HO, HO, HO, Here we go, the final weekend before Christmas has arrived. After weeks of shopping, planning, and enjoying all the holiday events around town, the countdown to the big day is officially underway. This weekend, wrap up your to-do list with taking the kids to photos with Santa, watching the magic of Cirque de Noël, celebrating National Sangria Day, pre-ordering your holiday meals, ice skating at Camp North Pole, tubing at Light The Knights, and much more.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Santa Photos at SouthPark Mall
November 7 – December 24
Time slots are booking up! Link thru to schedule yours today.
Cirque de Noël
December 19 -22
The magic of Cirque de Noël returns! Experience jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the orchestra, alongside awe-inspiring acrobatics set to your favorite holiday music. With thrilling new acts and beloved favorites, this annual event is sure to fill your family with the wonder and joy of the holiday season.
Reid’s Holiday Menu
Now is the time to order Holiday Dinner from Reid’s if you want to enjoy a stress-free, gourmet meal without the effort. To place an order, contact your nearest store
Myers Park: 704-377-1312
SouthPark: 704-377-7686
or order online at https://www.reids.com/holiday_menu
Primary Pickup Dates:
Monday, Dec 23rd from 8am-5pm &
Tuesday Dec 24th from 8am-3pm
12 Days of Gifting at Bedside Manor. Each day, one of their favorite gift items goes on sale. Find the daily deals via their email or instagram stories.
Abode Home 12 Double Days of Christmas is still running ~ discounts last for TWO days so you have time to schedule your visit or buy online. Check their instagram here for next deals.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
National Sangria Day at The Matador
December 20, 11a – 2a
The Matador will celebrate National Sangria Day on December 20 with $8 sangria specials all day. Matador Charlotte is open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on Fridays.
December Front Porch Night Market
Friday, December 20, 5 – 9p
Shop last minute gifts while supporting local at Front Porch Night Market happening this Friday. Local vendors will be lined around Atherton from 5 – 9 p.m. Grab some dinner in the area, shop for loved ones, and support your local community.
Speedway Christmas
November 22 – January 5
Speedway Christmas is back at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 15th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show will feature more than 5 million lights on a four-mile 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 every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Photographing Holiday Lights
Friday, December 20, 5:30 – 8p
Join Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a hands-on photography experience where you’ll learn how to master the art of shooting holiday lights. Bring your digital camera, a sturdy tripod, and bundle up for a fun, interactive session. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned photographer, you’ll leave with new skills and festive photos to cherish.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Breakfast with Santa at SouthPark Church
Saturday, December 21, 9 – 11a
Head to SouthPark Church to enjoy a morning with Santa, complete with a breakfast buffet and fun activities for all ages. Christmas pajamas are preferred.
WinterFest in Downtown Matthews
Saturday, December 21, 12 – 6p
Finish up your holiday shopping and experience a WinterFest like no other. Shop from over 50 small businesses while enjoying craft brews and delicious local food. This event is held in the parking lot of brand new “The Hangar”, right across the street from Kristopher’s in Matthews.
Chicken + Champagne at DTR SouthPark
December 21 & 22, 3 – 6p
Purchase a bottle of champagne and enjoy a pairing of DTR’s perfectly crispy fried chicken to add a delicious twist to your bubbly. Happening December 14-29 (Three weekends only).
Light the Knights Festival
November 27 – January 3, CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS
Celebrate this season’s magic in the city’s heart at Light the Knights Festival, located in Truist Field. This year. enjoy an NHL-sized outdoor rink for hockey,ice skating, ice skating shows, and more. Also new this year is a 10-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.
Ice Skating at Camp North Pole
November 22 – January 5
Camp North End is being transformed this Friday into Camp North Pole for the holiday season with their annual ice skating rink. After a round of ice skating, all are invited to relax by the fire pit, sip a hot seasonal beverage, enjoy local eats, and find the perfect gift for loved ones at Camp North End.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
Carowinds Winterfest
Select nights, November 15 – January 4
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.
Last Day To See The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical at Children’s Theater of Charlotte
November 22 – December 22
The Herdmans are back and ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” find out about free food at Sunday school? And what happens when they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? Will the show go on? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays. Showing at the McColl Family Theatre through December 22nd.
Christmas Eve Dinner at Napa on Providence, Napa at Kingsley, and Napa Bistro at Stonecrest
Skip the stress of cooking and let Napa handle dinner this Christmas Eve. For $60pp, enjoy a menu that’s crafted to celebrate the joy of the season. Gift Card Deals are also available in-store only at all locations, spend $100, get a $25 bonus card. Bonus card good from 1.1.25 – 3.31.25.
