Weekender: 42 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including holiday markets and photos with Santa

56. Scattered Showers. 40% chance of rain.

Christmas Market at OMB: Expect a range of vendors selling everything from apparel to jewelry, food and photos with Santa. Free. Runs through Sunday. Details

Uptown Holiday Market at One South alleyway on Tryon Street: Shop from vendors selling traditional handmade crafts, gifts, Christmas items and foods. Free. Runs through Sunday. Details

Holiday Sip and Stroll at Fourth Ward: Enjoy seasonal live music, food and cocktail tastings while you stroll through the neighborhood. $30-$60. 5-9pm. Details

Joy Crafting Series: Candle Making Class at The Market At 7th Street: Create a holiday-scented candle to freshen up your home for the whole season. $40. 6-8pm. Details

Jazz Room Holiday Edition at Booth Playhouse: Vibe to traditional New Orleans jazz music and participate in a silent auction. $30+. 7:30pm. Details

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at McColl Family Theatre: Watch a comedic musical performance from the Children’s Theatre. $18-$28. Times vary. Details

Three-Day Holiday Market at The Coterie Concept: Shop from local vendors selling handcrafted items. Free. Runs through Sunday. Details

Winter Fest at Skiptown CLT: Expect a photoshoot backdrop that can turn into a snowflake ornament, snow machine and market. $12-$15. 4-8pm. Details

Friday Flea Vendor Market at Triple C Brewing Company: Spend the evening shopping at a local vendor flea market and grab dinner from Izzy’s Food Truck. Free. 5-9pm. Details

Poker Night at The Fairwood 226: Play two rounds of poker to win a prize. Free. 7pm. Details

VTGCLT Pop at 201 Camp Road: Pick up a vintage or handmade item to gift someone with. Free. 10am-7pm. Details

Ice Skating at Ford Factory: Slip on your ice skates for a couple of laps around the outdoor up rink. $10-$15. 4-9pm. Details

Phirst Friday at XOXO Cocktail Lounge: Party to celebrate 117 years of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Free. 9pm-2am. Details

Mad Miles 2023 Scholarship Ball & Spades Tournament at Gantt Center: Dance the night away in formal attire and participate in a spades tournament. Proceeds support the More Than Miles initiative. $100-$350. 8pm-1am. Details 

Line Dance Party at Harolds Ice Bar: Spend the evening learning and showing off your line dancing skills. $15-$20. 7-11pm. Details

Light the Knights at Truist Field: Celebrate the holiday season with tubbing, ice skating, holiday lights and a market. $15-$40. Times vary. Details

Comedy Jam at Tattooz & Booz: Laugh through the night with live performances from Wild-N-Out’s Big Radio Mack and Cortez Macklin. $15+. 7pm-2am. Details

Gaymer Gathering at Tabbris: Mix and mingle with drinks, gaming stations and music. $10. 7-10pm. Details

Holiday Cooking Class at Charlotte FIT South: Enjoy a chef-led presentation with light bites and drinks. $35. 6-8pm. Details

SATURDAY, December 2

64. Scattered showers. 40% chance of rain.

Luminous Lane Holiday Pop-Up Market in Uptown: Check out a holiday market with art, music and food. Free. 10am-8pm. Details

Geek and Grub Market at Victoria Yards: Dress up in ugly holiday sweaters for themed competitions and activities. Free. 12-4pm. Details

Daddy & Me High Tea at Urban Sweets Co.: Take your kids to enjoy sweet treats and holiday activities. Free. 9am-1pm. Details

Emo Night at The Barrel Room at Triple C: Party to popular emo hits from a live DJ. Free. 7-10pm. Details

Mistletoe Market 2023 at Camp North End: Expect a holiday series with vendors, live music, a movie premiere, plus food and drinks. Free. 3-8pm. Details

Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Charlotte Hornets as they take on the Timberwolves. $17.50+. 5pm. Details

ACC Football Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium: Watch Florida State and Louisville compete for the winning championship title. $61+. 8pm. Details

Girls Love Beyonce: The Brunch at Marquee: Enjoy a Beyonce-themed brunch and day party. Free. 1-9pm. Details

South End Merry Market at Pritchard Church: Purchase locally sourced items ahead of the holidays while you listen to festive music. Free. 10am-1pm. Details

African Drum Workshop at Harvey B Gantt Center: Participate in an African drum and dance circle workshop. $10. 10:30am-12:30pm. Details

Winter Wonderland Gala Ball at The Acopian Hall: Dress up in semi-formal attire to enjoy Congolese food, a silent auction, an art exhibition and ballet. Proceeds benefit local non-profit HOPE For All. $100-$150. 6-11:30pm. Details

Annual Gobble Wobble CLT and Toy Drive at XLNC Dance Studio: Take a dance fitness class by donating a new or unused toy for a toy drive. Free. 11am-1pm. Details

Football Championship Brunch at Sycamore Brewing: Celebrate the college football championship weekend with a brunch buffet and mimosas. $35. 10-11:30am. Details

SUNDAY, December 3 

65. Scattered showers. 30% chance of rain.

Front Porch Sundays at Atherton Mill: Check out a block party and local vendor market with live music, food and drinks. Free. 11am-4pm. Details

Cookies with Santa! at Triple C Brewing Company: Donate a new or gently used coat to Forgotten Now Family Rescue, plus take pictures with Santa or the Grinch, play games and enjoy food and drinks. Free. 12-4pm. Details

Wreath-making class at Charlotte Collective: Learn wreath-making techniques to use as holiday decor. $55. 3-5pm. Details

Winterfest at Carowinds: Take in the holiday season with a light display, ice skating, gift shops live entertainment and games. $24.99-$49.99. 5-10pm. Details

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motorspeedway: Drive along the racetrack to view holiday lights, listen to music, watch a movie and shop from vendors. $35+. 6-10pm. Details

Christmas at the Mansion: Sip on hot chocolate as you stroll through the gardens listening to local carolers, plus expect a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. $25. 4-6pm. Details

ThriftCon at Park Expo Center: Shop from 100+ thrift vendors with thousands of products ranging from clothing to collectibles. $12-$30. 10am-5pm. Details

Ultimate Sneaker Trade Show at Charlotte Convention Center: Buy, sell or trade your shoes, clothing or accessories. $25. 1-6pm. Details

Farm to Fork Sunday Dinner at 2401 Primm Road: Enjoy a five-course dinner with craft beverages plus live music and entertainment. $115-$210. 3pm. Details

Ice skating at U.S. National Whitewater Center: Grab your skates 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. $25. Hours vary. 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? Submit your event.