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In This Issue...

Huge list of free and cheap New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2023 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, as well as some special New Year’s Day events too.

We’ll be adding to...

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Your guide to Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte 12/30 (including hotel discounts)

Duke’s Mayo Bowl will take place on on Friday, December 30th, 2022, at 12 p.m., at Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte.

The game will pit the University of Maryland Terrapins against the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

This game marks the 21st anniversary of this bowl game in Charlotte, although the name has evolved...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Noon Year’s Eve Party in Birkdale — rescheduled to January 7

The Town of Huntersville is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party in Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville. This New Year’s Eve party for families is taking place on January 7th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It has been rescheduled from New Year’s Eve because of the projected rain.

Check out more family-friendly...

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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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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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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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VisArt Video: Martel’s Movie Madness, plus Hot Chocolate and Documentary

VisArt Video, at 3104 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation, creation, and experience of movies through education, community events, and rental of over 40,000 titles—some being rare and non-streaming. Check out the Micro Cinema for private events, parties and screenings here.

Upcoming Events from VisArt...

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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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Final week 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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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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Free community concert and songwriters showcase with Arsena, Nathan Storey and Tamra Simone + The Finnas

EXPLORE: Community Concert & Songwriters Showcase is a free event on Friday, December 30th, 2022, at 7 p.m. It takes place at David B. Waymer Recreatin & Senior Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, North Carolina.

This concert, presented by Dear Soul Music, features local talents Arsena, Nathan Storey and Tamra Simone + The...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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30+ Charlotte restaurants open on New Year’s Day 2023

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.

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

Some will serve a special New Year’s Day meal, and some will serve their regular menu....

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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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Ice Skating and Lights at Whitewater Center now
Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

For a fourth year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, is offering ice skating. In addition, a brand new Lights installation is coming to the Whitewater Center, as well as two new 600-foot suspension bridges.

Ice skating and Lights will be available starting November 16th, 2022....

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MLK Weekend Celebration in Cabarrus County: Parade, Dream Day at the Ballpart, March, more…

There are several events in Cabarrus County celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

These events are planned by the Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee of Concord-Cabarrus.

Read on to learn what’s happening in Cabarrus County, as well as a big list of MLK Day events across the Charlotte region.

Learn about...

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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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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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Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Gantt Center: It Takes a Village

The Levine Museum of the New South and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture are presenting an event for MLK Day on Monday, January 16th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place at the Gantt Center, 5511 South Tryon Street, Charlotte.

This is a free event for all ages.


Food Lion Martin Luther King Jr. Day: It Takes a...

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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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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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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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MLK Unity March and Wreath-Laying Jan 15

The annual Charlotte MLK Day Parade is not taking place in 2023, but the MLK Planning Committee of Charlotte is hosting a Martin Luther King Unity March on Sunday, January 15th, 2023, culminating in the annual wreath laying ceremony at Marshall Park.

Registration has closed for participating in the march, but it begins at 2:30 p.m., at the...

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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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New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular in Mooresville postponed until Jan 14
Photo: Depositphotos

Mooresville is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023 with a year of special events.

It’s kicking off the celebratory year with the Anniversary Kick-Off Fireworks Spectacular. This event was scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but is being postponed until January 14th, 2023, due to the weather forecast.

Check...

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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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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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Charlotte Restaurant Week: January, 2023

Queen’s Feast — Charlotte Restaurant Week is returning in January, 2023, for ten days. Check back soon for the dates.

This will be the perfect time to try a new restaurant, or revisit a favorite restaurant that you’ve been missing.

During Queen’s Feast you pay a set amount for a three course prix fixe meal from a...

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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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January in Charlotte — the top 10 things to do this month

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.

We’re highlighting several major events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge calendar of things to do in Charlotte, and surrounding areas in January. This...

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19 Community bands, orchestras and choirs in the Charlotte area — learn how you can participate

The Charlotte area is home to a large number of community bands, orchestras and choirs. The membership varies. Some are made up of professional or almost-professional musicians, and some are open to anyone with an interest in performing.

Whether you’ve performed professionally and are looking for a new music community, or you...

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