Dec 04 Thursday
Ring in the season with JOY!, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s signature holiday celebration. Expect a sparkling mix of stunning singing and playful hijinks you won’t find anywhere else—from the serenity of Morten Lauridsen’s Magnum Mysterium to the feel-good lift of That Christmas Morning Feelin’ (Spirited), capped by the debut of Dan Forrest’s breathtaking arrangement for men’s voices of Angels We Have Heard on High.
Equal parts heart and camp, tradition and surprise, JOY! sweeps from classical to pop and everything in between—wrapped in GMCC’s trademark warmth, wit, and wall-of-sound harmonies. Come for the sparkle, leave humming… with JOY!
Get your seats now—holiday happiness starts here!
Performance Dates:Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 7:30 PM
Friday, December 5, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 3:00 PM
📍 Location:Galilee Center3601 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Accessibility: The Thursday, December 4th performance at 7:30 PM will feature ASL interpretation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. We’re proud to make JOY! inclusive and welcoming to all.
The Department of Music presents the Women's Chorus in concert. Following their performance, the Men's Chorus will perform at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $8. CoAA Faculty and staff and CoAA students are eligible for free tickets to this performance. Please log into your Niner account in the ticketing system to redeem.
Dec 05 Friday
Embark on a fascinating journey through the skies and cosmos in the interactive aerospace exhibition Above and Beyond!
Above and Beyond celebrates the incredible innovations that have shaped flight – from the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to today’s space exploration and tomorrow’s cutting-edge aviation technologies.
Explore the frontiers of air and space travel through immersive simulations, hands-on design challenges and dynamic storytelling that brings the history and future of aerospace to life. The journey begins in a wraparound immersive theater, then expands into five themed galleries featuring dozens of interactive stations.
Step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in Charlotte, NC, opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays.
Snow Days is a family-friendly winter experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder—perfect for anyone looking for indoor winter activities in Charlotte or things to do in Charlotte when it’s cold.
Highlights of Snow Days* Aurora Borealis Experience – Walk beneath the dazzling Northern Lights in a peaceful winter scene. It’s a moment of stillness and awe in the heart of Charlotte’s newest indoor winter wonderland.* Sock Skating Rink – Enjoy a fun indoor skating activity for all ages—no ice required! Visitors slip off their shoes and glide across a frictionless rink, making this one of the most unique indoor winter attractions in Charlotte.* Nature & Animals in Winter – Explore how animals adapt to the cold through migration, hibernation and other survival strategies. See fascinating museum specimens like the Arctic fox, Humboldt penguin and snowy owl, and experience a blend of science and winter discovery in Charlotte.* The Inuit: Life, Culture and Survival – Build a traditional-style igloo and explore fascinating artifacts and stories of resilience from Inuit communities who have thrived in Arctic climates for generations.* The Snowflake: Research, Art and Folklore – Marvel at intricate snowflake photography, design virtual snowflakes, and learn how snow has inspired both science and storytelling across time. It’s a beautiful mix of art, science and winter magic.* Hygge: Human Comfort for Survival – Relax in a cozy nook styled after the Danish and Norwegian tradition of hygge, celebrating the warm, cozy side of winter with soft lighting, music, blankets and books—an ideal spot for a winter day indoors in Charlotte.
Carrying forward the legacy of New Orleans’ most storied jazz institution, the Preservation Hall Legacy All-Stars bring the Crescent City’s holiday spirit to the Queen City. Expect soulful carols, joyful swing, and the timeless sound of New Orleans traditional jazz in this festive holiday celebration for the whole family. This special weekend benefits our JazzArts Academy programs.The Preservation Hall All-Stars are the premiere ensemble of the most tenured artists from the greater Preservation Hall musical collective. Each performer bears a unique connection to the earliest practitioners of jazz itself, some by bloodline but all united by the sheer power of tradition. In addition to performing at the Hall weekly and internationally throughout the year, these culture bearers continue to pass the torch to the younger generation through education and music outreach.
The JAZZ ROOM provides a casual and intimate setting with tables and a full bar, reminiscent of the classic jazz rooms of yesteryear.
Thank you to our JAZZ ROOM contributors: Bank of America, South Arts, Knight Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Alice L Walton Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Infusion Fund.
Holiday magic is back in Charlotte Youth Ballet’s 46th annual production of The Nutcracker! This family-friendly event showcases the artistry of local student dancers and professionals from around the world. CYB is a nonprofit organization led by Charlotte legend, Gay Porter, and Artist Director, Bridget Porter Young.
General Admission shows: Friday, December 5 at 7pmSaturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7pmSunday, December 7 at 2:30pm
Special discounted performances are available for schools, preschools, homeschool students, Girl Scouts, and seniors. Visit https://charlotteyouthballet.org/nutcracker/ for info.
Dec 06 Saturday
Held in conjunction with the City of Lancaster’s Christmas in the City, the 12th Annual Winter Native American Art & Craft Festival features jewelry, quilts, baskets, Catawba pottery, and more artwork and demonstrations by established and emerging Native American artisans from around the region!
Enjoy delicious frybread from Lowcountry Frybread, available for purchase in the Center’s back parking lot (accessible from White Street). Seating is available in the Back Gallery.
Events are free and open to the public.