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Weekend Forecast
Friday: 42. 80% chance of rain.
Saturday: 47. Cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Sunday: 45. Sunny. 0% chance of rain.
Friday, December 8
Food & Drink
Holiday Tea at The Ballantyne: Enjoy a selection of seasonal teas and tea sandwiches, desserts and live entertainment. Tuesday through Sunday until December 31. 1-4 p.m. $29-$49. Details.
Hot Chocolate, Cider & Toddies at The Ballantyne: Get cozy with the season’s warmest drinks. 2-5:30 p.m. through December 27. Details.
Grand Opening Nest Restaurant and Lounge: Help celebrate the grand opening with $5 martinis and apps. Friday through Sunday. Free. Details.
River’s Edge Craft Dinner at The U.S. National Whitewater Center: Enjoy a five-course dinner, by Executive Chef Michael Rayfield, whose courses are each specially paired with a beer from Legion Brewing. 6:30-9 p.m. $60. Details.
Whiskey 101 at IGS Entertainment: Sample 4 different types of whiskey, each of which has been paired with a small plate. Stick around to craft your own cocktail. 7 and 9 p.m. $30+. Details.
Cheese and Cider Pairing at Red Clay Ciderworks: Enjoy four different types of cheese from Orrman’s that have been specially paired with Red Clay’s cider. 7-8:30 p.m. $20. Details.
Soul Food Sessions Holiday Funk Fest at Project 658: Sample fares from 12 chefs and 2 mixologists’ collections of 12 dishes and 4 craft cocktails. 7-11 p.m. $75+. Details.
Elf’ed Up at Blackfinn: Your ticket gets you a specialty cocktail and raffle ticket for your chance at prizes like Panthers tickets, gift cards and a shopping spree. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5. Details.
Experience
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Bask in the glow of more than 600,000 lights spread across the grounds while you shop, enjoy live music, roast marshmallows and let the kids loose on the Holiday Discovery Trail. 5-9 p.m. daily through December 31. $0-$14.95. Details.
Charlotte Christmas Village at Romare Bearden Park: Enjoy mulled wine, warm doughnuts and German pastries while you shop 29 vendors. See the full Agenda guide here. Thursday through Sunday until December 24. Free. Details.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Shop 40+ vendors at the 6th annual German-style Christmas market, complete with wooden huts, mulled wine and more. See the full Agenda guide here. Friday and Saturday through December 16. Free. Details.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Drive under 3.5 miles of 3,000,000+ lights before visiting the Christmas Village and enjoying a movie on the Speedway TV. 6-10 p.m. daily through December 31. $20-$175. Details.
Holiday Drag Queen Trivia at Bold Missy Brewery: Special guest host Lana Cane will lead the game, which comes with the potential to win great prizes. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Clara’s Trip: A Cirque and Dance Nutcracker Story at Booth Playhouse: Center Watch the story unfold as Clara LeBlanc trips at a holiday party and is whisked off to the hospital, when that night her friends and get-well gifts swirl in her dreams. Friday (7:30 p.m.), Saturday (2 & 7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). $20+. Details.
A Dicken’s Christmas Carol at Ballantyne Arts Center: The whole family can enjoy timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Friday (6 &8 p.m.), Saturday (2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m.) and Sunday (2 & 4 p.m.). $12. Details.
Night at the Nutcracker at Blumenthal Performing Arts: Founders Hall will be transformed into The Land of the Sweets, where guests can watch exclusive excerpts of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker before it opens to the public. 6 p.m. $150. Details.
Craft Night Out at 7th Street Public Market: Make a trio of trees to decorate your mantle. Supplies, beer, wine, coffee and snacks will be provided. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $24. Details.
Christmas Martini Paint Class at Wine & Design: Create a festive martini glass to take home (and help you get through the holidays). BYOB. 7 p.m. $35. Details.
Film Screening and Discussion at GoodRoad Ciderworks: Watch an indie movie, participate in a Q&A with filmmakers and mingle with other film enthusiasts. 7-10 p.m. $5. Details.
Battle of the Sexes Rematch at Charlotte Comedy Theater: Enjoy a Short Form Competitive night featuring the men and women of Charlotte Comedy Theater. 8 p.m. $10. Details.
Tom Petty Tribute Benefit Concert at Neighborhood Theatre: Proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital 8 p.m. $10. Details.
Shopping
Vtgclt Pop at 130 West 3rd Street: The shop will feature products from 90+ local/regional vintage and handmade businesses, with special guests this Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through the 21. Free. Details.
Do Good
Be Santa to the Local Homeless at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew: They need donations, shoppers, wrappers, and volunteers to help pass out gifts to the city’s homeless population. 10 a.m. Free. Details.
Kids
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel: Check out the hotel’s immense display of beautifully decorated gingerbread houses. Vote for your favorite with a $1 vote, with proceeds benefitting the Levine Children’s Hospital. Every day through December 27. Free. Details.
PJs in North Pole City at Discovery Place Science: Come in your pajamas for a special screening of The Polar Express in the IMAX Dome Theatre. Before the movie, make your own Christmas ornaments and reindeer food in Santa’s Workshop, write your holiday wish list and pose for a photo with Santa Claus. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Times vary. $14+. Details.
Fitness
Lighted Christmas Ball Fun Run at Resident Culture Brewing Company: Earn your beer with this festive 5k that starts and ends at the brewery with a celebration. 7 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
NBA Basketball at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Chicago Bulls. 7 p.m. $15+. Details.
Saturday, December 9
Food & Drink
Breakfast With Santa at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern: Enjoy all the breakfast classics while helping out Toys for Tots. 8:30-10 a.m. $5. Details.
Breakfast With Santa at Georges Brasserie: They’ll have entrées for both kids and adults, so everyone will leave full and happy. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $10-$22. Details.
Oyster Roast & Seafood Bash at Three Spirits Brewery: Enjoy ocean-fresh oysters from the North Carolina coast, Alaskan snow crab legs, shrimp, blue Crabs, gumbo and more along with Three Spirits’ drinks. RSVP in advance. 12-8 p.m. $5. Details.
6 Year Anniversary at Birdsong Brewing Co.: Expect live music, food trucks, exclusive birthday brews and more. First 100 to show up will receive a free anniversary glass. 12-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Brew Wars: The Thirst Awakens at Cavendish Brewing Company: Celebrate the release of The Last Jedi with a Star Wars-themed party complete with special beer releases and fresh Bantha Milk and activities like an intergalactic vendor market, costume contest and light saber craft session. 12-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Winter Fest at Carolina Beer Temple at Ayrsley: They’ll be featuring a handful of Belgian Christmas and American Christmas ales alongside a holiday raffle and christmas cookies. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.
The Philly Feast at The Doghouse Bar & Grill: Enjoy hearty samples of the 5 most popular Philly sandwiches with drinks and raffle items. 2-4 p.m. $12. Details.
Ugly Sweater Crawl at Catawba Brewing: Grab your Goodwill sweater and get ready to show it off at breweries and restaurants around the neighborhood. Registration includes a t-shirt, food and drink specials and more. 2-10 p.m. $22. Details.
Santa Bar Crawl in Uptown: Put on your favorite holiday gear and join 1,000+ other crawlers at over 20 participating bars. Registration includes a koozie, drawstring bag, shot and drink specials at each bar and more. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details.
Krampus Krawl in NoDa: Santa and Krampus will be out roaming the streets of NoDa looking for naughty and nice kids of all ages. Stops include Jack Beagle’s, NoDa Company Store and Davidson Street Public House. Costumes encouraged. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. Details.
Experience
Explore More Day at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: Explore all three buildings and their stories that provide a unique look at what farmers markets could and should be. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details.
Ho Ho Bowl With Santa at StrikeCity: Enjoy a few games before heading to enjoy a cookie decorating station, boozy milkshakes and a breakfast buffet. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $5+. Details.
Christmas Pawty at NODA Bark and Board: They’ll have snacks, beer, local vendors, pet portraits for $20 and more. All proceeds go to Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Christmas Party at Sardis Marketplace: Enjoy a variety of delicious homemade treats, free raffles and live music. 12-3 p.m. Free. Details.
Luminary Walk at Freedom Park: Purchase a luminary to honor a pet or loved one.They’ll be serving hot chocolate and cookies during the event. Proceeds benefit the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $10/luminary. Details.
Stop Light Party for CF at Red Clay Ciderworks: You know the drill – wear green if you’re single, yellow if you’re not sure and red if you’re taken while you mix, mingle and bid on a basket of Red Clay’s products. Proceeds benefit cystic fibrosis research. 7-10 p.m. $15. Details.
Swingle Bell Ball at The Cornwell Center: Join Charlotte Swing Dance in your favorite holiday clothes and try swing dancing. They’ll hold a beginner class before the dance. 7-11 p.m. $5. Details.
Gray Holiday Party at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Your ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, live music and a drink. All proceeds will benefit the Gantt Center. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $60. Details.
Learn Things
Intro to Hand Lettering at Bold Missy Brewery: Get comfortable with this art form as designer Chelsea Foster breaks it down step-by-step. You get to keep the supplies when you’re done! 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $45. Details.
Homebuyer’s Seminar at Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park: Learn from the experts exactly what you need to buy in today’s market, plus get pre-qualified and enjoy free refreshments and prize drawings throughout the day 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater: Celebrate Christmas with Carolina Voices in this all-new production of a holiday classic. Saturday (3 & 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (4 p.m.). $25. Details.
Scandinavian Stars at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Craft two beautiful, old fashioned woven paper stars that can become part of your family traditions. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $25. Details.
Grinch Ballet at International House: Watch the ballet adaption of the holiday classic. Ticket includes a gourmet cookie and meet and greet with the cast. 1-3 p.m. $12.50. Details.
Brain Candy Live at Ovens Auditorium: Adam Savage and Michael Stevens are bringing along their crazy toys, incredible tools and mind-blowing demonstrations for a celebration of curiosity that’s an interactive, hands-on, minds-on theatrical experience like no other. 8 p.m. $25+. Details.
Shopping
Girl Tribe Pop-Up Shop – Holiday Edition (featuring Dude Tribe) at Sugar Creek Brewing: This fun shopping event will feature 80+ local women-owned businesses, boy band holiday music, brews, a fun photo booth, snacks and more. From 9 a.m-12 p.m., VIP Shoppers receive exclusive vendor discounts and shopping bags for only $10. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $0-$25. Details.
Free Tree Store at 701 Tuckaseegee Road: Every Charlotte household is eligible for up to two large adult trees as part of the effort to increase the city’s tree canopy. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. Details.
Mistletoes and Mutts at The Peculiar Rabbit: Come meet adoptable dogs while you shop local vendors and get your pet’s portrait taken with Santa. stick around to dress them to the nines for an Ugly Dog Sweater contest. 1 p.m. Free. Details.
Winter Social at Bohemian Stylehouse: Shop local artisans while you enjoy adult beverages and snacks all day. 4-8 p.m. Free. Details.
Elle Johnson Co. Launch Celebration + Holiday Pop Up at 933 Louise Avenue: Check out and test the new botanical-based skin care line, shop featured sponsors, and enjoy some holiday cheer. RSVP in advance. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Do Good
Stream Cleanup at 5134 Kildare Drive: Join the effort in cleaning up Briar Creek. All supplies will be provided. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Details.
Holiday Brunch Benefit at Uptown Library: Enjoy an intimate indoor gathering at the Uptown Library while you meet Talented Girls in Action participants and board members and play games. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free. Details.
Cookies For Kids’ Cancer Bake Sale at Blackhawk Hardware: Proceeds will provide funds for clinical trials for childhood cancer research. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Details.
Holiday Pawty & Pet Portrait Fundraiser at Pet Wants Charlotte: The Urban Feed Store: Proceeds from the Winter Wonderland-themed shoot will go to BARC to aid with Hurricane Harvey relief. 12-4 p.m. $25. Details.
Twirl to the World at Flight: This holiday party and fundraiser benefits 5 local charities. 10 p.m.-2:15 a.m. $20, plus a toy to donate. Details.
Kids
Homer’s Holiday Breakfast with Santa at BB&T BallPark: Join the Charlotte Knights and Charlotte Knights Charities for a morning with Homer the Dragon. Take pictures with Santa, decorate cookies, make holiday crafts and more. Reservations required. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $15 or coat to donate. Details.
Pancakes with Santa at Stonecrest Shopping Center: Merchants will be on hand to sell breakfast and lunch options, including $1 pancakes and decorations. They’ll also have fun activities like crafts, face painting and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food item for admission. Details.
Holiday Open House at Ballantyne Village: Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Blackfinn, then head out for face painting, a balloon artist, train rides, arts and crafts and a photo booth. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $15. Details.
Teddy Bear Tea at The Westin Charlotte: Enjoy a High Tea complete bottomless mimosas for the parents and a special menu for the kids, including tea sandwiches and a festive dessert display. Santa will be on site for pictures and there will be plenty of chances to decorate cookies and adopt a teddy bear. 12-3 p.m. $28-$55. Details.
Santa Saturday at BLACKLION: Stop by for photos and selfies with Santa and his friends. 1-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Pictures with Santa and Carriage Rides at Promenade on Providence: Take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Clause, enjoy snacks and drinks and top it off with a carriage ride around the green. 3-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Fitness
Jingle Bell Run at St. Matthew Catholic Church: Put on your favorite holiday-themed running clothes and get ready to race, run or walk a festive 5k. Registration includes a shirt and jingle bells. 9:30 a.m. $40. Details.
Sports
NBA Basketball at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the L.A. Lakers. 7 p.m. $19+. Details.
Sunday, December 10
Food & Drink
Brunch and Brews at Legion Brewing: Indulge in a made-to-order brunch menu and $4 Carolina Sparkle Party Beermosas. 10 a.m. Free. Details.
Truffle Dinner at AQUA e VINO: Enjoy a six-course dinner featuring white truffles from Alba, Italy, and, of course, wine. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $180. Details.
Experience
Irish Christmas at Tyber Creek Pub: Come out for children’s activities like a bouncy house, Christmas crafts and a visit from Santa while the grown-ups enjoy mulled wine, drink specials, raffle prizes and more. 2-6 p.m. $10 donation/adult. Details.
Lessons and Carols 2017 at Uptown Church: An evening of Christmas celebration featuring music, poetry, festive decorations, food and a blind auction of original artwork. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Free. Details.
Pet Photos with Santa at SouthPark Mall: Santa isn’t just for us humans, pets love him too! Bring your pet to the Center Court to pose for a picture with Santa. 7-9 p.m. Details.
Learn Things
Gift Styling 101 at Blue Blaze Brewing: Learn a variety of wrapping techniques and create custom wrapping papers, tags, cards and bows. 2-4 p.m. $45 (get 10% off if you bring a friend). Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Ovens Auditorium: The classic performance features over-the-top production and world class Russian artists, larger-than-life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes. 1 p.m. $30+. Details.
The Classic Black Cinema Series at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: Watch the 1920s drama Their Eyes Were Watching God. 2-4 p.m. Included in museum admission. Details.
Holiday Rock Show at Petra’s: School of Rock CLT will be playing songs from their upcoming shows while you enjoy cocoa and cookies. 3-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
Finders Keepers Market at NoDa Brewing Company: They’ll have plenty of local vendors to shop, as well as plenty of beer on tap. 1-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Midwood Market and the Return of Holiday Central in Plaza Midwood: Commonwealth Avenue will be blocked off so shoppers can roam freely for in the hunt for the perfect gift. Expect performances, pictures with Santa, a tree lighting and more. 1-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Do Good
Humane League End-of-Year Party at Birdsong Brewing Co.: Try and enjoy a selection of food from Nourish, win prizes and donate to THL. All donations will be more than matched – they’ll be tripled. 12-2 p.m. Free. Details.
Kids
Dads, Football and Brews at Free Range Brewing: Join other Charlotte dads and their kids to watch the games. 1-4 p.m. Free. Details.
Christmas Tea Party at Latta Plantation: Enjoy tea and refreshments while you make holiday crafts and learn about the plantation’s rich history at this mother-daughter tea. 2-4 p.m. $12. Details.
Ayrsley Christmas Celebration at Piedmont Social House: Bring the whole family and enjoy a tree lighting, live entertainment, music and the arrival of Santa. This event will showcase performances from local schools and promote the CMPD Christmas Explorers Community Toy Drive, plus a chance to win a $50 PSH gift card at the Gingerbread House and Tacky Christmas Sweater competition. 2-6 p.m. Free. Details.
Fitness
Christmas Party at QueenCity Bicycles: They’ll have food, live music and an urban bike ride to ring in the season. 3-7 p.m. The donation of a toy is your admission. Details.
Sports
Panthers Tailgate at Premier Property Solutions: Bundle up and come out for a tailgate full of food, drinks and giveaways. All money raised through the raffle will benefit the Joedance Film Festival, a rare pediatric cancer non profit 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Details.
NFL Football at Bank of America Stadium: Cheer on the Panthers as they take on the Minnesota Vikings. 1 p.m. $67+. Details.
We’re excited for…
Santa Paws with Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte: Show up in your holiday best for pictures with Santa provided by Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue and free with a donation. December 16.
The Night Before Christmas Brunch & Dinner at Napa on Providence: Enjoy Christmas Eve custom brunch and dinner dishes like the 14oz veal porterhouse and Pan seared NC pinkfish. December 24.
Final Draught at 7th Street Public Market: Enjoy the quarterly discussion about beer and books, this time focused on side hustles turned main gigs. January 25.
See all the upcoming events here.
Alivia McAtee contributed to this story.
