Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Dec. 6-12
Friday
Start your Christmas shopping at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt). The brewery will be transformed into a German-style Christmas Village full of shopping from over 40 vendors, lights, German beers and festive foods. Friday night will feature a Christmas tree lighting and the Yule Bock beer release. 4 p.m. 4150 Yancey Rd. Free admission.
Don’t miss the opening night of the Nutcracker and see for yourself why the Charlotte Ballet’s rendition of this classic Ballet is one of Charlotte’s favorite holiday traditions. 7:30 p.m 130 N. Tryon. Tickets start at $25.
Tony and Grammy-award winning play Jersey Boys opens this Friday at Ovens Auditorium. This musical play tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ journey to stardom. 8 p.m. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Tickets start at $54.
Saturday
Have a festive evening at the Mistletoe Market at Camp North End. Walk through an outdoor marketplace, drop in on holiday parties hosted by Camp North End tenants, roast marshmallows, watch a holiday movie and enjoy local music. Food, beverages and beer will be available for purchase. 5-10 p.m. 1824 Statesville Rd. Free admission.
Celebrate at Birdsong Brewing’s 8 Year Anniversary Party. The party will feature live music starting at 1 p.m., a selection of food trucks and pop-up vendors. They will be offering 5 ounce pours all day, so you can sample more of the wide variety of beers available. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1016 N. Davidson St. Free admission.
Spend your brunch with Santa Claus at the Mingle with Kris Kringle event. Drop in on Saturday morning for hors d’oeuvres, pastries, mimosas, juice and other treats while enjoying the company of Santa Claus. All proceeds from this event benefit MiraVia, nonprofit that helps pregnant mothers. 10 a.m.-noon. 1601 E. 7th St. $20 per adult, $10 per child.
The multi-platinum progressive rock group the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing two shows of their unforgettable Christmas concert for one day only this Saturday. The Spectrum Center show will feature rock renditions of traditional Christmas Carols and some originals. 3 p.m and 8 p.m. 333 E. Trade St. Tickets start at $49.50.
Sunday
Get some exercise in a fun non-competitive environment at one of the two Girls on the Run 5k races. Run, walk or jog through uptown Charlotte or Stowe Park in Belmont. All proceeds benefit Girls on the Run, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging girls. 7:30-11 a.m. Uptown event starts at 301 E. 7th St.; Belmont event starts at 24 S. Main St., Belmont. $35 in-person, $40 day of race.
Monday
Walk through Gingerbread Lane and vote for your favorite creation at the Ballantyne Hotel. All donation proceeds benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. Hot chocolate will be available for purchase. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Free admission.
Tuesday
Enjoy four decadent dishes from the Foxcroft kitchen paired with six wines from the family-owned Napa-based Cakebread Cellars at the Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner. 7-9 p.m. 1235 East Blvd. $75 per person.
Wednesday
Unwind after work at the NoDa Improv Comedy Extravaganza with Now Are The Foxes. Now Are The Foxes are a group of seven locally-based actors, improvisors and comedians who recently performed at the Franklin Street Comedy Festival. 7:30-9 p.m. 2320 N. Davidson St. $5
Thursday
Bundle up for a Moonlight Bike Ride at Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Bring your own bikes, helmets and bike lights and a guide from the Carolina Thread Trail will lead you on a scenic twilight ride through 10 miles of paved greenways. Ages 14 and up. Pre-registration is required. 6-7:30 p.m.
This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 5:44 AM.