In honor of the 25 days of Christmas we present (in no particular order) our top 25 fabulously Smarty Christmas events, activities, and ideas for you and yours!
Merry, Merry!
1. Pet Photos with Santa at South Park Mall
December 10th. Bring your furry children for a photo with Santa!
2. Christmas in Davidson Festival
November 30, Dec 1-2, 6-9 pm. Explore Downtown Davidson with lights, refreshments, special entertainment, and activities for the kids. True Holiday spirit in this festive and quaint town.
3. Holiday Lights at the Garden
November 17- December 31st. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The Garden glows with holiday spirit from the twinkling trees to the sparkling fountains and is transformed into a natural winter wonderland filled with unique festive décor including a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights, and illuminated displays. One of our Smarty faves!
4. The Nutcracker
December 9-23. The North Carolina Dance Theatre displays the magic of the season with this famous ballet. The holidays aren’t complete without seeing Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition.
5. The Singing Christmas Tree for Kids
December 9-10. The magic of the holidays come alive! Favorite kids’ Christmas carols, songs, and stories are brought to life and promise to delight!
6. Happy Holidays by Jami Masters School of Dance
December 9th, 11a & 3p shows. Halton Theatre, CPCC Campus. Tix $15-$25. Call Halton Theatre Box Office 704-330-6534 for tix.
7. Christmas Town, USA – McAdenville
The quiet little town of McAdenville comes alive with spectacular sites of the season. Shop their boutiques and see over 375 trees decorated with thousands of twinkle lights!
8. The Polar Express</a>
November 17-December 22
Cosy up in your PJ’s and head to The North Carolina Transportation Museum for the Polar Express. A visit from Santa, stories, snacks, and more! Purchase tickets here.
9. Holiday Fun at the Farm
Select weekends November 24-December 23. Click here for schedule. Christmas at the Farm with Santa and the Animals! Sit on Santa’s lap, pat and hold the 9 different kinds of farm animals (bunnies, pig, sheep, goats, chicken, duck, cows, and puppies), ride Santa’s horse, and play on the farm playground.
10. 33rd Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade
December 2, 1:30pm. Welcome the season at this festive parade featuring music, floats, and a special visit from Santa! North Main at Griffith Street, Davidson.
11. A Candlelight Christmas
December 2, 6-9 pm. Walk the plantation house, kitchen, cabin, and grounds by candlelight and experience an 1820s Christmas. See dancing in the house, meet the Latta family, and more. The plantation will be decorated for the season!
12. Family Christmas Caroling
Nothing says Christmas joy like the sound of Christmas Carols. Take your family and invite your friends to shower your neighbors with Christmas cheer. Don’t forget the jingle bells! It’s free, it’s festive, and it’s just plain fun!
13. My Secret Angel and Me
Move over Elf on the Shelf, make room for the sweetest Christmas tradition that will ever enter your home! What if an angel descended from above to teach your child the REAL meaning of Christmas?
14. Get to Know the Sugar Plum Fairy
Bake with your children and give the gift of confectioner to your loves ones this year.
15. Charlotte Christmas Village
November 23-December 24. Charlotte Christmas Village, presented by Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, is a quaint European-inspired Christmas Market to Uptown’s Romare Bearden Park.
16. WBT Holiday on Ice
Holiday on Ice is back for the 2011 holiday season! As you feel the air get colder, you will feel the chill in the air from the ice rink…in a NEW LOCATION, now located at the corner of MLK Blvd and Brevard on The NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Get your skate on! Check website for dates and times.
17. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
November 24-December 23. Click here for tickets. CTC’s most popular musical ever. One not to miss!
18. Magic of Christmas – Charlotte Symphony
November 30-December 3. Don’t miss this holiday tradition! A joyous concert full of classic Christmas tunes.
19. Create a “Time Capsule” Ornament
Make these awesome homemade family fun ornaments! Plastic balls open and hold precious memories of the year and are the perfect way to celebrate together and reminisce!
20. Tune In
Be sure to catch “25 Days of Christmas” on ABC Family. Fun loving new films mixed with time honored favorites brought to you night after night. Get your hot chocolate and share in family movie night.
21. The Nutcracker Ballet by the Harris YMCA School of Dance
Saturday, Dec 9th and Sunday, Dec 10th at Dana Auditorium at Queens University. Girl Scout Troops receive a Nutcracker patch and on-stage recognition as a show when purchasing tickets as a troop. Click here to order tickets.
22. Make our “No Freakin’ Way” Cookies
You have to read this blog and figure out why we call them this! BEST HOLIDAY cookies to wow your guest EVER!
23. The Ballantyne Hotel’s Gingerbread Lane
Amazing creativity awaits you at the Ballantyne Hotel’s Gingerbread Lane. Houses are on display throughout the month.
24. Charlotte Motor Speedway – Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway brings the holidays to life with the return of Carolina Christmas, a spectacular drive-through Christmas light park and village located at the legendary super-speedway. This is a light show you do NOT want to miss!
25. Ride around town checking out Christmas lights
Get cozy in pajamas, make some hot chocolate, and drive around Charlotte with holiday music blaring checking out all the Christmas lights.
Live in the moment, don’t stress, and TAKE PICTURES of your amazing month.