It’s that time of year again, y’all. I don’t know about you, but the passing of the first of November throws me into gift-buying, card-addressing, cookie-baking, Santa-visit-planning, memory-making-planning tizzy.
We can’t do your baking (and flat out refuse to help you address all your holiday cards) but we did pull together some of our favorite kid-friendly events (and a few that are new to us) to help you check a few things off the list.
Christmas in Davidson
- When: November 30th, December 1st & December 2nd
- Where: Downtown Davidson
- Cost: Free Admission (some activities & refreshments are free, not all)
Who doesn’t love downtown Davidson? Now add Christmas lights, hot chocolate, strolling carolers and some beautifully-decorated Christmas trees. Nothing cuter.
Last year we went to this event for the first time and will certainly be back again this year. Christmas in Davidson is full of holiday goodness and most of it is completely free including a visit and a photo with Santa, hayrides, music, hot chocolate & S’mores with the Grinch, raffles, crafts and so much more. Don’t miss out on the parade Saturday at 2pm!
BONUS: There are satellite parking lots set up and you can hop on the trolley for free to get you to the festivities. For our kids, the trolley ride was one of the best memories!
For a complete list of activities, events and parking details, visit the Christmas in Davidson website.
Panthers Fourth Annual Tree Lighting
- When: Thanksgiving Eve (November 22nd)
- Where: Bank of America Stadium
- Cost: Free Admission (food available for purchase)
Another first for us last year was the Panthers Tree Lighting. Whether you’re big into football or not, this is a great way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Last year there was free hot chocolate, holiday music, kids activities, light-up doo-dads and a kids movie playing on the big screen leading up to the main event, the lighting of the tree. They have food trucks on site too, just in case you’re hungry. This one is sure to be a Thanksgiving Eve tradition for our family for years to come…
For more details, visit the Panthers Fourth Annual Tree Lighting website.
Teddy Bear Tea
- When: December 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th from 12 – 3pm
- Where: The Westin Charlotte
- Cost: $48 for Adults (upgrade to include bottomless mimosas for $55), $28 for Kids over 2 years old (2 & under are free) OR Adult & Child package for $73
This year I was looking for one more new Christmas tradition for our family and a friend told me about the Teddy Bear Tea at the Westin. This one is a little pricier, but hear me out…
First of all, did you see the part about bottomless mimosas? Need I go on?
For those of you who are still not sold, this event includes high tea with kid-friendly food and drink, cookie decorating station, ornament decorating station, photo with Santa and a teddy bear from Build-a-Bear!
BONUS: There are still spots available for the December 9th tea when all proceeds go to the Hospitality House of Charlotte. If you’re not familiar with Hospitality House, this organization provides the comforts of home for families of seriously ill loved ones by offering affordable accommodations in the heart of Charlotte’s medical community.
Tickets are available by calling Stephanie Hunt at 704.335.2103 or emailing Stephanie.Hunt@westin.com. For more details, 2017 Teddy Bear Tea.
What are your favorite kid-friendly holiday events in the Charlotte area? Tell us below in the comments!
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