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Traditionally, the Southern Christmas Show opens on a Thursday. But because Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year, show organizers decided to open it a day early. That means this year's holiday shopping event will be open Wednesday and extend through Nov. 22 at the Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Center), 2500 E. Independence Blvd.
"Many of the people that come to the show are teachers, bank tellers and government workers and they'll have Veterans Day off," says David Zimmerman, president of Southern Shows.
In keeping with this year's theme, "A Taste of Christmas," Zimmerman and his team cooked up something new to set the tone as guests enter the show - a working bakery.
"We always do something different at the entrance," says Zimmerman. "The famous Dewey's Bakery out of Winston-Salem that makes all the Moravian sugar cookies and cakes will be there handing out samples."
The show is divided into four areas:
Old Towne resembles a village and is filled with 50 shops full of ornaments, decorations and special gifts such as dolls.
The Enchanted Village is devoted to dollhouses and miniature scenes created by the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.
A Holiday Entertainment Stage is where you'll see everything from puppet shows, sing-along with area choirs, and fashion shows.
A Market is where about 600 merchants and crafters will sell their wares, ranging from jewelry to strudel. There's also an area where you can visit with Santa, and a display of toy trains.
