Plus, CLT couple on Netflix.
12.15.2025 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

Subscribe

HomeTrust Bank

.

wcnc-banner small logo.png

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report


🤖 Hornets go high tech

A panel of people sitting in front of a red Honeywell sign.
Officials from Honeywell and the Hornets’ shared excitement for the use of AI in their facilities. | Photo by CLTtoday
Uptown is buzzing with big moves. The Charlotte Hornets and Honeywell recently announced a new partnership, naming Honeywell the official building automation partner for the team, plus the company will deploy cutting-edge AI in the newly renovated Spectrum Center and the upcoming Novant Health Performance Center.

“We’re going to bring our most advanced technology into that facility — it will be literally integrated into the facility from day one,” said Eric Seidel, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honeywell, during a press conference last week.
A building under construction with the Spectrum Center and Charlotte skyline in the background.

The Novant Health Performance Center is scheduled to open during the 2026-2027 NBA season.

Photo by CLTtoday

At Spectrum Center, fans may not notice a big change — AI will be integrated into security and building automation. Think: Technology will be used to regulate temperature, make the building more energy efficient, and monitor air quality.

Next door at the Hornets’ practice facility, tag readers and EV chargers are planned for the parking lot, plus similar security systems like those at the Spectrum Center.
How high is high tech?

Events

Monday, Dec. 15

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | 5:30-10 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $10+

Tosco Music Holiday Party | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $31+

Tuesday, Dec. 16

SEAson of Trees | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | SEA LIFE, Concord | $23+

District One Holiday Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | One South | Free+

Mahjong Assisted Play + Open Play Sessions | 6-8 p.m. | Lost Worlds Brewing Company, Cornelius | $23+

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Meditation at the Mint | 3-3:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free

Red Nose Run: Holiday Group Run and Walk | 6-7 p.m. | lululemon Atherton Mill | Free

Zac Townsend | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $31+

Thursday, Dec. 18

ArtBreak: Take Joy | 12-12:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free

Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $25+

“Sister Act” | 7 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $28+

Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Knight Theater | $52+
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Mansion Monday

Historic Victorian doors, a private hilltop, and five fireplaces? This SouthPark home boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a theater-style media room. Fun fact: before its renovation, the home was on the cover of Southern Living in 1983.

Civic

The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) is holding its first meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m at the Valerie C. Woodard Center. The group is expected to discuss term limits and transit projects. The meeting is open to the public and can be streamed through the city’s YouTube page.

Announced

A new restaurant is coming to the former King’s Kitchen space in Uptown. Rebel CRE posted this photo, teasing a new concept in that space. Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll let you know when we know more.

Sports

The US Men’s National Team announced they’ll play against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium during the Allstate Continental Clásico on May 31. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two squads in international competition and just the second-ever match for the USMNT in Charlotte and at Bank of America Stadium.

Listen

What worked on the field against the Saints? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Watch

Charlotte couple and business owners Joey and Scott Linwell will compete on Netflix’ new series “What’s in the Box.” The duo were the former owners of the Canteen at Camp North End and NoDa Company Store. Cheer them on when show airs this Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Plan Ahead

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Charlotte next year as part of her ongoing book tour. “107 Days” is a New York Times Bestseller and chronicles her run for president. She’s scheduled to visit Ovens Auditorium on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. — tickets are on sale. (The Charlotte Observer)

Film

If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in the Carolinas, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: Fuel your movie night with takeout from a new local restaurant.

Number

45,000. That’s how many lights adorn the inside of Biltmore House alone during Christmas at Biltmore®, not counting tens of thousands more outside. Get a sneak peek of Biltmore’s most magical season and see how you could save on an Annual Pass in our Reel.*

Travel

Give a gift that never gets old this year: cherished memories from a festive weekend away. Winston-Salem is filled with historic traditions, one of the largest light displays in the Southeast, seasonal art installations, and yes, visits with Santa. Explore 50+ holiday events and plan your visit.*

Health

Novant Health encourages families to make this their healthiest holiday yet with simple, realistic tips to eat well, stay active, and feel their best all season long. It’s an easy way to enjoy the festivities while prioritizing wellness. Learn more.*

Jobs

“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.

Finance

You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*

Asked

When was the last time the USMNT played in Charlotte?

A. June 18, 2011 — A group-stage match during the Concacaf Gold Cup
B. July 15, 2015 — International friendly at Bank of America Stadium
C. March 27, 2019 — Regional spring friendly
D. July 2, 2023 — Concacaf Gold Cup group play
Shoot your shot

Food

🍷 Sip and stay a while

A brick exterior of a building is split by a black awning in front of a cloudy yet blue sky.
Did you notice the smiley face in the Emmy Lou’s logo? | Photo by CLTtoday
Charlotteans have another reason to visit Dilworth — Emmy Lou’s, the wine-focused shop by Customshop‘s Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges, will open Friday, Dec. 19 at The Courtyard along Park Road. The new hangout will offer 300+ wines, beer + wine on tap, non-alcoholic options, shareables, and desserts.

Emmy Lou’s will double as a bottle shop with curated wines, reusable totes, and a laid-back vibe meant to make wine feel approachable and fun. Inside, guests can settle at the bar, a corner banquette, communal tables, or the patio, weather permitting.

“We tried to create a welcoming, hospitable environment that has really good wine and serves good food, but it’s not pretentious,” Bridges exclusively told CLTtoday.

Kaifer and Bridges said the opening feels like a milestone years in the making, and they are ready for Emmy Lou’s to become a third place in Dilworth.
The personal story of Emmy Lou's

The Buy

Fresh, small-batch coffee from Trade. Take the quiz + get matched with coffee blends that align with your tastes and preferences. Bonus: Our readers get an exclusive 50% off their first month subscription — no code necessary.
Find your perfect roast
CLTtoday Games

The Wrap

When you visit Emmy Lou’s, there’s a chance you’ll see an item called “Fancy Toast” on the menu. If you do, it was my suggestion! During the interview with Andres and Alex, they had mentioned having a tartine on the menu, then called it fancy toast, and the rest is (potentially) history.
A headshot of City Editor Maria with a green circular background and her name on the right.

{optout_confirm_url}

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

ADVERTISE | GUIDES | EVENTS | GAMES | SHOP | SUPPORT

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2025 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602