Ho, Ho, Ho Smarties. The countdown is on and Christmas is fast approaching. Take a break from the hectic and crazy and enjoy some time with the family. Drive around town to see the lights or do one of the many things being offered by our city. There is plenty to choose from and nothing beats being able to enjoy the holiday with your family! Don’t forget to register for the Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway and have fun!
Britax Fitting Station
Britax North American headquarters, 13501 South Ridge Drive
December 17, 8:00am-noon
A car seat checking station is where certified child passenger safety technicians assist you with car seat installation. There they will teach you the correct way to install your child seat, provide safety recommendations, and answer any questions that you may have. For best results, please bring: your child, your vehicle and vehicle owner’s manual, your child safety seat and all parts, accessories, and instructions, a second adult to assist with watching your child while you learn how to install your car seat . No appointment is needed, and seats from all manufacturers are welcome. Instruction lasts approximately 30 minutes per car seat. Cost is free.
North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – Belk Theatre
December 17-19, Fri., 7:00pm; Sat., 2:00pm, 7:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
You are invited on North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker journey, choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Filled with wonder, magic and cheer, Nutcracker draws thousands to the Belk Theater each December. Whether treasured tradition or a new experience, a trip to the Nutcracker is essential for a splendid holiday season. Cost is $25-$79.
Scrooge!
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
December 17-19, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 3:00pm, 7:30pm; Sun., 2:00pm(Sun. – SOLD OUT)
With upbeat songs and unforgettable characters, this musical version of Dickens’ classic is a holiday treat for young and old alike. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s “Bah!, Humbug!” opinion of Christmas grates on everyone around him. But when Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner and three Christmas spirits, he realizes that he needs to change his curmudgeonly ways – just in time for Christmas Day! Enjoyed best by Elementary (7+, 2nd grade), Middle and High School ages. Cost is $18-$24.
The Littlest Angel
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
December 18-19,Sat., 11:00am, 1:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm, 4:00pm
“No swinging on the pearly gates.” “Don’t be late for the rehearsal of the Heavenly Choir.” The Littlest Angel has just arrived in Heaven and simply cannot adjust to all the new rules. When the Understanding Angel brings him a wooden box full of childhood treasures from his life on earth, he finally begins to feel a bit more at home. As the Littlest Angel gets used to life in Heaven, he changes his irresponsible ways, but it isn’t until he gives a heartfelt gift to the newborn child that he becomes truly angelic. This simple, charming story is a holiday favorite for families. Performed by the Tarradiddle Players. Best for ages 3+. One Act. Cost is $14-$18.
The Real Christmas Story
NarroWay Theatre, 3346 U.S. 21/Carowinds Blvd.
December 17-19, Fri., 6:30pm; Sat., 12:00pm, 5:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
Guaranteed snowfall at every performance! See your favorite Christmas scenes! Hear your favorite Christmas songs! Then watch in awe-stricken wonder as NarroWay Productions beautifully recreates the real Christmas story. Dinner is served at 6:30pm and the show follows dinner. Cost is $5-$29.95.
Butterfly Pavilion
Charlotte Nature Museum
Exhibit now open, Museum Hours are Tues.-Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm; Sat., 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun., noon-5:00pm
Walk among free-flying butterflies. Watch butterflies grow in the chrysalis’ house and get close when they land to taste their favorite flowers with their feet.
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
Founders Hall
December 1-31, Mon.-Fri., 10:00am, 11:00am, noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm; Sat.-Sun., hourly from 8:00am-6:00pm
Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic orchestra are back at Founders Hall with an updated program and fresh take on holiday classics. The program features a compilation of time-honored songs.
Carolina Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Until January 2, 6:00pm-1:000pm
Carolina Christmas is one of the largest holiday light shows in the United States, featuring 2.5 miles of LED lights, a realistic Bethlehem-themed village, NASCAR souvenir rigs for Christmas shopping, carriage rides, ice skating, marshmallow roasting pits and themed areas for children with food, music, rides and photos with Santa. Cost is $20 per car.
WBT Holiday on Ice
The Green uptown
November 24-January 8, Wed-Fri, 5:00pm-10:00pm; Sat., 11:00am-10:00pm; and Sun., 11:00am-7:00pm
Tucked away in Uptown Charlotte’s most scenic park is the area’s only outdoor ice rink. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than skating with your friends and family among the holiday decorations in uptown. Join us for skating and holiday cheer at WBT’s Holiday on Ice… on the Green in Uptown. Skates available from child’s size 9 and up. Cost is $7; skate rental $3, season tickets are available.
Breakfast with Santa
Matthews Community Center
December 18, 9:00am, 10:45am
Bring your camera and take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Come enjoy breakfast & make great holiday crafts. Tickets are required and space is limited!! Ages 2-8. Cost is $5.
Holiday Enchantment
Matthews Community Center
December 18, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Charlotte City Ballet Company presents selections from the Nutcracker and other holiday favorites. Cost is $7-$10.
Polar Express Book Reading and Movie
NASCAR Hall of Fame
December 18, 4:00pm
Santa will be joining Sheri Lynch in the Great Hall to read The Polar Expres. Go on a wintry journey with the featured merry movie matinee, The Polar Express, in the Belk High Octane Theater. Plus audience members receive a $5 off coupon for a return visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Cost for story and movie viewing is $5.
Saturday with Santa: Hayride with Santa
McDowell Nature Center
December 18, 11:00am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Piedmont prairies provide a great place for Santa to land his sleigh and let Rudolph and his reindeers unwind, discover this special place with Santa as your guide. Free hot chocolate included to help you keep warm, toy donations go to a local charity.
Saturday with Santa: Santa’s Friends
McDowell Nature Center
December 18, 12:45pm-1:45pm
Santa meets many animals in his travels around the world but his favorite live in your backyard. Come hear Santa talk about his many encounters with local wildlife. Free hot chocolate and photo opportunities with Santa and friends included, donations are encouraged and go to a local charity. Registration is required.
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Charlotte
December 16-19, Thurs.-Fri., 7:00pm; Sat., 2:30pm and 7:00pm; Sun., 2:30pm
Adapted by John Jakes from the novel by Charles Dickens This version captures the magic and mystique of the Dickens’ original. At the opening, Charles Dickens is introduced to the audience, ready to present a reading of his popular “A Christmas Carol.” As he begins, the story unfolds on stage around him: the classic tale of the hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates Christmas and is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley. Marley urges scrooge to change his ways. This visit is followed by the appearances of three other ghosts-the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. These spirits gradually warm old Scrooge’s heart, as well as ours. Recommended for the entire family. Cost is $7-$20.
Christmas at the Library
Billy Graham Library
December 1-23, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Bring the entire family for a joy-filled experience featuring a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, twinkling lights, exquisite decorations, the merry sound of carolers, and tours of the Library. Cost is free, carriage rides are $5 adults and $2children.
Holiday Lights at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Until Dec. 31, Sun.-Thurs.,5:00pm-9:00pm; Fri. and Sat., 5:00-10:00pm
The holiday tradition continues at the Garden! Christmas has never been brighter with more than 600,000 lights, old fashioned trains, visits from Santa Claus, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats, and other holiday fun! Share this holiday magical experience with your family and friends! Cost is $12, adult; $6, ages 4-12.
Santa’s Workshop
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
December 11, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Santa will set up workshop again at the Garden and spend time with some very lucky children! Santa will read a story and spread Holiday cheer through a Holiday sing-a-long. Garden elves will also be on hand to help children create a special gift for someone on their list, help decorate cookies and much more. Children will also have the opportunity to be photographed with Santa, explore our holiday train display and much more. Greg Briley Photography will be onsite taking pictures of children and families with Santa. Additional fees apply. Please call 704-829-1252 for reservations, they are required and space is limited. Cost is Members, $15; Non-members, $18. Fee includes admission for the evening for Holiday Lights.
