Happy Wednesday Smarties! December arrives this weekend and so do many holiday activities. There is something seriously wrong if you can’t find something to do with your family this weekend. The lights are back in McAdenville, The Nutcracker arrives thanks to Charlotte Youth Ballet, let the kids do a little shopping at Santa’s Bag or take a spin around the track at Carolina Christmas. Get out and Enjoy!
Don’t forget all the incredible holiday giveaways we have going on, swag for the moms and the kiddos.
Santa’s Bag
ImaginOn
November 28-December 1, Wed.-Fri., 10:00am-12:30pm, 4:40pm-7:00pm; Sat., 10:00am-1:00pm
Santa’s Bag is a unique shopping event that has become as much a part of the Theatre’s holiday traditions as the seasonal productions on our stages. Santa’s Bag offers one-stop shopping for the entire family. Children under 12 can browse through a wide variety of inexpensive, pre-wrapped gifts and select something for everyone on their list. With volunteer “Elves” guiding them, even the youngest children get the fun of picking out a special present all on their own. And a separate Boutique area with fun gifts and crafts caters to older shoppers. And don’t forget to bring you camera and get a picture with Santa, who will be visiting during the event!
The Nutcracker
Halton Theater, CPCC: Dale F. Halton Theatre
November 30-December 2, Fri., 9:30am, 12:00pm, 7:00pm; Sat., 1:30pm, 5:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm
It’s as traditional as stockings hung by the chimney, the scent of fresh pine and toasty cinnamon, simply add a performance of the Nutcracker and let the holidays officially begin. The Charlotte Youth Ballet invites you to experience the storybook magic of The Nutcracker at CPCC’s Dale Halton Theater – November 30 thru December 2nd. Local talent from around the Carolinas choreographed with professional, international guest artists provide an affordable and family friendly experience. This is Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday production with unique twists, lots of snow and after performance photos with dancers. Parking is free and this year – ask about the between performances Nutcracker Tea Party on Saturday! This is Charlotte’s premiere Nutcracker performance. Join us! Cost is $8.00-$25.00.
Charlotte Symphony Pops: The Magic of Christmas
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Belk Theater
November 29-December 2, Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8:00pm; Sat., 2:30pm, 8:00pm; Sun., 2:30pm
Albert-George Schram returns to the podium to conduct an all new Magic of Christmas! Don’t miss this holiday tradition as George returns to lead the Symphony, the Oratorio Singers, and an array of spectacular guests in this festive and joyous holiday concert.
White Christmas
Matthews Community Center: Matthews Playhouse
November 30-December 2, Fri., 8:00pm; Sat., 1:00pm; Sun., 7:00pm
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round productions. Cost is $10-$17.
International Collectibles and Antique Show
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
November 30-December 2, 9:00am-5:00pm
Collectibles and Antiques to our Flea Market Street: home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, fresh produce and more!
St. Nick Sack Toy Sale
Assurance United Methodist Church,Huntersville
November 30-December 1, Fri., 9:00am-7:00pm; Sat., 8:00am-noon
Assurance UMC is having their 4th annual St. Nick’s Toy Consignment Sale on November 30 and December 1. This sale is a one of a kind! We will have all toys, books, video games, movies for all ages at lower then store prices. Stop by and buy the toys that your kids want to find under the tree this year. Select item will be half price on Saturday.
Christmasville
Downtown Rock Hill
November 29-December 2
ChristmasVille was voted SC Event of the Year for the fourth year in a row! Old Town, in historic downtown Rock Hill, SC, will transform into a charming picturesque holiday village each year. The festival features over 70 events including an Art Market, Holiday Gift Market, theater, music, art, strolling entertainment, ice skating, horse drawn carriages, carolers, historic tours, Santa activities and 20 tons of real snow!
Downtown Statesville Holiday Shop & Stroll
Downtown Statesville
November 30, 5:30pm-8:30pm
The spirit of the season will come alive on Friday, November 30 from 5:30-8:30 pm during the Downtown Statesville Holiday Shop & Stroll. As our downtown shops stay open for an evening of shopping, dining, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, live Nativity Show, Nutcracker performances & City Hall tours – and of course a visit from Santa! Enjoy the Holidays in Downtown Statesville where you’ll find the most unique shops, restaurants and wonderful holiday events guaranteed to put you in the spirit!
Charlotte’s Annual Jingle Bell Bash
Wells Fargo Atrium
December 1, 7:30pm-11:00pm
The Jingle Bell Bash is benefiting United Family Services including the Shelter for Battered Women with hopes of raising public awareness and funds for those dealing with the trauma of domestic violence. The funds raised during this event will help support United Family Services including The Shelter for Battered Women and thanks to the support of the community of our new 80-bed Domestic Violence Shelter that will open in mid-December.
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
Founders Hall
December 1-29 8:00a
One of Charlotte’s favorite traditions is returning to Founders Hall this holiday season – Leonard Bearstein and his animatronic orchestra. Times are: Monday – Friday, 10 and 11 a.m.; noon; and 1, 2, 5 and 6 p.m. Saturday – Sunday, hourly from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Performances are free and times are subject to change.
Book Signing: Captain Courage & the Fear-Squishing Shoes by Stacey Marshall
Park Road Books
December 1, 3:00pm-5:00pm
A precocious third grader named Katie shrivels during various common scenarios at her new school. That is, until a unique superhero swoops in demonstrating how to have self confidence & courage.
Holiday Open House
Reedy Creek Nature Center
December 1, 10:00am-2:00pm
Join us for a fun-filled day at the annual Reedy Creek Holiday Open House! We have lots of activities planned for all ages! Green gift ideas, nature based scavenger hunt/hike, stories by the fire and crafts are just some of the fun we have planned for you and your family. Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be served and there may even be a special visitor for the kids! Must call 704-432-6460 to register.
Lionel Inaugural Warehouse Sale
Lionel Warehouse, Concord
December 1, 8:00am-5:00pm
The first-ever Lionel and Lionel NASCAR Collectables joint warehouse sale will be held on December 1, 2012 just in time for the holidays. This inaugural event will take place at Lionel’s warehouse at 6301 Performance Drive in Concord, North Carolina, near Charlotte Motor Speedway. Doors will open at 8 a.m., with the sale lasting until 5 p.m. Goodie bags, valued at $30, will be given to the first 100 customers through the door.
Festival of Giving
The Epicenter Pavilion
December 2, 12:00pm-4:00pm
Radio Disney AM 1480 teams up with Toys for Tots & multiple charities including Salvation Army & Bright Blessings USA for their 2nd annual “Festival of Giving” at EpiCenter. In celebration of Disney Channel & Radio Disney’s Fa-la-la-lidays, the Radio Disney Road Crew will be on-site with entertainment & music. Donations accepted: new, unwrapped toys, toys & clothing via Giving Tree, book donations.
Santa Train
NC Transportation Museum
December 1-2, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Boarding at the Barber Junction Visitor’s Center, kids and their parents can enjoy a daytime train ride to the Roundhouse with Santa and his elves. Ol’ Saint Nick and his helpers will be handing out candy canes and oranges – a Southern RR tradition! Later, stepping off the train at the Master Mechanic’s Office, families can stop by the Gift Shop, or the Wagons, Wheels & Wings exhibit area to make a craft to take home. Enjoy what has become a seasonal tradition for many or make a new tradition to celebrate a railroad Christmas with history and heritage at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer! Cost is $10-$14 and children under 3 are free.
Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway
November 23-December 1, 6:00pm-11:00pm
Carolina Christmas has something to put a smile on every face. From millions of lights, to driving on the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway to shopping in the Emporium, the attractions at the Carolina Christmas Village will delight visitors of all ages. Some activities in the Christmas Village have an additional cost. Cost is $20 per car.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
ImaginOn
November 30-December 2, Fri., 7:30pm; sat., 1:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
The Herdman kids are back in this holiday family comedy. The Herdmans are the meanest, nastiest, most inventively awful kids in the history of the world … which is precisely why they were cast in the annual church Christmas pageant! Mayhem – and fun – meet the Christmas story head-on in this hilarious treat for kids young and old. Celebrate the season at this heart-warming classic that teaches the true meaning of the season. A true treat for all ages, Pageant will have you rolling in the aisles. Cost is $20.
A Golden Christmas at Reed Gold Mine
Reed Gold Mine
December 1, 10:00am-4:00pm
Come enjoy the only Christmas candlelight tour you can take in the daytime! The underground mine tunnels will be decorated for the holidays and special holiday-themed tours will tell how Christmas was celebrated over the years. The Stamp Mill, circa 1895, will also be open for tours. The celebration continues in the Visitor Center with crafts, historical demonstrations, musical performances, and free refreshments. Free
Breakfast With Santa
Carolina Place Mall
December 1, 8:00am-10:00am
Enjoy a fun-filled morning complete with a delicious catered breakfast, compliments of Carolina Place. Entertainment includes Santa’s elf, an art station with a take-home holiday craft, and of course, story time with Old Saint Nick himself. Events begin promptly at 8 a.m.! Tickets can be purchased at the mall office Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by calling 704-542-4111. Tickets are $5 per person and all ticket sales benefit the Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County. Limited number of tickets available!
Christmas Town USA
Downtown McAdenville
December 2-31, Mon.-Fri. 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sat.-Sun. 5:30pm-11:00pm
The lights are back and this is the event that launches many Carolina Family holidays.
WBT Holiday on Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame
November 21-January 6, Wed.-Fri., 5:00pm-10:00pm; Sat.-Sun., 10:00am-10:00pm
Price: Admission: $9.00, Skate Rental: $3.00
WBT Holiday on Ice is back for the 2012 holiday season! The rink is now located at the corner of MLK Blvd and Brevard on The NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, and we are more than 30% larger. That means more skating room for you to cut up the ice! Holiday on Ice will continue its tradition bringing Charlotte the coolest surface in the city, an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of Uptown. It’s a holiday tradition for us to continue with you, your friends, and family. And we hope to see you there!
Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Zootastic Park,Troutman
November 28-December 2, Wed.-Sat., 6:00pm-10:00pm; Sun., 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join us for the 4th Annual Christmas Wonderland of lights presented by McDonald’s, one of the Carolinas Largest Light Shows. With over 2 million lights, and a computerized light show set to music this will be a memory your entire family won’t forget. Along with the lights, Santa will be visiting nightly until Christmas Eve, we have petting zoos, pony rides, concessions, roasting pits to make smores, a candy shop, general store, and much, much more.
Holidays at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
November 23-December 31, noon-9:00pm
The sights and scents of a winter’s eve will envelop guests as Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates this special season. Our holiday display promises surprises aplenty with a new festive display of Christmas trees, a lighting display with 500,000 lights, and a touch of warmth offered by tasty s’mores enjoyed beside a glowing fire. Also, you can still enjoy favorites such as the Orchid Tree, visits with Santa and live entertainment. Cost is $12, adults; $6, children 4-12; $11, Seniors, 60+.
