Lots of Markets, Warehouse Sale, Tree Lighting, Santa Photos, Little Nutcracker, Things to Do in Charlotte This Weekend (11/16/23)

This week’s to-do round up is sponsored by SouthParkCLT Community Partners.

The weekend before Thanksgiving is here, and while there’s still so much left to do to prep for the big day, the weekend is packed with events to get out of the house (and keep any visiting in-laws entertained). Kick the weekend off with several shopping markets and events happening, the tree lighting at Piedmont Town Center, fun runs, a “short and suite” version of the Nutcracker, the final days of The Southern Christmas Show, and much more.

THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Schedule Your Photos with Santa at SouthPark Mall
Time slots already booking up! Link thru to schedule yours today.

Perry’s Diamond Stud Sale
November 16 – 18
Save big on diamond studs in time for the Holidays.

Holidays For Heroes
November 11 – December 16
Support both active and veteran military families this holiday by providing a monetary donation and you can help “Trim the Toyota.” With each donation made, guests will have the opportunity to add a magnet honoring a military veteran to the Toyota on display in the Great Hall. Donations can be made onsite at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. One hundred percent of all donations will be gifted to Veterans Bridge Home.

Neiman Marcus SouthPark trunk shows and store events:

• Marco Bicego Trunk Show NOVEMBER 16TH 11AM – 5PM

• Mind Games Masterclass NOVEMBER 17TH 11AM – 1PM Meet Master Perfumer, Crystelle Laprade, as you experience the latest collection. Enjoy lite bites and sips as you’re introduced to 2 exclusive fragrances. Reserve your spot today at rsvpcharlotte@neimanmarcus.com

THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Carowinds’ Winterfest
Select nights from November 17 – January 1, 2024
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. 

VTGCLT Pop
Friday, November 17, 10a – 7p
Join VTGCLT under the big top for their pop-up shop: VTGCLT Pop. They will be taking over a storefront at Camp North End with all of their favorite vintage and handmade brands. VTGCLT Pop opens on Friday, November 17, and will run through Saturday, December 23 for all your Holiday shopping needs.

Piedmont Town Center Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, November 17, 6 – 9p
Christmas has arrived at Piedmont Town Center! Join them for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting which will include activities, photo opportunities with Santa, hot cocoa, train rides, and more. While the event is free to attend, they will be accepting donations for Toys for Tots.

A Shot in the Dark 5K & 10K Night Trail Race
Friday, November 17, 2023
Charge your headlamp and get ready to tackle the trails in the dark. Compete in a 5K or 10K distance and cross the finish line under the moonlight.

Speedway Christmas
November 17 – January 7
The 14^th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show, Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health features more than five million lights on a four-mile course that includes the legendary oval, pit road and infield road 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. 

THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

HERORUN 5K & 1K FUN RUN
Saturday, Nov 18, 8a
Join Fairview Plaza and American Asset Corporation for the Sixth Annual HeroRun taking place on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 in benefit of Veterans Bridge Home. Held in the heart of South Park, the race begins at 8 am at Fairview Plaza office buildings. The 5k course takes runners through scenic South Park neighborhoods while the 1k Fun Run keeps runners close to Fairview Road. The festivities include music, activities, some live superheroes and the real heroes, members of all 5 branches of the U.S. Military.

Windy O’Connor Warehouse Sale
Nov 18th 10am – 1 pm only

Fall Fling Market
Saturday, November 18, 9a – 1p
Start your Christmas shopping early at the Fall Fling Market, featuring over 60 vendors, four food trucks, and PUPPIES. This shopping market is family-friendly and will have face paintings and balloons for the littles. Bring non-perishable food items and help support Smithfield Elementary School’s food backpack program.

NODA Pottery Market
Saturday, November 18th, 10am-4pm. 3000 N. Davidson Street

Maker’s Market at NoDa Brewing Company North End Taproom
Saturday, November 18, 1 – 5p
Join Maker’s Market CLT for a vendor pop-up event at NoDa Brewing Company. Sip a delicious craft brew and shop from over a dozen local crafters and vendors.

Holiday Magic at Rea Farms
Saturday, November 18, 4 – 8p
Head to Rea Farms for all the festive activities and entertainment including the annual tree lighting, train rides, a visit from Santa, cookie decorating, a photo booth, holiday characters, and much more.

South Charlotte Ballet Company’s Short and Suite Nutcracker
Saturday, November 18, 2 & 5p
A show the whole family will love! This “short and suite” Nutcracker delivers the classic Nutcracker characters you know and love in a shorter run time – just under an hour! Perfect for families that can’t stay long but want to see the classic tale. Tickets are on sale now.

THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Queen City Quest Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, November 19, 11a – 1p
Up for an adventure? This nontraditional scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the city with your friends or out-of-town guests. The hunt begins at the Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters where you’ll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. Then you’ll take off on your own to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town. You’ll walk or drive to the various checkpoints as you interpret creative tasks, accept wacky challenges, and get outside your comfort zone. Tickets can be purchased here.

Bechtler’s Music and Museum A Tribute to Female Composers
Sunday, November 19 at 6 PM
The Bechtler Ensemble, led by Tanja Bechtler, pays tribute to a variety of notable women who have made incredible music through the centuries. Female composers highlighted throughout the evening include Florence B. Price, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Grazyna Bacewicz, and Jessie Montgomery. Concert tickets are $10 for members, $14 for nonmembers, and $5 for students (with proof of ID). FREE tickets for ages 10 and under. Advance registration is required to guarantee seating. Each concert is 60 minutes with no intermission. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and concerts begin at 6 PM. Cash bar available.

Last Day of The 2023 Southern Christmas Show
November 19

Book Your Thanksgiving Reservations at Charlotte Restaurants
Spend your holiday dining out at one of these delicious Charlotte restaurants, or order in pre-made dishes, so all you have to do is sit back and relax this turkey day. Hurry as places are booking up quick!