The turkey is eaten. The guests are gone. The leftover desserts are… wait, there aren’t any leftover desserts. Whether your Thanksgiving was the Norman Rockwell version of perfection or whether it was like ours and filled with moments of awkward alcohol-inspired conversations or recipes that don’t look or taste like you expected based on their Insta-worthy recipe photos, the Holidays are officially upon us. With the first round of annual traditions now in the books, it’s time to look ahead to a month of jolly festivities and things to do filled with Christmas cheer.
So don’t be a Scrooge! Get out and enjoy what Charlotte has to offer to lift your spirits and give you a diversion from whatever is annoying you.
The Fourth Ward Sip and Stroll
My first idea for things to do at the Holidays is perhaps not surprising since I am, after all, a real estate broker and stager. Due to ongoing concerns related to Covid-19, the 2021 Holiday Tour will be an outdoor-only, evening, porch-crawl-style stroll through the heart of Historic Fourth Ward. Sip and Stroll through the homes beautifully decorated for the season. The event runs December 2-4. Tickets which cost between $30-$40 include food and beverage tastings (while they last), carriage rides and seasonal live music. There will be no interior home tours this year.
Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel
Here’s an option that is both fun for the littles and checks the box of doing something good for someone else this Holiday season. You might just get some baking inspiration while you cast your vote for your favorite gingerbread house display. There is a $1 minimum per vote and all proceeds will benefit the Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The event is free and runs December 3-26th. It’s in The Carolina Room at The Ballantyne Hotel (10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy). Open daily from 11am to 7pm.
The Charlotte Christmas Village and Light the Knights.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times. Shop local! Charlotte’s Truist Field is home to a European-inspired Christmas market where you can find handcrafted gifts and specialty foods like Austrian strudels, Bratwurst and Sauerkraut. At night, the ballpark will light up with tens of thousands of lights, festive displays and snow! It runs through December 23rd. Cost is $5-$10.
Of course, if you want to wander outside of the city limits for things to do at the Holidays there is the popular Winterfest at Carowinds, skating at the U.S. Whitewater Center, and Christmas lights at the Charlotte Motor Speedway or Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
There are lots of options and 30 days to soak in the Christmas Spirit before we ring in a New Year!
