The holiday rush is officially on, and Charlotte is delivering all the festive vibes. Think: holiday markets for gift-hunting, tree lightings across the city, Santa spottings, and plenty more seasonal magic. PLUS the highly anticipated opening of Zara. Here’s everything you need to get into the spirit this weekend.
THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
ZARA Grand Opening Event
Thursday, December 4
Charlotte, the wait is over. ZARA is officially opening at SouthPark Mall on December 4.
2025 South End Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 4, 4 – 6p
Celebrate South End’s annual tree lighting at The RailYard and kick off the holidays in the best way. Enjoy Santa sightings, a 360° photo booth, face painting, games, music, plenty of hot cocoa, and fun for the whole family.
Complimentary Cookie Decorating Station at Salted Melon Market SouthPark
Thursday, December 4, 4 – 7p
Join Salted Melon’s SouthPark location for a complimentary Christmas cookie decorating station during the annual Phillip’s Place holiday celebration & shopping stroll.
2025 Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll + Home Tour (SOLD OUT)
December 4 – 6
Hopefully you got your tickets early for this annual self-guided, porch-crawl-style tour in the most walkable and picturesque Victorian-era heart of the neighborhood.
Blue Christmas at Blue Door
Through January 3
Visit Blue Door this holiday season for an elegant winter wonderland filled with glowing blue hues, sparkling décor, and a menu of Christmas-inspired cocktails crafted with Blue Door’s signature nostalgic–meets-refined twist.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
SouthPark Church Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza
Friday, December 5, 5 – 8p
Join SouthPark Church for Chick-Fil-A, a snow firetruck, visits with Santa, crafts, hot cocoa and more, all free of charge. Plus enjoy a 7:00 showing of the classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, complete with popcorn and candy.
Uptown Dueling Pianos at Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Friday, December 5, 6 – 9p
Get ready for three hours of all-request holiday chaos as Brewers at 4001 Yancey brings together festive hits, non-holiday bangers, ugly sweaters, and a whole lot of comedy. Bring your crew, throw on your finest ugly sweater, and get ready to sing, dance, and laugh while the dueling pianos keep the energy high and the good times rolling.
The Nutcracker presented by Charlotte Youth Ballet
December 5 – 7
Witness this holiday classic come to life as the Charlotte Youth Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Dale F. Halton Theater, choreographed by Gay Porter and Bridget Porter Young. Tickets on sale now.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 6, 8:30a – 10:45a
Join jolly old Saint Nick and his cheerful elves for a delicious breakfast at Red Rocks Cafe in Birkdale Village. The Breakfast with Santa is ticketed and will be a buffet-style breakfast.
Jingle Bell Bash
Saturday, December 6, 9 – 11a
Get ready for a jolly good time at the Jingle Bell Bash at SouthPark! Head to Suffolk Punch Brewing for: A Festive Brunch, Holiday Crafts, Fun Train Rides, A Special Visit from Santa & more.
Grinchmas at Hopfly Brewing
Saturday, December 6, 12 – 3p
Come spread some holiday mischief at Hopfly’s Grinchmas. Snap a photo with the one and only mean, green Christmas bandit, enjoy a festive beer, and let your furry friends join the chaos. Photo packages include a $20 instant print or a $5 digital upgrade with all the glorious outtakes.
Uptown Holiday Market
December 3 – 6
Check off wish list shopping items at the Uptown Holiday Market while supporting local small businesses. Whether you’re looking for gifts, grabbing a bite, or enjoying the holiday atmosphere, the market promises something special for everyone.
VTGCLT Pop
Dec 6-Dec 23, Daily 10-7
Shop over 90 of local and regional vintage and handmade brands from Dec 6-Dec 23, open daily 10-7 at 1942 East 7th Street, 104, in the Elizabeth on Seventh complex (right next to @barre3charlotte and around the corner from @rosemont.clt). Parking is available in the parking structure and 1 hour validation is available with any purchase.
Christmas at the Library
December 1 – 23
Each evening, from December 1st – 23rd, the Billy Graham Library grounds are transformed into a festive celebration, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, a live nativity scene, story time for kids, and shopping opportunities at Ruth’s Attic bookstore. Tickets are required.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Front Porch Sundays
Sunday, December 7, 10:30a – 4:30p
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.
A Very Merry Holiday Market + Festival
Sunday, December 7, 12 – 4p
Join Shop Local QC, Pleasant Grove Farm, and the Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation for a Holiday Family Festival like no other. This jam-packed celebration will feature interactive photo stations, antique fire trucks, a pop-up market full of local makers and holiday treasures, and plenty more surprises throughout the day.
Book Fair at Triple C Brewing
Sunday, December 7, 12 – 5p
Come browse, shop, sip, and settle into the perfect pre-holiday weekend vibes surrounded by great books and great brews.
Nickyo’s Holiday Market
Sunday, December 7, 12 – 4p
Head to Nickyo’s for its Holiday Pop-Up Market on December 7th with local vendors, cocktails, live music, and a special appearance from the big man himself.
It a Wonderful Life (1946) – Movie Screening
Sunday, December 7, 6p
Get into the holiday spirit with a big-screen showing of the timeless classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) at the Carolina Theatre.
