Darrell Simpson Family Christmas Trees Inc. has been selling trees since 1941. | Photo via WCNC
When it comes to the holidays, a Christmas tree is as symbolic as it gets — beautiful, magical, and packed with childlike nostalgia. With the holiday fast approaching, there are still plenty of markets across Charlotte selling trees to help liven up your home this holiday season.
Connell Family Christmas Trees | 3600 Central Ave. | Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.- 9pm + Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | The family-run business offers fresh-cut premium Fraser firs, wreaths, and holiday decor.
Hillbilly Market | 7800 Fairview Rd. | Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. + Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | This local family-run business also has locations in The Arboretum (800 Providence Rd.) and in Matthews (3612 Matthews-Weddington Rd.).
Simpson’s Produce | 939 S Kings Dr. | Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | The farmers market is a great spot to shop for flowers and freshly-grown local produce in the summer season.
Through the Stones: An “Outlander” Inspired Event | 6-8 p.m. | The Charlotte Museum of History | Free | Fans of the hit Starz show will love this guided tour + learn history of the Scottish Highlands.
Friday the 13th Holiday Pop-Up| 6-9 p.m. | Urban District Market | Cost of purchase | Support local vendors while checking the last boxes from your holiday shopping list.
Handel’s Messiah | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theatre | $20+ | Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Master Chorale, and four soloists for this enduring holiday classic.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Santa Run 8K/5K & Snowman Dash | 9 a.m. | Romare Bearden Park | $25+ | Dress in your favorite holiday costume for a festive run through Uptown.
Western NC Hurricane Relief Potters Market | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Park Expo and Conference Center | Cost of purchase | Explore the work of 30 potters from western North Carolina while raising funds to support hurricane relief.
Charlotte is No. 14 on Realtor.com’s 2025 Housing Forecast–100 Largest US Metros. The list ranks the nation’s 100 largest metros on expected year-over-year growth rates of existing home sales and median sale prices in 2025. As of November, the median price in the Charlotte metro was $405,000.
Job
North Carolina businesses are expected to add 53,400 net jobs statewide in 2025. According to an UNC Charlotte North Carolina economic forecast 2024 fourth quarter report, that’s an increase of 1.1% from December 2024. The sectors with the strongest projected increases are information and wholesale trade.
Civic
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced a new initiative aimed at increasing officer visibility across the Queen City. A program called “Heartbeat” will have officers shine steady blue lights from police vehicles while on patrol to increase visibility + indicate there’s no trouble. (WCNC)
Biz
Five Iron Golf aims to open locations in Charlotte. The New York City-based entertainment company features golf simulators, a full bar, and food. The vice president of development listed SouthPark, Ballantyne, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill as possible areas, with the first Charlotte-area location slated to open in 2026. (The Charlotte Observer)
Outdoors
Crowders Mountain State Park announced the Linwood and Boulders accesses are back open after recent wildfires. The North Carolina Forest Service said the fire burned 700+ acres of the park but there’s no structural damage. The Sparrow Springs access and campsites remain closed. (The Charlotte Observer)
Today Is
“Share the Warmth Day.” The program promoted by Piedmont Natural Gas helps provide emergency funding for neighbors who need help paying their energy bills. Piedmont customers can contribute to the fund through the company’s Round Up program.
Sports
From a Patriot to a Tar Heel. UNC announced Bill Belichick will be the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina in a five-year deal. Belichick has no college coaching experience, but won six Super Bowls as head coach for the New England Patriots. (WCNC)
Listen
How could Jonathon Brooks’ injury affect the Carolina Panthers’ decision-making this offseason? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
Amazon is now selling cars in Charlotte. We’re not joking — Amazon Autos is available in just 48 metro areas, meaning you can shop Hyundai vehicles online and pick them up at a local dealer. Or just take an Amtrak train.
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Charlotte seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Feel Good
Do you love CLTtoday? We’re calling on you to help support our mission to create free, unbiased local media. Donate now — your generosity will help support us, your CLTtoday team.
Wellness
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter: Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% for the holidays.*
Category
Finance
2025 goal No. 1: Bring financial dreams to Fruition
Presented by Fruition Financial
Fruition can help you achieve your financial goals. | Photo by Fruition Financial
Even a Queen City needs a budget sometimes... Make sure your personal finances have a long and healthy reign with Fruition.
Gain crystal-clear insights into your spending, savings, and investments in a single dashboard, and get personalized guidance from real humans on your schedule. (Want to increase your financial literacy? The Learning Studio is open 24/7.)
Do you enjoy preserving memories? City Editor Maria and I had a blast doing holiday shopping at Framebridge, now with brick and mortar locations in South End and Myers Park. Keep a close eye on Instagram to see our experience coming soon.
