Compiled By Patrice Wilson

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

The line from the classic holiday song could just as well describe the merriment Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural community has in store for us over the next several weeks. 

From traditional holiday performances, such as Theatre Charlotte’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” to new events like the Puerto Rican Christmas Gala, there are plenty of festive events happening around that are sure to keep you and loved ones both entertained and connected throughout the season!

Here’s a look at what you can expect, courtesy of ASC’s CharlotteCultureGuide.com.

JAZZ ROOM Holiday Edition: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Swing

When: Thursday, Dec. 8- Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: Starting at $38
Presented by: JazzArts Charlotte

Jam out with JazzArts Charlotte as they present the region’s premiere of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite during their only annual benefit! Hear the All-Star Regional Jazz Orchestra perform “Sugar Rum Cherries,” “Peanut Brittle Brigade” and other holiday favorites!

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

When: Wednesday, Dec. 9- Friday, Dec. 11
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: Starting at $25
Presented by: Blumental Performing Arts

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas is a jam-packed night of holiday hits journeying through Christmas past, present and future. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

The Nutcracker

When: Friday, Dec. 9- Friday, Dec. 23
Where: Belk Theater
Cost: Starting at $30
Presented by: Charlotte Ballet

Celebrate the holidays at Belk Theater with “The Nutcracker” this December. See costumes that sparkle, fairies that twirl, and a party that you do not want to miss!

A Christmas Carol

When: Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 18
Where: Theatre Charlotte
Cost: $15-$30
Presented by: Theatre Charlotte

Celebrate 16 years of holiday tradition with Theatre Charlotte by returning to the streets of London with the classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge!

Historic Holiday Open House

When: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Wing Haven
Cost: Free
Presented by: Wing Haven

See the scenic gardens and holiday décor at Wing Haven’s two historic houses of Eddie and Elizabeth Clarkson at 248 Ridgewood Avenue and Elizabeth Lawrence at 348 Ridgewood Avenue. The SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden will also have decorations to carry on the traditions of Mrs. Clarkson.

Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story

When: Thursday, Dec. 15-Tuesday, Dec. 20
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $25-$40
Presented by: Caroline Calouche & Co.

Caroline Calouche & Co. is celebrating 10 years of producing “Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story.” “Clara’s Trip” is a twist on the holiday classic, filled with powerful high-energy dancing on the ground and in the air!

Holiday Pops

When: Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday Dec. 18
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: Starting at $22
Presented by: Charlotte Symphony

Join the Charlotte Symphony in creating lasting memories with family friends at this immersive concert experience. Come sing along to “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Joy to the World” with the Charlotte Master Chorale, and more! A special guest from the North Pole will also join Charlotte Symphony on stage.

Puerto Rican Christmas Gala

When: Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Oasis Shriners 
Cost: $50 in advance, $75 at the door
Presented by: E&A Productions, Inc. and the Puerto Rican Festival of the Carolinas

The Puerto Rican Christmas Gala includes a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas meal, as well as live music, dancing and more! 

A Holiday Celebration

When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at 4 p.m.
Where: Christ Lutheran Church
Cost: $12-$15
Presented by: Charlotte Concert Band

Help Charlotte Concert Band celebrate the season at this beautiful and spacious venue with musical favorites that the whole family will enjoy!

Tosco Music Holiday Party

When: Monday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: Starting at $18
Presented by: Tosco Music

Come sing along and enjoy a night of great music at Tosco Music Holiday Party! The evening will feature an eclectic mix of more than a dozen performers singing holiday favorites

Soulful Noel

When: Wednesday, Dec. 21- Thursday, Dec. 22
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $28
Presented by: OnQ Productions

Join OnQ Productions in celebrating its10 year Anniversary of “Soulful Noel,” which reframes the age-old story of the reason for the season in a contemporary way with holiday hits. Fill your holiday cup with R&B, Funk, Gospel, Soul, a dash of Noel and a lot of OnQ!

Cirque de Noël

When: Wednesday, Dec. 21- Friday, Dec. 23
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: Starting at $10
Presented by: Charlotte Symphony

Catch this exciting circus meets symphony show! Fill your family with the wonder of the season with awe-inspiring acrobatics accompanied by musical holiday favorites!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

When: Through Thursday, Dec. 22
Where: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Cost: Starting at $16
Presented by: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” is a hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story. This musical comedy will have your family laughing, crying and connecting!

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

When: Monday, Dec. 26- Tuesday, Dec. 27
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: Starting at $19.99
Presented by: Blumental Performing Arts

Bring the family and friends to join “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” in celebrating its 10th anniversary this season with another spectacular tour! With innovative digital graffiti and visuals, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” transforms the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.