Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Dec. 17-23

Editor’s note: CharlotteFive has limited coverage of in-person, indoor events to help prevent community spread of COVID-19. Masks are now required in Charlotte and many venues for indoor spaces or close settings.

Friday

Celebrate Botiwalla’s first anniversary Mela. To commemorate one year of business at Optimist Hall, Botiwalla will offer food and drinks stations, a henna tattoo artist, a Bollywood DJ and more. Guests can purchase tickets at the counter and redeem them for food and beverage items, including panipuri, lamb burgers, kebabs and cocktails. 5:30-10 p.m. $1/ticket. 1115 N. Brevard St. https://bit.ly/3IWV0XR

Watch the Basketball Hall of Fame Shootout at Spectrum Center. During this one-day event, you can catch East Carolina vs. Liberty, St. Bonaventure vs. Virginia Tech, North Carolina State Vs. Richmond and Wake Forest vs. Charlotte. 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9 p.m. $23.50+. 333 E. Trade St. https://bit.ly/3GFZKPy

Saturday

Test your skills at Puttery, Charlotte’s newest adults-only golf entertainment spot. This Brookhill neighborhood space will offer two themed golf courses (conservatory and library), a patio, multiple lounges, two bars and more. There will also be signature cocktails and appetizers available for purchase. $18 per person. 210 Rampart St. https://bit.ly/3IIzp57

Shop the Mistletoe Market at Camp North End. During the event, you can shop handmade goods at the market curated by VTGCLT, watch a parade of dogs in sweaters, take holiday photos, enjoy live music and snack on seasonal food and drinks. 4-8 p.m. Free. 300 Camp Road. https://bit.ly/31RRE7f

Sunday

Build a winter wonderland terrarium during a workshop at Twigs & Figs in Ballantyne. During the class, you will create three terrariums inspired by snowglobes using air plants, holiday figurines, glittering snow and more. There’s also a selection of craft beer, wines, sparkling water, kombuchas, ciders and seltzers available for purchase to add to your experience. 3 p.m. $40. 15205 John J. Delaney Dr. https://bit.ly/3pRUgdD

Get your favorite 5Church menu items before they’re gone. As part of a rebrand, 5Church will change its name and decor to match Church and Union, which launched with success in Nashville. Though some menu items will remain the same, you’ll want to stop in for the 5Church Lamb Burger, 60 Second Steak and Viper before they’re gone after the end of the year. 127 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3pVhfnZ

Monday

Celebrate the season at the Tosco Music Holiday Party at Knight Theater. The evening’s events will include over a dozen performers and sing-a-longs, as well as traditional holiday songs and Christmas carols performed in a variety of musical genres. All performers, staff and volunteers must be vaccinated and adhere to the Blumenthal Performing Arts COVID guidelines. 7:30 p.m. $18.50+. 430 S. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3IIqnFl

Check out new menu items at Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria. In addition to the regular menu, new dinner menu items include croquetas, salchipapa, milanesa, pollo a la plancha, chicken a la Cruz sandwich and a selection of new cocktails. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. 1205 Thomas Ave. https://bit.ly/3m3cdom

Tuesday

See your favorite holiday lights. In addition to commercial displays from Carowinds and Daniel Stowe, local neighborhoods are putting on incredible displays. CharlotteFive narrowed down your recommendations, and we put together a Holiday Lights Bracket this season. Check out who’s at the top of the list. https://bit.ly/3DQwB24

Celebrate Taco Tuesdays at Cantina Louie, which opened its first Charlotte-area location in Matthews. This Dia-de-los-Muertos-themed restaurant offers $2.99 tacos and $5.99 specialty margaritas on Tuesdays, as well as other food and drink specials throughout the week, including “App-y Hour.” 2225 Matthews Township Pkwy. https://bit.ly/3pQVoOO

Wednesday

Make your holiday dinner plans. From dine-in options at 5Church and Stoke Charlotte to take-home meals from Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen and Leah & Louise, CharlotteFive rounded up your options so you can plan a memorable meal with family and friends. https://bit.ly/3pWxv8B

Order Gigi’s Cupcakes online. After closing last weekend, Gigi’s will still offer its cupcakes via Big Phil’s Sweets & Treats food truck. You can stop in-person or order online for delivery via DoorDash or UberEats or for pickup at the food truck. https://bit.ly/3GJkN3L

Thursday

Sample the new menu at Alchemy Restaurant & Bar. Chef Ken Aponte has reimagined familiar dishes to offer something for everyone, including cucumber scallops and vegan pot pie. There are also new cocktail options from mixologist Angelica Belo, such as the Blank Canvas with Abstinence spice, apple, maple, fall spice syrup, aquafaba and cinnamon and the Not Carded, made with Abstinence citrus, raspberry, lemon juice and orgeat. 2517 Distribution St. https://bit.ly/3ER35KR

Skip the Amazon scrolling and give a restaurant gift card. In addition to providing friends and family the option to dine at some of your favorite spots, you are also supporting the local restaurant industry, which suffered amid COVID. From tapas at Good Food on Montford to classic Southern food at Leah & Louise, there are plenty of places to gift a great meal. https://bit.ly/3oNR2IT

Mark your calendar

Spend New Year’s Eve at a late-night performance from Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, complete with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a ball drop and special host Delighted Tobehere. Proof of vaccination and photo ID required. 9 p.m. $71.71 + Hadley Theatre, 2132 Radcliffe Ave. https://bit.ly/3Cm96gC

Celebrate the New Year with an evening of music featuring American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle. The ticket includes a post-concert party at Belk Theatre with champagne, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, dancing on stage and more. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. $66+ 7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 31. 130 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3oRk891

Start the New Year with a healthy outing at the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K. The popular event will return this year along the LYNX rail line in University City. After the run, there will be a celebration complete with brunch, craft beer, mimosas, hot cider and music. The race, presented by Atrium Health, raises awareness about hunger challenges in Charlotte and proceeds will benefit Hope Street Food Pantry. Jan. 1, 2022. 10 a.m. $30-$45. All registered participants will receive an all-day pass to ride the LYNX. https://bit.ly/3Ep3wMp

This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 9:10 AM.

Jessica Swannie

The Charlotte Observer

Jessica is a writer fueled by coffee, cookies and long walks in the Magic Kingdom. She’s often found exploring the culinary scene (mostly pasta) and traveling. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jessicaswannie.