The final weekend before Christmas is officially here! If you’re still squeezing in last-minute plans (or just soaking up every bit of holiday magic), this weekend is packed. Think last minute shopping at local markets, Cirque de Noël, musicals, ice skating, a Christmas boat parade, craft parties, and a few more festive stops before the big day arrives.
THINGS TO DO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
BEDSIDE MANOR Friends & Family Sale – save 20% storewide 12/18 -12/20
Plus save up to 40% on holiday themed merchandise – while supplies last! Shop early for the best selection (Offer is valid on in-stock merchandise only. Discounts may not be applied to previous purchases. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Sorry, no holds and no price adjustments. All sales are final sale)
Holiday Open House at Perry’s SouthPark
December 18 – 24
Perry’s Holiday Open House runs December 18–21 and is the perfect stop for holiday gifting. Shop 2,000+ jewelry pieces on sale, from engagement rings and diamond staples to vintage watches and designer handbags, at a wide range of prices. Sip specialty coffee from Roaming Spirits and enjoy artisan pastries while you browse. RSVP and reserve your spot today.
The Line Holiday Market
Thursday, December 18, 5 – 8p
The Line is partnering with Maker’s Market CLT to host a festive Holiday Market on Thursday, December 18th, from 5PM to 8PM in the lobby of The Line. This three-hour indoor event will feature local artisans, small businesses, and makers offering handmade goods, unique gifts, and seasonal treats, the perfect way to shop small and celebrate the holidays in the heart of South End.
Candle Light Holiday Tour
Thursday, December 18, 6:30 – 7:30p
This special one-hour guided tour brings the historic homesite to life after dark, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Step inside the Rock House to explore 18th-century North Carolina winter traditions, festive customs, and the realities of everyday life in the backcountry.
Charlotte Symphony: Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert
Thursday, December 18, 7:30p
Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with an uplifting evening of music, light, and community. This festive concert brings together voices from Charlotte’s Jewish communities for a heartwarming night filled with the spirit of the Festival of Lights, featuring cantors and a children’s choir from local congregations, music from across the centuries, and a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.
The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas Concert at Carolina Theatre
Thursday, December 18, 7:30p
The Bergamot and their full band bring their soaring harmonies and captivating energy to Charlotte for an unforgettable Christmas celebration.
Scrooge The Musical
December 18 – 21
The classic holiday favorite A Christmas Carol returns to the stage at Matthews Playhouse for its fourth year, bringing Charles Dickens’ timeless story back to life. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he’s visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve and taken on a journey that leads to reflection, redemption, and a renewed holiday spirit.
THINGS TO DO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Cirque de Noël at the Charlotte Symphony
December 19 – 21
The magic of Cirque de Noël returns! Experience jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the orchestra, alongside awe-inspiring acrobatics set to your favorite holiday music. With thrilling new acts and beloved favorites, this annual event is sure to fill your family with the wonder and joy of the holiday season. Tickets are available here.
OMB Christmas Market Weekend Four
December 19 – 21
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.
SEAson of Trees at SEA LIFE Charlotte
Through December 31
Dive into the holiday spirit at SEA LIFE Charlotte’s SEAson of Trees! Wander through an underwater winter wonderland featuring over 20 uniquely themed Christmas trees sparkling throughout the aquarium. From ocean-inspired ornaments to festive sea creatures, it’s a magical celebration that brings holiday cheer beneath the waves.
Ice Skating at The Bowl
November 22 – January 4
This holiday season, The Bowl will transform into a winter wonderland with our very first outdoor ice skating rink! Lace up your skates, grab a cup of cocoa and make memories under the twinkling lights with family and friends from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, January 4.
THINGS TO DO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
Breakfast with Santa at the Dunhill Hotel
Dec. 20-21, 9-11a
Meet and greet with Santa at the historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte with a family-friendly breakfast buffet from The Asbury’s culinary team. This event fills up fast, so don’t wait to make your reservations!
Pilot Brewing Holiday Party
Saturday, December 20, 10a – 11p
The taproom is throwing a holiday party on December 20th packed with festive fun, starting with a surprise holiday beer release at 11am and a free DIY ornament station all day. The afternoon brings a cookie + beer pairing benefiting HUG, an ugly holiday sweater contest with prizes, a Rock Paper Scissors showdown, and an Edwin Organix pop-up.
7th Annual Crafty Kids Market
Saturday, December 20, 11:30a
Come shop the second day of the Crafty Kids Market from a selection of seriously talented kiddos. This second day of the market features 25 vendors under the age of 19 selling their handmade goods.
Broadway Brunch: Holiday Edition
Saturday, December 20, 12 – 2:30p
Broadway Brunch is back with a holiday twist at Norfolk Hall on Saturday, December 20th. Hosted by Jessie Booth and friends, this festive cabaret brunch brings holiday-inspired show tunes, Broadway favorites, and plenty of seasonal cheer to the cozy stage at Norfolk Hall @ The Suffolk Punch.
Mistletoe Market
Saturday, December 20. 2 – 7p
Get your last minute holiday shopping done at the Mistletoe Market in Camp North End. 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.
Inner Peaks Holiday Market
Saturday, December 20, 4 – 7:30p
Shop and sip hot cocoa at this market of local vendors, baked goods, handmade gifts, and climbing accessories.
7th Annual Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 20, 5:30p
The Lake Norman Christmas Boat Parade returns with the same beloved route as years past, starting at Blythe Landing, cruising to Ramsey Creek, stopping by Peninsula Yacht Club, and wrapping up with a festive finale at the Duke Energy Explorium. As always, the parade will also collect toys for Little Smiles, a local charity that brings joy to children in area hospitals.
THINGS TO DO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
VOTE FOR POPPY! at the Carolina Panthers Corgi Cup
If you’re heading to the Panthers game this Sunday, don’t skip the half-time CORGI’s RACE! Our friend Poppy is one of 12 Corgi’s competing to win the Panthers Corgi Cup. If you’ve never seen a Corgi race, well, it’s chaos and fun and you’ll understand why there’s a prize for popularity / most votes as well as “speed”. Go Poppy!
Coffee + Crafts: Winter Miniatures: Needle Felting Workshop
Sunday, December 21, 9a – 10:30a
Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, a recurring class held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Each session features a new hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with all materials provided, no prior experience needed.
Mimosa Market: Holiday Edition
Sunday, December 21, 1 – 5p
The Mimosa Market: Holiday Edition will be held at Queen City Art 237 Raleigh Street this Sunday. Grab your friends, bring the family, and come enjoy a festive day of shopping, sipping, and holiday cheer — all while supporting @stilettobossuniversity. Updates for the Mimosa Market: VIP tickets are officially gone with the venue change, vendors will be announced soon, and general admission is now just $1 more (and still includes a complimentary mimosa).
Speedway Christmas
November 21 – January 4
The Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light show is back with more than 5 million lights on a four-mile course circling the iconic oval, pit road and infield road course. The show is open 6-10 p.m., rain or shine, and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM, plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV.
