Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Psst — It’s nearly mid-December. Finish your holiday shopping this weekend with our gift ideas:
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick: Court time at Tipsy Pickle | $20+ | Become Camp North End court royalty while learning how to be the best pickleball duo.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie..
Gifts for retirees
Local pick: SkillPop Classes | $35+ | They can learn Mahjong or how to make the perfect sourdough.
Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain — we love this all-in-one stool that functions as both a bench and seat + organizes garden tools.
Gifts for students
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes.
Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges
Local pick: Oh My Mahjong! Coin & Dice Bag | $16 | Keep your dice and mahjong tiles all in one place – it’s easy to grab the bag and go to your next match.
Our team recently visited to check out this year’s seasonal splendor. The number one thing we learned?An Annual Pass is the best way to keep the magic going, and you can score one for $90 off during the holiday sale. Passholders enjoy unlimited visits year-round, and lots of special discounts on exhibits + experiences.
Make a reservation to visit Biltmore now through Sunday, Jan. 4, to step inside a Hallmark movie. Did you know “A Biltmore Christmas” was filmed on-site?
NCDOT reports the long-awaited I-485 express lanes are anticipated to open in early 2026 — months later than previously reported. Crews are still paving and working to separate the express lanes from the general-purpose lanes. An exact opening date is TBA. (WCNC)
Listen
WBT, Charlotte’s oldest radio station, has a new frequency. The station can now be heard on 107.9 FM, rather than 1110 AM — though the talk radio programming will be heard on AM through the end of the year. As for Mix 107.9 — you’ll find that on 100.9 and 99.3 FM. (WCNC)
Development
Uptown’s newest apartment project is almost complete. Trella Uptown, a 353-unit complex along Eighth and North Tryon Street, will open next month, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The development also boasts a podcast studio, pet spa, pool, and rooftop access. (Charlotte Business Journal)
History
Do you remember Dec. 14, 1958? Charlotte collected almost three inches of snow, and our neighbors in eastern NC faced an ice storm. As for the weather this Sunday, Dec. 14, expect lows in the teens, and highs near 50 degrees. (WCNC)
Outdoors
Runners, walkers, and bike riders can now visit the new one-mile extension of the McAlpine Creek Greenway, which runs from Johnston Road to Highway 51/Pineville-Matthews Road. Additional work on the trail shoulders and wayfinding signage will be added in the coming months.
Award
A round of applause is in order. Erica McCray, the principal at Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, won the National Milken Educator Award and $25,000 cash prize. The award recognizes outstanding teachers across the country. (WCNC)
Sports
Do the Panthers have a winning combo between Dave Canales and Dan Morgan? Go beyond the front office for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Your glasses called — they’re ready for retirement. Shop Zenni’s durable frames + advanced lenses for an upgrade, with most pairs under $80. Bonus: Take an extra 10% off with code TWW.*
Older Adults
Are you taking advantage of these stellar senior discounts? From savings with Walgreens to a discounted Amazon Prime membership, we found 20 hacks all older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth.*
Post of the Day
Post by CLTtoday
Editor Maria, here. I witnessed some holiday cheer in action earlier this week. The Carolina Panthers, the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, and Coca-Cola Consolidated hosted more than 1,000 kids at Bank of America Stadium for the seventh annual Joy to the Carolinas.
Students from area Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, YWCAs, and community centers enjoyed field time, gifts, dinner, and meet-and-greets with players including Bryce Young, Austin Corbett, Rico Dowdle, Tetairoa McMillan, and Coach Dave Canales — a memorable night for all.
What’s your favorite holiday light display in Charlotte?
A. Light the Knights in Uptown B. The menorah at Birkdale Village C. McAdenville aka Christmastown USA D. Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway E. Other
The Carolina Theatre has been hosting holiday films this month — did you see Sunday’s double feature? Scroll back up to the events if you missed it. One of my favorite films to watch this season is “Elf.” Luckily, the theater is hosting a showing on Tuesday, Dec. 23. You may just see me there.
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