GO. PLAY. SEE.: 5 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month

SIP HOT COCOA WITH SANTA

Stop by Optimist Hall on Saturday, December 7, and see the event space transformed into a Winter Wonderland. From 10 am to noon, Santa Claus will be stationed for photo ops against a backdrop of festive holiday décor. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa (with a full toppings bar!)  from Undercurrent Coffee. The event is free to attend, and the hot cocoa bar will stay open as long as supplies last.

VISIT CAMP NORTH POLE

Take the kids to Camp North End 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 5. Mistletoe Market also returns for three weekends on Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21 from 3 to 8 p.m. with street vendors and holiday pop-up shops. Visit camp.nc for more information.

HAVE BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT DTR PLAZA MIDWOOD

Kick off the holiday season with a Holiday Brunch on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at Dilworth Tasting Room in Plaza Midwood. Enjoy music, food and drink specials, and plenty of holiday cheer. Santa will stop by on Saturday, and kids can write a letter to the North Pole and take a photo with the big guy in red. Reserve a table in advance through DTR’s RESY link.

WEAR YOUR UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATER AND RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Break out your ugliest Christmas sweaters and head to Jetton Village in Cornelius on Sunday, December 8 for Carolina’s Ugly Sweater 5K and Elf Run 1K. Raise money for Cree Cares, a Charlotte nonprofit that helps underprivileged kids get involved in sports. Walkers, families, and well-behaved pets are welcome, and parents can get a free boozy drink at the finish line. The event is 2:30-4:30 p.m.; registration is $32 for the 5K and $12 for the 1K. 

STROLL DOWN GINGERBREAD LANE

Visit The Ballantyne Hotel from December 15-29 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.