Weekday Planner: 20 things to do this week, including four Skillpop classes, Gilmore Girls trivia and the Plaza Midwood “Running of the Balls” 5K

Generosity in Spirits: Cocktails for Toys

The Gin Mill | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | $20 entry, $10 cocktails | Details

Why you should go: You get to drink cocktails made by six of the city’s best mixologists – Stefan Huebner of Dot Dot Dot Charlotte; Colleen Hughes of Haberdish; Brian Lorusso of Dogwood Southern Table and Bar; Amanda Britton of Bardo Restaurant; Kel Minton of Soul Gastrolounge and Bob Peters – and all proceeds from the event will go toward buying presents for children this Christmas through the McCrorey YMCA.

Handmade Ceramic Ornament Workshop

Hygge Coworking | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $38 | Details

Why you should go: Create an ornament to put on your own tree or use it as a handmade, and heartfelt, gift for some else. No matter who it’s for, during this Skillpop class you’ll get to roll out a slab of clay, create a shape you want, and add texture and colors you like. Pro tip: Wear clothes you won’t mind getting dirty.

Watercolor Gift Tags

Swoozies SouthPark | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $35 | Details

Why you should go: Local watercolor artist Ali Loncar-Bridges will give you the skills to take your gift-wrapping skills to the next level by teaching you how to make hand-painted watercolor gift tags. Everyone who receives a gift from you this holiday season will be extra impressed.

Gold Leaf Abstract Art

Good Road Ciderworks | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $38 | Details

Why you should go: You get to create your own trendy gold-leaf abstract using brush and palette knife techniques. No experience is necessary – artist Kelly Aiken of Copeley Designs will guide you through it.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Celeste Barber at McGlohan Theater

McGlohan Theatre | 8-11 p.m. | $25+ | Details

Why you should go: She’s the comedian behind the celebrity and model impersonation photos that always go viral – you probably saw the one of her impersonating JVN sitting in a straddle position wearing a sweater and black booties. During the show she’ll be talking about what goes into making the photos, how she’s made friends with famous people and all that’s happened since her photos have taken over the internet.

Yule, Y’all! – 3rd Annual Holiday Show

Visulite Theatre | 7-11 p.m. | $15 | Details

Why you should go: Ryan and Anthony Stamey write the show and perform it through their drag alter egos, Robyn O’Ladies and Charlotte Douglas. You can expect holiday classics, music, parodies and a whole lot of comedy and Christmas Cheer.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

PitchBreakfast

The Garage at Packard Place | 8-10 a.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Learn from start up entrepreneurs and practice your own investor pitches. The event is aimed at those getting ready to start a round of funding and/or those looking for feedback on their early-stage business model. If you’re not pitching, you can go to hear others speak and share their stories.

Soul Sisters at Loft and Cellar

The Loft and Cellar | 6-9 p.m. | $80 | Details

Why you should go: Black female chefs are sharing dishes inspired by other black women. It’s a celebration of Southern food and a way to promote diversity in the hospitality industry while addressing stereotypes.

QCB Bulldog Christmas Light Bike Ride

Bulldog Beer and Wine | 6:45 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Don your Christmas gear and bike helmets, and decorate your bike with Christmas lights for a group ride around some of Charlotte’s best-decorated neighborhoods – including Hillside Drive.

Watercolor Christmas Tree Cards

Hygge Coworking | 6:30-8 p.m. | $30 | Details

Why you should go: Instead of buying Christmas cards this year, make your own – it’ll double as a holiday greeting and a work of art. You’ll be guided through how to use watercolors and there will be envelopes you can use if you decide to send out your designs.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show at Phillips Place

Phillips Place | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: A six-story light show will be projected onto the The Hampton Inn & Suites and Santa will be there. You’ll also see stilt walkers and elves, snow and more. Plus, they’re giving out 60o goodie bags each night.

Sensory Friendly Nutcracker

Belk Theater | 1-2:30 p.m. | $15 | Details

Why you should go: This special adaptation of the “Nutcracker” is for those who have sensory disorders and sensitivities. It’s meant to be a more comfortable and safe ballet performance.

Gilmore Girls Trivia at NoDa

NoDa Brewing Company | 6-8:30 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Be sure to drink plenty of coffee, coffee, coffee and study up on all things “Gilmore Girls” before battling it out for first place over three rounds of trivia. Grab some beers and food from TIN Kitchen while you play.

The Series: Presented by lululemon + Not Just Coffee

Not Just Coffee – Packard Place| 7-9 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Get inspired and hear from Not Just Coffee’s leader of staff development and customer care, L Burleson.

Charlotte Checkers v Hartford Wolf Pack

Bojangles’ Coliseum | 7 p.m. | $18.50+ | Details

Why you should go: Cheer on the the Checkers as they take on the Wolf Pack.

Meet and Greet With Muggsy Bogues and Larry Johnson

Unknown Brewing Company | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: You can take photos with these legends for free, and Unknown is releasing two T-shirts which you can buy to have signed. There will be two designs to choose from: Buzz Buds, highlighting Muggsy and LJ’s friendship on and off the court and Always Believe, a design done for Muggsy’s nonprofit. A portion of proceeds will go to Always Believe.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup Live

7th Street Public Market | 9-10 a.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Hear Mike Collins and other reporters discuss the week’s top local news stories.

Weihnachtsmarkt at OMB

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 4-9 p.m. | Free admission | Details

Why you should go: They’ll be releasing Yule Bock, Santa is visiting and 45 vendors will be there to shop from. They’ll also have Gluhwein (pronounced “Gloo-vine”), a warm mulled wine.

“The Nutcracker”

Belk Theater | 7:30 p.m. | $25+ | Tickets

Why you should go: A show people of all ages can love, “The Nutcracker” ballet follows the original story, and the dancing, costumes and music are all incredible.

Plaza Midwood “Running of the Balls” 5K

Resident Culture Brewing Company | 7-8 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: A festive and fit event, you’ll run through the neighborhood under trees decked out in Christmas light balls. Loop back around to the brewery for a post-race mixer. You can also purchase a shirt for $20 to commemorate the event and as a contribution to charity.

Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks

Spectrum Center | 7 p.m. | $15-$350 | Details

Why you should go: Honor Muggsy Bogues and if you’re one of the first 10,000 there you’ll get to snag a bobblehead.