Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including holiday lights displays and charity events

The Light the Knights Festival is back for another year and bigger than ever. Expect ice skating, snow tubing, a walk-through tunnel of lights, a holiday market, photos with Santa and more. Get tickets.

FRIDAY, December 8

61. Partly cloudy. 0% chance of rain.

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

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

Black-Owned Marketplace at Atherton Mill: Shop from 30 Black-owned businesses selling skincare products, beauty products, art, clothing and jewelry. Free. 11am-5pm. Details

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

Bruce Bruce at The Comedy Zone: Laugh the night away at jokes from comedian Bruce Bruce. $30-$35. Times vary. Details

Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center: Cheer on the Charlotte Hornets as they take on the Toronto Raptors. $15+. 7pm. Details

LACCC THINK BIG Light Up Gala at The Revelry: Put on your formal attire to enjoy a three-course dinner, drinks and live entertainment. $150. 7-11pm. Details

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

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne’s Backyard: View more than a million lights displays plus enjoy live music, visits from Santa, dance performances and a holiday market. $10-$20. 5:30-10pm. Details

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

Shuttle rides at SouthPark: Ride around to at least 10 spots in SouthPark including Phillips Place and SouthPark Mall. Free. Runs through Sunday. Details

A Colombian Christmas Experience at Sweet Spot Studio: Learn how to create Pandebono from chef Sneyder Gonzalez, plus enjoy drinks and desserts. $190 for two. 6:30pm. Details  

SATURDAY, December 9

66. Mostly sunny. 10% chance of rain.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve at Spectrum Center: Listen to holiday jams from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to get you in the holiday spirit. $49+. Times vary. Details

23rd Annual Santa Bar Crawl at Multiple locations: Throw on your ugly holiday sweaters to sip on drinks from multiple Uptown bars. $12.50-$15. 3pm. Details

Reindog Parade at Camp North End: Take your pups to meet other pups and parade around Uptown before taking holiday pictures. Free. 3-5pm. Details

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

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

Naughty or Nice: Pajama Edition at QC Sound Stage: Party through the night in your pajamas. $0-$15. 10pm-2am. Details

Jingle & Jackpot Getaway at Charlotte Art League: Enjoy a charity gala with a buffet-style dinner and live music. Proceeds benefit four local charities. $0-$185. 6pm-12am. Details

Holiday Event at Lennyboy Brewing: Volunteer to help wrap 150-250 gifts for charity. Plus, there will be live music, local vendors and a photo station. Proceeds benefit local non profit Charlotte Shoebox Project. $10-$25. 12-3pm. Details

Toy Drive at Vaulted Oak Brewery: Donate toys to help support children and families at the Ronald McDonald House of Charities in Greater Charlotte. Free. 1pm. Details

Latinx Holiday Market at 5249 Central Ave: Shop from Latin vendors plus enjoy food, giveaways and kid friendly activities. Free. 12pm. Details

Tell Me Lies – Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band at Amos Southend: Feel nostalgic listening to tribute songs from Tell Me Lies. $15-$18. 7pm. Details

Let Love Shine at Khali Yoga Center: Enjoy a musical vinyasa yoga flow, meditation, workshops, raffles plus food and drinks. Proceeds will go to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society North Carolina, as they generate hope for a cure against blood cancer. $35. 5:30pm. Details 

SUNDAY, December 10 

65. Rain. 70% chance of rain.

Movies in The Lodge at The Ford Building: Watch a screening of Blades of Glory. There will be food, drinks and arcade games. Free. 4pm. Details

Santa Photos and Toy Drive at OpenTap: Donate toys and take photos with Santa while you sip on hot chocolate. Free. 3-5pm. Details

Just Desserts at Letty’s: Enjoy a drag brunch with proceeds benefitting Twirl Assistance Program, which supports the local LGBTQ+ in need. $35. 11am. Details

The Polar Express Train Ride at The North Carolina Transportation Museum: Experience the magic of the popular holiday book/movie during a Polar Express-inspired train ride. $34+. Hours vary. 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

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.