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In This Issue...

Subway ACC Football Championship Fan Fest includes USA World Cup Watch Party

UNC and Clemson will compete in the Subway ACC Football Championship Game on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at 8 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Read on to learn about ACC Fan Fest at Romare Bearden Park, which includes a FIFA World Cup Watch Party, as Team USA takes on The Netherlands in the Knockout Round on Saturday, December...

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Get a fully cooked Christmas dinner to go in 2022 — order your holiday meal in advance
Image: Depositphotos

If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, and focus on family (or maybe on pie), consider ordering your Christmas dinners from a grocery store, caterer, or restaurant.

We’ve put together a list of businesses in the Charlotte where you can order a fully-cooked Christmas dinner, with sides, in advance.

In...

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Free and cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Looking for things to do in Charlotte this weekend? You came to the right place! This list contains free and cheap things to do from Friday to Sunday (or Monday if it’s a holiday weekend.)

You’ll find festivals, live music and dance, kids’ activities, organized hikes, seasonal activities, learning opportunities and so much...

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Early National Cookie Day Freebies starting Dec 2
Photo: Depositphotos


Sunday, December 4th, 2022, is National Cookie Day. Here are some deals for free cookies, or discounts, available in the Charlotte area or online.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you’re feeling hungry, check it out! We update it every day.

Tiff’s...

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Hot Cocoa Minis — great deal on photo session with LaLa Photography

LaLa Photography is offering two incredibly low-priced options for holiday photo shoot.

LaLa Photography’s studio is at 4205 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Suite G, Charlotte, NC. This is a fantastic, low-priced way to get a picture for your family Christmas card!

Hot Cocoa Minis


You’ve seen them on Pinterest, and LaLa Photography has...

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Win $25 for Charlotte Warehouse Sale’s 2-day only Liquidation Sale Dec 3-4

Charlotte Warehouse Sale is holding their Liquidation Sale for two days only: December 3rd and 4th, 2022. If you’ve ever shopped at Charlotte Warehouse Sale and were amazed at the bargains, you will love this. Charlotte Warehouse Sale events always feature new, name brand clothing and shoes from your favorite department stores at 65% to...

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See & Save with the Explore Charlotte Marketplace

Want the best way to experience the Queen City without breaking your budget? Shop the Explore Charlotte Marketplace for a pass that fits your interests with savings at popular spots.

Ready for a brewery crawl paired with special discounts? The Charlotte Brew Badge has your next round covered.

Need a blast of inspiration at some of the...

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Best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area for 2022
House in Berewick

Looking for the biggest, best Christmas lights in the Charlotte area for the 2022 Christmas season? You’ve come to the right place.

This list includes professional displays, town events, and private homes.

We will have a Google map with all the light on this page, and more! To see the map, just scroll down past the...

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Where to get your dog’s picture taken with Santa in Charlotte
Photo: Depositphotos

Looking for the perfect picture of your dog with Santa? Look no further! We are keeping a running list of places to get your dog’s picture taken with Santa. Keep checking back for more.

Looking for a new best friend? Check out this list of adoptable dogs and cats in Charlotte!

You might also be...

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Where to get a free picture with Santa around Charlotte–a huge day-by-day list


Would you like your child to get a chance to meet Santa without having to pay for an expensive photo package? Here are a few opportunities in the Charlotte area for the 2022 Christmas season. Make sure to bring your camera. At most of these, you take your own pictures, but at some, professional photographers take the pictures.

Note: A few of...

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Huge day by day guide to holiday and Christmas events around Charlotte 2022


This is a growing list of 2022 holiday events in the Charlotte area. This day by day guide will include events celebrating everything from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Please scroll down for a (soon to be) massive day-by-day list.

Make sure to bookmark this page, as it will be frequently updated.

And make sure to follow the links to...

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Free Holiday Concerts by The Charlotte Singers

The Charlotte Singers, a group of amateur, professional and semi-professional singers, are presenting two free holiday concerts in 2022.

There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than with music. Check out this list of free holiday concerts in the Charlotte area!

The group currently consists of 65 voices and is accompanied by...

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Santa Paws in the Park in Belmont — free pictures of your dog with Santa Dec 4

Bring your pet to Santa Paws in the Park at Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina, on Sunday, December 4th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Looking for a new best friend? Check out this list of adoptable dogs and cats in Charlotte!

At this free event you can get a free picture with Santa (for your dog and/or you.) You’ll...

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40th Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade Dec 3

The towns of Davidson and Cornelius are presenting the 40th Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at 1 p.m.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

The route follows Main Street (Hwy. 115) from Davidson through Cornelius. It ends at the...

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Charlotte Nativity Drive-Through
Photo: Charlotte Nativity Festival

Charlotte Nativity Festival Drive-Through is a free event taking place Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. both nights.

It’s hosted by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 5897 Hemby Road, Weddington.

No tickets are required. Simply come to the...

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Belmont Movies in the Park Double Feature: The Polar Express and Elf Dec 2

Movies in the Park are returning to Stowe Park, 24 S. Main Street, Belmont. On select Fridays and Saturdays, watch some classic fall and holiday movies.

These events are free to attend. They’re presented by Belmont Main Street / Downtown Belmont Development Association and Aurora Star Lit Cinema.

The movies will be shown on a jumbo...

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FIFA World Cup Watch Parties in Charlotte

The FIFA Men’s World Cup is taking place in November and December of 2022. It starts on Sunday, November 20th, with the final match taking place December 18th, 2022.

In all, 32 teams will compete in a total of 64 games in Qatar. This is the first time that a country in the Middle East is hosting the World Cup. You can see the team...

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Christmas Market at sip co., with Santa!

sip co. is holding a Christmas Market at its location at 50 Branchview Drive, Concord, North Carolina, on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m.

We’ve put together a huge list of holiday markets in the Charlotte area! Shop for unique gifts…or for yourself!

Everyone in costume receives a free 16-oz drink.

The event...

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Christmas in Huntersville


The Town of Huntersville will celebrate the holiday season with several festive events. Each of these events is free, but there will be shopping available, as well as food and drink for sale. Some activities might also have a cost.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!


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First Friday Gallery Crawl in South End Dec 2


South End Gallery Crawl is an arts event that takes place the first Friday of every month. Galleries stay open late to host receptions for new exhibits. Many exhibits are timed to open the first Friday of the month. The events often include live music, food, and beer or wine. The events are free to attend.

Hours for the different venues...

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Harrisburg’s Tree Lighting Celebration Dec 2

The Town of Harrisburg is celebrating the beginning of the season with their tree lighting celebration on Friday, December 2nd, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg.

The event includes:

  • Food trucks
  • Holiday train ride
  • Local performances
  • More

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in...

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Neighborhood Art Sale with Dawn Denby — New Dawn Art
Image: Dawn Denby

Dawn Denby is holding an art sale on December 3rd and 4th, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2035 Valencia Terrace, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shop for original abstract art starting at $50.

Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
...

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Christmas in Davidson — music, Santa, crafts, light show, more… Dec 1-3
Photo: Depositphotos

The Town of Davidson is celebrating the season once again with Christmas in Davidson.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

It will take place December 1st to 3rd, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night.

This festival always includes a ton of entertainment and...

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Holidays at Blakeney: Photos, stories & songs with Santa & Mrs. Claus, plus strolling holiday entertainment

Blakeney Town Center, Rea Road at Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, will be a festive place to shop and visit this December. Read on for several special holiday events at Blakeney.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

Photos with Santa


Visit Santa’s House on...

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Indian Trail’s Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

The Town of Indian Trail is taking its holiday celebration to the next level with its first ever Winter Fest!

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

Winter Fest will take place Friday, December 2nd, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Parkway, Indian...

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New Year’s Day Hike and Bike Ride at Lake Norman State Park (check back soon for more First Day Hikes)

Every year, several North Carolina State Parks host First Day Hikes led by park staff. We’ll be listing the First Day Hikes here as they’re announced.

First Day Hike at Lake Norman State Park
Sunday, January 1st, 2023
10 a.m.
Lake Norman State Park
759 State Park Road
Troutman, NC

Come out to Lake Norman State...

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Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s 11th Annual‎ Christmas Market, including Santa visits


For four weekends in November and December, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will transform into a German-inspired Christmas Market, known as Weihnachtsmarkt. OMB Christmas Market features vendors selling gifts and baked goods from open-air booths.

2022 marks the 11th anniversary of OMB’s Christmas Market, and it’s become a popular...

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Waverly Wonderland Holiday Event — visit Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies

Waverly, at Providence Road and Ardrey Kell Road in Charlotte, is hosting Waverly Wonderland on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and visits with Santa.

Santa and Frosty will arrive at 1 p.m.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

...

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Christmas at the Library at Billy Graham Library 2022 — live nativity, carriage rides, story time, more…

Billy Graham Library, at 4330 Westmont Drive, again presents its popular Christmas at the Library. This year, it will run from November 28th to December 23rd, 2022.

  • Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, from 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Closed Sundays.

Reservations for Christmas at the Library are open now.

Christmas activities...

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A Jolly Good Market at Resident Culture Brewing in Plaza Midwood (and more!)


Resident Culture Brewing Company has two locations:

  • Plaza Midwood: 2101 Central Avenue, Charlotte
  • South End: 332 W Bland Street, Charlotte

They often host events, which you can find on their Facebook page. When you plan on an event, make sure to verify which location it’s at.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte...

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Two free Christmas concerts by North Mecklenburg Community Chorus, including pictures with Santa
Photo: Depositphotos

North Mecklenburg Community Chorus is presenting two Christmas concerts in 2022.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

Admission is free.

Enjoy all your favorite songs like Jingle Bells, Home for the Holidays, Silver Bells, Up on the Housetop and music from...

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20+ Charlotte Area Christmas and Holiday Parades in 2022
Photo: Depositphotos

In November and December, you can find holiday and Christmas parades in every corner of the Charlotte area. Area holiday parades generally start before Thanksgiving at Concord, Monroe, and Mooresville, followed up by the biggest holiday parade of the season, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown Charlotte.

...

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Free photos with Santa at StarMed and Keith Clinic

StarMed Healthcare and Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic are hosting free photos with Santa on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We have put together a huge list of places in the Charlotte area to get free pictures with Santa!

At each of these events, you will receive one physical print and acces to the digital copy,...

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Front Porch Sunday in South End, including pictures with Santa, Dec 4

Front Porch Sundays, the popular monthly vendor market takes place the first Sunday of the month for the rest of the year.

The October 2nd event has been rescheduled to October 9th, 2022.

This season, it’s at Atherton, at 2104 South Boulevard, Charlotte.

Enjoy shopping from 70+ local vendors and artisans, as well as food trucks,...

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Family Fun and Tree Lighting at Woodlawn Community Fellowship Dec 3

Woodlawn Community Fellowship is inviting the community to a free Christmas event.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, from 5 to 6 p.m., Woodlawn is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting Event.

There will be three trees that will be lighted, with a...

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Holiday events at Optimist Hall, including free pictures with Santa
Optimist Hall. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Optimist Hall, at 1115 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte, is a food hall inside in a redeveloped former gingham mill. Its 147,000 square feet feature a wide variety of unique food stalls, as well as bars, some retail, and restaurants.

It’s situated in Optimist Park, between Uptown and NoDa.

Read on...

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Mistletoe Market at Camp North End, including Reindog Parade, igloos, market, limited edition mug, more…

Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, is hosting Mistletoe Market on Saturdays, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m.

On December 17th, from 4 to 6 p.m. the Reindog Parade returns! (Details below.)

Image: Mace Publishing, LLC

Mistletoe Market takes place in all three districts of Camp North End. There will be a curated...

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Winter Silhouette Bonsai Exhibition

The Winter Silhouette Bonsai Exhibition is taking place Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th, 2022, at North Carolina Research Campus, 150 N Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Hours:

  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not...

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Light the Knights Festival 2022, including ice rink, snow tubing slope, and Charlotte Christmas Village

Light the Knights Festival, at Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte, NC, along with Charlotte Christmas Village, has significantly expanded its offerings for the 2022 holiday season.

It features a regulation size ice rink on the field and a 6-lane snow tubing slope in the outfield. You’ll need to sign a waiver to tube or skate.

...

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Journey to Bethlehem at St. Giles

St. Giles Church, at 2027 Emerywood Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is presenting Journey to Bethlehem on Sunday, December 11th, 2022, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Check out our big list of live nativity events in the Charlotte area!

This is a free event.

The highlight of the event is a nativity with live animals. there will also be kids’...

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Light Up the Winter Night at Children of the World Learning Center Dec 10

Children of the World Learning Center, 6030 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting Light Up the Winter Night on December 10th, 2022, from 2 to 8 p.m.

The event is free, with a suggested $5 donation for adults.

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!

There will be...

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11 Hanukkah Celebrations in Charlotte 2022
Photo: Depositphotos


Every year, several organizations present Hanukkah celebrations for the community in the Charlotte area. These events are family friendly and most are free.

Events include Menorah lightings, concerts, parties, and even a Menorah Car Parade. We are waiting to hear back about some events that take place most years.

Some...

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10 Live Nativities in the Charlotte area

With all the excitement of Santa, sometimes the more sacred or spiritual aspects of Christmas can be overshadowed.

But many churches and other organizations have planned wonderful Nativity events that are open to the community. Some are walk-through or drive-through events.

We’ve been adding many of these events, most of which are...

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Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Dec 1-26
Image: Mace Publishing, LLC

The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, is hosting the extremely popular Gingerbread Lane again this year.

Gingerbread artists are creating masterpieces that compete for top honors in three categories:

  • Professional
  • Amateur
  • Child

Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday...

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Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte 2022
Photo: Depositphotos


There will be several opportunities in 2022 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.

Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this series of...

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Pets get free pictures with Santa at PetSmart (reservations required)

PetSmart is offering FREE photos of your pet with Santa on two weekend at all PetSmart locations in the United States and Canada (excluding PetSmart Groomery locations.)

Here’s a big list of where to get pictures of your dog with Santa around Charlotte!

The photo sessions with Santa at PetSmart will be available from 12 p.m. to 3...

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A Providence Christmas in Bethlehem

Providence Baptist Church, 5315 Highway 49 S, Harrisburg, North Carolina, is presenting A Providence Christmas in Bethlehem from December 1st to 4th, 2022.

Check out our big list of live nativity events in the Charlotte area!

On December 1st and 2nd, the first start starts at 6:30 p.m. and the last tour starts at 8:30 p.m. On December 3rd...

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Free holiday concerts around Charlotte 2022

Photo: Depositphotos

Celebrate the season by attending a free holiday concert in the Charlotte area in 2022. In this list you might find find traditional Christmas music, a tuba concert, community chorus concerts and more. This listed is growing every day, so please keep checking back.

These concerts take place all over the Charlotte...

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