Parade in Camp North End
Saturday, December 9, 3 – 5p
Kick-off the second week of Mistletoe Market with a puppy parade through all three districts of Camp North End. It’s free for spectators to enjoy, and free for participants to walk the route.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
Black-Owned Marketplace
December 8 – 10, 11a – 5p
In Atherton Mill, the Black-Owned Marketplace is a pop-up that will transform the South End space into a Black-owned store for the weekend. Shop more than 30 local Black-owned businesses all in one stop with products ranging from skincare, art, jewelry, clothing, specialty items, and more.
Free Carriage Rides at Phillips Place
Enjoy free carriage rides at Phillips Place every Friday from 5-7 pm and Sunday from 1-3 pm, now through December 17!
ONGOING HOLIDAY FUN
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.
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.
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.
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.
