Did we catch you smack dab in the middle of the busiest holiday season yet? We thought so. Our day-by-day guide to the weekend is here to help you pencil in some fun. Here are your can’t-miss events and guide to what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Charlotte Symphony: Handel’s Messiah
December 15-16 |Â Knight Theater | 7:30 p.m.
Christopher Warren-Green leads the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a moving interpretation of Handel’s Messiah. Continue a beloved holiday tradition or start a new one with tickets beginning at just $19.
$5 wine specials at Coaltrane’s
Coaltrane’s Char Grill, both locations
No matter the day a glass of wine is always in order. Stop by over the weekend or for a workweek pick-me-up with $5 glasses of wine every day.
THURSDAY
Beat Bobby Flay Viewing Party
The Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina | 9 p.m.
Gather at The Tipsy Burro to catch a familiar face on The Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. Chef Blake Hartwick of Bonterra Dining & Wine Room will bring Southern charm to the Big Apple, determined to impress two rounds of judges and compete against Bobby Flay. Festivities start at The Tipsy Burro at 9 p.m., with the show beginning at 10 p.m. EST.
FRIDAY
Bechtler By Night
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | 5 – 9 p.m.
Bechtler by Night’s most popular art activity, Paint ‘N Sip takes center stage at this month’s evening event. Staff teachers will lead visitors through an hour-long guided painting of a classic winter scene. Classes are held at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and cost $20 per person. If you can’t make the activity, be sure to enjoy free exhibit access from 5-9 p.m., creating snowflake cutouts in the lobby and sipping on the evening’s signature cocktail, the Holiday Mule.
Sycamore Brewing & Vintage Charlotte 2017 Christmas Market
Sycamore Brewing | 5 p.m.
Sycamore Brewing and Vintage Charlotte are teaming up to help you check off everyone on your shopping list. Friday’s Christmas market will feature over 30 vendors, live music from The Clydes, food trucks, specialty beer and cider releases and a visit from Santa. They will also be hosting the 2nd Annual ’12 Brews of Christmas’ Toy Drive, benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or donate money during the market.
Woof Gang SouthPark’s 1st Anniversary & Yappy Hour
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming SouthPark | 5-7 p.m.
Help Woof Gang Southpark celebrate their first anniversary with free drinks at Happy Hour, 20% off retail and free nail trims.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
The Rogue | 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day with a party at Dilworth’s newest hangout. Gather at The Rogue for drink specials, DJ and a $50 raffle giveaway.
Ugly Sweaters & Barrel Aged Beer
Parry’s Pizza – Northlake | 6 p.m.
Enjoy brews from an exclusive list of barrel-aged beers in your best tacky sweater. Note: they aren’t joking about the sweaters. The special menu is only available for those wearing ugly sweaters.
Holiday Sip ‘n Shop
Bold Missy Brewery | 7 – 9 p.m.
Cross those last-minute gifts off your list with the help of Bold Missy Brewery. They’re hosting a sip and shop featuring local, women-owned businesses including Worthy Figures Cozy Carpenters, Hannah Leaf Jewelry and more.
Yule Log Parade and Ceremony, followed by the Annual Christmas Town Festival
Downtown McAdenville | 5:30 p.m.
See Christmas Town at its jolliest with an evening of festivities in Downtown McAdenville. Follow the Yule Log through town before it’s lit in Legacy Park. The fun continues with music, entertainment and visits from Santa during the Christmas Town Festival.
SATURDAY
Coffee, Cocoa & Carols
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café (Carmel Commons location) | 6 p.m.
The Ballantyne Chorale will present “Coffee, Cocoa & Carols” at the Carmel Commons location of Amélie’s French Bakery & Café. Grab a treat then find a cozy spot to enjoy familiar carols. Free and open to the public.
We Believe Santa 5k Trail Run
U.S. National Whitewater Center | 12 p.m., registration begins at 10 a.m.
Wannabe St. Nick’s can enjoy a pre-holiday trot at the Santa 5k Trail Run, followed by competitions and giveaways. Dress to impress – there will be a prize for best Santa lookalike.
Santa Run 8K and Snowman Dash
Romare Bearden Park | 9 a.m.
Race through Uptown as Santa, an elf, a reindeer or snowman at this year’s 8K and Snowman Dash. After crossing the finish line, stick around for food trucks, hot cocoa, giveaways, music and a walk through the Christmas Village. Registration includes a shirt and hats or antlers.
Santa Paws with Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte | 1-4 p.m.
Bring your pup in their holiday best to smile with Santa, free with a donation to Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue.
Arboretum Holiday Magic Jubilee
The Arboretum | 6-8 p.m.
This family-friendly event has all the makings of a festive evening: trains, carriage rides, face painting and of course, Santa!
Meredith Leigh at Heirloom
December 16 | Heirloom | 6:30 p.m.
Chef-Author Meredith Leigh and Heirloom Chef-Owner Clark Barlowe team up for a collaborative four course paired meal. Multiple ticket options available. Learn more and purchase here.
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day with free samples of chocolate covered bacon and offerings from vendors featuring all things chocolate. Feed your sweet tooth from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mixology with Bob Peters
Earl’s Grocery | 2:30 p.m.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect cocktail to serve as hostess or a recipe to mix up at the in-laws, mixologist Bob Peters has just the thing. Learn how to mix up holiday cocktails fit for any celebration at this free class hosted at Earl’s Grocery.
A Second Year Of Friends and Beer
Legion Brewing | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Legion Brewing is turning two. The day-long celebration kicks off with brunch with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expect a made-to-order brunch menu, photo opps and $4 Carolina Sparkle Party Beermosas. The fun continues with a Toy and Treat Drive from 1 – 3 p.m., benefitting North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. Bring training treats, stuffed toys, Nylabones and more to donate. The rest of the day includes special beer releases, live music a birthday cake and a balloon drop at 6 p.m.
Bulldog South End Christmas Party
Bulldog Beer and Wine, South End | 8 p.m.
Bulldog South End’s annual holiday bash includes live music by Rod Fiske.
Bulldog Dilworth Christmas Party
Bulldog Beer and Wine, Dilworth | 8 p.m.
Over in Dilworth, Bulldog will celebrate with live music from Dead Man’s Banjo.
NoDa Starving Artist Market
Canvas Tattoo & Art Gallery | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop local as you tackle those last gifts on your holiday shopping list. Vendors offering handmade goods will be featured at this pop-up inside Canvas Tattoo.
Tacky Sweater Party
Helles & Dunkel | 8 p.m.
The tackier the better at Helles & Dunkel’s tacky sweater party. Expect multiple prizes, including a grand prize for best (most tacky) sweater. Drinks specials include $3 Blue Moon, $4 Fireball and $5 Tito’s.
Holiday Caroling
NoDa Bodega | 6 p.m.
Join in some old-fashioned holiday caroling. The crew will meet at NoDa Bodega in their best Christas sweaters and carol down to NoDa Company Store. Check the Facebook page to get a copy of the song list.
SUNDAY
Polenta Extravaganza
December 17 | aqua e vino | Noon – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a three course family-style meal with classic Northern Italian recipes featuring polenta. $50 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your table.
Holiday Market at Charlotte Art League
Charlotte Art League | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Calling all last minute shoppers! The Charlotte Art League is bringing over 30 handmade vendors under one roof to help you complete your shopping list. Shop handmade and local goods from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Three Spirits Brewery | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Three Spirits Brewery and Blue Monkey Theatre present a production of A Christmas Carol, the tale that influenced the brewery’s name. Admission is free, but donations of a new, unwrapped toy are encouraged.
PLAN AHEAD
Ugly Sweater Party
Wednesday, December 20 | Draught Charlotte | 5:30 p.m.
Bust our your tackiest and ugliest sweater for Draught’s pre-holiday bash. Grab a glass of Jack Daniels & Egg Nog, nibble on new menu offerings and enter to win a $50 gift card for the guest with the ugliest sweater.
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