Your 2023 Holiday Cultural Calendar
Compiled By Bernie Petit
’Tis the season!
With the holidays upon us, the creative community is setting out to make this the most wonderful time of the year.
Over the next several weeks, you can expect traditions beloved and new (think Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker” and “Clara’s Trip,” presented by Caroline Calouche & Co.), events that inspire us to unwrap our artistic gifts and yuletide happenings families can enjoy together.
Here are some festive activities to have on your holiday calendar, courtesy of ASC’s CharlotteCultureGuide.com.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL
When: Through Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Cost: Starting at $18
Presented by: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Ring in the holiday season with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s most-popular show of all time! What happens when the “worst kids in the history of the world” decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant? This hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic story, will have your family laughing and crying as you celebrate the holidays.
CLARA’S TRIP: A CIRQUE & DANCE NUTCRACKER STORY
When: Thursday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $30-$80
Presented by: Caroline Calouche & Co.
Caroline Calouche & Co.’s annual holiday show is a treat for the entire family. “Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story” has become a new holiday tradition for many in Charlotte and is a contemporary twist on a holiday classic.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
When: Friday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: Theatre Charlotte
Cost: $15-$30
Presented by: Theatre Charlotte
Celebrating its 17th year as Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition with a few new surprises! Travel the streets of London with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they work to warm old Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart.
THE NUTCRACKER
When: Friday, Dec. 8-Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Belk Theater
Cost: Starting at $30
Presented by: Charlotte Ballet
Experience true wonder with your loved ones during the holiday season with the beloved classic! Glittering snowfall, jumping candy canes and the magnificent Land of Sweets – the holidays have never felt so magical. There’s no better tradition than experiencing Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s choreography with Tchaikovsky’s classic score performed live by the celebrated Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
OVC’S HOLIDAY CONCERT – PRIDE & JOY
When: Friday, Dec. 8-Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte
Presented by: One Voice Chorus
Through a variety of musical selections, One Voice Chorus will celebrate the wonder and magic of Christmas and several other holidays that bring us together. Come take a “Winter Walk” and hear favorites such as “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” to remember that it is the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL
When: Friday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts and Theatre Matthews
Cost: $18-$26
Presented by: Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts
This lively musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” features both new and returning cast members along with uplifting musical numbers, show-stopping choreography, beautiful period costumes and rousing performances from some of Charlotte’s favorite actors.
THE 69TH ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
When: Saturday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Dale F. Halton Theater
Presented by: Carolina Voices
The warm sounds of the season will fill CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater as the soaring voices of the Carolina Voices MainStage Choir (in a 32’ specially-designed tree!) perform all your favorite Christmas music – from the inspirational and sacred, to the traditional, pop and family classics. The stage will sparkle with whimsical dance, magical tricks, and special friends who will warm your heart at this most wonderful time of the year!
PHOTOS WITH OWL SANTA
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Carolina Raptor Center
Cost: Included with admission
Presented by: Carolina Raptor Center
Don your festive attire and get ready to have your picture taken with not one, but two Santas at the Carolina Raptor Center. The Santa you know and love will be there to meet and take photos with (bring your own phone or camera), as well as a second special guest: Owl Claus! Note: Owl Claus is human sized, not raptor sized.
HISTORIC HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Wing Haven
Cost: Free; reservations required
Presented by: Wing Haven
Enjoy the winter hue and shapes of the gardens and special holiday decor at Wing Haven’s two historic houses of Eddie and Elizabeth Clarkson and Elizabeth Lawrence. The SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden will also be decorated with the wildlife in mind—carrying on the beloved traditions of Mrs. Clarkson.
HOLIDAY GARDEN STROLL
When: Sunday, Dec. 10,
Where: Historic Rosedale
Cost: $10
Presented by: Historic Rosedale
Stroll the Historic Rosedale grounds and gardens as they were seen by residents and visitors past–by candlelight. Utilizing a self-guided map, you’ll stroll the grounds and gardens enjoying the twilight hours. There will be a holiday performance of strolling characters courtesy of Queen City Groove and light holiday treats–coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and sweets–at the pavilion. The interior of the Historic Rosedale house is not included.
GHOSTS AND CHRISTMASES PAST
When: Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Rosedale
Cost: $15-$25
Presented by: Historic Rosedale
Ghost stories were once part of many historical Christmas traditions and Historic Rosedale has its share. Spend the evening with the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS) and Historic Rosedale staff to discover how many of the site’s former residents have chosen to remain behind.
CHILL LATIN MUSIC – A HOLIDAY ACOUSTIC CONCERT
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Matthews Branch
Cost: Free
Presented by: Ana Lucía Divins
Celebrate the holidays by enjoying traditional Latin-American songs and more during this special acoustic concert featuring the Café Amaretto duet of Ana Lucía Divins (vocals) & Carlos Crespo (guitar). This concert is part of the Chill Latin Music series, a program sponsored by ASC’s Culture Blocks – a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
NOEL & MARIA: HOME AGAIN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $39.50-$49.50
Presented by: Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Join Noel and Maria for their fourth holiday show, an annual celebration that has quickly become a Charlotte “must see.” The performers reinterpret Christmas classics as well as contemporary holiday favorites in an intimate cabaret setting with special guest artists along with their own all-star band.
JIM BRICKMAN: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
When: Monday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $54.50-$99.50
Presented by: Blumenthal Performing Arts
Get ready to be dazzled by Jim Brickman’s signature piano style and soothing vocals in his captivating, brand-new Christmas concert experience. Music and laughter will fill the air with the heartwarming sounds of Yuletide carols, holiday classics and all of Brickman’s biggest hits.
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
When: Wednesday, Dec. 27-Thursday, Dec. 28
Where: Ovens Auditorium
Cost: $25-$89.50
Presented by: Blumenthal Performing Arts
Embrace the holiday spirit with a variety show full of nostalgia, charm and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
When: Tuesday, Dec. 26-Wednesday, Dec. 27
Where: Knight Theater
Cost: $24.50-$59.50.
Presented by: Blumental Performing Arts
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.