The holiday magic is starting to arrive in the Queen City this weekend. Start shopping for Christmas gifts at the Southern Christmas Show, see Justin Timberlake live, take your pup to get photos with Santa, welcome a new coffee shop to Ballantyne, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Southern Christmas Show
November 14 – 24
Southern Christmas Show is back at The Park Expo and Conference Center for 10 days of cheer, brimming with festive décor and seasonal magic, plus 400+ holiday vendors, dazzling designer rooms, Christmas Tree Lane, Olde Towne and, of course, Santa Claus! Vendors from Charlotte and around the country will showcase their treasures, while choirs and entertainers perform on the LeafFilter Holiday Entertainment Stage. Don’t miss one of our favorite holiday events! Purchase your tickets here.
Fall in the South Cooking Class
November 14 | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Learn how to whip up comforting recipes just in time for family gatherings: braised short ribs, butternut squash grits, sautéed greens and an apple pastry.
Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Thursday, November 14, 7:30p
Justin Timberlake is making a stop in the Queen City on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
The Buttercup Shop Holiday Open House
November 15 & 16
Shop The Buttercup’s Holiday Open House this Friday and Saturday.
A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race
Friday, November 15
Charge your headlamp and get ready to tackle the trails in the dark. Compete in a 5K, 10K, or half marathon and cross the finish line under the moonlight at the Whitewater Center.
The HEARTest Yard FitFest
Friday, November 15, 5:30 – 9:30p
Join The HEARTest Yard as they transform Bank of America Stadium into a hub of Fitness and Fun. The block party will feature delicious food, refreshing beer from @hopflybrewingco, @lennyboybrewingco, @divinebarrelclt and local pop-up shops. The first 100 attendees who arrive will also receive a HEARTest Yard Yoga mat.
Movie Night at The Amp
Friday, November 15, 6 – 8:30p
Head to The Amp for movie night this Friday where Mrs. Doubtfire will be showing. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 per person; kids under five are free.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Fly Kid Fly Grand Opening
Saturday, November 16, 8 – 11a
Join Fly Kid Fly for their grand opening at The Bowl in Ballantyne. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., enjoy $1 filter coffee, $1 espressos all day, kids activities and a paper plane competition. The winner of the paper plane competition will win free coffee for a year.
Fall Fling in Cameron Wood
Saturday, November 16, 9a – 1p
Spend your Saturday morning strolling this pop-up market in Cameron Wood. Food trucks, vendors, adoptable puppies, giveaways, and more will be returning at this year’s Fall Fling. New this year, the market will be fundraising for @foundationstudios_avl in Asheville in support of the creators and artists in the mountains who lost their work and studio space.
2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon
Saturday, November 16
From uptown’s glass and steel; through stately, tree-lined streets; to eclectic, up-and-coming neighborhoods… whether you’re a native or a first-time visitor, you’ll see and experience Charlotte like never before. Your participation continues to benefit the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.
Explore Elizabeth
Saturday, November 16, 10a – 4p
Come sip, shop and stroll as some of your favorite businesses in the Elizabeth neighborhood offer special discounts and giveaways.
It’s Giving: A Fall Market
November 16 & 17, 12 – 5p
Celebrate fall at Resident Culture Brewing alongside local vendors, delicious food, and cozy drinks. Spend the day shopping and giving gratitude at their Gratitude Tree. Come vibe, shop unique finds, and soak up the autumn magic
3rd Annual Puppy Portraits with Santa
Saturday, November 16, 1 – 4p
Bring your pup to Hi-Wire Brewing for a festive photo op with Santa and help support Catering 2 Cats and Dogs Rescue. Minimum $5.00 donation for your doggie pics. Feel free to dress your pup up in their holiday best or borrow some fun flare from the rescue.
Bella Notte Twentieth Anniversary Opera Carolina
Saturday, November 16 | Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
For twenty years, Bella Notte has been the premier black-tie fundraising event of the social calendar. This elegant gala opens each Opera Carolina Season on the beautiful Belk Theater stage, surrounded by an original Opera Carolina theatrical production. Bella Notte celebrates Charlotte as the artistic center of North Carolina, and brings together Greater Charlotte’s business, social, and philanthropic leaders for an evening of entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and dancing. Seating is limited, and reservations are best made well in advance.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Pajama Walk 2024
Sunday, November 17, 12p
One of the most comfortable walks in Charlotte. The Pajama Walk raises awareness and funds for Friendship Circle & ZABS Place – two local non-profits supporting genuine inclusive friendships, job training, employment, and placement for individuals with all abilities.
Holiday Open House at ABODE on East Blvd
Sunday, November 17, 1-5pm
This is the spot if you are looking for that perfect, elegant touch to freshen up your house for the holidays, or a unique spin on seasonal style and gifting that will set your entertaining apart.
NEXT WEEK
Holiday Open House at Pearl Pagoda
Tuesday, November 19, 10a – 7p
Shop everything you need to have a fabulous holiday season, from dresses to tabletop, gifting, and more.
Bourbon & Butcher Dinner
November 20 | Napa Kingsley
Calling all carnivores and bourbon lovers! Join in for a one-of-a-kind whiskey and culinary experience. Napa will be presenting five amazing bourbon pours paired with an unforgettable chef created menu. The event will be led by a bourbon expert and local butcher who will elaborate on the nuances of each pour and cut of meat as the night unfolds. $125 per person.
Bourbon & Cigar Dinner
November 20, 6p | Epic Chophouse Fort Mill
On November 20th, Epic Chophouse in Fort Mill will bring together a 4-course steak dinner, each dish expertly paired with selections from Blue Run Bourbon and hand-picked cigars. Limited seats are available, so reserve now online or by calling 803-548-3742.
Mint Museum Auxiliary Fall Enrichment Forum
Wednesday, November 20, 9:30a
The Mint Museum Auxiliary is bringing Condé Nast expert Ivan Shaw to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 20 as speaker for their annual Fall EnrichMINT Forum at the Mint Museum Uptown. Shaw was the Photography Director of U.S. Vogue for 20 years and will share his experiences and learning about the fascinating world of Vogue, Vanity Fair and Architectural Digest. Tickets are $125/person and can be purchased here.