CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Santa has a busy weekend ahead of him with appearances all over town.
9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend is part of our new newsletter The Go Guide! Every week, get the scoop on the latest events and happenings around Charlotte right in your inbox. To subscribe, make sure to check “The Go Guide” in our newsletter page.
Here’s a list of things to do the weekend of Dec. 13-15, 2024:
Santa Run 8K (Truist Field), Saturday 9 a.m.: It’s a holiday tradition celebrating the most run-derful time of the year. Get your heart pumping with an exciting race around Uptown and beyond. Come dressed up in your most festive getup to run either an 8K, 5K or a one-mile Snowman Dash. Registration for the 8K is $49.99. Proceeds benefit the Henry Kalguni Foundation.
Hot Coca with Santa (Optimist Hall), Saturday 10 a.m.: The food hall gets festive with a collection of seasonal activities this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy free hot cocoa and meet Santa. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. browse through the Charlotte Vintage Market with dozens of vendors spread throughout the hall and the new event space that can help cross off those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. All while a DJ plays live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Merry Midtown (Metropolitan), Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Still need pictures with Santa before the holidays? Head to the Metropolitan shopping district to meet Ol’ St. Nick along with the Grinch. Check out the Metropolitan’s twinkling giant Christmas tree You can also grab a cookie and get your face painted. Admission is free.
Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest (Downtown Belmont), Saturday noon to 7 p.m.: You won’t need your passport for this traditional German-style holiday market this weekend. For it’s inaugural festival, you’ll find over 40 vendors selling homemade goods, Bavarian food and drinks and the sounds of a traditional German polka band. There will also be a fine art sale, kids activities and live performances. Admission is free.
Reindog Parade (Camp North End), Saturday 3 to 5 p.m.: As part of the second week of Mistletoe Market, the 7th annual reindog parade returns for furry festivities. Watch as our four-legged friends strut in their holiday best. It’s free to both watch and to participate. Then soak in the holiday magic at the Mistletoe Market, Camp North Pole’s ice skating rink and get cozy in the Lodge.
Latinx Holiday Market (Victoria Yards), Saturday 3 to 8 p.m.: Need to finish gift shopping? Look no further than Victoria Yards this weekend for a collection of over 30 local vendors specializing in cultural small businesses like the Empanaderia Bakery, La Casa de la Mama Anas, Churrockers and so much more. There will also be live music, food trucks and free face painting to spread holiday cheer. Admission is free.
Lake Wylie Boat Parade (Papa Doc’s Shore Club), Saturday 6:30 p.m.: It’s a SC holiday tradition. Feel the holiday spirit as twinkling boats light up Lake Wylie decorated by the community. Bundle up as the lights, music and creativity float right by you in this unique and festive experience. Admission is free.
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Charlotte Comicon (Concord Convention Center), Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: One of the largest comic conventions returns with over 28,000 square feet of comic book and toy dealers to shop from. Meet the artists face-to-face and you might even find a celebrity or two. Show off your best costume at the cosplay contest with cash prizes for winners. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (Ovens Auditorium), Sunday 12 & 4 p.m.: The timeless magic of the Nutcracker comes alive in this holiday tradition filled with enchantment and wonder. World-class ballerinas prance on stage with lavish costumes, whimsical puppets and stunning acrobatics. Share the magic with your family. Tickets start at $31.
Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.
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