This Things to Do Feature is Sponsored by SouthParkCLT Community Partners
‘Tis the season, the holidays are officially at full speed. To get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a variety of holiday things to do with your friends and family this weekend. Shopping for the perfect gift at holiday markets, watching the Christmas tree lightings in both South End and University City, creating your own holiday ornaments and wreaths at various workshops, enjoying Winter Fest with your pup, and more, we’ve got your Holiday kick-off scoop here.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Second Annual South End Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, November 30, 4 – 7p
Enjoy live music, carolers, treats, and hot chocolate at the Second Annual South End Holiday Tree Lighting at The RailYard. The countdown and tree lighting will take place in the courtyard (aka “The Yard”) at dusk followed by a holiday-themed acoustic set. Retailers will also be offering specials, so come ready to shop!
Shop n’ Spa at Palestra Spa & Boutique
Thursday, November 30, 5:30 – 9p
Shop local vendors and enjoy spa specials at the Shop n’ Spa event, hosted by Palestra Boutique Spa. Plus, RSVP for exclusive 30-minute services for $45. Call 704-342-4660 to schedule your session.
Perry’s is hosting their Customer Appreciation Event November 30 – December 3 with 1,953 items up to 50% off.
Uptown Holiday Market
November 30 – December 3, 1 – 5p
A European Christmas Market is coming to Uptown! The Uptown Holiday Market is an outdoor holiday market that will have the look and feel of a European Christmas Market, located in the One South alleyway on Tryon Street.. The market will be made up of vendors selling traditional handmade crafts, gifts, Christmas items, and packaged and prepared foods, such as Gluhwein.
Fort Mill Christmas Village and the Lighting of the Tree
Thursday, November 30 5-8 pm
Fort Mill Amphitheater at Walter Elisha Park, 345 N. White Street
The fun includes Lighting of the 50’ Town Christmas Tree in the park, school choirs, dance teams and a variety of entertainment. Also, shop our Christmas Village vendors, check out our trackless train and kid’s activities and enjoy food and drinks from our many food trucks. You can even visit Santa.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
UCity Lights Winter Celebration
Friday, December 1, 5 – 9p
The first annual winter festival of University City Partners, UCity Lights Winter Celebration, is here with fun for the whole family. Enjoy the neighborhood’s tree lighting, meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Clause, create your own ornaments with family and friends, embark on a thrilling ride aboard the Polar Express, and more all at The Shoppes at University Place. The event is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots
All is Bright at Blakeney Town Center
Friday, December 1, 6 – 8p
Head to Blakeney in South Charlotte to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Kick off the night by watching the town center tree get lit up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause. There will also be face painting, balloon artistry, falling snow, crafts, shopping, a Toy Drive, and more.
Winter Wonderland Xmas Xtravaganza at Birdsong Brewing
Friday, December 1, 6 – 10p
Birdsong Brewing will transform a private room into a winter wonderland for the night where Christmas tunes will be performed live, and three new small-batch beers will be tapped. Bring your friends and family to be the first to try “Feliz Navidad” Christmas Ale, “O Tannenbaum” Juniper Tip Rye Pale Ale, and “You Make it Feel Like Christmas” Gingerbread Imperial Brown Ale.
OMB Christmas Market Second Weekend
December 1 – 3
Experience the magic of OMB’s Christmas Market. Shop 140+ vendors, holiday music, festive food, Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine,”), hot cocoa, beer, and more each weekend from November 24 through December 17.
Charlotte Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 1 – 3
Join Charlotte Youth Ballet at the Dale F. Halton Theater on December 1st – 3rd for the 43rd annual holiday classic production of Tchaikosvky’s ‘The Nutcracker’. Tickets are on sale now.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Holiday Pop-Up Market at Metropolitan
Saturday, December 2, 10a – 4p
Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list at this open-air market at Metropolitan. The Holiday Pop-Up Market will feature local businesses with one-of-a-kind products ranging from home decor to jewelry and more.
Waverly Wonderland
Saturday, December 2, 1 – 4p
A winter wonderland that everyone is sure to love. Head to Waverly in South Charlotte where kids can meet Santa and The Grinch and take photos with them, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies (the first 500 guests), and play in the “snow”. There will also be holiday-themed face paintings to add an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Mistletoe Market 2023
Saturday, December 2, 3 – 8p
The annual Mistletoe Market returns to Camp North End for the first three Saturdays in December — December 2, 9, and 16. Grab a holiday drink in the classic Mistletoe Market mug as you shop around Camp North End.
Winter Fest at Skiptown
Weekends, December 2 – 17
Winter Fest has arrived at Skiptown, so be ready to have a pup-tastic time! The first three weekends of December will be filled with holiday festivities you and your furry friend can enjoy. Let your pup enjoy “snow” in the Winter Wonderland, get your gift shopping done early at the Pup Up Market featuring local vendors, dress your pup in their ugliest holiday sweater and compete in the Pugly Sweater Contest that will take place on Saturday 12/16 and Sunday 12/17 at 2p and 6p, and much more.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
Front Porch Sundays
Sunday, December 3, 11a – 4p
The perfect opportunity to find local gifts for the ones you love this holiday season. Shop from over 70 local vendors offering everything from dog toys to handmade jewelry to fresh spices, grab food from surrounding restaurants and food trucks, and listen to live music all along the Rail Trail at Atherton Mill.
Holiday Ornament Painting at Divine Barrel Brewing
Sunday, December 3, 12 – 7p
The perfect Christmas tradition to create with your family or group of friends. Head to Divine Barrel Brewing to paint your own ornament for your tree. It’s completely free to join, all they ask is that you enjoy a beverage while taking 1 ornament per person. There will also be a cat adoption event with Feline Rescue Network, Inc.
Foraged Wreath Workshop & Fireside Experience at North Corner Haven
Sunday, December 3, 1 – 4p
Take a visit to the beautiful farm at North Corner Haven to learn how to create a gorgeous medium holiday wreath with fresh seasonal greens and textures. Melissa Martin Julien, owner of Proper Flower Charlotte, will be there to teach her best tips and techniques to create a memorable holiday wreath using unique textures and greens – some of which were found on the farm.
Wreath-making class hosted by Jach Flora x Charlotte Collective
Sunday, December 3, 3 – 5p
Join JACH Flora at Charlotte Collective in South End for the ultimate holiday crafting event. Learn step-by-step wreath-making techniques and adorn your creations with fresh evergreens, florals, velvet ribbons and more. Tickets are $55 per person. Spots are limited so be sure to reserve yours today.
SAVE THE DATE – Get Your Tickets Now!
Tosco Music Holiday Party
Monday, December 18
A special Tosco Music tradition that turns Knight Theater into Charlotte’s living room for the holidays! Since 2016, Tosco Music has gathered music-lovers of all ages for a festive concert to celebrate the season. Like all TMPs [Tosco Music Parties], the evening features an eclectic mix of more than a dozen performers and plenty of singalongs led by the TMP House Band & Singalong Choir. Enjoy favorite holiday tunes in a variety of genres and the joy of singing together – great for all ages, bring the whole family!
ONGOING HOLIDAY FUN
Light The Knights at Truist Field
Select dates: November 22 – January 1
Light The Knights is back at Truist Field this holiday season, bringing plenty of holiday fun for the whole family. Enjoy ice skating, hockey, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, a light show, and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Winter at Whitewater Center
Head to the Whitewater Center to take part in all of its Winter activities. From ice skating to ziplining in the dark, to freshly cut Christmas trees, a new Canyon Night Trail, winter races, and more.
Holidays at the Garden
November 24 – December 23
Stroll through dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this holiday season. Make s’mores and gather around the warmth of an outdoor fire, grab snacks and warm beverages at food trucks, and shop at The Garden Store for gifts for everyone on your list. Note: Holidays at the Garden is closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Purchase your tickets here.
Photos with Santa at SouthPark Mall
Various Dates
Bring the whole family to take your annual photo with Santa at SouthPark Mall. Click here to book.
