Another week closer to Christmas and the holiday countdown is officially ON. This weekend, tackle your gift list at local holiday markets, sip cocoa with Santa, watch an adorable puppy parade, snag a festive cocktail (or two), and soak up every bit of Christmas magic Charlotte’s serving up.
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THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry 3rd Annual Legacy of Brilliance event
December 11–14, 2025
Don’t miss this festive event created to honor the life and legacy PERRYS founder, Ernest Perry on what would have been his birthday weekend. Enjoy a weekend full of mystery box giveaways, community spirit, and fun, all in memory of EP’s legacy. When you shop with Perry’s and make a purchase of $2500+, you’ll receive a fun mystery box filled with assorted items like hand poured candles, luxury hand cream, fine teas from Asheville Tea company, and Perry’s branded swag. BONUS! Hidden among the 50 mystery boxes are five grand prizes, value ranging from $300 to $3000 including a pair of diamond stud earrings. In case you needed even more of a reason to shop this event, 10% of the proceeds from the Legacy of Brilliance event will be donated directly to the Perry’s Heart of Gold Foundation. APPOINTMENTS HERE.
KK BLOOM‘s 12 Days of Christmas is live, with special sales happening each day. Stay tuned to their instagram for the great daily shopping deals.
Bedside Manor in SouthPark is running a 12 days of Gifting promotion from Dec 1 – 12, offering a different one-day discount each day for 12 days. You can find these out via their email or social.
ABODE Home on East Blvd is also running their annual 12 Days of Christmas SALE, with a special discount on select Abode merchandise for two days only, advertised on their instagram.
Holiday Ornament Workshop
Thursday, December 11, 6:30p
Create two festive air plant ornaments at PlantHouse’s Holiday Ornament Set Workshop. You’ll have the chance to ceate unique terrarium-style pieces using air plants, seasonal sand, stones, preserved moss, and a wide selection of holiday décor like mini snowmen, pinecones, and bottle-brush trees. This workshop covers basic air plant care and provides all materials, making it a fun, hands-on way to craft an one-of-a-kind ornaments for gifting or keeping.
Fashion Designer Daniel Gonzalez and friends are hosting a holiday shopping pop-up featuring unique brands you won’t find at all the many area markets this season. Located on East Blvd in the old JJ’s, now called The Drum, which is a new event-hosting space from the folks at Porcupine Provisions.
Winter at the Queen’s Castle at Aura Rooftop
December 1 – 31
Immerse yourself in a regal holiday affair in the heart of the Queen City, inspired by the elegance and high-society charm of Queen Charlotte’s era. Enjoy festive curated cocktails, vibrant bites, and immersive décor in a heated rooftop escape adorned with lush, luxurious details, the perfect setting for a season of celebration.
Winter at Whitewater
Don’t miss Winter at Whitewater ice skating, an illuminated winter trail, night activities, a Christmas tree lot and winter pop-up market, races, events and more.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
FREE Ice Cream Paletas: NoDa GRAND OPENING
Friday, December 12 & 13, 12 – 8p
Celebrate the grand opening of Paletas Morelia in NoDa with a FREE ice cream paleta. Stop by on December 12th or 13th between 12–8 PM, bring your friends and family, and enjoy a sweet treat on the house. Just make sure to register through the link here to claim your free paleta.
Holiday Night Market at Seoul Food (South End)
Friday, December 12, 5 – 9p
Shop local at Seoul Food in South End at their Holiday Night Market happening this Friday, December 12th, from 5 – 9 p.m. Cost is free to attend, plus dogs are welcome on the patio and can be off leash in the onsite Bark Park.
Winter Solstice Art Showcase at Summit Coffee on the Plaza
Friday, December 12, 6 – 9p
Summit Coffee on the Plaza is hosting a vibrant Art Showcase, bringing together local creators for an evening of creativity, community, and cozy winter vibes. Guests can sip their favorite drinks while browsing original works from Charlotte-based artists, meet the makers behind the pieces, and shop one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays. 10% of total Friday sales will be donated to Our Bridge for Kids.
Dirty Santa Bingo at Sugar Creek Brewing Company
Friday, December 12, 9 – 11p
Get ready to expect naughty themed drink specials, prizes & a holiday twist that definitely isn’t on Santa’s nice list. Arriving early to guarantee a good seat is encouraged.
OMB Christmas Market Weekend Three
December 12 – 14
Stroll through the magical biergarten featuring 50+ local vendors, delicious food, festive lights, cozy fire pits, and seasonal favorites like Gluhwein (traditional spiced wine, pronounced “Gloo-vine”), holiday beer, and more.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Christmas at the Mansion
Saturday, December 13
Step into the holiday season at Duke Mansion. On December 13, the mansion opens its doors for a day filled with festive cheer — photos with Santa, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and cozy holiday moments for the whole family. It’s one of the most magical days of the year, and they can’t wait to welcome everyone back. Tickets are available now.
Blinder’s Winter Wonderland
Saturday, 9a – 12p
Blinders is transforming into a full-on Winter Wonderland for all ages, complete with snowy Santa photos and a 10 a.m. screening of The Polar Express. Guests can dig into a festive holiday brunch featuring pancakes, a bacon–egg–cheese wrap, and a breakfast flatbread. Plus mimosas, Bloody Marys, and spiked hot chocolate for the grown-ups.
Cocoa with Santa & Holiday Singalong with the Jolly Lollies
Saturday, December 13, 10a – 12p
Santa is coming to Optimist Hall. Be there for his arrival at 10 a.m., and stick around to snap a photo afterwards. There will also be festive tunes from the Jolly Lollies from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and a complimentary hot cocoa bar.
Santa Brunch at DTR SouthPark
Dec 13 & 14, 10:30a – 2:30p
Celebrate the season at DTR SouthPark’s first Santa Brunch. Bring the family for a festive brunch experience and photos with Santa. Reservations are recommended.
HOWLIDAYS AT SKIPTOWN: FESTIVE FUN EVERY SATURDAY IN DECEMBER
Saturday, December 13, 12 – 6p
Skiptown is turning up the holiday cheer with Howlidays at Skiptown, a month-long lineup of festive Saturdays made just for pups and their parents. This weekend, visit the Howliday Market, a festive outdoor market starring local pet-friendly vendors, gifts, treats, and holiday shopping essentials for dogs and humans.
Hops & Holly Holiday Market at NoDa Brewing Co
December 13 & 14, 12 – 5p
Swing by NoDa Brewing Co. from December 13–14 for two days of festive fun, local shopping, and all the holiday vibes. Expect cozy crafts, awesome Charlotte vendors, unique gifts, and your favorite NoDa brews. Bring your friends, grab a beer, and knock out your holiday shopping while supporting local.
Birdsong 14th Anniversary Party
Saturday, December 13, 12 – 11p
Cheers to 14 years of great beer and great people as the brewery celebrates its anniversary with a full day of festivities. Enjoy rotating food trucks, special beer releases (both new and returning favorites), and a brand-new pullover hoodie added to the merch lineup. Plus, from 2–6 p.m., the annual Holiday Market will showcase top local vendors with handmade goods.
Mistletoe Market 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2 – 7p
Mistletoe Market 2025 returns the first three Saturdays of December 6, 13, and 20 from 2-7 pm. Vintage Charlotte, Studio Cultivate, and the Camp North End Fam are bringing back all of your faves with a few holiday surprises. Expect Shopping across all 76 acres with special holiday vendors inside the Ford Building, Ice Skating at the Camp North Pole, plus food and beverages across the site.
Reindog Parade: Mistletoe Market 2025
Saturday, December 13, 3 – 5p
Kick-off the second week of Mistletoe Market with a puppy parade through Camp North End. It’s free for spectators to enjoy, and free for participants to walk the route. Check-in begins at 3PM, the parade begins at 4PM, and raffle prizes will be announced after the walk ends.
THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
Shop Local QC Holiday Market
Sunday, December 14, 11a – 8p
Discover the best of Charlotte’s small business scene at Shop Local QC’s Holiday Market in SouthPark. Held on the green beside Legion Brewing, this elevated market features small shops and makers—from returning favorites to exciting new vendors for the holiday season.
Santa’s Toy Drive and Cookie Fest
Sunday, December 14, 12 – 5p
Triple C Brewing is teaming up hosting a Holiday Toy Drive benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte. New, unwrapped toys from the approved donation list can be dropped off at the taproom during regular hours from December 1–14, and Izzy’s will offer a free small one-topping pizza for each donation (one per family, per day). The drive wraps up on Sunday with a festive celebration featuring Santa from 12–3 p.m., face painting, hot chocolate, s’mores, kids’ crafts, and a decorated mini-truck meetup from 3–5 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Market at Monday Night Brewing
Sunday, December 14,
Winter Wonderland is taking over Monday Night Brewing, and the taproom is turning full-on festive. Expect holiday treats, cozy cocktails, a vintage market, puppies to play with, Santa sightings, fun workshops, and a screening of Elf to wrap up the night. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy hot cocoa and warm cider specials, Christmas movies, a 1–6 p.m. vintage market, free popcorn during the movie, and seasonal beers and cocktails. Santa will stop by from 3–6 p.m.
Christmas double feature: A Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sunday, December 14, 2p
Get in the Christmas Watch two movies for the price of one! Catch A Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas back-to-back at the Carolina Theatre.
