Things to do, events in Charlotte, North Carolina this Christmas

Editor’s Note: CharlotteFive has limited coverage of in-person and indoor events to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19. Masks are now mandatory in Charlotte and many places for interior spaces or close frames.

Friday

Discover the Winter Wonder Bar in BOCADO before it disappears. This pop-up vacation bar features nostalgic lights and themed cocktails. There will even be a few hot cocktails, like the Buttered Bah Humbug (rum, homemade butterscotch, cinnamon, steamed milk) and the Drop It Like It’s Hot Chocolate (gourmet chocolate, bourbon, steamed milk, whipped cream). 2000 boul. South https://bit.ly/2Zzu6Dr

Plan your New Year’s Eve celebration. From snacks prepared by Meshugganah to a Drink Through the Decades event to Billy Sunday, there are plenty of options for grabbing a bite to eat for a house party or going out on the town. CharlotteFive has rounded up the best dining specials and events, so you can make the most of the last day of the year, but check COVID precautions and cancellations before you go. https://bit.ly/3q6KwMW

Saturday

Watch a classic movie or a new vacation movie with family or friends. CharlotteFive has rounded up some of the best movies of all genres so you can research where to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “Die Hard”, “Happiest Season” and more on the streaming services. https://bit.ly/33sYKQv

Plan with family and friends to try out all of the 2021 food trends before the end of the year. From plant-based bites to comfort foods and CSAs, save room to try this year’s favorites before the 2022 trends bring even more options. https://bit.ly/33l9n7H

Sunday

Start your week with yoga. The “Gogh with Lifeway Kefir Immersive Yoga” experience will feature streams at the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit prior to his departure from Charlotte in early 2022. These 35-minute classes are open to all fitness levels and are designed to challenge the body. and inspire the spirit. Each class will be choreographed in harmony with sound, light, music and moving images. Participants will also have 25 minutes to enjoy the exhibit after class and receive a snack with Lifeway Kefir. 8:30 a.m. $ 54.99. 1774 Statesville Avenue https://bit.ly/3ifRbBy

Is your New Year’s resolution to write a book? Get inspired at a local bookstore. Whether you prefer browsing used books at Julia’s Cafe and Books or searching for something new at Park Road Books, these local stores pair well with the nearby cafe so you can sip and be inspired. https://bit.ly/3oQAwI4

Monday

Plan your New Years Eve Chicken Wing Spread. CharlotteFive has rounded up the best places to buy chicken wings in town, including Bisonte Pizza Co., Cuzzo’s Cuisine, Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grille and more, so you can make sure you have a good spread of wings and snacks at your party. Check out the list, then vote for your favorite. https://bit.ly/3DQXXVZ

Register for the New Year’s Trail Running at the US National Whitewater Center. Start the New Year by walking through the woods during a 5K or 10K at night or in the morning. Headlamps are mandatory. Pre-registration is available until December 29. Package pickup is December 30th. The race is December 31st. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. https://bit.ly/3lXVdQs

Tuesday

Reserve your place for dinner in an igloo. What started out as a way to securely serve customers during quarantine has now grown into a trend, and Merchant & Trade is delivering again this year. Heated and furnished igloos will be available for hire for groups to dine on the panoramic rooftop. Each pod can accommodate up to 10 people, and food and drink / rental fees apply. 21+. 5 pm-midnight, several 2-hour time slots available. $ 150 rental fee, $ 600 + food and drinks, depending on time of reservation. 303 S., rue de l’Église https://bit.ly/3ECRQFE

Visit an old favorite. Several of Charlotte’s popular restaurants opened in the 1980s and still serve food today. From the Fourth Ward Stroganoff at Alexander Michael’s to the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp at Cajun Queen, these places have perfected comfort food that has gone through years of changes and trends. https://bit.ly/3mQp3Yq

Wednesday

Buy tickets for the Christmas Circus at the Belk Theater. In this seasonal event, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be joined by acrobatics while performing holiday favorites. This two-day family event will combine symphony and circus. 7:30 p.m. December 29-30. $ 10 and more. 130 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3dPEUkq

Enjoy free entry and exciting events at local museums during Wednesday evening live. Thanks to a partnership between institutions including Levine Center for the Arts (The Mint Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Knight Theater) and Bank of America, there is will have a series of rotating weekly events with live programming. On December 29, the Harvey B. Gantt Museum for African American Arts + Culture will celebrate Ujamaa, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa through candle-making workshops, information sessions on traditions and an African dance class. Handcrafted treasures will also be available for purchase. Masks are compulsory. 5 pm-9pm Free. https://bit.ly/3EjACwQ

Thusday

Take one last look at the holiday light displays before they disappear. From immersive attractions at Carowinds Winterfest to a drive-thru display at Speedway Christmas and spectacularly decorated homes, there are family-friendly shows all around Charlotte, and most take place throughout the New Year. https://bit.ly/31SGv6w

Stay warm with a bowl of ramen. CharlotteFive has rounded up the best places for hearty noodle and broth dishes, from Bao + Broth to Optimist Hall in Jinya in Upscale and Yume in Wilmore. https://bit.ly/3Cda6V8

Mark your calendar

Spend New Years Eve at an evening performance by the Actor’s Theater of Charlotte of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, complete with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a ball drop, and special host Delighted Tobehere. Proof of vaccination and photo ID required. 9 p.m. $ 71.71 + Hadley Theater, 2132 Radcliffe Ave. https://bit.ly/3Cm96gC

Celebrate the New Year with a night of music featuring American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle. The ticket includes a post-concert evening at the Belk Theater with champagne, appetizers and desserts, dancing on stage and more. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. $ 66 + 7:30 to 11 p.m. December 31 130 N. Tryon St. https://bit.ly/3oRk891

Kick off the New Year with a healthy outing at Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K. The popular event will return this year along the LYNX rail line to University City. After the race, there will be a celebration with brunch, craft beer, mimosas, hot cider and music. The run, presented by Atrium Health, raises awareness of the challenges of hunger in Charlotte and the proceeds will go to Hope Street Food Pantry. January 1, 2022. 10:30 a.m. $ -45. All registered participants will receive a day pass to drive the LYNX. https://bit.ly/3Ep3wMp