Want to have breakfast with Santa?

Brio

Breakfast with Santa at Brio is planned for 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 8. A plated meal will be served; make sure to bring your camera. Coloring activities and a holiday treat bag are included in the price of $11.95 for adults and $5.95 for kids. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to charity to be entered into a Brio raffle.

• Brio

4720 Piedmont Row Drive

704-571-4214

www.brioitalian.com

Maggiano’s

Maggiano’s at SouthPark will be hosting breakfasts with Santa 8-11 a.m. Dec. 8 and 20. The breakfasts will feature a buffet with omelet and waffle stations, assorted side items, cereals, fresh baked pastries, hot chocolate and more. Photos with Santa (bring your camera), face painting, Christmas carols and a treat to take home are included in the price of $15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and younger. Call to reserve a spot: 704-916-2310.

• Maggiano’s

4400 Sharon Road

704-916-2300

www.maggianos.com

The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge

Plenty of Christmas happenings at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in December:

• A brunch buffet with Santa 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 2 featuring carving stations, breakfast items and desserts will be offered, as well as photos on Santa’s lap (with your camera) and entertainment at noon and 1 p.m., including a visit from the Grinch and Sparkle the Elf. Cost for the event: $39 for adults, $19 for kids ages 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. Call for reservations: 704-248-4100.

• Gingerbread Lane Professional and Amateur Competition: Professional bakers and amateurs can enter this annual competition and show off their gingerbread house baking skills. Applications must be received by Dec. 3 and houses delivered to the resort by Dec. 12. Prizes this year include a stay for up to four guests at the Cottage at Ballantyne for the professional winner, and a night’s stay for two in the Presidential Suite at the resort for the amateur winner. Contact Elaine Hicks for details and an application: ehicks@theballantynehotel.com, or 704-248-4083.

• Christmas Day Brunch: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 25. Enjoy brunch at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. Live holiday music and a buffet featuring omelet and carving stations, salads, seafood and more will be offered. Cost is $59 per person, $29 for children ages 5-12 and complimentary for kids 4 and younger. Call for reservations: 704-248-4100.

• Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge

10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway

704-248-4000

www.theballantynehotel.com

Duckworth’s

Duckworth’s Grill and Tap House will be opening in Huntersville this spring in the former O’Charley’s building. Stay tuned.

•  www.duckworthsgrillandbar.com

Pie Five

Pie Five Pizza Co. has unveiled plans to open stores in the Charlotte area beginning in 2013. As many as 18 locations are planned throughout Charlotte and Utah for the fast-casual, custom pizza chain. Guests at Pie Five can customize their pizzas by choosing from multiple toppings and then picking their crust: crispy thin, classic pan, Italian herb thin or a gluten-free crust. Pizzas are prepared and cooked to order in less than five minutes.

•  www.piefivepizza.com