Weekender: 40 things to do in Charlotte this Thanksgiving weekend

Presented by Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Atrium Health, now through January 8. Experience four million lights along a 3.75-mile course synchronized to
Christmas-themed music, plus a Christmas village. Buy tickets.

THURSDAY, November 24

Birkdale on Ice at Birkdale Village: Outdoor ice skating is the perfect excuse to get out of the house, and the whole family can join. 10am-10pm. $14 kids, $18 adults (including skates). Details

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Get in the holiday spirit as you drive through Christmas lights across the four-mile course of the Speedway. Prices vary. 6-10pm. Details

Eat, Gay, Love 2022: Giving Thanks to the Community at Billy Sunday: Queen City Nerve is hosting its fourth annual Thanksgiving for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The meal is free, but you need to register here. 2-5pm.

Ice Skating at The U.S. White Water Center: Grab the ice skate and a few friends to skate across one of two ice trails or two free skate zones before taking a break to enjoy hot and cold beverages. Prices vary. 5-10pm. Details

FRIDAY, November 25

57. Rain. 60% chance of rain.

Charlotte Christmas Village opening day at Truist Field: Get your fill of Glühwein (finally) and shop the annual German-inspired market. The village is part of Light the Nights. $10 admission. Noon-10pm. Details

Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field: Expect ice skating, tubing, Santa visits, a light show, live entertainment and holiday cheer galore. $10-$99. Noon-10pm. Details

“The Polar Express” Train Ride at the N.C. Transportation Museum: Create holiday magic with the kiddos (and maybe wear matching pajamas) with a ride on the “The Polar Express.” $34-$90. Dates and times vary. Details

World Cup Watch Party at Ford Building: Support your favorite teams Friday and Saturday with food and drinks. Free. 10am-5pm. Details

Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tickets start at $22. 5pm. Details

Doo-Wop “The Tour” Day Party at Oak Room: Take your friends and family to enjoy a day party hosted by Sunshine Anderson as you enjoy drinks and dance to R&B hits. $0-$30. 5-10pm. Details

Charlotte Symphony at The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Listen to a musical performance of the holiday classic “The Polar Express.” Prices vary. 6pm Details

Improv Show at VAPA Center – Charlotte Comedy Theatre: Laugh the night away with comedic jokes from The Betty Riots. $12.60. 8pm. Details

Maker’s Market CLT at Blue Blaze Brewing: Sip on a beer as you do some holiday shopping with a pop-up market. Free. Noon-6pm. Details

Diva Royale Drag Queen Show at The Scorpio: Sing along to celebrity impersonations while you enjoy a meal. $20 and up. 7pm. Details

DIY Terrarium Building at Planthouse: Get your hands dirty by creating a terrarium through a guided class. $25. Times vary. Details

Black Friday Survival at Primal Brewery: Head to Primal if you’d rather consume mimosas than discounted goods. They’ll also have food trucks, live music and photo ops. Free to enter. All day. Details

Copa Mundial Watch Party at Camp North End: Catch the two-day double match and enjoy food and drinks. Admission is free. Details

VTGCLT Pop at 1100 Metropolitan Ave #160: Get some holiday shopping done from 90+ vintage and homemade brands. Free admission. 10am-7pm. Details

Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Expect holiday decor, lights, outdoor fires and s’mores. $0-$20. Varies. Details.

OMB’s Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) at OMB: The annual German-style market is back with festive foods, fire pits, 40+ vendors, seasonal favorites Yule Bock and Dunkel and festive lights. Details

Kannapolis Christmas at Village Park: Check out the light displays, get free photos with Santa and get in the holiday spirit. There will be a holiday market Thanksgiving weekend, in addition to the usual festivities. Free admission. Varies. Details

WinterFest at Carowinds: Gather the whole family to make holiday memories through an immersive holiday attraction. $32.99+. Varies. Details

SATURDAY, November 26

58. Scattered showers. 50% chance of rain.

Small Biz Saturday NoDaHood Market at Divine Barel Brewing: Shop from 70 local small businesses plus enjoy food trucks, live music and DJs throughout the day. Free. 1-6pm. Details

Shop Small Saturdays at South End: Shop open-air shopping markets alongside unique retail at Atherton Mill, alongside Camden Road, and at the Shops at The Winnifred through December as a part of the neighborhood tradition. Free. 10am-5pm. Details

Harry Potter Inspired Cocktail Class at The Cocktailery: Enjoy an immersive Hogwarts themed cocktail class that includes three cocktails. $95. 2:30-4pm. Details

Snap a Pic with Santa at LilBelle: Snag a picture with Santa during the Shop Small Saturday’s Event. Free. 12-3pm. Details

Thanksgiving Pre-Fixe Dinner Menu at Leah & Louise: Celebrate Thanksgiving through the weeknd with a full course dinner. $65. 4:30-9:30m. Details

Small Business Saturday at Camp North End: Start holiday shopping as you shop from 16 small businesses. Items vary. All day. Details

Euforia Latin Night At QC Social Lounge: Vibe to Latin music from Dj Morenine and Dj Wiz through the night. Free-$5. 10pm-2am. Details

Grinch Giving Fundraiser at Primal Brewery: Take photos with the Grinch and support your community at the same time. Proceeds will go toward feeding local low-income elderly folks a Christmas meal. 2-6pm. Details

North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market at Cabarrus Arena: Shop small businesses this holiday season. Free admission, $7 parking. 11am-5pm. Details

Santa Saturday at Blacklion (10635 Park Rd.): Bring your camera and get free photos with Old Saint Nick himself. Free admission. 1-4pm. Details

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Witness the tree lighting and sip on some holiday brews. Tree lighting is at 7pm (Santa will do the honors, of course). Free admission. Details

11th Annual Light Up Cornelius at Lawn of Cornelius Town Hall (21445 Catawba Ave.): Expect live music and an appearance from Santa to celebrate the annual tree lighting. Free admission. 4-7pm. Details

SUNDAY, November 27

63. Scattered showers. 30% chance of rain.

FC at Victoria Yards: Play street soccer with all ages welcome. Free. 2-4pm Details

Goat Yoga at Hi-Wire Brewing: Unwind through a guided one hour class with goats. $27. 10-11am. Details

Museum Store Sunday at Mint Museum: Shop unique finds for holiday gift giving with 30% discounts on items. Prices vary. 1-5pm. Details

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at Discovery Place Science: Watch the anticipated sequel of the “Black Panther” showing at the Accenture IMAX Dome Theater. $14-$19.95. Multiple showings. Details

Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium: Cheer on the Panthers as they play the Denver Broncos. Tickets start at $60. 1pm. Details

64th Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting in downtown Lincolnton: This annual event makes you feel like you’re in a small-town holiday Hallmark movie (IYKYK). Free admission. Parade starts at 4pm. Details

Check out more upcoming events on our Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our weekday newsletter. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email [email protected].