Holiday Fun in Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina may not be able to guarantee a white Christmas (and for many residents that’s a good thing!). Still, Uptown Charlotte always promises more than its fair share of holiday fun. This round-up lets you know what things to do in Uptown Charlotte to look forward to this winter.
First, let’s clarify. When we’re talking about Uptown Charlotte, we’re talking about downtown Charlotte, NC. Wait. What? That’s clearing things up? What outsiders would consider downtown Charlotte is actually known locally as Uptown Charlotte. It’s because getting to the thriving center city of Charlotte means going uphill. Not that you can really tell when you’re driving in your car to Charlotte Uptown. You can walk it, if you really want to experience the incline. But, we’d suggest the following activities as much more fun ways to spend your holidays in Uptown Charlotte.
Of course the holiday season officially kicks off with a parade. Charlotte’s annual Thanksgiving Parade is held in Uptown on Thursday, November 28th starting at 9 a.m. The route sticks to the Uptown neighborhood traveling from 9th Street to Stonewall Street along Tryon. The 2019 parade will mark the 72nd year of this free event.
There’s also a Christmas Village at N. Tryon St. and 7th Street from Nov. 22 to Christmas Eve. Featuring vendors, entertainment, food and drink, this German-inspired outdoor village is closed on Mondays (except for Dec. 23rd, when it is open). It’s free to visit, but bring cash for the hot cocoa and the gifts you’re sure to find while walking about.
Holiday on Ice is another fun annual activity in Uptown Charlotte. An ice rink is poured right outside of the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. You’ll see some people with grace and others far from it enjoying skating in the heart of the city. Open Nov. 15 – Jan 5 (with some days off in there), the rink charges $12 for entry and adds $4 if you rent skates.
The Uptown Tree Lighting at 7th Street and N. Tryon Street takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.
Charlotte’s downtown is home to many arts organizations. They certainly get in the holiday spirit. Many Charlotte residents make it a tradition to check out some of the following cultural events.
You’ll find families gathered in Founders Hall, 100 North Tryon Street, to enjoy Leonard Bearstein’s animatronic Symphony Orchestra. These Teddy Bear musicians perform a 45-minute set of holiday favorites in December 2 – December 27. They take Dec. 25th off, but otherwise perform hourly between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Santa’s Bag at the Charlotte Children’s Theatre is another fun activity for kids. For 47 years, the theatre has been giving those under the age of 12 get the chance to shop for pre-wrapped gifts priced from .50 to $6. Santa’s there too. Dec 4-6 from 9 – 1130 a.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Imaginon, 300 East 7th Street.
The Children’s Theatre is also putting on its holiday show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical from Nov. 29 – Dec. 29. The one-act musical is recommended for all ages and runs 70 minutes without intermission.
The Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker is also a family favorite. At the Belk Theater from Dec. 6 -23 this is the classic tale of Clara’s dreams set to the music of Tchaikovsky.
There’s also a Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on Dec. 1. Two shows, 1 and 630 p.m, tickets start at $20. Another option is Clara’s Story, a circus and dance interpretation of the Nutcracker story at the Blumenthal’s Booth Playhouse Dec. 13 – 22. Tickets are $27-45.
The Charlotte Symphony and Carolina Voices perform Magic of Christmas and The Singing Christmas Tree at the Knight Theatre in Uptown Charlotte Dec 13 – 22. Tickets start at $19.
Bringing your family and friends together at the table is another holiday treat. Charlotte’s Uptown offers restaurants of all kinds. Some favorites include:
Another more casual option where everyone in your party can find something they like is the 7th Street Public Market which has a pizza place, omelette station, cheese shop, and more.
At just over two square miles, Uptown Charlotte, NC is filled with festive fun. Of course, we think it’s a great place to live year-round. That’s why we’re busy building new homes around the city.
Saussy Burbank Charlotte is currently offering single family homes for sale in NoDa, Myers Park, South Park, Oakhurst, Davidson, FreeMoreWest and Fort Mill, SC. Townhomes for sale in NoDa, Charlotte’s Arts District, at Highland Park and Spencer Street Towns, just a short walk from the new 36th Street LYNX Station. More new luxury townhomes now under construction at Hillside Towns in Myers Park and Laurelwood Towns in SouthPark.
