Community Calendar

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.

The Lake Norman Orchestra is presenting a free-admission holiday-themed concert at Mt. Zion UMC on Saturday, December 6, 6 PM. The 60-member all-volunteer full orchestra will perform a wide variety of holiday favorites. Song titles include "Sleigh Ride," "There's Christmas in the Air," "Do You Hear What I Hear?," and many other holiday classics.

7th Street Concerts is a dynamic new classical music series located in the heart of uptown Charlotte. Their third season opens with a journey across oceans and centuries featuring the luminous sounds of music from Latin and South America and Spain spanning five centuries. Through soaring voices, period instruments, and evocative storytelling, this program reimagines Mary and Joseph’s search for refuge as a timeless reflection of today’s migrants traveling al norte led by hope. Festive, sacred, and secular works come to life in a performance that bridges cultures, centuries, and our shared human longing. Join singers Nick Garza and Andrea Walker, with an ensemble of early instruments, for a radiant holiday concert that celebrates both cultural roots and the universal search for home.

Festivities begin at 5:30 with a complimentary pre-concert Happy Hour followed by the concert. The music will last about 75min with no intermission, and will conclude with more drinks and snacks on us, plus a chance to meet and mingle with the artists. Free parking included.

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 7pm
Saturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, 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.

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 Center
3601 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.

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.

The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Fly High! Watch Rudolph soar above the audience as we kick off the holidays in spectacular fashion.

One-Act, approx. 60 min. / For all ages

Show Dates and Times:
Sat, Nov 22: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 23: 2 & 4 PM
Fri, Nov 28: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Nov 29: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 30: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Dec 6: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 7: 11 AM & 2 PM
Sat, Dec 13: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 14: 11 AM & 2 PM
Fri, Dec 19: 7 PM
Sat, Dec 20: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 21: 2 & 4 PM
Mon, Dec 22: 11 AM & 2 PM
Tues, Dec 23: 11 AM & 2 PM

ASL-Interpreted Show: Sat, Dec 6 at 3 PM
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sun, Dec 21 at 4 PM

Hope. Now available in a vending machine.

Giving to charity is as easy as buying a candy bar: select an item, type the number, tap your card.

A "vending machine for good," the Giving Machine lets visitors "purchase" real items for people in need -- everything from laundry detergent and diapers for local families to livestock and education supplies for communities worldwide. Each card represents a tangible act of giving, and 100% of every donation goes directly to participating charities: Ada Jenkins Center, American Red Cross, Church World Service, Classroom Central, Common Heart, and MiraVia.

Find the Light the World Giving Machine on the first floor of Carolina Place Mall, between Belk and Dick's Sporting Goods. Open November 19-December 7.

Come experience the joy of giving this season. Buy a gift. Change a life.

Giving Machine 2025 calendar of free entertainment and activities can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0gowv2mo2tpr3swh1sxdx/EventCalendar_2025.png?rlkey=2sn4k4v82uyxf08oh8toruuo5&st=x9tlzm11&dl=0

See how the Giving Machine works: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9zmfglhyqyszb29xv877w/AL6QywRqm__HHSowP90LQ7E?rlkey=wbzymxgn7vntgi5tdqfln7ht4&st=0mnxedgx&dl=0

The International Holiday Bazaar is an award-winning annual fundraiser hosted by Wedgewood Church: A Social Justice Community for Refugee Support Services, celebrating global culture, community, and compassion. Recently recognized as “Best Event for a Good Cause” in Queen City Nerve’s 2025 Best in the Nest Awards, and with Wedgewood also honored as “Best Church”, the Bazaar continues to grow as one of Charlotte’s most meaningful holiday traditions. Featuring artisans from around the world, the event offers meaningful holiday shopping where every purchase supports refugee resettlement and community programs in Charlotte.​

What to Expect
- Shop for beautiful, handcrafted holiday gifts
- Enjoy cultural performances and festive music
- Snack on treats from around the world
- Connect with local refugees and support a great cause

Why It Matters
All proceeds from this event benefit Refugee Support Services, helping fund programs that empower and uplift refugee families right here in Charlotte.

Free Admission - Everyone is Welcome!

Bring your friends and family, shop for meaningful holiday gifts, and celebrate the season while making a difference in the lives of our newest neighbors.