Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 12/18-12/20

Is the decorating, shopping, planning all done? Gifts wrapped, stockings hung and cookies baked? Yes – good, you have time to take the family out to sample all the great events around town! It is the last weekend before Christmas and our city is rockin’ with fantastic holiday fare. I do want to bring attention to one event that ends Friday, two local mompreneurs who own “Boutique on Feet” are donating proceeds from online sales to the Potvin family and it ends on Friday. Check it out and get out and enjoy a very Smarty weekend.

Boutique on Feet
40% off online sales – Benefits the Ellie Potvin family
Boutique on Feet would like to help make Christmas special for a local Charlotte girl who is battling cancer. Ellie Potvin, a beautiful 8-year-old little girl was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in July 2008. Ellie, also has a twin sister who is having to watch her struggle through this horrible disease. Recently, Ellie’s family found out that her cancer has once again spread, and she is now fighting for her life.

To make Ellie’s Christmas special and memorable, the Potvins want to take their little girls on a Disney cruise. We would like to spread the word and hopefully provide some financial support to fund their trip.

For one week, starting at noon on Friday, December 11th and ending on December 18th, 40% of all ONLINE sales will go towards their Disney Christmas Vacation. Please visit our ONLINE store at www.boutiqueonfeet.com to shop. NO ATTENDANCE REQUIRED – SIMPLY SHOP ONLINE!! If you would rather make a monetary donation without purchasing through Boutique on Feet, please visit www.liftupellie.com.

Harris YMCA Dance Department presents The Nutcracker
Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road
December 19-20, Sat., 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm; Sun., 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm
The James J. Harris YMCA School of Dance proudly presents our 7th Annual Production of The Nutcracker! Featuring our Company, Elite, Select Staff and Guest Dancers. Tickers are on sale NOW at the member services desk! With any Girl Scout Troop ticket purchase, we will include a Nutcracker Badge (troops can earn their Nutcracker badge by attending any show!).

Christmas at the Library
Billy Graham Library
December 18-19, 5:00pm-9:00pm
A live Nativity offers a glimpse at the first Christmas, complete with live animals. There’s also horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, story time and a special exhibit featuring Graham family Christmas cards through the years. Cost is Free admission; carriage rides $5 adults, $2 kids.

Christmas Theme Party
Ray’s Splash Planet
December 18, 10:00am-10:45am
Tots can enjoy storytelling, games, activities and crafts. Parent participation is required and you must pre-register. Class includes an all day swim pass for parent and toddler on class day. Cost is $6 per child (under 6).

North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker
Belk Theater
December 18-20, 7:00pm all dates; plus 2:00pm on Dec. 19 and 20.
Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker takes audiences on an adventure each holiday season. Cost is $20 and up.

WBT Holiday on Ice
The Green uptown
Wed.-Fri., 5-10pm; Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., 11am-7pm. Dec. 21-Jan. 3 open everyday 11am-10pm
Have fun in the area’s only outdoor ice rink. No age restrictions. Skates available from child’s size 9 and up. Cost is $7; skate rental $3.

Wonders of Winter
Charlotte Nature Museum
December 19, 10:00am-1:00pm
Join us for some really cool winter fun and find out why it’s not so bad to be left out in the cold. Learn about which animals love the chilly weather, how they prepare for the winter and which ones prefer to sleep through the season. Plus, experience up-close animal encounters with Harry the hare, Petunia the skunk and Otis the opossum and explore the smells of winter. Event includes storytelling, crafts and snacks (while supplies last). Cost is Free with Museum admission.

Breakfast with Santa at 131 Main
131 Main in Dilworth
December 19, 10:00am-11:30am
After breakfast Santa will be located outside between 131 Main and East Blvd. Bar and Grill. Email your child’s name and it will be added to Santa’s list, info@131-main.com. Buffett breakfast is $3.95 for kids and $4.95 for adults.

“‘Tis the Season”
Wachovia Playhouse
December 19-20, Sat., 11:00am, 1:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
This holiday play whisks you through seasonal celebrations around the world. New this year is a Hanukkah story. There’s also plenty of opportunities to sing along. For preschool and elementary ages. Cost is $14-$18.

“If You Take A Mouse to the Movies”
McColl Family Theatre
December 19, Sat., 11:00am, 1:00pm
This regional premiere is a larger-than-life production based on Laura Joffe Numeroff’s holiday-themed tale. It’s Christmas Eve and the famously bossy Mouse simply cannot wait to go to the movies. But if you take a mouse to the movies, well, who knows what will happen next? For preschool and elementary ages. Cost is $18-$24.

“The Princess and the Frog” Special Screening
Ayrsley Grand Cinema
December 19, Meet Tiana 9:30am; movie at 10:30am
Enjoy the movie at this special celebration. Dress in your princess best and take home gifts. Be sure to pick up your free tiara. Meet our own Princess Tiana before the movie, enter to win prizes and enjoy a special Mardi Gras-inspired Princess Lunch after the movie. Seats are limited. Buy tickets at Beads & Bows, 2048 Ayrsley Town Blvd. Cost is Movie $10 per ticket, Lunch $15 adult, $7.50 child.

A Trolley Ride With Santa
Charlotte Trolley, 1507 Camden Road
December 19, 1:00pm-3:00pm; tickets will be available for purchase at 1:00pm
When Santa visits Charlotte he prefers the trolley to his sleigh. He’ll be at the museum for you to have your picture taken with him. At 2pm, he’ll take you on a festive trolley ride. Cost is $3 adults, $1.50 kids over 5.

Santa’s SleigHAY Ride & Photos on the Farm
Harris Farms
December 19-20, 11:00am-4:00pm
Harris Farm sleigh rides and photos with Santa. Visitors can see baby calves, goats, Santa’s elves Mrs. Claus. Pets are welcome. Cost is $10 for Hayride with Santa and picture is $5.