Today’s Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by our friends at Charlotte Ballet – featuring Nutcracker!
Feel the magic in the air as the Charlotte Ballet celebrates its return to the Belk Theater for Nutcracker this December after a year hiatus due to COVID-19! Reserve your seats now to see costumes that sparkle, fairies that twirl in the Land of Sweets, and the party that you can’t miss!
Ice Skating at the White Water Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC
November 15-mid February, See website for schedule and costs
Summary: The Whitewater Center’s ice rink has grown to over 24,000 sq. ft. this year and includes four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. The new trail addition extends access further into the Upper Pond towards the pump house and provides a brand new experience for guests. Centered in the converted pond is an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages when guests need a skate break.
WinterFest at Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
November 13-January 9, See website for schedule
Summary: Gather the whole family to make lifelong memories at Carowinds’ WinterFest, the area’s most immersive holiday attraction with a sleigh-full of fun things to do for Christmas. Listen to favorite tunes crooned by carolers and smell the sweet aromas of freshly baked treats. Find unique gifts at our specialty shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season’s best live shows.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 3-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC
November 19-January 16, See website for schedule
Summary: Four million lights strung up along a 4-mile course, synchronized to Christmas music. Don’t miss the holiday movie nights.
Charlotte Christmas Village
Uptown Charlotte
406 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
November 24-December 23, Free admission.
Summary: A German-inspired Christmas market that includes traditional German foods, homemade crafts and gifts and local musical performances. Discover thousands of lights, trees and displays as you walk through the snowtastic winter wonderland. Santa will be in the village every day! See website for a full schedule.
Holidays at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 New Hope Road, Belmont, NC
November 26-January 2, See website for schedule
Summary: Sing along to holiday tunes as you stroll among lighted topiary displays, rolling lights and twinkling cherry trees. Food trucks serve up festive food and drink.
Charlotte Symphony Holiday Concert – Home Alone
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Belk Theater
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
November 26-27, See website for schedule,
Summary: Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone is a quintessential holiday favorite. Your whole family will delight in John Williams’ beloved score performed live, while the full-length film is projected on a big screen above the orchestra
Markets at 11 in Ballantyne
Ballantyne’s Backyard
11611 N. Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC
Summary: Join us on the second Saturday of each month for Markets at 11!
Local businesses are bringing their craft to the South Charlotte community to shop and enjoy! Browse specialty beauty, health and home products on Ballantyne’s former golf course. Grab bites and brews from local food and drink vendors. Post up on your picnic blanket and get your groove on with musical artists all day long!
Children’s Theater at ImaginOn
300 E. 7th St. Charlotte, NC
Summary: We are excited to welcome audiences back to ImaginOn for in-person shows. Tickets and Choose-Your-Own Subscriptions now on sale. Click here for upcoming events. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte also offers a variety of programs for your child to enter the world of theatre. Our award-winning classes will help your child discover their creative spirit in the classroom and in life!
Fall Fun!
Cotton Hills Farm – The Market in Lowrys
2575 Lowrys Hwy, Chester, SC
Monday-Saturday weather permitting, 9AM-7PM, $2.25/lb, bring your own container or purchase for $1 each
Summary: Come make some sweet family memories on the farm! Our u-pick strawberry patch is open Monday – Saturday, 9AM to 7PM. No reservations required, No pets allowed. After picking, cool off with a scoop or two of hand-dipped ice cream. Kids can enjoy our tractor play-set and sand pile.
Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium
800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC
Click here for 2021 schedule
Charlotte Hornets
Spectrum Center
333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
Discovery Place Science
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
Discovery Place Nature
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
Discovery Place Kids
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC
See website for schedule, reservations required
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC
Summary: The Schiele Museum of Natural History is now open! The museum is committed to inspiring curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs, exhibits, and research. To see a list of events and plan your visit, click here.
Mecklenburg County Library Virtual Events
Free Virtual Events
Summary: Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. Daily appointments for Reading Buddies and Tutoring and Enrichment for school-age children can be accessed by clicking here.
