Agenda Weekender: 50 cool things to do in Charlotte this weekend including WinterFest at Carowinds and Black Friday brunch at Superica

Overextended yourself with that turkey trot? Let Lyft get you to the weekend’s top events.

Lyft to any participating Charlotte brewery this weekend and show the bartender your receipt for a 50% off code for your ride home.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

58. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Food & Drink

Black Friday brunch at Superica: No one needs to cook on Friday, so treat your fam to brunch (go with the huge pancakes). 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend, regular menu prices. Details.

Black Friday at Sycamore Brewing: They’ll have food trucks lunch through dinner, the usual cider and beer, and Apple Pie Cider and Christmas Cookie Frozé on tap all day long. Noon 11 p.m. Free. Details.

McGill’s Winter Wonderland at Rosie’s Wine Garden: They’ve got lights, hot chocolate, and s’mores now through December, plus you can still purchase the usual wine and beer. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you’re feeling generous. 4-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

Home Alone in Concert at Belk Theater: A quintessential holiday classic, you can’t go wrong with seeing “Home Alone” in concert. The orchestra will be playing the movie will be on the big screen. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $44-$207. Details.

A Motown Christmas at McGlohon Theater: Thanksgiving is over, which means holiday festivities are in full swing. So kick off the season with a little Motown. 7:30 p.m. $39-$49. Details.

Experience

Victorian Christmas at Latta Plantation: Party like its 1850 with horse-drawn wagon rides, mulled wine, ornate decorations, a live reading of the Night Before Christmas, Victorian-era outdoor games, and more. All day. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students. Details.

WinterFest at Carowinds: They’ve got a 70-foot tree, 5 million twinkly lights, live shows, performers all around, and festive hands-on activities — plus the usual rides. Festive deal: I’m a sucker for reusable cups, so I’m eying the $12 WinterFest mug which gets you free hot cocoa the first time + $1 refills after. 5-10 p.m. $20+. Details.

Winter Wonderland Grand Opening! at SouthPark Mall: The open-air ice rink has returned for another season, and the first 100 visitors get free skate rental. If you have your own skates, it’s $12 for two hours and it’s $17 for two hours of skating and skate rental. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. $12-$17. Details.

Fire Pit & Cider Party at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill: Nothing says fall like fire pits, hayrides, and fresh cider at the orchard. It’s the perfect way to transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. 1-9 p.m. Free. Details.

Plaza Midwood Tree Lighting & Santa Visit at Pizza Peel: Get in the holiday spirit with a tree lighting, a visit with Santa, and hot cocoa (with alcohol add-ins available). 6 p.m. Free. Details.

The Polar Express Train Ride at N.C. Transportation Museum: I remember the first time I saw “The Polar Express” in theaters and I’m not sure I’ve experienced greater magic. So treat your inner child (or actual child) to a holiday train ride. Rides are every weekend, Friday-Sunday, from mid-November through December. 4 p.m. $37 kids, $43 adults. Details.

Whitewater Center Ice Skating at U.S. National Whitewater Center: This new ice skating rink includes 17,000 square feet of ice on the Upper Pond of the whitewater river, and it’ll have three areas (free skate, winter sports and a 600-foot ice trail). The skating area will also have a skate-up bar where you can buy craft beer, hot chocolate, and coffee. While you’re there, check out the half-mile walking trail of holiday lights. $20 for single activity pass. Noon to 10 p.m. Details.

Holiday Light Trail at USNWC: This isn’t your average holiday light show. Artist Meredith Connelly created tons of immersive light installations inspired by nature that line the half-mile walking path. 6-10 p.m. Free, $6 for parking. Details.

Charlotte Christmas Village – Christkindlmarkt at Corner of 7th Street & North Tryon Street: The annual European-inspired Christmas Market is back. Expect the usual speciality foods, Glühwein in a souvenir village mug, cider, hot chocolate, vendors, photos with Santa, and holiday performances. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Nothing says Christmas in the Carolinas like 4 million lights arranged around a race track. Expect a Ferris wheel, Bethlehem village, photos with Santa, fun foods, games, fire pits for s’mores roasting, and drive-in style Christmas movies, too. 6-10 p.m. $20-$30. Details.

Holiday on Ice at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Nothing says holiday spirit like ice skating your way past Christmas trees and sparkling lights and drinking hot cocoa. 5 p.m. $12+. Details.

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe, 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont: Stroll through the gardens and see a mile of lights. Roast a marshmallow by a crackling fire, shop, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus (select nights), and listen to holiday music, too. 5-9 p.m. $14.95+. Details.

[Agenda related guide: 23 must-do festive holiday events in Charlotte]

Shopping

Queenflea Holiday Makers Market at summerbird: Shop from 50-plus local artists, makers, and thrifters while checking off your Christmas list. The market is also open on Saturday. 5-10 p.m. Free, $5 VIP. Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

56. Mostly cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

Food & Drink

South End Tree Lighting After Party! at Sycamore: After the tree lighting, head to Sycamore for Christmas Cookie beer, HOT Apple Pie Wild Blossom Cider, fire pits, and dinner from the Gyro Twins Truck. 7:30-11 p.m. Free to attend. Details.

McGill’s Winter Wonderland at Rosie’s Wine Garden: They’ve got lights, hot chocolate, and s’mores now through December, plus you can still purchase the usual wine and beer. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you’re feeling generous. 4-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Experience

Victorian Christmas at Latta Plantation: Party like its 1850 with horse-drawn wagon rides, mulled wine, ornate decorations, a live reading of the Night Before Christmas, Victorian-era outdoor games, and more. All day. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students. Details.

WinterFest at Carowinds: They’ve got a 70-foot tree, 5 million twinkly lights, live shows, performers all around, and festive hands-on activities — plus the usual rides. Festive deal: I’m a sucker for reusable cups, so I’m eying the $12 WinterFest mug which gets you free hot cocoa the first time + $1 refills after. 2-10 p.m. $20+. Details.

Whitewater Center Ice Skating at U.S. National Whitewater Center: This new ice skating rink includes 17,000 square feet of ice on the Upper Pond of the whitewater river, and it’ll have three areas (free skate, winter sports and a 600-foot ice trail). The skating area will also have a skate-up bar where you can buy craft beer, hot chocolate, and coffee. While you’re there, check out the half-mile walking trail of holiday lights. $20 for single activity pass. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Details.

Holiday Light Trail at USNWC: This isn’t your average holiday light show. Artist Meredith Connelly created tons of immersive light installations inspired by nature that line the half-mile walking path. 6-10 p.m. Free, $6 for parking. Details.

Charlotte Christmas Village – Christkindlmarkt at Corner of 7th Street & North Tryon Street: The annual European-inspired Christmas Market is back. Expect the usual speciality foods, Glühwein in a souvenir village mug, cider, hot chocolate, vendors, photos with Santa, and holiday performances. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Nothing says Christmas in the Carolinas like 4 million lights arranged around a race track. Expect a Ferris wheel, Bethlehem village, photos with Santa, fun foods, games, fire pits for s’mores roasting, and drive-in style Christmas movies, too. 6-10 p.m. $20-$30. Details.

Holiday on Ice at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Nothing says holiday spirit like ice skating your way past Christmas trees and sparkling lights and drinking hot cocoa. 5 p.m. $12+. Details.

Winter Wonderland Grand Opening! at SouthPark Mall: The open-air ice rink has returned for another season. If you have your own skates, it’s $12 for two hours and it’s $17 for two hours of skating and skate rental. 11 a.m. to midnight. $12-$17. Details.

The Polar Express Train Ride at N.C. Transportation Museum: I remember the first time I saw “The Polar Express” in theaters and I’m not sure I’ve experienced greater magic. So treat your inner child (or actual child) to a holiday train ride. Rides are every weekend, Friday-Sunday, from mid-November through December. 4 p.m. $37 kids, $43 adults. Details.

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe, 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont: Stroll through the gardens and see a mile of lights. Roast a marshmallow by a crackling fire, shop, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus (select nights), and listen to holiday music, too. 5-9 p.m. $14.95+. Details.

Sports

Checkers vs. Providence at Bojangles’ Coliseum: See the Checkers take on the Providence Bruins and toss a teddy bear onto the ice after the game for charity. $5 kids tickets are available, and the first 1,500 kids to arrive get a free jersey. 6 p.m. $18-$42. Details.

Shopping

South End Small Business Saturday in South End: Expect 50 local shops, 70 places to eat and drink, and free trolley rides throughout the district. This year, they’ve got four different festival hubs and you can take the free trolley between them. Maps and free shopping totes will be available, too. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the South End tree lighting at Atherton Mill at sundown. Free. All day. Details.

Small Business Saturday in Plaza Midwood: Some festivities include ornament making, photo ops, entertainment, a beer and cookie pairing, and, of course, shopping. Note: Many events are free, but some are ticketed. All day. Varies. Details.

Plaza Midwood Holiday Bazaar & Small Business Saturday at Resident Culture: Expect caroling by Opera Carolina, a handful of local vendors,  live music throughout the day, and TIN Kitchen. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. Details.

Queenflea Holiday Makers Market at summerbird: Shop from 50-plus local artists, makers, and thrifters while checking off your Christmas list. The market is also open on Saturday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, $5 VIP. Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

60. AM showers. 60% chance of rain.

Food & Drink

McGill’s Winter Wonderland at Rosie’s Wine Garden: They’ve got lights, hot chocolate, and s’mores now through December, plus you can still purchase the usual wine and beer. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you’re feeling generous. 4-10 p.m. Free. Details.

Arts & Entertainment

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Belk Theater: The Hip Hop Nutcracker features a dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist to tell the traditional Nutcracker story in contemporary New York City. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. $20+. Details.

Experience

WinterFest at Carowinds: They’ve got a 70-foot tree, 5 million twinkly lights, live shows, performers all around, and festive hands-on activities — plus the usual rides. Festive deal: I’m a sucker for reusable cups, so I’m eying the $12 WinterFest mug which gets you free hot cocoa the first time + $1 refills after. 4-10 p.m. $20+. Details.

Whitewater Center Ice Skating at U.S. National Whitewater Center: This new ice skating rink includes 17,000 square feet of ice on the Upper Pond of the whitewater river, and it’ll have three areas (free skate, winter sports and a 600-foot ice trail). The skating area will also have a skate-up bar where you can buy craft beer, hot chocolate, and coffee. While you’re there, check out the half-mile walking trail of holiday lights. $20 for single activity pass. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Details.

Holiday Light Trail at USNWC: This isn’t your average holiday light show. Artist Meredith Connelly created tons of immersive light installations inspired by nature that line the half-mile walking path. 6-10 p.m. Free, $6 for parking. Details.

Charlotte Christmas Village – Christkindlmarkt at Corner of 7th Street & North Tryon Street: The annual European-inspired Christmas Market is back. Expect the usual speciality foods, Glühwein in a souvenir village mug, cider, hot chocolate, vendors, photos with Santa, and holiday performances. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Nothing says Christmas in the Carolinas like 4 million lights arranged around a race track. Expect a Ferris wheel, Bethlehem village, photos with Santa, fun foods, games, fire pits for s’mores roasting, and drive-in style Christmas movies, too. 6-10 p.m. $20-$30. Details.

Winter Wonderland Grand Opening! at SouthPark Mall: The open-air ice rink has returned for another season. If you have your own skates, it’s $12 for two hours and it’s $17 for two hours of skating and skate rental. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. $12-$17. Details.

The Polar Express Train Ride at N.C. Transportation Museum: I remember the first time I saw “The Polar Express” in theaters and I’m not sure I’ve experienced greater magic. So treat your inner child (or actual child) to a holiday train ride. Rides are every weekend, Friday-Sunday, from mid-November through December. 4 p.m. $37 kids, $43 adults. Details.

Holiday on Ice at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Nothing says holiday spirit like ice skating your way past Christmas trees and sparkling lights and drinking hot cocoa. 5 p.m. $12+. Details.

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe, 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont: Stroll through the gardens and see a mile of lights. Roast a marshmallow by a crackling fire, shop, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus (select nights), and listen to holiday music, too. 5-9 p.m. $14.95+. Details.

Sports

Bojangles’ ‘Railgate’ at 218 E. Carson Blvd.: Railgate will include free food, prizes, music, tailgating games, and a visit from the TopCats. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. 

Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium: Cheer on the Panthers while they take on the Washington Redskins. 1 p.m. $78+. Details.

Checkers vs. Providence at Bojangles’ Coliseum: See the Checkers take on the Providence Bruins and stay after the game to skate with players (special ticket required). 1 p.m. $18-$42. Details.

Shopping

Museum Store Sunday at Mint Museum Uptown & Randolph: The Mint will have live music, a book signing with Gavin Edwards and Chef Peter Reinhart, Iva Jean Fudge, stocking stuffer activities, and a trunk show of new items from jeweler Barb Clawson. The store will also be providing 25 percent off of all purchases on this special holiday celebration. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to attend. Details.

ON THE AGENDA

Christmas Town USA opening. McAdenville, a tiny 600-person town located less than 30 minutes west of Charlotte, transforms into Christmas Town USA. Residents set up more than 500,000 lights creating a citywide display that attracts national attention — it’s been going on for 64 years. The official tree lighting to kick off this season is on December 2, starting at 5 p.m. Then everyone will turn their lights on at 6 p.m. December 2-26.

German Christmas market at OMB. OMB’s annual Weihnachtsmarkt Weekend is back with 40-plus vendors for you to shop from. Expect tons of lights, Gluhwein (spiced wine pronounced “Gloo-vine”), holiday music, hot cocoa, festive food, fire pits, and tons of beer. December 6-8.

Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker. One of the best-loved holiday traditions in the city, the “Nutcracker” is a Christmas classic that never gets old. December 6-23.

See all the upcoming events here.