Warmest wishes, Charlotte. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense? Still team real tree? Simpson’s Produce still has inventory.
Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?
Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town? Don’t make your decision before checking out what’s happening around the Queen City on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? Whenever you’re ready to un-deck the halls, Goodwill accepts used holiday gear and decorations.
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. Editor’s Pick: Ya filthy animal — the eggnog-inspired cocktail at Sugarplum Social is one of our favorites, plus it pairs well with a cookie.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household? Snail mail isn’t dead yet: It’s not too late to pick up seasonal stationery from Paper Skyscraper.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter.
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
OMB’s Mt. Holly location will mark Old Meck’s third biergarten in the Charlotte area.
Renderings by Redline Design Group via Old Mecklenburg Brewery
Development
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery released renderings of its taproom and biergarten under construction in Mt. Holly. The location will mark the brewery’s third in the Charlotte region, and it’s expected to open in September 2026.
Opening
PAUSE Studio Arboretum celebrates its soft opening tomorrow, Dec. 20. The state-of-the-art wellness studio offers flotation therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, and more — starting at $35. A grand opening is planned for January —an exact date is TBA.
Biz
Mecklenburg County approved incentives for SoFi Itechnologies. The San Francisco-based company announced a 250-job expansion earlier this year + will move its office to Ballantyne. Charlotte City Council is expected to vote on the incentives in the new year. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Edu
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is full steam ahead on a new middle school in Huntersville. The school along Stumptown Road is expected to open in August 2028, and welcome ~1,100 students. (WCNC)
Announced
Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. for comedian Shane Gillis. The 2025 ESPYS host and comic will perform at the Spectrum Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Get ready to laugh.
Environment
Gift season means more boxes, bags, and wrapping — and Charlotte Solid Waste Services wants residents to know what belongs in the recycling bin. Cardboard boxes, paper gift bags without glitter, and plain tissue paper are in. Skip the shiny stuff — no foil or metallic wrapping paper, glitter paper, bows, or ribbons. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
Kwanzaa starts next Friday, Dec. 26 and runs through Thursday, Jan. 1. To celebrate, the Harvey B. Gantt Center is hosting a free event with live music, crafts, and performances.
Sports
Can the Panthers get closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs this weekend? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Announced
Meet The Brief: local business news, announcements, jobs, events, company blogs, podcasts, and deals — all in one tidy weekly newsletter. Think CLTtoday, but strictly business content. Take ~2 minutes to share your thoughts and help us craft it. Only five industry-exclusive launch spots exist; email rjohnston@6amcity.com to snag one.
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
The holidays are about spending time with the ones you love. Celebrate the season together with a romantic weekend getaway to Winston-Salem, where love is rekindled with candlelit charm, enchanting strolls, and cozy fireside nights. Start planning your storybook stay.*
Shop
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The Buy
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
Don’t forget, Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” The Musical is playing at Belk Theatre starting Tuesday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 28. Having met the green man himself, I can confidently say he (and I) wish you a happy holiday!
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