After weeks of planning, shopping and celebrating – the big day is finally here! If you’re staying in town this weekend, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the Queen City before Christmas day. Watch the magic of Cirque in Charlotte, finish any last-minute shopping at Front Porch Sundays night market, attend a pajama party for adults, see The Nutcracker, go out for Christmas Eve Dinner, shop & support local for last minute gifts, and much more.
Here are all of our GIFTING GUIDES for 2023
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
Shop BEDSIDE MANOR’s 70% off Holiday Clearance now in play.
Select merchandise only. No price adjustments. In-store only. All sales are final sale.
The Lip & Pour Experience
Thursday, December 21, 6 – 8p
Get your friends together and join The Coterie Concept for a custom lipstick blending class in which you can make your own matte lipstick or lipgloss, Experiment with dazzling palettes and sip on wine as you blend the perfect lip color. Reservations required. $85/person (Includes a bottle of wine).
Charlotte Ballet Nutcracker
December 21 – 23, select times
Charlotte Ballet will be performing Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s holiday spectacular, The Nutcracker, several times this weekend before Christmas. Feel the magic in the air as you watch Clara go on her timeless adventure, complete with extravagant sets and costumes, and even a magnificent snowfall on the Belk Theater stage. Tickets can be purchased here.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Beyond the Red Carpet
Through February 18
An immersive new exhibition titled “Beyond the Red Carpet: Iconic Awards and Artistic Collaborations” is now open at The Mint Museum Uptown through February 18th. See up close the artistry and meticulous design that goes into creating some of the world’s most prestigious awards ~ MTV, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Academy of Country Music, NBC’s The Voice, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and many more. Only at the Mint Museum Uptown, Levine Center for the Art now through February 18th, 2024.
Bubbles & Bites: Festive Wedding Venue Viewing at North Corner Haven
Friday, December 22, 1 & 3p
Newly engaged? Expecting it to happen over Christmas? Don’t miss this opportunity to attend a festive, private venue tour at North Corner Haven, complete with complimentary refreshments and festive design elements to inspire your planning.
Front Porch Sundays Night Market
Friday, December 22, 6 – 9:30p
Take care of any shopping needs at the ultimate “last-minute market” this Friday the 22nd. With two markets canceled due to weather, Front Porch Sundays is hosting this Night Market as the final opportunity to show up and shop small for those final gifts. Find the market at Atherton Mill from 6 – 9:30 p.m.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Light the World Giving Machine at Promenade on Providence
Through January 1, 2024
A vending machine that makes a difference. The Light the World Giving Machine allows you to easily buy an item for an individual or family in need. This Saturday, visit the Giving Machine and see Santa and Mrs. Clause from 10 a.m. to noon, as well as performances throughout the day. The machine will be at Promenade on Providence until January 1, 2024.
Charlotte Collective’s 5th annual PJ Party
Saturday, December 23, 10a – 6p
Get your list minute gifts checked off in our one-stop gift shop, grab some stocking stuffers and enjoy 20% off your entire order for the first 2 hours! (10 am-12 pm) all in the comfort of your Christmas pajamas.
Ha Ha Ha Holidays at Free Range Brewing
Saturday, December 23, 7 – 9p
Come have some laughs with Now Are the Foxes and very special guests Kevin Gillese and Amber Nash (Pam Poovey from the FX show Archer) director and star of the new film “How to Ruin the Holidays”. Tickets on sale here.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
Reserve Christmas Eve Dinner or pick up take-out from your favorite Charlotte restaurant.
Here are scoop’s picks on dining out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Birkdale on Ice
OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS, 10a – 10p
The start of a new family tradition? Why not! Take the kids to The Plaza at Birkdale Village where you’ll find a skating rink for you to lace up your skates and glide. Book your ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot. Walk-ups are welcome, but they cannot guarantee you will be able to skate at that time. Visit here for ticket pricing.
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Sunday, December 24, 5:30 – 8p
Enjoy over ONE MILLION lights displayed along an outdoor trail, larger-than-life holiday scenery, oversized snow globes, and more. Shop at the Holiday Village, watch performances by ballerinas and others on select nights, go down the Alpine Avalanche snow tube slide, see Santa through December 23rd, and more.
NEXT WEEK
Christmas Day Ballantyne Ballroom Buffet
Monday, December 25, 10:30a – 4p
Enjoy an elegant array of cuisine and desserts as you take in live music in the beautiful Ballantyne Ballroom. Cost is $95 per person plus tax and service fee and $45 per child ages 12 and under, plus tax and service fee. You also have the option of a Christmas al la carte Brunch or Dinner at the Gallery restaurant. Reservations are required and can be made here.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 26 – 27
The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour with a brand new look and fresh new choreography. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Wednesday, December 27, 5:30p
End the year on a high note by watching the West Virginia vs North Carolina at the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Join fans from all over at the Bank of America Stadium as the college football season comes to an end. Known as the “only game with twang,” this is one you sure won’t want to miss. Click here to buy tickets.
Wednesday Night Live – Kwanzaa Celebration 2023
Wednesday, December 27, 6 – 9p
Join the Harvey B. Gantt Center for a comprehensive education and celebration of Kwanzaa and its traditions. An evening perfect for the entire family, guests will enjoy performance, hands-on art, and discussion around the significance, culture, and history of Kwanzaa. This event is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 27 – 28, 7:30p
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Tickets are on sale now.
Kwanzaa Charlotte Daily Celebrations
Daily through January 1, 2024, 7 – 8:30p
Kwanzaa Charlotte will have daily celebrations from now until January 1, 2024. All events are free and open to the public. Check above for the list of activities and locations!
