Winterfest, Gingerbread Lane, African Dance Experience, Storytime with Santa, Sip + Stretch and More Things to Do This Weekend 12/2

As we start waking up to a chill in the air each morning, it seems winter is slowly making its way to the Queen City. Whether you prefer live performances, shopping talented local makers, or finding other creative ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, there are plenty of options this week!

Featured Events:

Image: CLT Podcast Fest

Charlotte Podcast Fest
Now through Saturday, December 4
Listen in as experts from NPR, WFAE and others in the podcasting world present workshops about the community, marketing, monetization and technical aspects of the business. Registration is required for this virtual event.

Image: University City Partners

University City Night Market at The Shoppes at University Place
Saturday, December 4, 6:00p – 9:00p
Spend an evening shopping local, listening to live tunes, sipping on your favorite holiday beverages and enjoying a candle-lit boat ride around the lake. The University City Night Market will be open Saturday’s in December leading up to the Christmas holiday.

Thursday:

Image: Atrium Health Ballpark

Trees of Hope at Atrium Health Ballpark
Thursday, December 2 through Sunday, December 5
Take a stroll through the ballpark and check out over 150 Christmas trees decorated by members of the Kannapolis community, each representing a charitable organization. Tickets are available now.

Image: Carowinds

Winterfest at Carowinds
Now through January 9
There is lots to do at Carowinds this winter! Get a photo with Santa, enjoy festive decorations, get serenaded by carolers, grab a gift at a specialty shop and much more. Check the schedule for dates and times.

Image: Monroe Road Area

MoRA’s Winter Social
Thursday, December 2, 4:45p – 6:00p
Come hang out with the neighbors of MoRA and celebrate the season with a light display, hot chocolate and holiday tunes.

Image: The Town of Davidson

Christmas in Davidson
Thursday, December 2 – Saturday, December 4
One of the Lake Norman area’s favorite Christmas traditions is back in Davidson this weekend! Support local businesses and enjoy an evening of light shows, live nativity and other special attractions.

Friday:

Image: Charlotte Ballet

The Nutcracker with Charlotte Ballet
Shows beginning Friday, December 3
Don’t miss this holiday favorite performed by Charlotte Ballet and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are on-sale now.

Image: Harrisburg NC

Harrisburg Tree Lighting
Friday, December 3, 6:00p – 9:00p
Soak in the magic of small town Christmas in Harrisburg. Grab dinner from a local food truck, take a train ride, support local craft vendors and mingle with Santa himself.

Image: @ballantynehotel

Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel
On-display beginning Friday, December 3, 11:00a – 7:00p
Stop by the Ballantyne Hotel and browse a magical display of Gingerbread Houses in the Carolina Room. Vote on your favorites and support Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

Image: City of Rock Hill

Christmasville Festival and Winter Market
Begins Friday, December 3
Old Town Rock Hill is the place to be for holiday cheer now through Christmas Eve! There will be Christmas decorations galore plus new and exciting events to keep you in the spirit all month long.

Image: Optimist Hall

Deck the Hall at Optimist Hall
Friday, December 3, 6:00p – 9:00p
Come for the tree lighting and stay for s’mores over the fire and a Build-Your-Own Hot Chocolate Bar. The tree goes live at 6:30p!

Saturday:

Image: Camp North End

Mistletoe Market at Camp North End
Saturday, December 4, 4:00p – 8:00p
Another festive favorite here in Charlotte – visit Camp North End and enjoy an evening full of holiday fun including a Market Street from VTGCLT, delicious local eats and beverages plus a Reindog Parade for the dog lover in us all.

Image: Harvey B. Gantt Center

African Dance Experience at Harvey B. Gantt Center
Saturday, December 4, 12:00p – 2:00p
Join Elsie Mufuka, owner of MufukaWorks Dance Company, for a workshop made for all ages and experience levels. Registration is required.

Stories with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Blakeney
Saturday, December 4, 2:00p – 4:00p
Visit Santa’s House on the Village Green, cuddle up with some hot cocoa and cookies, and enjoy story time presented by none other than Santa & Mrs. Claus themselves! Guests are encouraged to bring a donation for Toys for Tots.

Image: Pixabay

Discover the Winter Birds of Mecklenburg County
Saturday, December 4, 2:00p – 4:00p
Head to Reedy Creek Nature Center and learn all about which birds call Mecklenburg County home during the winter. Advance registration is required.

Image: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

The Velveteen Rabbit at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Saturday, December 4 & Sunday, December 5
Enjoy a live production of this classic feel-good story about a child’s love for their favorite toy. Multiple dates are available throughout December.

Next Week:

Image: Blumenthal Performing Arts

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas at Knight Theater
Monday, December 6, 7:30p
Celebrate music, family and the holiday spirit with piano sensation, Jim Brickman. You’ll hear classic favorites mixed with original hit songs during this fun, festive concert. Tickets are available now.

Image: Billy Sunday

Sip & Stretch at Billy Sunday
Monday, December 6, 4:00p
Who doesn’t need a little quiet moment before the chaos of the holidays? Enjoy some relaxing yoga and tea cocktails courtesy of Billy Sunday. Tickets are available now.

Image: Onward Reserve

Christmas Shopping with Onward Reserve
Tuesday, December 7, 5:00p – 8:00p
There’s no time like the present to start your holiday shopping and Onward Reserve makes the job pretty easy. Sip on cocktails, nosh on light bites and take 15% off all Onward Reserve products.

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scoop team
scoop team
This article was written by one of the many QC women who contribute to our website. They are out and about and around Charlotte digging up the latest & best scoop :)