Agenda Weekender: 61 cool things to do this weekend including 8 Crazy Nights of Cocktails at Spindle Bar
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You’ve already done enough for everyone this holiday season. It’s time to treat yourself.
Lyft to any participating Charlotte brewery this weekend and show the bartender your receipt for a 50% off code for your ride home.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
52. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
A Christmas Bonus at Merchant & Trade: Merchant & Trade is decked out with instagrammable Christmas decor and they’ve got festive drinks to get you buzzing with holiday cheer. 4:30 p.m. Free to attend. Details.
OMB’s Weihnachtsmarkt Weekend 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. It’s open every Friday-Sunday from December 6-22. 4 p.m. Free. Details.
Last Food Truck Friday of 2019! at Sycamore Brewing: Indulge in all the beer and food truck libations your heart desires because this is the last food truck rally of the season. 5-11 p.m. Free to attend. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater: One of the most beloved holiday traditions in the city, the “Nutcracker” is a Christmas classic that never gets old. The show runs Friday-Sunday, with the last show on December 23. 7:30 p.m. $25+. Details.
It’s A Wonderful Life Holiday Show at Fullwood Theatre – 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews: Looking for something festive to do you with your family? You can’t go wrong with seeing holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 7:30 p.m. $14-$16. Details.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Ovens Auditorium: This show combines circus performances, musical entertainment, glitzy costumes, and the most festive set you’ve ever seen. 7:30 p.m. $44-$99. Details.
Magic of Christmas and The Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater: Gather the fam for classic holiday songs, sing-alongs, snow, and other festive surprises. 7:30 p.m. $24+. Details.
Eli Young Band at The Fillmore: Miss the country music-filled nights of summer? Me too. So don’t miss this group perform live. 7:30 p.m. $29.50+. Details.
Experience
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge: The Ballantyne hosts an annual gingerbread house competition for amateurs, pros, and kids. The houses will be on display most of December and are free to view. But you can pay $1 to vote for your favorite house, with all proceeds benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital. All day. 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.
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 some of 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 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. Santa will be there 5:30-7:30 p.m. to read books, lead sing-a-longs, and get your Christmas list. 3 p.m. to midnight. $12-$17. 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.
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.
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.
Fitness
Plaza Midwood Running of the Balls 5K at Resident Culture: The 5K route takes you through Plaza Midwood — starting at Resident Culture — under hundreds of Christmas light balls. Race tees are available for $15. 7:15 p.m. $13 k-12 students, $15 adults. Details.
Sports
Bahamas Bowl Watch Party at NoDa Brewing Company: Grab a beer and show some support for our 49ers (who rode a five-game win streak) during their first-ever bowl appearance at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
48. Cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
A Christmas Bonus at Merchant & Trade: Merchant & Trade is decked out with instagrammable Christmas decor and they’ve got festive drinks to get you buzzing with holiday cheer. 4:30 p.m. Free to attend. Details.
Breakfast with Santa at NASCAR Hall of Fame: This all-inclusive experience features a delectable breakfast, a visit and picture with Santa, and holiday crafts. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. $25. Details.
OMB’s Weihnachtsmarkt Weekend 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. It’s open every Friday-Sunday from December 6-22. 2 p.m. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater: One of the most beloved holiday traditions in the city, the “Nutcracker” is a Christmas classic that never gets old. The show runs Friday-Sunday, with the last show on December 23. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $25+. Details.
It’s A Wonderful Life Holiday Show at Fullwood Theatre – 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews: Looking for something festive to do you with your family? You can’t go wrong with seeing holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $14-$16. Details.
Magic of Christmas and The Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater: Gather the fam for classic holiday songs, sing-alongs, snow, and other festive surprises. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $24+. Details.
Experience
Third Annual Lake Norman Christmas Light Boat Parade at Blythe Landing: Nothing is more beautiful than boats lighting up the water decked out in Christmas decor. The parade starts at Blythe Landing and ends at the Duke Energy Explorium. 5:30 p.m. Free. Details.
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge: The Ballantyne hosts an annual gingerbread house competition for amateurs, pros, and kids. The houses will be on display most of December and are free to view. But you can pay $1 to vote for your favorite house, with all proceeds benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital. All day. 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.
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 some of 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.
Winter Wonderland 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.
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.
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.
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.
Fitness
Run Run Rudolph 5k/10k at 10101 David Taylor Drive: Do a cool 3.1 miles (or 6.2) then head for the fully stocked hot cocoa bar for a festive treat. 8-10 a.m. $40-$45. Details.
Santa Run 8K and Snowman Dash at Romare Bearden: Run through Uptown with your fam dressed in holiday costumes. If you don’t have one already, you can choose from Santa, an elf, reindeer, or snowman at the race. 9 a.m. to noon. $25-$45. Details.
Kids
Moonlight Movies: The Grinch at 1111 Metropolitan Ave.: Festivities include a meet and greet with the Grinch, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar, face painting, caricature art, popcorn, and a a showing of “The Grinch.” 4-7 p.m. Free. Details.
Shopping
QC Sip and Shop at Bold Missy Brewery: Whether you’re the type to put off all your Christmas shopping until the last minute or you just want to grab one or two more little things, come shop from 15-plus vendors to fulfill all of your gift-giving needs. 1-5 p.m. Free. Details.
Sports
Checkers vs. Phantoms at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Don’t miss the Charlotte Checkers take on the Leigh Valley Phantoms. 6 p.m. $18+. Details.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
52. Cloudy. 10% chance of rain.
Food & Drink
Oysters and Wine Tasting at Vin Master Wine Shop: Take a break from the stress of holidays and treat yourself to a raw oyster bar and wine tastings, plus cheese and chocolate (seems like a fun date to me, you’re welcome). 1-4 p.m. $45. Details.
A Christmas Bonus at Merchant & Trade: Merchant & Trade is decked out with instagrammable Christmas decor and they’ve got festive drinks to get you buzzing with holiday cheer. 4:30 p.m. Free to attend. Details.
Hanukkah Celebration & 8 Crazy Nights of Cocktails at Spindle Bar: Spindle Bar is creating a a festive cocktail for every night of Hanukkah. All day. Menu prices. Details.
Breakfast with Santa at NASCAR Hall of Fame: This all-inclusive experience features a delectable breakfast, a visit and picture with Santa, and holiday crafts. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. $25. Details.
OMB’s Weihnachtsmarkt Weekend 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. It’s open every Friday-Sunday from December 6-22. Noon. Free. Details.
Arts & Entertainment
Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker at Belk Theater: One of the most beloved holiday traditions in the city, the “Nutcracker” is a Christmas classic that never gets old. The show runs Friday-Sunday, with the last show on December 23. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $25+. Details.
It’s A Wonderful Life Holiday Show at Fullwood Theatre – 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews: Looking for something festive to do you with your family? You can’t go wrong with seeing holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 2 p.m. $14-$16. Details.
Magic of Christmas and The Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theater: Gather the fam for classic holiday songs, sing-alongs, snow, and other festive surprises. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $24+. Details.
Experience
Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge: The Ballantyne hosts an annual gingerbread house competition for amateurs, pros, and kids. The houses will be on display most of December and are free to view. But you can pay $1 to vote for your favorite house, with all proceeds benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital. All day. 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.
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 some of 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.
Winter Wonderland 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. Santa will be there 3:30-5:30 p.m. to read books, lead sing-a-longs, and get your Christmas list. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. $12-$17. 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.
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.
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.
Sports
Checkers vs. Phantoms at Bojangles’ Coliseum: Don’t miss the Charlotte Checkers take on the Leigh Valley Phantoms. 1 p.m. $18+. Details.
ON THE AGENDA
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints. Don’t miss the last home game of the year. Put on your Panthers game-day gear and cheer on our home team while they crush the New Orleans Saints. December 29.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Boston Celtics. Spend New Year’s Eve with Kemba Walker, the former Hornets star who’s now on the Celtics. December 31.
SnowFest. Grab your sled, toboggan, or tube because it’s going to be snowing at Richard Barry Memorial Park (Huntersville) on January 18. It’s free to enter/sled, but they’ll have hot chocolate, warm donuts, funnel cakes, and s’more vendors on site for purchase, as well as Roaming Fork food truck. January 18.
See all the upcoming events here.