GO. PLAY. SEE.: 6 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
A supersized roundup for the holidays
ICE SKATE AT CAMP NORTH END
Take the kids to Camp North End on Saturday, December 2, 9, or 16 from 3 to 8 p.m. and see the 76-acre site transformed into a winter wonderland. Experience larger-than-life holiday decor, live music, and warm holiday drinks. This year’s lineup includes ice skating at Camp North Pole, a pop-up outdoor ice skating rink that’s open daily through Sunday, January 7. General admission is $15 per person; children 5 and under are $10. Skate rentals are included in the price of admission. Visit camp.nc for more information.
EXPERIENCE A HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW IN BALLANTYNE’S BACKYARD
Stop by Ballantyne’s Backyard from December 8-30 for the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular. Walk a half-mile trail decked out in more than a million lights, dozens of oversized snow globes, and hundreds of decorated trees. Visit Santa every night through December 23, and peruse the Holiday Village complete with boutiques and rotating food trucks. Tickets are $10 per person for Monday through Thursday and $15 Friday through Sunday. VIP Admission is $39 and includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate as well as access to the VIP Lodge, VIP Washrooms, Cozy Holiday Hearths, and a special VIP Entrance line.
SEE A HOLIDAY MUSICAL AT CENTRAL PIEDMONT’S NEW THEATER
Catch a holiday musical at Central Piedmont’s new theater inside the Parr Center Building. Need A Little Christmas is a Radio City Music Hall-style show that features beautifully choreographed tap numbers by a kick line, Santa’s workshop, a salute to the USO show, and much more. The show runs from December 8-21. Tickets start at $49 for adults and $33 for children ages 4 to 12.
SEE NUTCRACKER AT THE BELK THEATER
The holiday story you know and love is back in person at the Belk Theater. See costumes that sparkle, fairies that twirl in the Land of Sweets, and holiday magic as Charlotte Ballet performs Nutcracker alongside Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. The show runs from December 8-23. For ticket reservations visit Charlotte Ballet or call 704.348.5752.
HAVE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE DUNHILL HOTEL
Spend the morning with Santa at the historic Dunhill Hotel on Saturday, December 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast from The Asbury’s executive chef Tim Groody with favorites like French toast sticks, chicken fingers & waffles, biscuits, and fruit, plus coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider. Then visit with Santa in the adjacent room and get photos by the fireplace. Tickets are $35 per adult and $25 for children under 12.
STROLL DOWN GINGERBREAD LANE
Visit The Ballantyne Hotel from December 11-24 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to see Gingerbread Lane. The annual holiday baking event features novice and professional bakers who compete in this gingerbread house contest. Families can also enjoy hot cocoa and festive bites from the hotel’s homemade, life size gingerbread hut. Attendees may vote on their favorite entries with a $1 minimum donation per vote, and all proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital.
