What to expect at Charlotte Christmas Village, open through December 24 in Uptown

Find it at 408 N. Tryon St. in the surface lot across from Duckworth’s.

It’s open Tuesday-Sunday through Christmas Eve, and admission is free.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. They’re closed every Monday and will close early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Because Charlotte Christmas Village has such extensive operating hours over the course of a full month, don’t expect it to be bustling at all hours. A Tuesday afternoon, for example, won’t have quite the same magic as a Friday or Saturday night with live entertainment, bigger crowds, and twinkling lights.

The market features 30-plus vendors selling everything from gifts and apparel to food and adult beverages.

There’s even a Christmas tree stand so you can head home with a fresh-cut Frasier fur, wreath, or garland.

If you’re shopping, look out for imported German Moravian 12-point stars, Ukranian hand-blown glass ornaments, hand-poured candles, pet treats, and artisan chocolates.

See a full list of vendors here.

You’ll definitely want to stop by the Dover Vineyards and Red Clay Cider booth for a mug of glühwein — it’s $10 and includes a souvenir mug you can bring back for $7 refills all season.

They also have wine and cider by the glass and Resident Culture is on site for your craft beer fix.

On the food front, 5Church is there serving plates of German sausage and the Village Bakery has hot, flaky strudel and Bavarian-style pretzels.

Entertainment and special events are scheduled most weekends and Santa is on site select days.

I would aim to visit at one of those times for the most festive experience. The official Uptown tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. See the full entertainment schedule here.

Catch Santa on these days:

• Thanksgiving Day 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, 11/29  11:30 a.m. to 4 pm
• Saturdays 11/30 to 12/21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Sundays 12/1 to 12/22 noon to 3:30 p.m.
• December 23 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Christmas Eve 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.