The holidays are here. Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas, Hanukkah, the celebration of the Winter Solstice and even the Krampus Festival are right around the corner. As the end of the year approaches, the Queen City becomes a festive place, no matter which direction you look!
The seasons themselves blend into one another, culminating in a time of gathering together with friends and family. With those thoughts in mind, what better way to kick off the season than celebrating with any of these events.
Event: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Location: McColl Family Theatre
Description: The Herdmans are back and ready to wreak havoc! What happens when the worst kids in the history of the world find out about free food at Sunday school? And what happens when they decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? Will the show go on? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as we celebrate the holidays. (One Act, 70 minutes, For All Ages)
Dates and Times: Through December 22. Weekdays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Event: Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Location: Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road
Description: This event is fun for families with children six and under. Enjoy breakfast, Hanukkah activities and fun with Clifford the Big Red Dog. $12 for LJCC members; $18 for non-members; $6 for children. Free for children age 1 and under.
Date and Time: Sunday, December 1, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Event: Charlotte Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center
Description: In the heart of Uptown Charlotte at the Belk Theater, the Snow King and Queen bring about frosty festivity this holiday season. Be transported into a winter wonderland, making a delightful stop in the Land of Sweets with Nutcracker and Clara on their mystical adventure.
Dates and Times: Dec. 6 to 22, Weekdays at 7:30 p.m. Weekends at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Event: Krampus Krawl
Location: NoDa
Description: Enjoy a wickedly fun night as you unleash your inner Krampus and embrace the dark side while you are transported to a world of macabre delights. Lose yourself in the eerie atmosphere as you enjoy live music, spooky performances, and bone-chilling surprises around every corner. Dress to impress in your most devilishly creative costume and prepare for a night of frightful fun with fellow thrill-seekers.
Date and Time: December 7, kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
Event: Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail
Location: Wells Fargo Playhouse
Description: When a mischievous stray dog shows up on a grumpy old man’s doorstep, mayhem ensues! Jam packed with physical comedy, breathtaking puppetry, and an incredible storyline, this heartwarming adventure is sure to become a new tradition for the entire family. Crafted with love and sprinkled with holiday magic, Doggie on my Doorstep is a testament to the power of companionship and what can happen when we open our doors—and our hearts—to the unexpected. (One Act, 45 minutes, For PreK)
Dates and Times: Dec. 12 – 22. Weekdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sundays at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Event: The Jazz Room Presents – A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring The Music of Vince Guaraldi
Location: Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center
Description: Join us for one of the most memorable JAZZ ROOM holiday season celebrations as we feature the music of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This holiday weekend will feature four of your favorite JAZZ ROOM pianists, playing the music of Guaraldi, best known for Charlie Brown, Peanuts television Christmas specials, including Skating, My Little Drum, Christmas Time is Here and more.
Dates and Times: Dec. 6 – 7. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Event: Music for the Winter Solstice
Location: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 West 7th Street
Description: Part of the 7th Street Concerts 2024-25 collection. A wintry adventure through centuries of music featuring holiday carols and music inspired by the coldest and darkest time of year
Date and time: Saturday, December 7, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Event: Tosco Music Holiday Party
Location: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Description: Come celebrate the season with an evening of great music! Since 2016, Tosco Music has gathered for a festive concert each December for Tosco Music Holiday Party, transforming Knight Theater into Charlotte’s living room for an evening of holiday songs and singalongs.
Dates and Times: Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Event: Hanukkah Festival at Symphony Hall
Location: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road
Description: Enjoy food, music, entertainment, doughnuts and latkes. The event culminates with the grand menorah lighting and a special performance.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 25 at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Event: Elf The Musical
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center
Description: ELF The Musical is the hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This must-see Broadway holiday production is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
Dates and Times: Dec. 26 to 29. Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. .
Event: Ballet Premiere From The Grand Kyiv Ballet: Snow Queen
Location: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Description: For the 2024/2025 season, the Christmas ballet “The Snow Queen” is based on the world famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This fascinating kind romantic story set to the music of Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart and Vivaldi, will give unforgettable bright emotions of happiness for adults and children.
Dates and Times: Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.