GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month

CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AT THE GARDEN

Head to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a magical night of lights at Holidays at the Garden. Sing along to wintertime favorites at the topiary display, take in the twinkling cherry trees, grab a bite from the food trucks, and roast a marshmallow beside a fire. The outdoor event is open from 5 to 9 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday and runs through January 3rd, 2022. Advance tickets are available for 5, 6:30, and 8 p.m. arrival times; entry times are staggered to reduce crowding. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. dsbg.org

SEE THE NUTCRACKER AT THE BELK THEATER

See costumes that sparkle, fairies that twirl in the Land of Sweets, and holiday magic as Charlotte Ballet performs Nutcracker. The show runs from December 3-23 and tickets start at $25. Catch a special sensory-friendly performance on December 15 at 12 p.m.; the abbreviated show has an extended intermission, house lights remain at half brightness, and entry and exit to the theater is not restricted. For ticket reservations visit Charlotte Ballet or call 704.348.5752.

CATCH THE ELF ON THE SHELF ON STAGE

Take the kids to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical when the touring stage production stops at Ovens Auditorium on Friday, December 3 at 6 p.m. Enjoy festive music, dance, sets, and costumes as you watch the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Tickets start at $34.75, and VIP packages are $89.75 (plus applicable fees). Purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 803-745-3000.

SWING BY MISTLETOE MARKET

Visit Camp North End on Saturday, December 4, 11, and 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. and see the 76-acre site transformed into a winter wonderland. Experience larger-than-life holiday decor by Studio Cultivate, igloos and hangout space at Camp North Pole, an outdoor biergarten, an indoor lounge with holiday movie screenings, two stages for live music, and colorful holiday tree displays. All Mistletoe Market activities are open to the public and free to attend, except for Immersive Van Gogh, which requires an advanced ticket purchase. camp.nc