Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
This December celebrate the magical sights and sounds of the holidays at Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker. Create a memorable holiday tradition when you bring your family and friends along for this holiday voyage featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony, over 100 dancers and a breathtaking snowfall. Be there as the Nutcracker Prince triumphs over the evil Mouse King and as the Sugar Plum Fairy entertains Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and the audience with dazzling dancing sweets. Buy your tickets NOW!
SEASONAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (McColl Family Theatre)
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, Ages 8-14, $12-$26
Summary: A Cinderella happy ending – just not the one you would expect. In this world premiere musical infused with the dance and fashions of the Roaring ‘20s, Ella’s new stepmother and sisters snap up the dazzling dresses she designs, but don’t think she’s worthy of their glamorous life. When the Duke proves them wrong, Ella must look inside to choose the right path for herself.
Scrooge the Musical
Fullwood Theater
100 McDowell Street, East, Matthews, NC
See website for schedule, All ages, $10-$15
Summary: Like the musical film of the same name, Scrooge The Musical closely follows the plot of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
Twas the Night Before
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28210
See website for schedule, Ages 4-6, $12 and up
Summary: Created just for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ‘Twas the Night Before… weaves together stories and music celebrating the spirit and traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Christmas at the Library
The Billy Graham Library
4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 401-3200
December 1-23, See website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: Christmas is a special time at the Billy Graham Library with plenty of family-friendly attractions to celebrate the birth of Christ (live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, story time, Christmas dinner, Christmas Carolers and more!
Christmas Town USA
Downtown McAdenville
December 1 – December 26, see website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: If you have not been, it’s worth the trip. Read the visitors information page for tips to make your visit more enjoyable.
Holiday on Ice
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC
November 20-January 3, See website, All ages, $10 admission, $3 skate rental
Summary: News Talk 1110 WBT & 107.9 The Link’s Holiday On Ice is Charlotte, North Carolina’s only outdoor ice skating rink. We’re the city’s “Rockefeller Center” where you can skate under the stars in the heart of Uptown. Holiday On Ice is presented by Cool Renewal Spa and is located on the plaza at the NASCAR Hall of Fame from November 20th, 2015 to January 3rd, 2016. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly activity, a romantic night with a loved one, a unique experience or a holiday tradition, Holiday On Ice is sure to have something for everyone.
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord, NC
November 21-December 30, See website for schedule, All ages, $25 per vehicle
Summary: More than three million lights and the chance to drive the track. The infield Christmas Village, includes movie nights on the speedway’s 16,000-square-foot HDTV, photos with Santa, a bustling Bethlehem village, petting zoo and more.
Holiday at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC (704) 825-4490
November 20 – January 3, See website for schedule, $8.95 and up
Summary: Winter glistens as dazzling lights dance throughout the garden this holiday season. Holidays at the Garden, a must-see family, decade-old tradition for thousands of all ages, is a magical time of year when the trees twinkle, the fountains sparkle, and botanical-themed displays glisten among the natural beauty of the winter Garden.
ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST
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.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
Summary: The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
