The Agenda Weekender is proudly presented by Speedway Christmas, in partnership with Count on Me NC. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s drive-through holiday light show is busier than Santa’s workshop on weekend nights, so consider coming on a weeknight for quicker access and arrive early. Check out the outdoor ice rink schedule, drive-in movie (“Frozen 2” this week!), and get tickets.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
49. Sunny. 6% chance of rain.
12 Days of Optimism at Optimist Hall: Now through December 23, enjoy daily tenant specials that are good for one day only. The special for the following day will be shared on the Optimist Hall’s Instagram page. Now through Dec. 23. Menu prices. Details.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Hop in the car and see the annual light display. After you can do ice skating at the outdoor rink. Ice skating is $15 an hour (including rental) and lights are $25-$30 per car. Varies. Details.
Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field: Head to the Charlotte Christmas Village at Truist Field to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and enjoy specialty foods like Austrian strudels, Bratwurst, and Sauerkraut. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. $7 regular admission. Details.
Mistletoe Weekends at Camp North End: Head to Camp North End to enjoy food & drinks, listen to live music, and shop for last-minute gifts. 5-10 p.m. Free. Details.
Stonecrest Holiday Drive-in Movie at 7900 Rea Road: Enjoy a free movie and other fun holiday activities at the Stonecrest holiday drive-in. This event is free to attend, you must register in advance and show a receipt from a Stonecrest merchant on the day of the screening. 6 p.m. Free. Details.
Night Out at Mint Museum Uptown: Enjoy live music performed by the Bradford Ray Bailey Duo and tour the galleries during their extended hours. 6-9 p.m. $6-$15. Details.
Mooresville Holiday Light Spectacular at 413 N. Main St.: Every night through December 31, spectators can come to watch an orchestrated light show of over 175,000 lights set to holiday music. 5:30-10 p.m. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
51. Partly cloudy. 5% chance of rain.
Mood House Pop-Up at OMJ Clothing: Shop for candles ($34), gift cards, and holiday boxes (massage gift card and candle, $140). 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Varies. Details.
Weekend Train Rides at the N.C. Transportation Museum: Today and tomorrow are the last days of the holiday weekend train ride experience. There will be holiday music, decorations, and plenty of other fun activities aboard the train. Following the ride, visitors can enjoy full access to the museum and its exhibits, with many areas decorated for the season. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5-$14. Details.
Photos with Santa at Skiptown: Bring your pup to Skiptown for a pic with Saint Nick. Options include the standard Santa photo package ($14) which includes a 4-by-6 printed photo & digital image — perfect for the mantle or holiday cards; and the ornament upgrade ($10 each) so you can add a custom keepsake to the tree. A portion of the ornament package proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of Charlotte. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $14+. Details.
Soulful Noel at Camp North End: The cast of OnQ presents, Soulful Noel, an original musical that tells the age-old story of the reason for the season with a contemporary and soulful twist. 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $28+. Details.
Black Classics’ Holiday Szn Drive-In Experience at 4100 Raleigh St.: All are welcomed to enjoy screenings of two, Black holiday classics under the wintery moonlight. There will be food, music, and local black-owned businesses on-site. 5-9 p.m. $35+ per carload. Details.
Moonlight Movie at the Metropolitan: Head to the Metropolitan at Midtown for a Whoville extravaganza. Tickets for the event include the screening of “The Grinch,” individual servings of popcorn and cookies, Grinch-inspired masks, and a meet-and-greet with the Grinch himself. All proceeds will be donated to Levine Children’s Hospital. Bring your own blanket or chair. 5-8 p.m. $8. Details.
Cozy in the Courtyard at Optimist Hall: Grab food from your favorite OH vendor then head to the courtyard for a screening of perennial favorite, “A Christmas Story.” 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Holiday Drive-in Movie Series in Old Town Cornelius: Watch a movie under the stars safely from your car. This week, the Lake Norman YMCA will be screening the holiday classic “The Polar Express.” Popcorn and candy concessions will be available. 6-9 p.m. $15+. Details.
University City Night Market Week 4: Enjoy live music and holiday beverages while browsing the wide array of vendor goods like handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and clothing. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
58. Partly cloudy. 25% chance of rain.
VTGCLT Vintage and Handmade Market at Metropolitan Shopping Center: Pick up handmade and vintage wares from more than 90 of the best local and regional creatives. For your shopping convenience, VTGCLT is offering morning shopping appointments and curbside pickup for all products. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. Details.
[Agenda related story: Gift guide: 46 local items for everyone on your list under $100]
Cidermosa Sundays at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill: Wrap up the weekend with Cidermosas and warm cider donuts. Noon to 5 p.m. Prices vary. Details.
Check out more upcoming events on the Agenda Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our newsletters’ Classifieds section.
