It’s time to come out of your turkey-induced coma and enjoy all that’s going on in the QC this holiday season. And there sure is a lot. We know your schedules fill up quickly, but pencil in one (or two!) of these don’t miss events and you’ll thank us later.
Looking for something for kids to do? Check out our round up of what to do with family this week HERE.Â
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Amélie’s French Bakery
301 S. Tryon St. (on the corner of S. College St. and MLK Jr Blvd)
Everyone’s favorite bakery is back in Uptown with the opening of their brand new 11,000 square foot location. Come in, enjoy the whimsical Parisian atmosphere and nibble on one of their heavenly salted caramel brownies or macaroons.
The Festival of Trees Charity Gala
Thursday, Dec. 3
Levine Museum of The New South
Kick off the 30 day display of festive trees with a lively Charity Gala this Thursday evening. The Gala features live music, a silent auction, holiday candy bar, raffles and giveaways and more. At the Gala, a 2015 NFL player will be awarded the 2nd annual Thomas Davis Achievement Award. Proceeds from the event benefit The Arc of Mecklenburg County, a local organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Thursday, Dec. 3-Thursday, Dec. 17
Phillips Place
Enjoy the best of the holiday season Thursday evenings in Phillips Place. The Hampton Inn & Suites will be transformed into a six-story canvas for Charlotte’s only holiday light show. Visitors will enjoy visit from Santa, hot chocolate and goodie bags for kids and caroling.
Bubbles Bonanza Mega-Tasting
Thursday, Dec. 3
Vin Master
Enjoy over 25 samples from five different suppliers at this weekend’s Vin Master tasting. Wines sampled will be offered at special discounts, just in time for your holiday parties!
Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market – Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3, Weekends Dec. 4-Dec.19
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
You don’t have to travel to Germany to shop at an open air Christmas Market. Just swing by Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on weekends from Dec. 4-19. You’ll find booths of local Charlotte vendors selling gifts and baked goods. To make the deal even sweeter, Olde Meck is releasing their winter beers to enjoy as you shop, or opt for a sip of their homemade Glühwein: a delicious, spiced red wine served hot and fresh. Kick off the festivities on Thursday night with their annual tree lighting.
#instabeerupCLT
Thursday, Dec. 3
NoDa Brewing North End
The last #instabeerupCLT of the year is happening this Thursday at NoDa Brewing’s new location. Explore their new digs, grab a beer and meet some of Charlotte’s movers and shakers.
Lights on the Square: Uptown Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3
Square at Trade and Tryon St.
Take your places for the lighting of the Christmas tree in Uptown. Get there at 5:30 to see the ACC mascots get excited for the big game, and don’t miss the lighting at 6. After the big reveal, the party moves inside to Founders Hall for music and a special visit from Santa.
Magic of Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 6
Belk Theater
Get in the spirit with a fun-filled evening with the Charlotte Sympony, Charlotte Symphony Chorus and special guests. The show will include renditions of classic favorites and sing-alongs the whole family will enjoy.
38th Annual Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour
Friday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec.6
Fourth Ward Neighborhood
Now in its 38th year, the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour shows off the mix of Victorians, urban condos and historic places that give the neighborhood its distinct QC charm. See how they deck the halls all weekend long on the walkable tour that also includes live music, horse-drawn carriages, beer and wine tastings and complimentary appetizers. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase here.
Second Chance Christmas 2nd Annual Holiday Cocktail Party
Friday, Dec. 4
Rooftop 210
Come out and #partyforapurpose at the Second Chance Christmas Cocktail Party. Attendees will dance the night away on the heated patio of Rooftop 210 to a live band and have a blast in the photo booth. For a discounted ticket price please bring a toy to benefit local Charlotte Children Cancer Hospital’s and Lower Income Churches.
Jazz at the Bechtler: Jingle Bell Jazz
Friday, Dec. 4
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
If jazzy renditions of your classic holiday favorites don’t get you in the jolly spirit, we’re not sure what will! You’ll have two chances (one show at 6 and the other at 8:15) to catch the Ziad Jazz Quartet perform Winter Wonderland, Deck the Halls, Sleigh Ride and more.
1st Annual 12 Brews of Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 5
South End Breweries
Can’t remember exactly what the 12 days of Christmas gifts are? No worries, because we have the adult version coming up this weekend in South End. bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit local charities and then spend the day sipping and touring thew nearby breweries.
The Ugly Sweater Run
Saturday, Dec. 5
Romare Bearden Park
Don your best tacky sweater for the Ugly Sweater Run in Uptown this Saturday. In addition to fantastic people watching, there will be prizes given out for best sweaters, music and hot chocolate.
Women in Jazz
Saturday, Dec. 5
Blue Restaurant & Bar
Celebrate the Women of Jazz with lie performances from Holly Hopkins and the AHJB at Blue Restaurant & Bar. Make your dinner reservations, sit back and relax with the catchy sounds of jazz classics through the decades.
Birdsong 4 Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 5
Birdsong Brewing Co
Can you believe it’s been four years already? In the time it took you to graduate college (give or take), Birdsong has made a name for itself in the Charlotte brewery scene and it’s time to celebrate. On Saturday, enjoy live music, food trucks on site, specialty tappings and all proceeds going to a great cause.
Sous Chef Sunday Supper
Sunday, Dec. 6
Bonterra Dining & Wine Room
Consider yourself a Charlotte foodie? Then you’ll definitely want to RSVP “yes” to a tasting from this culinary dream team. Five sous chefs from prominent QC restaurants (Heritage, Bonterra, The Asbury, Block & grinder and Passion8) will work together to serve you a five course meal complete with an option wine pairing.  Proceeds benefit taste of the NFL.
Holiday Tea & Shopping At The Duke Mansion
Sunday, Dec. 6
The Duke Mansion
It’s a new kind of sip and shop this Sunday at the Duke Manson. Stroll the beautiful grounds, sure to be decked out in the season’s finest, shop gifts from Charlotte’s top boutiques and savor tea in the living room with tea sandwiches, canapes, scones, and sweets.
First Ward Park Opening Day Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 8
First Ward Park-East 7th St. and Brevard St.
The newest addition to Uptown’s green scene has finally arrived. Help welcome First Ward Park to the neighborhood with hot chocolate, music and holiday lights on Wednesday starting at 10:30 AM.
