3 spots to grab a cup of cheer and get in the holiday spirit

By Casey Hendrickson

Updated October 15, 2019 8:02 AM

With the start of the holidays—a season of travel, the same rotation of Christmas songs and lots of sloppy bright-red-lipstick kisses on the cheek from Aunt Petunia—you’re going to want a few spots to sit back, enjoy, and have a cup of cheer.

Here are three places you shouldn’t miss:

1. Hot cocoa at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte (201 East Trade St.)

Want to wow your guests? Take them to the Ritz-Carlton. The moment you enter the lobby, you’ll feel Christmas in the air.

Could it be because of the giant French macaron Christmas trees made from 9,000 colorful macarons? Or the practically life-sized (and entirely edible) gingerbread house? Perhaps it’s the chandeliers adorned with ornaments and that drape down? No matter, it’s all magical, folks. Magical.

As you head to the lounge/bar area, post up near the fireplace burning along the wall—it’ll lend the time spent catching up with friends or relatives a cozy, luxurious feel. Here, my drink of choice is the hot cocoa. I don’t know what the secret is to this recipe, but it’s one of the most delicious things I’ve ever sipped: thick and creamy, with the perfect amount of spices and cocoa ratio.

Casey Hendrickson Photography

It pairs well with the holiday dessert lineup, including Mexican hot chocolate cupcakes, coconut macaroon snowmen, and the sugarplum and peppermint macarons. Another option: give the hot apple cider and fresh-baked cookies a test-drive.

2. Yule Bock and glühwein at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (4150 Yancey Road)

Maybe you’re looking for somewhere with a more relaxed atmosphere that’s also a more suitable option for children to hang out. Head to The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, which will release its Yule Bock — several options of Christmas-inspired lager — on Dec. 1, as well as its Christmasy glühwein (a.k.a. glow wine, a.k.a. heaven in a cup). Because OMB has plenty of seating, both inside and out, you can’t go wrong.

For an extra special treat, head there at 5 p.m. Dec. 1 for their Christmas tree lighting and a surprise visit from Santa. Wintry lagers start at $4.90 for pints and the wine is about $6 a glass. The eight acres of open space are perfect for kids and pups to run and play, or just for you and a couple of friends to lounge around without the hustle and bustle interfering with the zen.

3. Mulled cider at Christkindlmarkt at Romare Bearden Park (300 S. Church St.)

Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, Romare Bearden Park turns into Christkindlmarkt — a Charlotte Christmas village that runs through Christmas Eve. This is a fun option to have for exploring the different vendors and tents that will be set up, doing some Christmas shopping, and also grabbing a specialty beverage of choice, such as mulled cider or beer.

This is a great outing for friends, foodies, or the whole family, with plenty of live performances from talented locals, visits with Santa, and tons of food options to please everyone. The best part? Admission is 100% free. So go grab a cup of cider, and enjoy all the refills throughout your time walking through the park. The first cup is $8 and comes in a souvenir mug, and refills are $6 after. Feel free to also bring your leashed fur-babies along. We aren’t the only ones that love a good brät!

Photos: Casey Hendrickson Photography

Sip Charlotte is a weekly email newsletter for beer, wine, and cocktail enthusiasts across the region. Click here to subscribe. Have a story idea? Feedback? Connect with editor Caroline Portillo at cportillo@charlotteobserver.com. Cheers!

This story was originally published November 24, 2016 at 2:53 AM with the headline "3 spots to grab a cup of cheer and get in the holiday spirit."

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