Weekender: 34 things to do in Charlotte including holiday markets and photos with Santa

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 16

54. Mostly sunny. 0% 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

The 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

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 several sea animals. $17.99. Times vary. Details

A Christmas Carol at Theatre Charlotte: Celebrate the theater’s 16th year of holiday tradition with a live performance of this Christmas classic. $15-$30. Times vary. Details

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Ovens Auditorium: Take the home family to enjoy ballet, acrobatics and puppet performances in honor of the Ovens Auditorium’s 30th anniversary. $34-$74. 7pm. Details

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

Dupp & Swat’s Holiday Market at DUPP&SWAT: Shop from holiday items filled with local flavor during the entire month of December. Free. 12-7pm. Details

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Hornets as they take on the Atlanta Hawks. $16-$550. 7pm. Details

SATURDAY, December 17

50. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Julia’s holiday paint and sip at Wendover ReStore: Learn how to paint a winter-themed image from local artist Jen Reichel; drinks from the cafe are included in the price. $25. 10am. Details

Holiday pop-up at Veronét Winery: Sip on winter wine cocktails and get a free gift if you’re one of the first 100 shoppers. Prices vary. Noon to 5pm. Details

Holiday photoshoot at Mistletoe Market: Take a holiday family portrait with Tent Studios. $200. 8:30am-7pm. Details

Mistletoe Market at Camp North End: Enjoy an evening of shopping, listen to live music, sip on warm drinks and take photos in front of holiday decor and igloos. Free. 4-8pm. Details 

Photos with Santa at Metropolitan: Snap a pic with Santa before grabbing a refreshment from the hot cocoa bar. Free. 11 am-3 pm. Details

Vibe dance class with Dancing Lotus at The Fairwood 226: Vibe with a dance class that fuses music and yoga before enjoying 50% off your meal with a purchase of a drink. $10. 7-9 pm. Details

Miracle Bar at Backstage Lounge: Check out the holiday-themed speakeasy every day of the week from now until the new year. Price varies. 5 pm. Details

Mad Miles at Elizabeth Park: Start your morning with a run, walk or jog before dancing to music with other people excited about working out. Free. 10am. Details

Pictures with Santa at Urban Sweets Co.: Take photos with Santa and grab an ice cream cone while you wait. $50. 9-11am. Details

Stirred whiskey cocktail class at The Cocktailery: Learn how to make three unique variations on classic spirit-forward stirred cocktails from Ashleigh Parella. $90. 2:30-4pm Details

Hot Coco Wars at Triple C Brewing: Taste chocolate options from several restaurants as they compete and enjoy four-oz pours for only $2. Free. 4-7pm. Details

2022 Gobble Wobble & Toy Drive at You vs Yourself: Burn off your holiday calories with a dance workout and bring new/unused toys to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. $30. 2-4pm. Details

Ugly Sweater Holiday Karaoke at Divine Barrel Brewing: Pull up in your ugliest Christmas apparel and sing with friends. Free. 7-10pm. Details

Crafty Kids Holiday Market at Free Range Brewing: Shop from 20+ crafty vendors and enjoy food from CheezBoss Food Truck. Free. 11:30am-2pm.  Details  

El Mercadito (former Eastland Open Air Market) Grand Opening at 1720 Galleria Blvd: Expect live music, authentic cuisine, a visit from Santa and over 100 vendors selling a range of goods, from fresh produce to jewelry. 9am-6pm. Prices vary. Details

SUNDAY, December 18

48. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain.

Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field: Expect ice skating, tubing, Santa visits, a light show and live entertainment. $10-$99. 12-10pm. Details

Season of Joy! Free Holiday Concerts at Providence Presbyterian and Pineville UMC: Take the family to enjoy a holiday concert with sounds from The Charlotte Singers. Free. Times vary. Details

Holiday Sip & Shop at Good Earth Essentials: Do some last-minute holiday shopping as you sip on drinks. Prices vary. 11am-5pm. Details

Brunch Cocktail Class at The Cocktailery: Create festive drinks through a class that you can serve at your next brunch. $115. 12 pm-1:30pm. Details

THE FLIRT BAR at Charlotte’s Off-Broadway: Watch a southern, country-rock musical comedy about women who turn a former Strip Club into The Flirt Bar. $35. 3pm. Details

TopShelf Candle Class at The Peace Pipe: Learn how to create a candle through a two-hour class and take home your favorite fragrance. $50. 1-3pm. Details

Christmas Buy Black Market at Venue at 8470: Shop from 30+ Black-owned businesses, enjoy live music plus grab food and drinks. Free. 12-4pm. 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

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard: Walk a half-mile trail to view Christmas lights plus expect food trucks, holiday decorations, a snow tube slide, and live performers. $25. 5-10pm. Details

Live Jazz at The Warmack Plaza Midwood: Vibe to jazz and R&B sounds every Sunday with a menu curated by Chef Nobu. Free. 5-10pm. Details

Wine About Poetry at The Auto Pour: Put your performance skills to the stage with poetry, singing, rapping or comedy. $10-$30. 5pm. 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].