Agenda planner: 13 things to do with your family over the holidays

The Agenda Weekender is proudly presented by Speedway Christmas, in partnership with Count on Me NC. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s drive-through holiday light show is open nightly through January 17 and closed on Christmas Day. Pro tip: arrive early for quicker access. Check out the outdoor ice rink and drive-in movie schedules, and get tickets.

The holidays are always a magical time of year. And while we might not be able to gather like we normally do, there are still plenty of fun and safe events and activities going on in Charlotte.

Here are 13 things to do over the holidays.

(1) Try a take-and-bake pizza kit from Protagonist.

Protagonist is offering take-home pizza kits that you and your family can enjoy on New Year’s Eve. Kits are $60 and include two 1.5 pound house dough balls, 12 ounced of house marinara sauce, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, your choice of two toppings, a bottle of Prosecco, and two packs of beer.

Details: Pre-orders are happening now for curbside pickup on New Year’s Eve. $60.

(2) Visit Christmas Town USA.

McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA, has light displays that draw crowds from near and far. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a few traditions like the tree lighting ceremony and yule log parade, have been canceled. However, visitors can still drive or walk along the 1.3-mile-long route and peruse the town’s local vendors and restaurants while taking in the dazzling displays and twinkling lights.

Pro tip: Arrive before the sun sets to beat some of the traffic.

Details: Ends December 26. 5:30-10 p.m. Free.

(3) Join Josh Daniel for a Christmas Eve concert.

Christmas Eve marks Josh Daniel’s 283rd consecutive concert since the start of quarantine. Tune in on Facebook Live to hear Josh play holiday tunes to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Details: December 24, 4 p.m. Free.

(4) Listen to “It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas” with Jazz N Soul

Experience all of the Peanuts Christmas classics played by The Matt Kelly Band, with special guest host Gena Chambers. Studio audience tickets are limited.

Details: December 24, 7-8:30 p.m. Free, donations appreciated.

(5) Hop in the car and head to Speedway Christmas

The magic of holiday lights never gets old, and getting to see it all safely from the car is a major plus this year.

Pro tip: Wait until after Christmas for a shorter wait.

Details: Select days through January 17. $20-$30 per car.

(6) Pick up some hot cider donuts and apple cider from Mama Crockett’s vintage camper.

Mama Crockett’s vintage camper is making a stop in Charlotte and you won’t want to miss it. They’ll be selling their specialty cider donuts and apple cider.

Details: December 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 11430 N. Tryon St. (near CVS Pharmacy).

(7) Run into the New Year at the New Year’s Eve Trail Race at the Whitewater Center.

Metaphorically and literally leave 2020 in the dust by participating in this two-day 5k trail event. Runners can close out 2020 with an evening race and open 2021 with a morning race the following day. Register for both races or just one.

Details: December 31, 6 -9 p.m. and January 1, 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is $35 for one race or $60 for both. Day-of is $40 per race.

(8) Indulge in Haymaker New Year’s Eve Celebration.

For $85 per person, you can enjoy a three-course menu that includes a champagne toast. All tables will be socially distanced and the staff will be in full PPE to ensure a safe dining experience.

Details: December 31st. Seatings will be offered at 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $85 per person.

[Related Agenda guide: The 20 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now]

(9) Ring in 2021 with a virtual concert from The Avett Brothers.

Join The Avett Brothers for their 17th annual New Year’s Eve performance featuring special guests. They’ll perform all their hit songs and do a countdown to close out the year.

Details: December 31, 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.99+.

(10) Celebrate Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) with the Levine Museum of the New South.

Celebrate Día de Reyes with The Levine Museum in a virtual family event featuring Pastorelas (storytelling) and Rosca de Reyes (King Cake). Tune in to The Levine Museum’s Facebook page or YouTube page for streaming access.

Details: January 3, noon to 1 p.m. Free.

(11) Enjoy Holidays at the Garden.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has been illuminated with thousands of lights for the annual Holidays at the Garden event. Sing along to your wintertime favorites, and roast marshmallows by the fire while you soak in the season’s cheer.

Details: Now through January 3. 5-8 p.m. Adult $14.95; senior (60+) $12.95; child 2-12 $7.95; child under 2 free.

(12) Check out the Festival of Trees in Belmont, N.C.

For the third year in a row, Downtown Belmont will twinkle with the lights and ornaments of community decorated Christmas trees.

Details: Now through January 3.

(13) Go on a holiday lights tour around Charlotte with SilverFox Limos.

SilverFox Limos will take you to explore all the great holiday lights around Charlotte, plus Agenda readers get a special discount on a 3-hour rental (driver tip, city fees, and fuel are included). Use Promo Code: CLTAGENDA (not case sensitive) when you get to the payment screen online for the discount. You can schedule a ride Sunday-Thursday.

Details: Now through January 3. Tour packages vary.

Check out more upcoming events on the Agenda Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our newsletters’ Classifieds section.