From 5 to 10 p.m., guests can roam the garden amidst thousands of twinkling lights, an outdoor fire, beautiful photo ops, and plenty of holiday cheer.
What’s new this year? Take a ride on the trackless train running every Friday through Dec. 20, snap selfies with Santa, and visit the adults-only speakeasy featuring holiday cocktails.
What about dinner? Food trucks are expected to be at the Levine Pavilion + sip on beer, wine, or a hot drink from the Prairie Shed and Beer Garden.
Tickets range $24-$28 for adults, children under 2 get in free + members receive a 20% discount.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes to walk the paths more than once.
Events
Events
Saturday, Dec. 7
77th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade | 11 a.m. | Historic Downtown Fort Mill, SC | Free | Line Main Street as organizations, businesses, schools, and neighbors parade the streets to ring in the holiday season.
Season of Second Chances Adoption Event | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control | Cost of purchase | Purchase a special-edition shirt + find your new best friend at this special adoption event.
Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $32+ | Tickets are selling fast to watch the Ballet perform this holiday classic.
ACC Football Championship Game | 8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $41+ | Which team will take home the hardware: Clemson or SMU?
Sunday, Dec. 8
Puppies & Yoga | Times vary | Loyd Studios | $64 | Get your stretch on before playtime with the pups.
Tis The Season: A Holiday Market | 12-5 p.m. | Resident Culture South End | Cost of purchase | Shop unique gifts from local vendors while sipping a craft brew.
Merry Midwood Market and Tree Lighting | 2-7 p.m. | Plaza Midwood | Free | Make ornaments + savor hot chocolate and festive drinks before the tree lighting ceremony.
Monday, Dec. 9
Holiday Mug Painting with Blank Ceramics | 6-8 p.m. | Salted Melon Market & Eatery | $75 | Sip on espresso martinis while creating your next favorite handmade mug.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Charlotte Area Chamber Holiday Drop In | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse SouthPark | Free | Register to connect with the Chamber of Commerce over cocktails and small bites.
More people moved to the South than any other region in 2024, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. It also shares the top reasons why movers chose a specific area, including proximity to loved ones, home price, and taxes. Newcomer? Read our guide to Charlotte’s history. (edited)
Ranked
Charlotteans have more fun. We ranked No. 41 in WalletHub’s list of “Most Fun Cities in America” based on metrics like movie cost and the hours our breweries are open. Find more ways to play around town.
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Looking for a gift that provides an experience? Check out this North Carolina Adventure Bucket List deck that comes with 50 scratch-off cards with things to do all around the state — including the Queen City + surrounding areas like Blowing Rock, Greensboro, Wilmington, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these 10+ museums in Charlotte. (Time Magazine)
Sports
The Panthers will face off against the Eagles tomorrow in Philly. Can they break the birds’ winning streak? Go beyond the clipiboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
City Guide
Date night ideas in Charlotte
Cheers to creating memorable moments with the one you love. | Photo via Pexels
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to CLTtoday.
Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 15+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
Grab a show-themed, three-course dinner at The Asbury before catching the latest Broadway favorite at Blumenthal Arts. Bonus: Order a night cap at Sophia’s Lounge.
This top-rated safety razor with five premium stainless-steel blades. Its double-sided design provides a closer, cleaner shave compared to disposable razors, resulting in less skin irritation.
If you’re still shopping for the perfect gift, today is the last day to check out the Uptown Holiday Market at Levine Avenue of the Arts. Local vendors are selling all types of items from ornaments, clothing, handmade gifts + fresh food.
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