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If the weather is iffy make sure to check with the event organizers' social media or websites to see if outdoor events are taking place.

In This Issue...

CLT New Year’s Eve includes fireworks, live music, food trucks, more…
Photo by Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners

CLT NYE presented by Ally, Charlotte’s Uptown New Year’s Eve celebration, is back! Say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 at this party at Tryon Street and Levine Avenue of the Arts.

This is a free event and if you’re looking for fireworks near you, this is the...

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25 free and cheap New Year’s Eve events in Charlotte

Illustration: Depositphotos

Looking for fireworks near you for New Year’s Eve? We’ve got you covered!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 and New Year’s Day 2023 in Charlotte! Read on for a list of New Year’s Eve events, including CLT NYE.

We’ll be adding to this list of events as more announcements are made...

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Amazon New Year Sale includes generators, fitness items, toys, DIY items, more…

Christmas might be over, but Amazon is continuing to offer special deals. Its New Year Sale includes many items that you might have wished you had received as gifts. Or if you’re returning a gift, look here for great deals on what you really want.

We’re listing a few deals below that seem like they might be a good fit, and have...

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Recycle your Christmas tree for mulch in the Charlotte area
Photo: Depositphotos

No hurry, but when you’re ready to let your Christmas tree go, it’s easy and free to do, and even “pays it forward” — as Christmas trees are turned into mulch.

Dried out Christmas trees become increasingly flammable as days go by, so maybe we’re rushing you just a little bit.

City of...

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Family friendly New Year’s events in Charlotte, including 8 Noon Year’s Eve countdowns and more

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at these events in Charlotte. This list includes many Noon Year’s Eve events, as well as some events with countdowns in the early evenings.

Charlotte’s official New Year’s Eve event, CLT NYE, is free, and is family-friendly, although the countdown does take place at...

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Four outdoor ice skating rinks in Charlotte area this winter
Photo: Depositphotos

For a place where the average high temperature is 62 degrees in November and 53 degrees in December, Charlotte sure does like outdoor ice skating. This year there are four places in the Charlotte region where you can ice skate outside. Two in Charlotte, one in Huntersville, and one in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Check out...

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Here’s How to Watch and Stream the 2023 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square

There is plenty going on in Charlotte for New Year’s Eve, including CLT NYE, which features live music, fireworks, and the lighting of Charlotte’s crown. In addition, there are a ton of low-priced New Year’s Eve celebrations in Charlotte.

But if you’d rather greet 2023 from the comfort of your couch, wearing your pajamas...

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Food Rocket: Free Lyft ride voucher with alcohol delivery on New Year’s Eve

Food Rocket is a new local rapid delivery app that lets you order 7,000 grocery items online, including meats, fresh produce, dairy, and Circle K convenience items like snacks, alcohol and tobacco products, to get them delivered to their doors in 10 to 30 minutes.

Deliver is free, and if you don’t get your order within the time specified...

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Krispy Kreme: $20.23 any Double Dozen for the New Year

Do you love Krispy Kreme Doughnuts? Do you love a good deal? You’re in the right place. We keep track of the best Krispy Kreme deals, right here.

Also, keep reading for a list of Charlotte area Krispy Kreme locations.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and restaurant deals in the Charlotte area, so if you’re feeling...

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NYE show at Petra’s (and more)
Photo courtesy of Petra’s


Petra’s Bar, at 1919 Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood, is a friendly neighborhood bar that includes a main bar with a stage, a taproom, an art gallery and a patio.

It frequently hosts excellent live music, pop-up vendor and art markets, dance parties, film screenings and much more. The events are...

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Best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area for 2022 — updated
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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Discovery Place Kids: Noon Year’s Eve


Discovery Place Kids–Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, will be celebrating New Year’s Eve a little early on December 31st, 2022.

Noon Year’s Eve takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special activities and a countdown to noon, with an epic balloon drop. Each family will get a gift bag.

Tickets are regular...

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What’s open on New Year’s Day in Charlotte

Happy New Year! Is Food Lion open on New Year’s Day? That’s the question on everyone’s mind. The answer is yes. As will be Harris Teeter and most other grocery stores. However not all grocery stores will be open, and those that are might have reduced hours. Read on for the details.

Also, you might be looking for a place to...

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New Year’s Eve Party at The Blind Pig

The Blind Pig is a neighborhood bar in NoDa, at 453 E 36th Street.

It’s open 7 nights a week, and features darts, skeeball, foosball, pool, and much more.

It’s close to The Evening Muse, Neighborhood Theatre, Wooden Robot Brewery, and the many restaurants, bars, coffee shops and breweries in NoDa.

Age 21+.

It’s a very...

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Free Uber, Lyft and Cab Rides Home on New Year’s Eve

The law firm Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, is providing FREE rides home on holidays, to help to keep our community safe.

If you’ve been drinking, take an Uber, Lyft or cab home and then submit a copy of your receipt and your photo ID to Mehta & McConnell and you’ll get reimbursed for your ride.

Reimbursement is limited to the...

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Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte 2022 (please note new location)
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.

UPDATE: Please note that the Kwanzaa Charlotte events taking place December 29th, 30th, and 31st, have a new location: The Movement School,...

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Speedway Christmas through Jan 8 — Save $5

Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Speedway Christmas is at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a 13th year in 2022. It’s included in our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area.

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

Read on for all the information you need,...

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30+ Charlotte restaurants open on New Year’s Day Brunch, Lunch or Dinner

Interested in not cooking for New Year’s Day 2023? Check out this growing list of restaurants in the Charlotte area that are open for the New Year holiday. Some are offering New Year’s Day Brunch, and some are serving lunch and/or dinner.

Most listed will be available for take-out as well, and, in some cases, delivery.

Some will...

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Final night of Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular — save 30%
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

The 1st Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is bringing holiday magic to Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, NC, this Christmas season.

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

Overview of Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular with golden reindeer in the foregroundPhoto: Mace Publishing, LLC

Immerse...

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What to do in Charlotte on New Year’s Day — including free food

Want to start 2023 out on the right foot? Here are some events on New Year’s Day in Charlotte. Many of them are free.

Image: Depositphotos

Enjoy food and community at one of the breweries that are offering free food, or visit one of the restaurants that are open on New Year’s Day. It’s a popular tradition to take a hike on...

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New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower in Salisbury

Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department is presenting New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower, at 120 South Church Street, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Check out our big list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in Charlotte!

This free event takes place Saturday, December 31st, 2022, at 9 p.m.

Welcome in the new year with...

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Noon Year’s Eve at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Celebrate New Year’s Eve early with the younger members of the family. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, at 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC, is holding Noon Year’s Eve on Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out more family-friendly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events around Charlotte.

...

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New Year’s Day Hikes (and more) in North Carolina State Parks

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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Sexy Shiny Funky Disco NYE Party at Starlight on 22nd
Photo courtesy of Starlight on 22nd

Starlight on 22nd, at 422 E. 22nd Street, Charlotte, boasts a relaxed lounge atmosphere, and beer, wine, spirits and art.

Free parking is available in the secure gravel lot across the street, or along Brevard. It’s also close to the Parkwood and 25th Street stops on the LYNX light rail.

Starlight on...

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New Year’s Eve with Deep Fried Disco at Snug Harbor

Snug Harbor, at 1228 Gordon Street, Charlotte, is bringing in the New Year with its monthly event, Deep Fried Disco.

It takes place Saturday, December 31st, 2021, at 10 p.m. Cover charge is just $11.30. Buy tickets.


DJs include:

  • ThatGuySmitty
  • VonFunkHauser
  • Steve Howerton
  • Charles Gatling
  • Oba Shanti

Check out our big list of New...

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Free New Year’s Eve party at Hattie’s Tap & Tavern, with live music, balloon drop, ice luge and more…

Hattie’s Tap & Tavern, at 2918 The Plaza, is a friendly neighborhood bar. They host frequent events, which you can learn about on their Facebook page.

Here’s one upcoming event.

Hattie’s NYE Party
Saturday, December 31st, 2022
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Free

This party incudes three bands, a DJ, ice luge, balloon...

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Noon Year’s Eve Party in Matthews for Families
Photo: Depositphotos

The Town of Matthews is hosting a party for families who’d like to ring in the New Year a little bit early.

Noon Year’s Eve will take place Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews.

The event features a kid-friendly DJ,...

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New Year’s Day Ritual Burning at Petty Thieves Brewing Co.: Bring an item to burn

Petty Thieves Brewing Co., at 413 Dalton Avenue, Charlotte, creates craft beers, fueled by passion and imagination.

They also host many events, which you can find on their Facebook page.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

Coming Up

Festivus
Saturday, December 24th, 2022
6 p.m.
Free

Air your grievances...

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Top things to do in January in Charlotte

Welcome to 2023! Santa might have parked his sleigh and headed to a much-deserved vacation, but for those wintering in the Charlotte area, there is plenty to do in January. Check out our list of the top things to do in January in Charlotte.

We’re highlighting several major events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge calendar of...

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’90s New Year’s party, and more, at 4001 Yancey


Brewers at 4001 Yancey is a group of like-minded brewers from Victory Beer Co. & Southern Tier Brewing Co. The taproom features well-known varieties, as well as exciting new offerings designed for the local market. There is also a full-service kitchen and dining spaces.

Keep an eye on Brewers at 4001 Yancey’s Facebook page for...

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Dave & Buster’s Family New Year’s Eve Party

Dave & Buster’s is hosting a family New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at both of their Charlotte area locations, Concord Mills and Carolina Place.

This party is scheduled early in the evening so that all members of the family can participate.


It’s pricier than what we usually...

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Ultimate NYE and Peach Bowl Watch party at Blackfinn Ameripub in Ballantyne

Blackfinn Ameripub Ballantyne, at 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, is hosting a college football watch party and New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st, 2022, starting at 7 p.m.

Entry is free and includes the balloon drop (with prizes), party favors, and free champagne toast.

Check out our big list of New Year’s Eve and...

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NYE at Two Buck Saloon: Live country music and free champagne toast
Photo by Two Buck Saloon

Two Buck Saloon, at 1113 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC, is celebrating New Year’s Eve on Saturday, December 31st, 2022. No cover charge.

Carter Lybrand and his band will be performing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year with a free champagne toast at midnight.

Check out our big list of New Year’s...

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Eighty-Six 2022 — All-day New Year’s Eve Party at Hopfly Brewing

Hopfly Brewing, at 1327 S Mint Street, is hosting an all-day, no-stress New Year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, December 31st, 2022.

No tickets or reservations are required. Just drop by.

Check out our big list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events in Charlotte!

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., start off your day with our...

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2022 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival features vendors, performances, kids’ activities, more

The 2023 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival, themed “Culture + Innovation + Heritage” will feature performances, more than 100 black owned companies, crafts, culture, food, art and information.

In addition there will be giveaways, discounts, kids’ activities and coupons.

It takes place Saturday, February 4th, 2023,...

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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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Big list of things (many free!) for kids to do during winter break 2022/2023
ImaginOn

Wondering what to do with the kids over winter break 2022/2023? Look no further. Here’s a list of some cheap and free things that will be fun for kids during Christmas Break. Included are special holiday activities to do the first few days of break, plus some Charlotte area activities that are always free or cheap.

Scroll down...

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Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Nov 25 to Dec 31


Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, at 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, is worth the short drive from Charlotte, especially during the Christmas season. We have this attraction on our list of the best Christmas light displays in the Charlotte area.

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

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Final days: Kannapolis Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express
Courtesy of City of Kannapolis

The nearby City of Kannapolis always goes above and beyond in its holiday festivities, and 2022 will be no exception. Read on to learn about the Tree Lighting, the Celebration of Lights, and the Christmas parade.

Downtown Kannapolis has undergone an incredible revitalization. Learn about all the fun things to do...

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NYE Bash at Gaston Pour House


Gaston Pour House, at 170 S. South Street, Gastonia, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, light bites, wine, cocktails and beer.

They also host frequent events. You can find all the events on their Facebook page.

NYE Bash
Saturday, December 31st, 2022
7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
$10

Your $10 ticket includes:

  • Raffle ticket
  • Apps...

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Free coffee & bagels at Birdsong Brewing’s New Year’s Day Party

Whatever you do on New Year’s Eve (and here’s a big list of New Year’s Eve events in Charlotte), on New Year’s Day you might appreciate some free bagels and coffee.

Birdsong Brewing, at 1016 N. Davidson Street, is continuing their tradition of sharing food and coffee with the community on New Year’s Day.

...

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Wendy’s Offers Two Free Bacon Sandwiches for National Bacon Day

Wendy’s fans, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll add current deals as they’re announced.

And, if you’re a regular, join the chain’s loyalty program Wendy’s Rewards for FREE food and exclusive discounts. Many of Wendy’s deals are available only on the app.

We have a big day-by-day list of food, drink and...

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MLK Day Celebrations and Observances in Charlotte 2023


On Martin Luther King Day, January 16th, 2023, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with celebrations, art, conversations, marches, music and more.

We are adding events as they’re announced, so please keep checking back.

Also, check out our list of what’s open and closed on MLK Day in the Charlotte area.

...

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New Year’s Day First Footin’ at Rural Hill

Experience the Scottish New Year tradition of First Footin’ at Rural Hill on Sunday, January 1st, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rural Hill is at 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.


Participants will walk the borders of the Historic Rural Hill property, in Huntersville, stopping together to listen to stories of history and folklore. The walk is...

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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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NYE Party at DreamChaser’s Brewery in Waxhaw


The DreamChaser’s Brewery, at 115 E North Main Street, Waxhaw, is an award-winning microbrewery, specializing in ales, lagers, stouts, and IPAs.

Check out a huge calendar of events at Charlotte breweries.

They regularly hosts events, which you can find on their Facebook page.

Coming Up

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New Year’s Day Free Soup Day at Free Range Brewing (and more)
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Free Range Brewing, 2320 North Davidson Street, hosts a number of free and inexpensive events every week. Some are regularly scheduled and recur every week or month, and some are special events. Make sure to check Free Range Brewing’s Facebook page for updates to this schedule.

Coming Up

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Grand Opening of The Salty Donut in the South End, with freebies

The Salty Donut, an artisanal donut and coffee shop hailing from Miami, is opening its first North Carolina store. It will open on Friday, January 6th, 2023, at 1515 S Tryon Street, Suite 105.

Photo courtesy of The Salty Donut

The Salty Donut will feature signature treats that have inspired a cult-like following in Florida and Texas, as well...

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


This is a constantly updated 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, and even beyond.

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...

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