“Nutcracker” features mesmerizing dance set to Tchaikovsky’s music performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. | Photo via WCNC
Get a head start on your holiday festivities with this collection of Charlotte’s most festive events this month. We recommend reading by a fire with a cup of hot cocoa or a seasonal latteto stay warm all season long. ACC Football Championship Game | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 8 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $79+ | Fill the stands as Virginia and Duke’s football teams take the field for the final win of the season.
Charlotte Ballet: “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Belk Theatre | $45+ | The Charlotte Ballet brings its beloved tradition back to Uptown with sparkling sets, stunning choreography, and festive magic for all ages.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $22+ | Revisit the timeless classic on the big screen and soak in all the nostalgic holiday feels.
Alabama | Friday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $37+ | Uptown will transform into a “Dixieland Delight” when this band takes the stage.
Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas | Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Knight Theater | $37+ | Come home for the holidays in a merry celebration featuring North Carolina’s rich musical heritage.*
Meet Joi Mayo, Kimberly Owens, and JD Mazuera Arias — the three new members sworn into Charlotte City Council on Monday night. Council also elected James Mitchell as Mayor Pro Tem, replacing Dante Anderson. The new council will have its first meeting on Monday, Jan. 5 (WCNC)
Job
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is searching for a new COO as former COO Jerome Woodard moves to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The new COO will oversee airport operations, emergency management, and security. Check out the job listing. (WCNC)
Development
Republic Development Group is planning to transform the former Skyla Credit Union headquarters in Plaza Midwood into a multifamily community. The $130 million project aims to add ~380 units across two buildings plus ground-floor retail space. Construction is expected to start in late March or early April, with completion anticipated for 2028. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
A new breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot is coming to Matthews. Wakey Wakey will open Thursday, Dec. 4, in the former Mezcali Mexican Restaurant spot at the Galleria Shopping Center — and they already have expansion plans in the works. Expect to order faves like eggs, pancakes, waffles, and smashburgers. (The Charlotte Observer)
Can Dave Canales’ squad ride this momentum to clinch the NFC South title and host their first home playoff game in a decade? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Family
Ready to meet Santa? Concord Mills and SouthPark Mall will host Caring Santa — a private, sensory-friendly Santa photo experience — on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required for both appearances.
Ranked
Seaboy made Esquire’s list of Best New Restaurants in America. The Cornelius-based restaurant opened in March and serves items like oysters, croquettes, and seafood staples. Have you booked a table yet?
Civic
There are new laws in place across North Carolina — including changes to public safety, traffic rules, and school security. See what’s changed. (WCNC)
Quoted
“This decision was difficult; this location is no longer financially viable.” Following seven years of serving Spanish tapas and small plates, Bulla Gastrobar closed abruptly in SouthPark. The restaurant still has locations in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Stat
26%. That’s how much you can save on all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads when you use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 on our business promo portal. No long-term contract required + your promo can be here in as little as two days. Get started.
Health
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Editor’s Pick
🎉 Happy birthday, Charlotte
Charlotte’s Uptown has changed drastically in 257 years.
Photos via Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library and Canva
On this day 257 years ago, Charlotte was incorporated as a city. The Queen City, formerly called “Charlottetowne,” was founded on Dec. 3, 1768, named for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. What began as a small trading post grew through the gold rush, transformed into a national banking hub, and experienced explosive population growth, a thriving food-and-arts scene, and major-league sports.
While the city has gone through a lot of growth and changes over the years, one thing is certain: you’re looking good, Charlotte.
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
When was the last time Venus Williams played in Charlotte?
There’s a lot of love for tennis in Charlotte. Fifty-four percent of readers were right — her last appearance here was in 2006. That’s about to change: she’s one of four stars playing in the Charlotte Invitational tomorrow, Dec. 4, at the Spectrum Center. Will we see you there?
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Maria
Comal Taco Co. is now open at Optimist Hall. I sampled a few menu items earlier this week, including the carnitas cheese crisp, blackened shrimp taco, chicken adobo taco, and churros. Be sure to pack your appetite — it’s all tasty.
}})
