Michelle Lloyd from MomsCharlotte.com has put togther a comprehensive list of holiday events in the Charlotte metro area including York County SC. The calendar includes categories like SPECIAL EVENTS, HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES.
More examples are ONGOING HOLIDAY FUN ….like:
WBT’s Holiday On Ice: Check out the area’s only outdoor ice rink, tucked away on The Green in uptown Charlotte. 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 9. $7 Admission, $3 Skate Rental.
Holiday Lights at the Garden: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens displays more than 600,000 lights, old fashioned trains, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats and other activities. Guests can walk through a 30-foot tree of lights 5-9 p.m. Through Dec. 23. Adults $10, Seniors 60+ $9, Children 4-12 $5. Members free each Tuesday and half price Wed-Mon.
Gingerbread Lane: A collection of gingerbread houses throughout the holiday season, 8 .m. Dec. 1-26 at The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. Attendees may vote on their favorite gingerbread house with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Levine Children?s Hospital, dedicated to caring for the physical and emotional needs of children and their families.
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library: Christmas at the Billy Graham Library, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Dec. 1-23. Admission is free. There will be a live Nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides ($5, $2 for children 12 & under) through light displays, carolers and festive music, story time for children, unique exhibit of Graham Christmas cards, seasonal treats & shopping for books & gifts. Last tour starts at 8 p.m. each night. Evening events start at 5 pm each night.
Santa’s SleigHAY Ride & Photos on the Farm: Harris Farm sleigh rides and photos with Santa. Visitors can see baby calves, goats, Santa’s elves Mrs. Claus. Pets are welcome. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20. $10 hayride, $5 photo.
Santa Train: Take a 25-minute train ride in Spencer with Santa and his elves, as Santa hands out oranges and candy canes, a Southern Railway tradition. Children will hear classic Christmas tales and have fun making holiday ornaments in the Roundhouse. Tickets only available on the day of the event. $7 per person. Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 Saturday Train Rides: 10, 10:45 & 11:30 a.m. 1, 1:45, 2:30 & 3:15 p.m. Sunday Train Rides: 1:30, 2:15, 3 and 3:45 p.m.
Cookies and Cocoa With Santa: Take a 25-minute evening train ride to the Roundhouse at the NC Transportation Museum to share hot cocoa and cookies with Santa. After kids have told Santa their Christmas wishes, they can visit the storytelling and activity area to hear Santa’s elves read Christmas tales, with a coloring area and more. Advance tickets only available online or by phone, $10 per person. Train rides at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. each night. Dec. 5,12,18,19.
Or more HOLIDAY FUN at….
Fish the Magish?s Holiday Magic Shows: Magician Mike Fisher, known as ?Fish the Magish,? will perform his holiday magic shows for all ages, 3:45-4:30 at the York County Library.
Home Sweet Homes with Habitat Charlotte: Habitat Charlotte is holding their Third Annual ‘Home Sweet Homes,’ Gingerbread House competition 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Julia?s Coffee. The goal of this fun-filled, family friendly event is to create awareness about the need for affordable housing in our community. Individuals, families, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations are all invited to enter this year?s competition. Contestants will construct their very own gingerbread house and drop them off at Julia’s Coffee where they will be displayed through December 12. Entry fees range from $25-$50.
Tree Lighting at Freedom Park: Afternoon filled with festive events for the whole family followed by a tree lighting in the early evening. 3-6 p.m. Dec. 12.
Visit with Santa: Children will be able to get their photograph with Santa, receive a special gift from him and enjoy holiday refreshments, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $30 per photo.
Breakfast with the Grinch: Join the Grinch for a breakfast better than any Who feast, 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at Joseph Beth Booksellers at SouthPark. Enjoy a reading of ?The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? and dare to have your picture taken with the mean one, Mr. Grinch. $8.95 per Child, $14.95 per Adult.
Build and Grow- Christmas Ornaments: Children ages 5-12 can build their own wooden ornaments for free. 10 a.m. at most participating Lowe’s stores. Register online to reserve your space.
A Huntersville Christmas: Come out to this community event and enjoy the festive celebrations. There will be pony rides, magic shows, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, a bonfire, storytelling, rides and games, children’s crafts and a visit from Santa and much more. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center.
Jamming, Jingling and Jumping: Holiday event with music and games for special needs children ages 5-16 at the Cornelius Arts Center. Music therapist Anna-Catherine Fowler will lead the music session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Dec. 12. Registration required by Dec. 4. $10 per child.
Families Decorating Trees for Wildlife: Help the birds and wildlife by preparing a winter feast. Families can work together to build tasty treats for their backyard visitors, 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at McDowell Nature Preserve.
Holiday Tea: Celebrate the holiday season the European way with an afternoon of traditional English tea, 2:45-4 p.m. Dec. 13 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Try different teas as you learn the benefits of each while enjoying paired snacks. $20 per person, includes admission for the evening.
Waxhaw Christmas Parade: More than 100 entries will march in the parade in downtown Waxhaw, 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 13. “Snack with Santa” will follow the parade at the Waxhaw Woman’s Club, 200 East South Main St.
and even includes where to find Santa at local malls. See more at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/617/story/1071017.html
