It’s the most magical time for this self-led holiday tour uptown
Many years ago, I read about Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra performing at Founders Hall free during the holidays. I was ecstatic that we could see a famous and dead conductor perform. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t 15-17 life-size robotic bears singing Christmas carols and playing instruments. When I first went, animatronic Leonard Bearstein, with a deep gravelly voice, spoke to his audience about the music, and then turned around to lead his musicians in a solid performance of “We wish you a Merry Christmas.”
[Related: The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra has crazy endurance. A review.]
That same Founders Hall performance is still a part of our holiday tour of uptown. We usually bring visiting family and friends. Here are a few of my recommendations for your own holiday tour:
The Ritz-Carlton Gingerbread House
The Ritz-Carlton’s Gingerbread House is new on our holiday tour, although they have been decorating since they opened seven years ago. This year, walk through a tree-lined entrance to a 12-foot-wide gingerbread house with a 10-foot high clock tower, electric train and elves.
If you are inspired to build your own delectable house, purchase a mini-replica gingerbread house kit, $35, at Bar Cocoa, The Ritz-Carlton’s dessert boutique. Perhaps all this touring made you hungry and tired, try a macaroon, éclair or cupcake, $3-$6, and visit their environmentally friendly tree made with 789 recycled green plastic bottles.
Free admission.
Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week
201 E.Trade St.
Holiday On Ice
Thirteen years ago, WBT and 107.9 created the first outdoor ice-skating rink in uptown. Then it was located at The Green and was small – so small that there was not much room to turn around.
Despite its size, the rink became popular and a destination for people to skate or drink cocoa and watch ice skaters. WBT increased the size, and then eventually they needed more space. In 2011, Holiday On Ice moved to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza.
Date Night is tomorrow night, Dec. 3, and promises to be the most romantic night at Holiday On Ice. Admission includes two skate rentals, carriage ride and other sweet extras, $50. Look for event details for Date Night, Santa visits, Princess Day and Harry Potter Nights here.
$10 admission for all day skating and bring your own skates, $14 for all day skating with skate rental.
Hours: Vary by day and week, check here for details.
Location-NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 East Martin Luther King Blvd
Christmas Village
This was the first year for Charlotte’s Christmas Village. Since my visit last weekend, I have read about the grumblings about no huts, odd vendor choices and size of event. Essentially the village is 20 vendors set up in white tents circling the upper section of Romare Bearden Park. Businesses are selling everything from gift and food items to gutters. (Remember it is their first year.)
The event coordinators reacted quickly to the complaints from guests and added lights and garland for a more festive atmosphere. New signs directing people to the hospitality tent and beer lines were added.
Each weekend features live music, kids activities (including Santa) and themed special events like German and non-profit week.
Free admission.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; Noon-6 p.m. Sundays
Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St.
Bonus
While you are touring uptown, take the perfect holiday photo at one of these locations and tag CharlotteFive (#CLT5):
- Christmas tree inside Bank of America Lobby
- Large balls in front of the Mint Museum Uptown
- The Panthers’ Christmas tree at Mint Street and Graham Street
- Santa mural at the Christmas Village
Photos: The Ritz-Carlton, Vanessa Infanzon
This story was originally published December 1, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "It’s the most magical time for this self-led holiday tour uptown."