Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Dec. 20-26
Friday
Check out the December Concerts at the Courtroom featuring a round up of local folk-influenced bands. This Friday’s lineup includes Charlotte-based alt-country bands Sinners and Saints and Time Sawyer, with poet and singer-songwriter Ephraim Scott Sommers opening. This show is appropriate for all ages. 8 p.m. 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill. $10.
See the Charlotte Symphony and Carolina Voices team up for a Holiday Spectacular of The Magic of Christmas and the Singing Christmas Tree. This show includes performances of classic holiday songs, sing-alongs, snow and a visit from Santa Claus. 7:30 p.m. 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $34.
Run though the Christmas decoration of historic Plaza Midwood at the third annual Running of the Balls 5K. Run, walk or jog through the neighborhood on a course starting and ending at Resident Culture, where you’ll finish the night with a post-race celebration. Event proceeds benefit the Smith Family Wellness Center and Eastway Middle School. 7:15 p.m. 2101 Central Ave. $20.
Saturday
Bring the whole family to a holiday-themed Teddy Bear Tea. Each child gets to stuff a teddy bear, take photos with Santa and decorate an ornament while adults can enjoy bottomless mimosas and an artisanal tea menu. A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit the Hospitality House of Charlotte. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 301 S. College St. $52 for adults or $60, including bottomless mimosas; $28 for kids under 12 years old, free for children 2 and under.
Turn on your love light for A Very Grateful Christmas at the Triple C Brewing Barrel Room featuring live music from Josh Daniel’s Grateful Band. 6:30-10 p.m. 2832 Griffith St. $5.
Bring your blankets to a screening of The Grinch at the Metropolitan’s Moonlight Movies. Before the movie starts, you can meet the Grinch, decorate a gingerbread cookie, get a treat from the hot cocoa bar and enjoy more fun surprises. 4-7 p.m. 1111 Metropolitan Ave. Free admission.
Sunday
Taste Rieslings, Muscadet and Champagne wines paired with raw oysters provided by the Waterman Fish Bar, local cheeses and chocolate truffles for an ultimate decadent afternoon Vin Master Oyster and Wine Tasting. 1-4 p.m. 2000 South Blvd. $45.
Hear the multi-platinum Charlie Brown Christmas album performed live at A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring the Sean Mason Trio at Middle C Jazz. 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. 300 S. Brevard St. Tickets start at $12.
Enjoy a hearty meal before a hike through the Anne Springs Close Greenway at the Sunday Brunch at the Gateway Canteen. Brunch includes a prime rib and grilled salmon carving station, omelet station, house-made bacon, fruit and cheese and more delicious treats. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2573 Lake Haigler Dr., Fort Mill. $17.95 per person ages 12 and up, $8.95 for children ages 3-11.
Join NC Yoga Bar and Village Juice for an all-level power flow yoga class in Optimist Hall. Village Juice will provide snacks. The event is free, but make sure to reserve your space. 9 a.m. 1115 N. Brevard St. Free admission.
Monday
Grab a drink at rooftop bar Merchant and Trade’s Christmas Bonus event, where you can enjoy festive decorations, holiday-themed drinks and uptown views. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. 303 S. Church St. Free admission.
Tuesday
Get out of the house on Christmas Eve and play at the Speedpark at Concord Mills. Unlimited fun wristbands are available for a discounted rate of $20 for the day, which includes go-karting, mini golf, bungee jump, a spider climb and more fun activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 8461 Concord Mills Blvd. $20.
Wednesday
Treat the family to Christmas Brunch in the Gallery Restaurant. The brunch consists of a delicious prix fixe three-course meal in the beautifully decorated Ballantyne Hotel. Reservations are required. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. $69.
Thursday
Recap the past year at the Best of 2019 Trivia at NoDa Brewing. Tin Kitchen will be onsite serving up snacks. 6-9 p.m. 2921 N. Tryon St. Free admission.
This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 5:00 AM.