‘Tis the season, the holidays are officially at full speed. To keep you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a variety of holiday things to do with your friends and family this weekend. Shopping for the perfect gift at holiday markets, watching the Christmas tree lighting in South End, strolling through one of Charlotte’s most charming neighborhoods decorated for the holidays, watching The Nutcracker, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
2024 South End Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 5, 4 – 6p
Get in the holiday spirit at the annual South End Tree Lighting, featuring a 360 photo booth, Santa, refreshements, beer specials, music, fun activities, and more.
Salted Melon Pop Up at Phillips Place
December 4 – 29
Salted Melon will offer its well-known coffee bar, an assortment of pastries, baked goods, and specialty market items, and a selection of gift baskets by its sister concept, Reid’s Fine Foods. The popup will be open Dec. 4 – Dec. 29, 2024. The hours will be Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Phillips Place Holiday Celebration & Shopping Stroll
Thursday, December 5, 4 – 7p
Celebrate the season at the Phillips Place Holiday Celebration & Market, featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, traveling Christmas carolers, some other live musical performances, a special holiday market with seasonal vendors, and kids’ activities. Plus, bring a gift to donate to the toy drive benefitting Ronald McDonald House.
Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll
December 5 – 7, 5 – 9pm
Stroll through the beautifully decorated Historic Fourth Ward to get in the holiday spirit. This self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour will include delicious food and cocktail tastings (while they last), seasonal live music and complimentary Ride Charlotte golf cart rides (first come, first served) in the most walkable and picturesque Victorian-era heart of the neighborhood.
Paul Simon Women Friends & Family Event with Pop Ups, Giveaway, Free Gift Wrap & More This Week and Weekend
Perry’s Fine Jewelry Customer Appreciation Event
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, December 6, 5 – 9p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.
Science on the Rocks: Jingle in Jammies
Friday, December 6, 6p
Join Discovery Place Sciemce as they bring a little festive flair to Science on the Rocks. Dress in your best pair of jammies as they will carol-oke and give prizes out for the best festive jammies. Grab a cocktail, encounter an animal, see a science show and get hands-on in the labs along with 1,000 of your closest friends.
The Nutcracker presented by Charlotte Youth Ballet
December 6 – 8
Be swept away on a magical journey to the land of the sweets in the 44th annual production of The Nutcracker. This family-friendly event is a holiday tradition that showcases the artistry of local student dancers and professionals from around the world. Charlotte Youth Ballet is a nonprofit organization led by Charlotte legend, Gay Porter and Artist Director, Bridget Porter Young.
OMB’s Christmas Market: Weekend Two
December 6 – 8
Experience the festive atmosphere of OMB’s Christmas Market, featuring over 50 vendors, delicious food, cheerful music and lights, traditional Gluhwein (our spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”), hot cocoa holiday beer, and cozy fire pits. Santa will be at Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7th, 2pm-5pm for photos.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Tis The Season: A Holiday Market at Resident Culture
December 7 – 8, 12 – 5p
Celebrate the holiday season at Resident Culture by shopping unique gifts from local vendors, snapping festive pics, wearing your best holiday sweater and making a snow globe ornament at their DIY workshop ($20 per person for the DIY a Snowglobe Ornament Workshop).
Miracle on Bland St Holiday Market at Seoul Food (South End)
December 7 & 8, 1 – 5p
Pop CLTure will host a festive pop-up market this weekend at Seoul Food. Come by to shop local vendors and enjoy delicious food and drinks!
Winter Holiday Market at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Saturday, December 7, 3 – 8p
Experience the best of winter with festive sights, sounds, flavors and gifts at the Greenway Winter Holiday Market. Live music, a festive photo station, warm firepits, and 50+ vendors selling locally made goods and a gift-wrapping station will be onsite. The Greenway Canteen will be open throughout the evening with a limited event menu, including meals, snacks, s’mores kits and your favorite hot and cold beverages, including limited-time signature specials for the event. Parking: $5 per vehicle for members, $15 per vehicle for non-members.
Naughty or Nice Holiday Bar Crawl
Saturday, December 7, 4p
This annual holiday bar crawl is back, and bigger and better than ever. Check in is at Hi-Wire Brewing from 4 – 7 p.m. Participating venues include Must Be Nice, Monday Night Brewing, Slingshot, QC Pourhouse, Broken Promises, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Complimentary Carriage Rides at Phillips Place
Starting November 22 through December 20, join Phillips Place on Fridays from 5PM – 7PM and Sundays from 1PM – 3PM for a horse-drawn carriage ride around the center to feel the magic of the holidays.
NEXT WEEK
Ceramic Tumbler Painting Workshop at Salted Melon South End
Monday, December 9, 6 – 8p
Sip on a delicious espresso martini while you decorate your own ceramic tumbler at Salted Melon in South End. Tickets are $75 and include all materials, expert instruction from Kaley of Blank Ceramics, and your espresso martini.
