Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
FRIDAY, December 12
Swim With Santa
Ray’s Splash Planet
215 N. Sycamore Street, Charlotte, NC 704-432-4729
December 12, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, All ages, $6 – $11
Summary: Get in the holiday spirit early and spend some quality time with the man himself……SANTA! Join him for a swim in the splash park this holiday season. Be sure to bring your wish list. He will be available for photos. Please bring your own camera for pictures with Santa.
Gingerbread Lane
The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 248-4055
December 11 – December 28, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Free, $1
Summary: Visit The Ballantyne to view an enchanting display of gingerbread creations. Attendees may vote on their favorite entries with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospita
Christmas Town USA
Downtown McAdenville
Main St., McAdenville, NC (704) 823-2260
December 1-26, Mon.-Fri. 5:30-9:30pm; Sat.-Sun. 5:30-11pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Guaranteed to be one of the most amazing lights displays you have ever seen.
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Charlotte
501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 376-3777
December 5-14, See website for schedule, All ages, $27
Summary: The classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
To see the 2014 schedule click here
Summary: Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition – Nutcracker – celebrates the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Bring your family and friends along for this holiday voyage featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony and over 100 performers. You’re guaranteed a magical snowfall at each performance!
Holiday On Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 277-2636
November 21- January 4, See website for schedule, All ages, $10 + $3 skate rental
Summary: Holiday on Ice continues it’s tradition of bringing Charlotte the coolest place 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!
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC (704) 455-3200
November 22 – December 30, See website for details, All ages, $15/vehicle Mon-Wed, $20/vehicle Thurs-Sun.
Summary: Speedway Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its fifth year. With more than three million lights in 800 displays, a Christmas Village located in the infield, and the unique chance to drive the track, Speedway Christmas has become the area’s best new holiday tradition! Back by popular demand, Speedway Christmas will host movie nights on the world’s largest HDTV every Friday and Saturday night during the show!
The Ice Park
The Speedpark at Concord Mills
8461 Concord Mills Blvd. , Concord, NC (704) KARTING
Summary: November 21 – January 19, See website for schedule, All Ages, $12
Ice skate on real ice at “The Icepark”. Buy your Ice Skating Tickets in advance. Includes Ice Skate Rentals only $12. Make it a COMBO including Unlimited Fun Speedpark- Go Karting, Mini Golf, Bungee, Spider Web, and Fun Slide with Ice Skating and Skate Rentals.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
Every Friday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Every Friday night, Charlotte’s favorite food trucks gather on the lot at the corner of Park and Camden in the Historic South End. These aren’t the roach coaches of yesteryear! The nationwide revolution of the food truck industry has hit Charlotte, and we’ve got an ever-growing community of trucks that cater to your every taste. From burgers to tacos to soul food to cupcakes to ice cream and everything in between…there’s something for everyone. Meeting every Friday night since February 2012, Food Truck Fridays have taken the city by storm. Periodically featuring entertainment as well, the crowds have swelled to over 1,000 each week. We’re family and dog-friendly, too! So bring a chair, bring a blanket, BYOB, bring the kids, take the dog…it’s a neighborhood night out in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Most of the trucks accept credit cards as well as cash. Accessible by public transportation…take the light rail to Bland Station. A good time and great food are guaranteed!
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
SATURDAY, December 13
Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS
Ovens Auditorium
2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 374-1564
December 13, 11:00am & 3:00pm, All ages, $18 – $20,
Summary: Enjoy this one hour show full of sing-a-longs, holiday tunes, puppets, dancers and Santa Stop by the Charlotte Parent table before the show for festive coloring fun.
NutCracker: Harris YMCA School of Dance
Queens University, Dana Auditorium
1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC
December 13-14, See website for times, All ages, $15 – $20
Summary: Enjoy this family-friendly performance of everyone’s holiday favorite presented by the Harris YMCA School of Dance Performing Company Dancers.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
The Ritz Carlton
201 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC (704) 547-2244
December 13, 10:30am – 3:00pm, All ages, $25 – $35
Summary: This year’s menu will feature traditional and contemporary tea sandwiches in flavors of salmon rillette, smoked chicken salad, “BLTea,” egg and pimento cheese, and foie gras and currant parfait. Further menu inclusions will be highlighted by freshly-baked orange-cranberry scones with preserves and Devonshire cream, petit chocolate éclairs, seasonal Bar Cocoa macarons, sweet potato cheesecake, apple tart bars, and chocolate-peppermint mille-feuille pastries. A special children’s tea menu will also offer delightful mini-sandwiches of Nutella with hazelnuts and southern ham and cheese, along with a colorful selection of holiday sweets, cookies and added beverages.
Birkdale Village: Breakfast with Santa
Red Rocks Cafe
8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC (704) 895-8744
December 13, 8:30am – 9:45am, All ages, Free
Summary: Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Red Rocks Café. Enjoy music, food and fun all in one place! Tickets for Breakfast with Santa will be on sale starting November 17th online at www.ourtownshabitat.org . All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Our Town’s Habitat for Humanity.
Gingerbread Lane
The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 248-4055
December 11 – December 28, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Free, $1
Summary: View an enchanting display of gingerbread creations. Attendees may vote on their favorite entries with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds go towards the Levine Children’s Hospital.
Christmas Town USA
Downtown McAdenville
Main St., McAdenville, NC (704) 823-2260
December 1-26, Mon.-Fri. 5:30-9:30pm; Sat.-Sun. 5:30-11pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Guaranteed to be one of the most amazing lights displays you have ever seen.
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Charlotte
501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 376-3777
December 5-14, See website for schedule, All ages, $27
Summary: The classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
To see the 2014 schedule click here
Summary: Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition – Nutcracker – celebrates the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Bring your family and friends along for this holiday voyage featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony and over 100 performers. You’re guaranteed a magical snowfall at each performance!
Charlotte Youth Ballet
Halton Theater
206 Elizabeth Avenue (704) 330-6534
To see the 2014 Nutcracker schedule click here
Summary: Celebrate the magic of the Season with the Charlotte Youth Ballet. Featured nearly local and international professionals paired with talented regional students of ballet, the Nutcracker is sure to delight! Elaborate costumes, whimsical scenery and Christmas joy!
Holiday On Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 277-2636
November 21- January 4, See website for schedule, All ages, $10 + $3 skate rental
Summary: Holiday on Ice continues it’s tradition of bringing Charlotte the coolest place 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!
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC (704) 455-3200
November 22 – December 30, See website for details, All ages, $15/vehicle Mon-Wed, $20/vehicle Thurs-Sun.
Summary: Speedway Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its fifth year. With more than three million lights in 800 displays, a Christmas Village located in the infield, and the unique chance to drive the track, Speedway Christmas has become the area’s best new holiday tradition! Back by popular demand, Speedway Christmas will host movie nights on the world’s largest HDTV every Friday and Saturday night during the show!
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
SUNDAY, December 14
Holiday Tea and Shopping At The Duke Mansion
Historic Duke Mansion
400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 714-4448
December 14, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Ages 5 – 12, $15 – $35, Registration required
Summary: Shop for gifts inside of Charlotte’s top boutiques and enjoy tea in the living room with the Duke Mansion Signature Tea, tea sandwiches, sweets and more.
NutCracker: Harris YMCA School of Dance
Queens University, Dana Auditorium
1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC
December 13-14, See website for times, All ages, $15 – $20
Summary: A family-friendly, abridged version narrated for all to enjoy.
Gingerbread Lane
The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 248-4055
December 11 – December 28, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Free, $1
Summary: View an enchanting display of gingerbread creations. Attendees may vote on their favorite entries with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds go towards the Levine Children’s Hospital.
Christmas Town USA
Downtown McAdenville
Main St., McAdenville, NC (704) 823-2260
December 1-26, Mon.-Fri. 5:30-9:30pm; Sat.-Sun. 5:30-11pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Guaranteed to be one of the most amazing lights displays you have ever seen.
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Charlotte
501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 376-3777
December 5-14, See website for schedule, All ages, $27
Summary: The classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
Holiday On Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 277-2636
November 21- January 4, See website for schedule, All ages, $10 + $3 skate rental
Summary: Holiday on Ice continues it’s tradition of bringing Charlotte the coolest place 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!
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Theme Areas: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events: For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
