Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Dec. 24-30

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

Check out the Winter Wonder Bar at BOCADO before it’s gone. This holiday pop-up bar comes complete with nostalgic lights and themed cocktails. There will even be a few warm cocktails, such as the Buttered Bah Humbug (rum, house-made butterscotch, cinnamon, steamed milk) and the Drop It Like It’s Hot Chocolate (gourmet chocolate, bourbon, steamed milk, whipped cream). 2000 South Blvd. https://bit.ly/2Zzu6Dr

Plan your New Year’s Eve celebration. From snacks prepared by Meshugganah to a Drink Through the Decades event at Billy Sunday, there are plenty of options to grab a bite for a stay-at-home celebration or to get out on the town. CharlotteFive rounded up the best dining specials and events, so you can make the most of the last day of the year, but check for COVID precautions and cancellations before you go. https://bit.ly/3q6KwMW

Saturday

Watch a classic flick or new holiday movie with family or friends. CharlotteFive rounded up some of the best movies across genres so you can look up where to catch “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Die Hard,” “Happiest Season” and more across streaming services. https://bit.ly/33sYKQv

Make plans with family and friends to try all the 2021 food trends before the end of the year. From plant-based bites to comfort food and CSAs, save room to try this year’s favorites before the 2022 trends bring in even more options. https://bit.ly/33l9n7H

Sunday

Start your week with yoga. The “Gogh with Lifeway Kefir Immersive Yoga” experience will offer flows at the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit before its departure from Charlotte at the beginning of 2022. These 35-minute classes are open to all fitness levels and are designed to challenge the body and inspire the mind. Each class will be choreographed in harmony with sounds, light, music and moving images. Participants will also have 25 minutes to enjoy the exhibit post-class and will receive a snack compliments of Lifeway Kefir. 8:30 a.m. $54.99. 1774 Statesville Ave. https://bit.ly/3ifRbBy

Is your New Year’s resolution to write a book? Get inspired at a local bookstore. Whether you prefer to browse used books at Julia’s Cafe and Books or look for something new at Park Road Books, these local shops pair well with nearby coffee so you can sip and be inspired. https://bit.ly/3oQAwI4

Monday

Plan your chicken wing spread for New Year’s Eve. CharlotteFive rounded up the best spots to get chicken wings around town, including Bisonte Pizza Co., Cuzzo’s Cuisine, Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grille and more, so you can make sure you have a worthy spread of wings and snacks at your party. Check out the list, then vote for your favorite. https://bit.ly/3DQXXVZ

Register for the New Year’s Eve Trail Race at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Start the new year by racing through the woods during a 5K or your choice of a night or morning 10K. Headlamps are required. Pre-registration is available through Dec. 29. Packet pickup is Dec. 30. The race is Dec. 31. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. https://bit.ly/3lXVdQs

Tuesday

Reserve your spot to dine in an igloo. What started as a way to serve guests safely during quarantine has now turned into a trend, and Merchant & Trade is delivering again this year. Heated, furnished igloos will be available to rent for groups to dine on the scenic rooftop. Each pod can accommodate up to 10 guests, and food and beverage/rental fees apply. 21+. 5 p.m.-midnight, multiple 2-hour time slots available. $150 rental fee, $600+ food and beverage, depending on reservation time. 303 S. Church St. https://bit.ly/3ECRQFE

Visit an old favorite. Several of Charlotte’s popular restaurants opened in the 1980s and are still serving food today. From the Fourth Ward Stroganoff at Alexander Michael’s to the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp at Cajun Queen, these spots have perfected comfort food that lasted through years of changes and trends. https://bit.ly/3mQp3Yq

Wednesday

Get tickets for Cirque de Noel at Belk Theater. In this seasonal event, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be joined by acrobatics while performing holiday favorites. This two-day, family-friendly event will meld the symphony and the circus. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29-30. $10+. 130 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3dPEUkq

Enjoy free admission and exciting events at local museums during Wednesday Night Live. Through a partnership among the institutions comprising Levine Center for the Arts (The Mint Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Knight Theater) and Bank of America, there will be a rotating weekly event series with live programming. On Dec. 29, The Harvey B. Gantt Museum for African American Arts + Culture will celebrate Ujamaa, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa through candle-making workshops, informational sessions on traditions and an African dance class. There will also be handcrafted treasures available for purchase. Masks are required. 5-9 p.m. Free. https://bit.ly/3EjACwQ

Thursday

Get one last look at holiday light displays before they’re gone. From immersive attractions at Carowinds Winterfest to a drive-through display at Speedway Christmas and spectacularly decorated homes, there’s family-friendly spectaculars all around Charlotte, and most run through the new year. https://bit.ly/31SGv6w

Stay warm with a bowl of ramen. CharlotteFive rounded up the best places for hearty noodle and broth dishes, from Bao + Broth at Optimist Hall to Jinya in uptown and Yume in Wilmore. https://bit.ly/3Cda6V8

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

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.