Miracle on Tryon St: Carolina Theatre's first holiday season since '78

The historic Carolina Theatre is celebrating its first holiday season since reopening, after sitting vacant on Tryon Street in Uptown for 47 years.

The background: The theatre was originally built in 1927, hosting silent film viewings and live performances — including an appearance by Elvis Presley in 1956. It closed its doors in 1978.

Now, the newly restored theatre opened its doors again in March to bring live music, speakers, comedy, movies and more to the Charlotte community.

The story: Starting Nov. 22, the theatre will host a monthlong holiday series, including live Christmas music, two world-premiere productions and classic Christmas movies on the big screen.

• What the Carolina Theatre is saying: "It's a gift to be able to spread joy throughout Charlotte, the city that never gave up on us. This series is a gift back to our beloved city," said communications director Jared Misner.

Here's the full holiday lineup.

🇲🇽 "Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico" - Saturday, Nov. 22, 8pm

🪕 Mark and Maggie O'Connor's "An Appalachian Christmas" - Friday, Dec. 5, 8pm

🎷 "Franklin Presents: My Christmas" (world premiere) - Saturday, Dec. 6, 8pm

• This production reimagines "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from the perspective of Franklin, the Peanuts' only Black character.

❄️ "It's a Wonderful Life" - Sunday, Dec. 7, 6pm

🎤 Robert Earl Keen presents "The Greatest Christmas On Earth" - Friday, Dec. 12, 8pm

🤠 "Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular" - Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm

🍿 Double feature: "A Muppet Christmas Carol" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" - Sunday, Dec. 14, 2pm

🎶 "The Bergamot: A South Shore Christmas" - Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30pm

• The show is a fundraiser for Arts+ in conjunction with the Charlotte Youth Choir.

🎤 "A Sainted Christmas Carol: Iced Scrooge" (World premiere) - Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30pm

• "America's Got Talent" Golden Buzzer finalist, Sainted Trap Choir, puts a spin on the Charles Dickens' classic in this innovative new show.

🎅 "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) - Monday, Dec. 22, 7pm

🎄 "Elf" - Tuesday, Dec. 23, 7pm

The takeaway: The revival of this once-lost pillar of our community is worth celebrating — and during the holidays, audiences of all ages can come together to enjoy the spirit of the season on stage.

Check out all upcoming events and buy your tickets.