Agenda Weekender: 50 things to do this weekend
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
charlotte christmas village header
Even with low temps, it’s worth it to get out of the house this weekend – and you’ll have cozy, door-to-door transportation thanks to Lyft.
Plus, get $5 off your first two Lyft rides using code LYFTWITHAGENDA.
/2024/01/05/1704481288463.png)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
WEATHER 54. 70% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Christmas-themed Food Truck Friday at Sycamore Brewing: Seasonal local brews and cider, fire pits, food trucks and live Christmas music – nothing could be more merry or bright. 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Hoppin’ Holiday Bash at 1402 Winnifred St.: There will be live music, a tree lighting, food trucks and a candy cane bar, plus all the usual taps will be flowing. 3 p.m. to midnight. Canned food donation. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Ilana Glazer at The Comedy Zone: Series creator, executive producer and star of Comedy Central’s critically acclaimed hit show, “Broad City,” Ilana Glazer is a performer you don’t want to miss seeing. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $30-$35. Details.
“Nutcracker” at Belk Theater: Don’t miss the quintessential holiday experience with the sights and sounds of the Nutcracker. Join Clara, the Mouse King and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy for a stunning performance of a holiday classic with breathtaking sets, costumes, choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and music from the Charlotte Symphony. Pro tip: Agenda readers get $5 off per ticket in zones 1-4 with code AGENDA. Varies. $25-$125 ($5 off with code AGENDA). Details.
Black Nativity | The Musical Experience 2018 at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church: This song-play uses the Bible and poetry of Langston Hughes to tell the original story of the Nativity in scripture, verse, music and dance from the African-American perspective. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday & 5 p.m. on Sunday. $7+. Details.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: An annual production, this popular show is performed by kids and adults alike and is the perfect family friendly show. Varies. $15+. Details.
Magic of Christmas at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: From snow falling in the theater to sing-alongs and Santa, this holiday performance is a can’t-miss for the whole family. Varies. $19+. Details.
Experience
WinterFest at Carowinds: The park will come alive with a nightly tree lighting, ice skating rink, decorations, performances and more. 5-10 p.m. $26+. Details.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: You get to drive around the race track and look at thousands of lights. Plus, on weekends Santa’s Village is open with shopping, a ferris wheel, food and more. 6 p.m. $20+. Details.
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne: Walk through rows of homemade gingerbread houses and donate at least $1 if you want to vote on your favorite. All day Free, $1+ to donate. Details.
Holiday Carriage Rides at The Arboretum Shopping Center: Take a festive carriage ride through the center. Pick ups are at the patio by Mickey & Mooch. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Up On The Rooftop at City Lights Rooftop: Put on an ugly Christmas sweater or onesie and sip on some festive cocktails. There will also be free parking, food and a costume contest. 7-11 p.m. $15. Details.
Bollywood Holiday Party – Ugly Sweater Edition at QC Social Lounge: Don your ugliest sweater and join Desi Vibes, DJ Pawan and New York’s DJ Money for a festive Bollywood party. 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. $15+. Details.
Holidays in the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Daniel Stowe’s annual Holidays in the Garden event includes about a mile of lights – some synchronized with music – a Christmas village display, visits from Santa and more. Explore the gardens and then sit by a fire pit to roast marshmallows and sip on something warm. 5-9 p.m. Varies. Details.
The Wacky, Tacky, Cackalacky, Ugly Sweater Party at Carowinds: You get to enjoy all of the regular magic of WinterFest (the lights, entertainment, performers) and get $20 off admission if you wear a fun Christmas sweater. The sweater has to be pretty creative and tacky for you to get the deal. 5-10 p.m. Varies. Details.
Charlotte Christmas Village at Corner of 7th Street and North Tryon: Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, there will be a German bakery, Austrian strudels and other festive treats. Wash it all down with German Glühwein, a mulled spiced wine. You can also expect trivia, live entertainment, a Santa Village, vendors and more. 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Pistons. 7 p.m. $15-$350. Details.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers at Bojangles Coliseum: Cheer on the checkers while they take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. 7 p.m. $18.50+. Details.
Kids
Santa Comes to Winter Wonderland at SouthPark Winter Wonderland: Santa will be leading sing-alongs and reading stories to all the kiddos. 7-9 p.m. on Friday & 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. Free. Details.
Shopping
Hops and Shops at The Barrel Room at Triple C: Get your last minute holiday shopping done and help out a great cause at the same time. Expect local vendors, craft beer and donation-based gift wrapping benefitting Families Forward Charlotte and Go Jen Go. 4-8 p.m. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22
WEATHER 52. Sunny.
Food & Drink
A Very Grateful Christmas at Triple C: Listen to live music, shop, eat and drink – and be merry. 6 p.m. $15+. Details.
Lovin’ From The Oven – Holiday Edition! at Free Range Brewing: More than 20 bakers will be selling their best breads, desserts and other holiday treats, so whether you’re burnt out on holiday prep or a terrible cook, this is your chance to impress your friends and family with a delicious Christmas dinner contribution. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Local Flavors of NoDa Food Tour at NoDa: You’ll visit six different local gems and eat delicious food and drink craft beer made right in the neighborhood. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $60. Details.
Pop-Up Coffee & Beer Pairing at Wooden Robot: If you’ve tried Good Morning Vietnam, you know coffee and beer make a dynamic duo. Test some other flavors, plus shop local coffees and gift bags. Noon to 2 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Deck the Halls with Hops & Barley at Blue Blaze Brewing: You can get a holiday beer flight for $8.50, plus there will be music, visits from Santa, barbecue and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Free admission. Details.
Brunch With Santa at Caswell Station: Have the kids share their wish lists with Santa, and enjoy some brunch and music with the family. Reservations required, call (980) 237-4256 to book. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Hawaiian Pig Roast at Sycamore: DetailsThere will be live music, beer, cider and a pig roast. Noon to 5 p.m. .
Arts & Entertainment
Ilana Glazer at The Comedy Zone: Series creator, executive producer and star of Comedy Central’s critically acclaimed hit show, “Broad City,” Ilana Glazer is a performer you don’t want to miss seeing. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $30-$35. Details.
“Nutcracker” at Belk Theater: Don’t miss the quintessential holiday experience with the sights and sounds of the Nutcracker. Join Clara, the Mouse King and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy for a stunning performance of a holiday classic with breathtaking sets, costumes, choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and music from the Charlotte Symphony. Pro tip: Agenda readers get $5 off per ticket in zones 1-4 with code AGENDA. Varies. $25-$125 ($5 off with code AGENDA). Details.
Black Nativity | The Musical Experience 2018 at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church: This song-play uses the Bible and poetry of Langston Hughes to tell the original story of the Nativity in scripture, verse, music and dance from the African-American perspective. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday & 5 p.m. on Sunday. $7+. Details.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: An annual production, this popular show is performed by kids and adults alike and is the perfect family friendly show. Varies. $15+. Details.
A Very Soulful Christmas at Albermarle Road Recreation Center: Get in the Christmas spirit with live music performed by “Mia Thompson & Friends.” 7-9 p.m. Free. Details.
Magic of Christmas at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: From snow falling in the theater to sing-alongs and Santa, this holiday performance is a can’t-miss for the whole family. Varies. $19+. Details.
Experience
WinterFest at Carowinds: The park will come alive with a nightly tree lighting, ice skating rink, decorations, performances and more. 5-10 p.m. $26+. Details.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: You get to drive around the race track and look at thousands of lights. Plus, on weekends Santa’s Village is open with shopping, a ferris wheel, food and more. 6 p.m. $20+. Details.
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne: Walk through rows of homemade gingerbread houses and donate at least $1 if you want to vote on your favorite. All day Free, $1+ to donate. Details.
Holiday Carriage Rides at The Arboretum Shopping Center: Take a festive carriage ride through the center. Pick ups are at the patio by Mickey & Mooch. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Holidays in the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Daniel Stowe’s annual Holidays in the Garden event includes about a mile of lights – some synchronized with music – a Christmas village display, visits from Santa and more. Explore the gardens and then sit by a fire pit to roast marshmallows and sip on something warm. 5-9 p.m. Varies. Details.
Feline Festive Holiday Bash at Daily Mews Cat Café: Calling all cat people. This holiday party includes cuddling with kitties, watching movies, crafting cat-shaped ornaments and an ugly sweater contest. There will be cider and a hot chocolate bar for kiddos and meow-mosas and craft beer specials for the adults. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $12. Details.
A Really Dope Christmas Live at Loft & Cellar: Indulge in some holiday cheer while donating toys to families who need a hand up this Christmas. There will be tons of holiday drink specials, food and tons of festive music. 3-8 p.m. Free if you donate a toy, $5 general admission. Details.
Charlotte Christmas Village at Corner of 7th Street and North Tryon: Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, there will be a German bakery, Austrian strudels and other festive treats. Wash it all down with German Glühwein, a mulled spiced wine. You can also expect trivia, live entertainment, a Santa Village, vendors and more. 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Charlotte Checkers vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers at Bojangles Coliseum: Cheer on the checkers while they take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. 6 p.m. $18.50+. Details.
Fitness
Run Run Rudolph 5k/10k at 10101 David Taylor Drive: Put on some Christmas gear, and enjoy the gorgeous weather before days of eating and lounging with family. 8-10 a.m. $40+. Details.
Kids
NASCAR Hall of Fame Breakfast With Santa at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a pit stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. This all-inclusive experience includes a delectable breakfast, a visit and picture with Santa, crafts and reindeer games, plus much more. As an added bonus, each child ticket to Breakfast with Santa includes same-day complimentary admission to the ice rink on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Advance purchase is required, this event is subject to sell out. 8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to noon. $22-$25, free for children under 2. Details.
Winter Wonderland at The Press Box Bar & Grill: Bring the kiddos for pictures with Santa, face painting, stocking stuffers and more. The kids will also get chicken tenders, fries and drinks. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Details.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
WEATHER 57. 10% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
A Very Grateful Christmas at Triple C: Listen to live music, shop, eat and drink – and be merry. 6 p.m. $15+. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
“Nutcracker” at Belk Theater: Don’t miss the quintessential holiday experience with the sights and sounds of the Nutcracker. Join Clara, the Mouse King and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy for a stunning performance of a holiday classic with breathtaking sets, costumes, choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and music from the Charlotte Symphony. Pro tip: Agenda readers get $5 off per ticket in zones 1-4 with code AGENDA. Varies. $25-$125 ($5 off with code AGENDA). Details.
Black Nativity | The Musical Experience 2018 at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church: This song-play uses the Bible and poetry of Langston Hughes to tell the original story of the Nativity in scripture, verse, music and dance from the African-American perspective. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday & 5 p.m. on Sunday. $7+. Details.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: An annual production, this popular show is performed by kids and adults alike and is the perfect family friendly show. Varies. $15+. Details.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Ovens Auditorium: See an elite 40-member Russian company perform the “Great Russian Nutcracker.” 3 p.m. $30-$70. Details.
Magic of Christmas at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: From snow falling in the theater to sing-alongs and Santa, this holiday performance is a can’t-miss for the whole family. Varies. $19+. Details.
Experience
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: You get to drive around the race track and look at thousands of lights. Plus, on weekends Santa’s Village is open with shopping, a ferris wheel, food and more. 6 p.m. $20+. Details.
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne: Walk through rows of homemade gingerbread houses and donate at least $1 if you want to vote on your favorite. All day Free, $1+ to donate. Details.
Holidays in the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Daniel Stowe’s annual Holidays in the Garden event includes about a mile of lights – some synchronized with music – a Christmas village display, visits from Santa and more. Explore the gardens and then sit by a fire pit to roast marshmallows and sip on something warm. 5-9 p.m. Varies. Details.
Charlotte Christmas Village at Corner of 7th Street and North Tryon: Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, there will be a German bakery, Austrian strudels and other festive treats. Wash it all down with German Glühwein, a mulled spiced wine. You can also expect trivia, live entertainment, a Santa Village, vendors and more. 3 p.m. Free. Details.
Fitness
Ugly Sweater Sunday Runday at NoDa Brewing Run Club: Start out with a yoga session and a beer then take off for a run – you can pick between 1,3 or 5 miles. The run will loop back around to NoDa for drinks and cookies. If you want to get extra festive, wear a holiday sweater. 10:45 a.m. $5. Details.
Sports
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium: Cheer on the Panthers while they take on the Falcons. 1 p.m. $69+. Details.
Kids
Santa Comes to Winter Wonderland at SouthPark Winter Wonderland: Santa will be leading sing-alongs and reading stories to all the kiddos. 7-9 p.m. on Friday & 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. Free. Details.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Breakfast With Santa at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a pit stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. This all-inclusive experience includes a delectable breakfast, a visit and picture with Santa, crafts and reindeer games, plus much more. As an added bonus, each child ticket to Breakfast with Santa includes same-day complimentary admission to the ice rink on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Advance purchase is required, this event is subject to sell out. 8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to noon. $22-$25, free for children under 2. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
New Year’s Eve at 5Church: You’ve got options. Four-course dinner seatings begin at 5 p.m. with prices increasing the later you get into the evening. You can end your night there or dinner guests have the option to upgrade to the after party for an additional $50. Not interested in the sit down dinner? You can purchase after party access only for $75, which includes an open bar and buffet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31.
Justin Timberlake – The Man Of The Woods Tour at Spectrum Center: JT is the ultimate performer, with unmatched dancing and singing skills. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is one of his most popular recent hits, but he’s got several albums filled with classic songs he could potentially perform – and there’s nothing better than seeing one of your favorite throwback songs performed live. $142+. Jan. 8.
Winter Wonderland Tea at The Ballantyne: Take a warm respite from the cold weather, and enjoy selections from Rare Tea Company, warm savories and sweets and a glass of Champagne. The cost is $58 for adults, $25 for children ages 5-12, and $15 for children 4 & under (excluding tax & gratuity). Reservations are required at 704-248-4100. Jan. 16-19.
See all the upcoming events here.