Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
The Nutcracker
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!
THURSDAY, December 4
Santa’s Bag
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2806
December 3-6, See website for schedule, Ages 12 and under, Free
Summary: One-stop shopping for the entire family. Children can browse through a wide variety of inexpensive, pre-wrapped gifts and select something for everyone on their list.
Christmas in Davidson
Downtown Davidson
Davidson, NC (704) 596-0342
December 4-6, See complete event guide, All ages, Free
Summary: There are far too many events to list but trust us, there are plenty of things to do for every age in your family. We hope to see you there!
FRIDAY, December 5
Santa’s Bag
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2806
December 3-6, See website for schedule, Ages 12 and under, Free
Summary: One-stop shopping for the entire family. Children can browse through a wide variety of inexpensive, pre-wrapped gifts and select something for everyone on their list.
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.
Uptown Tree Lighting at Founders Hall
Founders Hall
Corner of Trade and Tryon, Charlotte, NC (704) 332-2227
December 5, 6:30pm-8:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Celebrate the start of the holiday season with Santa and the official lighting of the Uptown Holiday Tree. Have your photo taken with Santa and the entire cast of ACC Football mascots. There will be live performances, festivities, shopping, tasting and raffles inside Founders Hall at The Square.
Britax Car Seat Checks
Britax North American Headquarters
4140 Pleasant Road, Fort Mill, SC (704) 409-1695
December 5, 8:00am – 11:00am, Free
Summary: Have a certified child passenger safety technician assist you with your car seat installation. Learn the correct way to install your child seat, safety recommendations and answers to any questions you may have. No appointment needed.
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 6
Santa’s Bag
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2806
December 3-6, See website for schedule, Ages 12 and under, Free
Summary: One-stop shopping for the entire family. Children can browse through a wide variety of inexpensive, pre-wrapped gifts and select something for everyone on their list.
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.
Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Fort Mill Town Hall
Downtown Fort Mill, Fort Mill, SC (803) 547-2116
December 6, 11:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: The Town of Fort Mill’s Christmas Parade features classic cars, floats, marching bands, and much more.
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 7
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.
