Mark your calendars: 10 must-do events in December

Here are the events and holiday-themed activities you can’t miss this December – chronologically, so you can hit them all. See you out there, and don’t forget to show us what you’re doing via #cltagenda.

Charlotte Christmas Village

Until December 24 | Romare Bearden Park | Free 

Why you should go: The village is back for the second year in a row with glüwhein, fresh-fried mini doughnuts, German strudels and visits with Santa. See the Agenda’s take on how to experience the festival here.

Speedway Christmas

Until December 31 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | $20-175 | Tickets

Why you should go: Drive under 3.5 miles of 3,000,000+ lights that have been programmed to a full lights-to-music experience before you visit the Christmas Village’s for the petting zoo, Bethlehem village and visits with Santa. Every Thursday through Sunday, park under the Speedway TV at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy holiday classics like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (December 7-10), Elf (December 14-17) and more.

Weihnachtsmarkt

December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Free 

Why you should go: Try saying that three times fast. On top of the release of Yule Bock, there will be 43 local vendors (some in the traditional wooden huts you won’t find at the Charlotte Christmas Village) on site for you to shop while you sip mulled wine. See the full Agenda guide to the market here.

2017 Dr. Pepper ACC Football Championship Game

December 2 | 8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $220+| Tickets

Why you should go: Watch Clemson take on Miami in the biggest ACC game of the season. Tickets start at $220 on the ACC website, but are also available on StubHub for $93+. Can’t make it? The game will be televised on ABC at 8 p.m.

Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker

December 9-23 | Belk Theater | $25+ | Tickets

Why you should go: The classic holiday performance features fresh sets and stunning costumes.

Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne

December 7-27 | The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge | Free

Why you should go: Gorgeous gingerbread houses created by both professionals and children will be on display all month long. If you’d like, you can vote on your favorite for a minimum $1 donation, with all proceeds benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital.

Girl Tribe Pop-Up Holiday Edition (Featuring Dude Tribe)

December 8-9 | Sugar Creek Brewing | Free | Tickets

Why you should go: Cross off everyone on your holiday gift list in one fell swoop when you shop this small business pop-up featuring vendors like Hilliard Studio Method, Glory Days Apparel, Vestique and Pink Hanger. Skip the crowds when you buy a VIP ticket for Friday night, w hich includes a swag bag, VIP discounts and more.

18th Annual Santa Bar Crawl

December 9 | 3 p.m.-2 a.m. | Uptown | $18-72 | Tickets

Why you should go: Join other Christmas lovers in festive costumes (last year featured everything from ugly sweaters to Santa to the Grinch) in a crawl with 25 participating bars, clubs and restaurants including Flight, Roxbury, Rooftop 210 and Fuel Pizza.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

December 24 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $60+| Tickets

Why you should go: Spend Christmas Eve away from the hustle and bustle of those last-minute holiday to-dos cheering on the Panthers as they take on the Buccaneers at home. Bundle up.

16th Annual Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium

December 29 | 1 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $38+| Tickets

Why you should go: The champions of the ACC and SEC divisions will face each other at Bank of America Stadium for the 16th year in a row.