Ahead of the holidays, make plans to enjoy all this weekend has to offer around the Queen City. Here’s where to go and what to do this weekend in Charlotte:
ALL WEEKEND
Fourth Annual Teddy Bear Tea
December 14-15, 21-22 | JP Charlotte
Back for its fourth year, the Teddy Bear Tea at JP Charlotte offers a classic high tea with fun twists, including a hot chocolate station, visits with Santa, cookie decorating, story time, crafts and a bottomless mimosa option for the adults. Benefits the Hospitality House of Charlotte.
Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
December 20-22 | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
The 8th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) at OMB returns for three weekends this month offering more than 40 vendors within the German-style village, festive decorations, spiced wine, fire pits, and seasonal brews.
Head to the holiday pop-up at Merchant & Trade
Head to the rooftop at Merchant & Trade December 2-24 as they transform into a winter wonderland with ‘instagrammable’ spaces, seasonal specialty cocktails and winter-inspired dishes.
THURSDAY
First Annual Tree Lighting
Pinhouse | 8 p.m.
Pinhouse will host its inaugural free tree lighting event, featuring an ugly sweater contest, photo booths, Christmas beer on tap, a food truck and more.
SkillPop: Gold Leaf Abstract Art
METROPOLITAN | 6:30 p.m.
Channel your inner artist and create your own paintings with the help of local abstract artist Kelly Aiken of Copeley Designs. $38 per person.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square | 7 p.m.
Enjoy the beloved Christmas Classic as it comes to the stage at the McGlohon Theater. Tickets start at $15.
FRIDAY
Plaza Midwood Running of the Balls 5K
Plaza Midwood Neighborhood | 7 p.m.
Lace up for the third annual “Running of the Balls” 5K, taking participants through the streets of historic Plaza Midwood under the lights from hundreds of decorative Christmas light balls. The race begins and ends at Resident Culture Brewing Company, where there will be a post-race mixer.
Ugly Sweater Holiday Karaoke
Divine Barrel Brewing | 7-10 p.m.
Ugly sweaters and karaoke? We’ll call that a match made in holiday heaven. Wear your best festive wear to participate in the ugly sweater contest.
6th Annual Cheers Charlotte Radio Christmas Party
Brawley’s Beverage | 6-10 p.m.
The 6th Annual Cheers Charlotte Radio Christmas Party will feature special keg tappings, new releases, a raffle benefitting Rural Hill and more.
Laugh at Lenny – Free Comedy Night
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 8 p.m.
Lenny Boy’s last comedy night of the year features North Carolina comedians Jason Allen King, Tara Brown and Jesse Jones. Free admission.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Touring)
Ovens Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Experience more than 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class acts, singers, original music and seasonal favorites in this two-hour holiday spectacle. Tickets start at $23.
Bulldog Southend Christmas Bash
Bulldog Beer and Wine | 6 p.m.
Spread some Christmas cheer at Bulldog South End’s third annual festive bash featuring live music by Josh Daniel and Friends.
Eli Young Band
The Fillmore Charlotte | 8 p.m.
Hear your favorite songs by Eli Young Band as they stop by The Fillmore along with guests Ryan Trotti and Niko Moon.
SATURDAY
Last Minute Market – Pop Up Vendor Event
The Barrel Room at Triple C | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Still searching for last-minute gifts? Head to the Last Minute Market at The Barrel Room at Triple C to shop more than 30 local vendors plus enjoy food trucks, beer, wine and cider.
Moonlight Movies: The Grinch
METROPOLITAN | 4-7 p.m.
The whole family can enjoy this night out at Metropolitan, complete with a meet and greet with the Grinch, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa bar, face painting, music and more, plus a screening of The Grinch on the big scree starting at 5:30 p.m. Free admission.
Santa Run 8K and Snowman Dash
Romare Bearden Park | 9 a.m.
As part of the Fourth Annual Santa Run 8K & Snowman Dash, participants can dress up in their own festive costumes, or run the Uptown route dressed as Santa, an elf, reindeer or snowman.
Third Annual Lake Norman Christmas Light Boat Parade
Lake Norman | 5:30-7 p.m.
Stake out your spot to see this year’s Lake Norman Christmas Light Boat Parade. The route will start at Blythe Landing, pass Ramsey Creek and end at the Duke Energy Explorium.
Now Are The Foxes Holiday Show
Warehouse PAC, Cornelius | 8 p.m.
Head up to the lake to laugh along with comedy group We Are the Foxes as they take the stage at Warehouse PAC in Cornelius. $10 general admission.
Sleigh Bell Karaoke
Blackfinn Ameripub – Ballantyne | 10 p.m.
In Ballantyne, you can belt out your favorite holiday tunes, sip on themed drink specials and create your very own ugly sweater at Blackfinn.
SUNDAY
Feast of The Seven Fishes
The Porter’s House | 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy the “The Feast of The Seven Fishes,” a long-standing tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve. Wine pairings available. $75+.
