Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including a holiday light show and caroling

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.

FRIDAY, December 2 

58. Partly Cloudy. 10% chance of rain.

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

Happy Camper Scavenger Hunt at Multiple Locations: Participate in a community scavenger hunt for a chance to win monetary prizes to places like Happy Camper, Fahrenheit and Mac Tabby Cat Cafe. $5. Time varies. Details

Jagged Little Pill at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Watch a Broadway musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Tickets start at $29. Time varies. Details

Holiday Jazz at the Bechtler: Kick off the holiday season with jazz notes from Al Strong, performing with the Ziad Jazz Quartet, as they share some of their classic holiday favorites. $20. 6pm and 8:15pm. Details

Charlotte Young Professional Group Gala at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Enjoy an open bar, live music from Sol Fusion and hors d’oeuvres as the evening benefits two Charlotte youth-focused organizations, Wayfinders & Apparo. $185. 8pm. Details

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte Presents: Believe at St Martin’s Episcopal Church: Enjoy traditional carols and popular festive songs to ring in the holiday season. $25-$35. 7:30pm. Details

Cocktails & Oysters With Jimmy Pearls at The Cocktailery: Learn how to prepare oysters and three cocktails from Chef Daryl Cooper from Jimmy Pearls. $125. 6:30-8pm. Details

Miracle Bar at Backstage Lounge: Step into a speakeasy styled as a winter wonderland everyday from now until New Years. Free entry. 5pm. Details

Mint to Move: Día de las Velitas at Mint Museum Uptown: Celebrate 10 years of Mint to Move and Día de las Velitas, a Colombian holiday that marks the beginning of Christmas, with dancing, live musicians and DJ Carlos Lebron playing Latin rhythms and Afro-beats, plus free dance lessons. $10-$13. 7-11:30pm. Details

Deck the Hall at Optimist Hall: Kick off the holiday season with live carolers and festive treats. Free. 7-10pm. Details

Cozy Swap at Free Range Brewing: Round up cozy items like blankets, coats or scarves to be donated, and enjoy food from De Carne Somos Grill. Free. 6-9pm Details 

Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field: Enjoy ice skating, tubing, Santa visits, a light show, live entertainment and holiday cheer galore. $10-$99. 5pm-10pm. Details

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

SATURDAY, December 3 

67. Cloudy. 30% chance of rain.

Holiday Pop-Up Market at 5925 Carnegie Blvd.: Shop from over 50 local vendors and small businesses offering a selection of jewelry, apparel, handmade food items plus bath and body care. Free. 10am. Details

Grinchmas at Metropolitan: Experience Whoville with a movie showing, face painting, hot cocoa bar, custom cookies, popcorn and a meet and greet with The Grinch himself. $5. 3pm. Details

Sea of Lights at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord: Dive into the holidays with an interactive aquarium experience with thousands of holiday lights and 35+ decorated Christmas trees to view as you visit the sea animals. $17.99. Times vary. Details

Shop Small Saturdays at Atherton Mill: Shop from over 40 vendors and the South End Farmers Market. Free. 8am-1pm. Details

Shop Small Saturdays at Camden Road: Search for the perfect holiday gift at the Camden Festival located along East/West Station to Park Avenue, with more than 80 local vendors. Free. 10am-5pm. Details

Shop Small Saturdays at Winnifred Street: Head to the street festival at The Winnifred to shop from more than 40 local vendors. Free. 10am-5pm. Details

ACC Championship Party at The Music Yard: Tailgate with friends and family as UNC takes on Clemson for the ACC Championship. $0-$5. 2pm. Details

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Charlotte at Tattoos & Booz Lounge: Ring in the holidays with hundreds of local partiers. Enjoy free cover at several bars in Charlotte; and other locations will offer themed drink and food specials. $15. 2-9pm. Details

USA World Cup Watch Party at Hickory Tavern: Cheer on USA  soccer team take on the Netherlands team while enjoy items off a limited brunch menu. Prices vary. 9:30am. Details

SUNDAY, December 4 

59. Cloudy. 20% chance of rain.

Holidays at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Take the family to enjoy festive fun including pictures in front of a large Christmas tree and thousands of LED lights. You can also browse for gifts for the NASCAR fans on your list in the Gear Shop. Prices vary. 10am-5pm. Details

Holiday Market at Dupp & Swat: Shop from holiday items filled with local flavor during the entire month of December. Free. 12-3pm. Details

Christmas at the Mansion: Celebrate Christmas by sipping on hot chocolate as you stroll through the gardens listening to sounds of local carolers. Enjoy festive face painting plus a visit from Santa and the elves. $20. 4-6pm. Details

Yoga on the Rooftop at The Harvey B Gantt center: Enjoy a one-hour workout and mindfulness practice before taking a self-guided tour through one of the galleries. 12:30-1:30pm. $10. Details

Dinner with HOV at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: Vibe to an immersive Jay-Z inspired dinner event featuring a 12-course tasting menu paired with curated craft cocktails and mocktails. $150. 3:30pm. Details

Drag Divas Holiday Day Party at Merchant and Trade: Enjoy musical stylings from drag queens and a DJ while taking in rooftop views. A portion of ticket proceeds go toward the Trevor Project. $15. 4pm. Details

Ignite at Hi-Wire Brewing South End: Grab your mat and a few friends to enjoy a yoga class for all levels to wind down the weekend with a little zen. Free. 11am-12pm. Details

Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne: View gingerbread creations from novice to professional bakers before voting on your favorite entry with a donation that will benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Minimum of $1 donation. 11am-7pm. 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].