Queen City, NC December 2025

Last-Minute Luxury

No time? No problem.

Complimentary holiday gifts with spa gift card purchases of $300+

*Complimentary gifts available with in-spa gift card purchases only, while supplies last.

Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz, is the only practice in the greater Charlotte area to use a two-surgeon approach. This unique, teamoriented model ensures collaborative care at every step—from your initial consultation to your surgical procedure. The doctors specialize in surgical treatments like facelift, necklift, and rhinoplasty, delivering beautiful and natural results.

In addition to surgery, we offer a full suite of non-surgical options. Our skilled injectors, Morgan Nelson, NP and Cassie Smith, RN, provide personalized and natural results with injectables and fillers. For the foundation of a youthful look, our licensed medical esthetician, Allie Harris, offers a full range of skincare and laser treatments.

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Our focus is not just play, but helping dogs live balanced, fulfilled lives — mind and body.

The Holiday Issue

It’s no secret that Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, in part because of our magical family traditions. My very Southern grandmother who lived in LA (Lower Alabama) set the tone each year with her over-the-top decorations. By Thanksgiving, her home was lit up with multiple trees dressed in vintage tinsel and those old-fashioned lights that could burn your hand if you touched them. She and my mother were consummate hostesses; their doors were always open for friends and neighbors dropping by for a holiday cocktail or festive dessert.

Here in Charlotte, my family has carried on that spirit by creating traditions of our own. We kick things off the Friday after Thanksgiving, when we head to the Kings Drive Farmers Market to choose our Christmas trees. Our Dilworth home with its lofty ceilings (a blessing for the tall members of our family)—calls for an equally grand tree in the living room.

During the pandemic, I started a new tradition: a “bird tree” in our dining room. As a bird enthusiast, I started collecting bird ornaments. Some I source here at local spots like Blackhawk Hardware, others I’ve found on our travels. Each one brings back a memory and a sense of joy when I unpack it each year. It’s a reminder that every collection, no matter how small, can spark delight and hold meaning.

In our December issue, we highlight the best of what Charlotte has to offer during the holidays, from events and entertainment to opportunities for giving. We’ve also curated a gift guide with items from our most trusted sources to help make shopping easier while supporting local businesses.

Also in our holiday issue, we get to know Myers Park’s The Maximalist Mix sisters and their bold style for the season. Elizabeth Walsh of The Local Foreigner recommends direct flight destinations for the best and most accessible European Christmas markets. In our cover feature, Crystal Moore of Garden & Grace Home Design Guide offers a glimpse inside her holiday-ready home. Whatever your faith, tradition, or style, we hope your holidays are filled with love, peace and the joy of giving.

With gratitude,

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Fenner | jennifer.fenner@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Gillian Horn | gillian.horn@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifetstyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Seth Patrick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elliott Harrell, Allie Papajohn, Carroll Walton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Blevins, Hadley Henry, Carissa Rogers, Noah Williams, DCHARMEDIA

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

LIZ BROWN, PUBLISHER @QUEENCITYMAG

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Christmas A Very European

FESTIVE MARKETS IN LONDON AND MUNICH SHINE IN WINTER SPLENDOR

There’s a certain alchemy that transforms Europe in the winter. City streets glow under strings of fairy lights, and the scent of cinnamon fills the air as shoppers bustle from doorway to doorway. Few places do the holidays better than London and Munich, two capital cities that approach the season with their own distinct flair.

London sparkles with theatrical displays and festive teas, while in Munich, medieval squares host storybook markets and beer halls echo with brassy oompah music. Together, they offer two different but equally irresistible windows into Christmas in Europe. Even better—both cities are a nonstop flight away from Charlotte.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Most Famous Christmas Markets

London sparkles with holiday markets, the most iconic being Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, which combines rides, food stalls and festive performances. Southbank Centre Winter Market and Covent Garden

Christmas Village also offer twinkling lights, crafts and seasonal treats. This year, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the equestrian stables of the royal family, will offer a Christmas pop-up shop for the first time.

Unique Festive Experiences

The city brims with holiday-only traditions, from ice skating at Somerset House to Harrods’ lavish Christmas displays. Christmas at Kew (an illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens) is another London favorite.

Most Festive Afternoon Teas and Pubs

Hotels like Claridge’s, The Ritz, and The Connaught transform their classic afternoon teas into festive indulgences with Christmas cakes and themed

pastries. For pubs, The Churchill Arms will be decked out with more than 300,000 Christmas lights, while the fireplace at The Holly Bush in Hampstead is a perfect place to toast the year’s end.

Local Seasonal Delicacies

Do as the Londoners do and indulge in mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas pudding served flaming with brandy butter. Festive roast dinners with turkey, stuffing and pigs in blankets are also staples.

More Time? Extend your itinerary to Scotland or France:

EDINBURGH: The Scottish capital makes up for early sunsets with its Christmas market on the East Princes Street Gardens in the valley below Edinburgh Castle. The New Year’s Hogmanay celebrations blend medieval charm, including a parade with lit torches, and lively festivities.

PARIS: The City of Light glows even brighter with Christmas markets along the Champs-Élysées, magical window displays at Galeries Lafayette, and Bûche de Noëls in every patisserie.

MUNICH, GERMANY

Most Famous Christmas Markets

Munich is home to the world-famous Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, which has existed since the 14th century and is set against the neo-gothic Town Hall. But the city is peppered with other smaller markets as well, including the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz, where stall owners wear historical garb as they roast sausages over an open flame.

Unique Festive Experiences

Visitors can watch traditional woodworking demonstrations, attend fairy-tale performances like Hansel & Gretel, and admire the life-sized nativity scenes across the city. Or grab your mug of mulled wine and hop aboard the Christkindlt Tram as it runs through the Old Town.

“German specialties like roasted almonds, beautifully iced lebkuchen (gingerbread) and stollen, German fruit bread, contribute to the magical smells”

A traditional German pyramid with candles

Most Festive Beer Gardens

Many of Munich’s beer gardens transform for the season, with Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner-Keller, and Paulaner Bräuhaus offering cozy interiors and hearty, spiced seasonal brews. Soak up the beer with a plate of Käsespätzle (akin to mac and cheese) or an intimidatingly-sized pork knuckle.

Local Seasonal Delicacies

In the markets, German specialties like roasted almonds, beautifully iced lebkuchen (gingerbread) and stollen, German fruit bread, contribute to the magical smells that waft through the city’s streets. Hearty fare such as bratwurst and mulled wine (glühwein) keep visitors warm as they explore.

More Time? Extend your itinerary to Austria:

SALZBURG: Mozart’s hometown glistens with its own set of Christmas markets, and music seems to pour from every doorway. This is where Franz Xaver Gruber composed “Silent Night” in 1818.

VIENNA: Austria’s capital is famous for elegant Christmas markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Rathausplatz, where, in addition to mulled wine, you can dip into a variety of seasonal punches with rum, gin, or brandy.

Elizabeth Walsh, local luxury travel consultant at The Local Foreigner, contributed to this feature.

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GiftHolidayGuide

‘Tis the Season to be Merry and Shop Local! Here Are Some of Our Favorite Gift Ideas from Neighborhood Stores We Adore

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ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The Art and Inspiration Behind Charlotte’s Most Enchanting Holiday Doors

Use faux greenery if needed, especially if your house gets a lot of sun and your decorations tend to dry out. But supplement with fresh greenery to fill things out.

Large grapevine balls are suspended above the doorway of an Eastover home, adorned with draped holly berries and greenery. The effect feels more like a striking art installation than front door decor, but that’s the magic of Jay Lugibihl’s so-called “holiday doors.”

Each season, the owner of In Bloom LTD frames more than 50 doors with a custom blend of greenery, flowers, ribbon and various decorations. His holiday decorating has become so popular that he’s often booked for the season by Halloween each year.

Lugibihl has been decorating clients’ homes for the holidays for more than 20 years. Decorating front doors was often part of his work, but they didn’t bloom into the lavish displays they are today until 2020.

“When COVID hit, and I approached my clients to ask if they were interested in decorating that year, everyone said, ‘Absolutely yes,’ because they wanted anything to brighten their day,” Lugibihl says. “That was the year I began to think a little outside the box.”

He says most of his clients give him free-range to turn their front doors into holiday masterpieces. He incorporates decorations they may already have and

also brings his own supplies. A lot of his inspiration comes from roaming his clients’ yards.

“I’ll peruse their yard and start snipping some branches, and next thing you know, I’m attaching big branches around the door,” Lugibihl says. “It takes on a life of its own. A lot of times, people will come out and look at their door and ask where I got some of the material.”

If you’re interested in seeing these showstoppers, Eastover is a great place to see them. Nearly half of Lugibihl’s installations are in the historic Charlotte neighborhood. Many of them are lit up, so you can stroll by during the day or drive by at night to see his stunning displays.

When buying garland for your front door, Lugibihl recommends buying enough to go around the frame two or three times for a lush, full look that makes a lasting first impression

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Grace in Every Detail

Dining room design collaboration

Stepping into the home of Crystal Moore, mother of four and founder of the home design platform Garden & Grace, you’re greeted by a beautiful, subtle aesthetic just like you might see on her Instagram feed. The living areas are layered in muted colors and textures, botanical prints and antiques, reflecting her Southern charm and traditional taste.

A closer look reveals the check plaid of the drapes and the refined English arm roll of four upholstered chairs facing each other in what Moore fondly calls the “conversation room.” There’s no TV. She has coffee table books she actually reads. And one of her favorite details is the Garden & Grace topiary tree logo woven into the custom rug.

During the holidays, the Moores’ home is washed in gold and green decor from Fig & Dove, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based company she discovered several years ago. Moore often brings the outdoors in with simple arrangements of greenery from her yard, like freshly cut magnolia leaves. She wraps empty boxes in muted holiday paper with pretty ribbon and a hint of holly.

“It adds a holiday cheer without being too [commercial],” she says.

Moore welcomed her fourth child in September, giving her four under the age of six. With a full house, she feels the holiday rush as much as anyone. Yet, she encourages her Garden & Grace followers to slow down and savor the holiday decorating process by layering cherished ornaments with new finds and investing in one new item each year.

She encourages the same thinking when it comes to everyday design. For Moore, who shares inspiration through her curated directory, home tours, blog posts and photos from walks through her Myers Park neighborhood, the fun is in the discovery. CONTINUED

“I want people to come to my page and follow me to get ideas and not to think they’ve got to order everything so that a project feels complete,” she says.

The home the Moores moved into three years ago has mismatched nightstands in the primary bedroom. A kitchen renovation will wait until the children are older. And the foyer is still a work in progress. Moore grew up with an appreciation for watching homes come together, not just the finished product. Her dad, Craig Miller, is a custom builder and real estate developer in Waxhaw and Lancaster, S.C.

“I was always on job sites and helping in the office,” she says. “Even from a really young age, he would give me little tasks like organizing, and we would always have to stop at the job site on the way to dinner.”

Her grandmother, who lived next door to their property, gave her a love for gardening.

“I grew up walking my grandmother’s gardens with her,” she says. “She told me once, that there’s a plant, maybe a gardenia, that smells better once it falls off the leaves. I remember her telling me, when we die to ourselves, we become more beautiful.”

It doesn’t take long with Moore to realize there’s meaning in so much of what she does. The name Garden & Grace, which is a nod to both her faith and an appreciation for Garden & Gun magazine, just scratches the surface.

Moore is a survivor of childhood leukemia. It’s a big part of why she decided to pursue a career in healthcare administration. She moved to Chicago with her husband, William, a classmate since elementary school at Covenant Day, to work as a hospital consultant.

She got interested in design again after they moved back to Charlotte and bought their first home. Moore used to take pictures of historic homes around her Dilworth neighborhood. She started Garden & Grace as a way to save her own design ideas. As she shared posts on Instagram, she saw how much they resonated with others.

“I started to realize, ‘Oh, there’s a method to the madness with the algorithm, and there’s a way to grow this,’” Moore says.

Once Garden & Grace reached 5,000 followers, brands started to reach out. She began vetting and curating vendor lists to share. She started a website to give content a permanent home. She gave followers glimpses into beautiful homes around Charlotte and beyond in a series of 15 home tours.

As Garden & Grace grew, Moore decided to leave her corporate job. Now it has 172,000 followers on Instagram and attracts as many as two million views per month. Moore has both clients and followers from as far away as New York City, Birmingham, Ala., Charleston, S.C., Atlanta and Dallas.

“It’s been so fun,” she says. “It’s given me this creative outlet that I never knew I needed or would have.”

After working 70 hours a week in a corporate job, Moore enjoys the flexibility of staying home with her children while also having an outlet to share her classic personal style.

“We live in such a fast-paced, changing world,” Moore says. “I wanted a design aesthetic that I wouldn’t have to update all the time and furniture I could pass on to my own kids.”

THE ACCIDENTAL JEWELER

From Virginia to Florence to Bangkok, the Journey That Shaped Elizabeth Locke’s Timeless Elegance

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS

Elizabeth Locke calls herself an “accidental jeweler” at speaking engagements like the one she did recently for Windsor Jewelers clients at Wing Haven. She highlights her circuitous route from rural Virginia to Florence, Italy, to the bustle of Bangkok, Thailand, where she still works with artisans who handmake her designs.

“I’m proud to say I still choose each stone, and I still draw all of the designs”

Her jewelry is like her journey, beautiful and interesting. Each colorful piece in hammered 19-karat gold has a story to tell, from the tiny details of 19th-century Italian micromosaics she collects or the vibrant colors of smooth cabochon stones she hand-picks.

“I’m proud to say I still choose each stone, and I still draw all the designs,” she says. “I move stones around on my desk until I create what I see in my mind’s eye. The design is always inspired by the stone, not the other way around.”

She follows her instincts for what looks and feels good. That’s a lot like what she’s done in life, too.

Locke grew up in Staunton, Va., where her father was an English professor at Mary Baldwin University. She spent summers traveling around Europe on money her father made from a bestselling textbook.

At just 11, during a visit to Salerno, Italy, Locke was given a seat at her own table next to a cocker spaniel and a plate of cookies by a gracious restaurant owner, which sparked a lifelong desire to return.

Locke went on to study Italian at Duke, spent a year abroad in Italy and later followed an Italian boyfriend to the University of Florence, where she pursued her master’s in Italian literature. She stayed another five years before her Italian adventure ended abruptly. An accessory-designing business she’d started went bankrupt during a recession.

Locke moved to New York, where she found work translating and freelance writing for Italian magazines. Over dinner one night at a magazine launch, she met the editor of Town & Country, who hired her and sent her on assignment with a fashion photographer to Venice.

CONTINUED >

Locke married, moved back to Virginia, and continued to write for Town & Country. She pitched a story on shopping in Bangkok and in three weeks there, discovered a new passion. She met a group of goldsmiths handmaking jewelry and an eclectic local sapphire collector. The model they were photographing for the magazine brought along her husband, John Block, who happened to be the head of the jewelry department at Sotheby’s.

“At the end of this trip, John told me I was in the wrong business,” Locke says. “‘Elizabeth,’ he said, ‘You should be in the jewelry business.’… By the time I got back to the U.S., my mind was made up.”

After six months studying gemology in New York, she flew back to Bangkok and found the goldsmiths she’d met. She began creating Elizabeth Locke Jewels in the summer of 1988.

When she focused on creating looks she would want to wear, Locke’s star began to rise, from the cover of W Magazine, to appearances in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure. Her big break came when she started selling pieces to Neiman Marcus.

“The design is always inspired by the stone, not the other way around.”

Nearly 40 years later, Locke’s jewelry is sold from flagship stores in Boyce, Va. and on Madison Avenue in New York City. It is available in stores in 13 other states, including Windsor Jewelers at Phillips Place.

Her jewelry is high fashion, but Locke prides herself on making pieces people can wear to the grocery store and the carpool line.

“I don’t see any value in making something to pull out of the safe twice a year,” she says.

Locke still spends two months a year in Bangkok, designing and overseeing the handiwork of 20 goldsmiths. Looking back now, her career might not seem that “accidental” after all.

“At the time it seemed totally random, but nothing is random,” she says. “When you look back, it makes a pattern.”

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MERRY MAXIMALISTS

More is always (beautifully) better when it comes to sisters Kate Henry and Kelley Anderson, the duo behind the popular The Maximalist Mix Instagram account, and their signature style shines when it comes to setting the Christmas table.

What began as a creative outlet for stay-athome moms has grown into nearly 15,000 followers on Instagram. They’re known for vibrant and elaborate tablescapes they post on social media. The tables take months to plan before coming to life, but the sisters have been maximalist decorators for years.

Kate’s table brings the Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets to life with whimsical nutcrackers, candy trees and a vibrant palette that goes beyond traditional red and green

“Before we were doing this for Instagram, we both had always loved to entertain and loved hosting,” says Henry.

“We love the thrill of the hunt and finding random things,” Anderson chimes in.

The pair have adored all things design since they were little, when their mother was an interior designer. They say certain elements of their style come from her, though they agree she doesn’t share their love for maximalism.

“She’s extremely creative and talented,” Anderson says, “but she’d see our table and probably say we could take one thing away.”

The sisters point to bright colors, different patterns and a bit of kitsch thrown in as staples for their decorating style, while their mom prefers a more neutral palette in her own home.

“We just like to be bright and happy,” Henry says. “We don’t want to take ourselves too seriously.”

Their mom lives in Florida now, but Henry and Anderson live six houses apart in Myers Park, making it easy to share all of their finds.

Preparation for their Christmas tablescapes starts in August, when the two get together to brainstorm the table’s themes. One of last year’s tables took inspiration from their childhood memories. They used the same Spode tableware they used to eat Christmas

breakfast on, as well as a ceramic Santa their great-grandmother made. Another table played on a Cowboy Christmas theme, complete with miniature cowboy boots and cactus plants.

“We put so much into sourcing and searching for the tables,” says Henry. “It’s the thrill of the find and making something extra special.”

For this year, the sisters settled on a whimsical interpretation of the “12 Days of Christmas” at Anderson’s house and a “Land of Sweets” Nutcracker theme at Henry’s.

No details are spared. Take, for example, Anderson’s interpretation of “nine dancing ladies” from the Christmas carol. A kitschy pink and black vase from Etsy, featuring a woman who looks like she could be doing the can-can, is perched atop a dark-green glass stand holding golden rings to represent that verse in the song.

Drum ornaments she found from At Home serve as both placecard holders and the “12 drummers drumming.” Colorful ribbons and ornaments hang from the ceiling to add extra holiday flair to the table.

Henry has a similar level of detail. She used Neiman Marcusinspired candy trees and sequined votives from House and Parties to add sparkle to the Nutcracker-themed napkins and placeholders adorning each setting.

CONTINUED >

“Their favorite vintage and antique stores around town include Sleepy Poet and The Depot at Gibson Mill for knick-knacks, kitschy items and decorative bowls, Slate Interiors for glassware and Miller & Company inside Southern Lion for plates and vases”

For now, the sisters build tablescapes for their own houses, but dream of their passion project turning into something bigger one day.

If you want to try to recreate some of their looks, their favorite vintage and antique stores around town include Sleepy Poet and The Depot at Gibson Mill for knick-knacks, kitschy items and decorative bowls, Slate Interiors for glassware and Miller & Company inside Southern Lion for plates and vases.

If shopping for new items, try R. Runberg for table linens and placements, Interior Objects for all things Christmas—including great ribbons and bows—and Cotswold Marketplace for glassware and greenery.

Follow The Maximalist Mix sisters @themaximalistmix

FIND WAYS TO BE MERRY AND BRIGHT ALL OVER CHARLOTTE THIS SEASON

ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL

The Season of Splendor

THE BALLANTYNE HOLIDAY TEA & GINGERBREAD LANE

Don your best attire and spend an afternoon inside The Ballantyne’s elegant lobby for a specially themed holiday tea Thursdays through Sundays during December. Or take a trip down Gingerbread Lane starting in mid-December to see intricate gingerbread masterpieces. Stop inside the Cocoa House, a life-size gingerbread house, for a cup of hot cocoa. December 4-28. The Ballantyne, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

LIGHT THE KNIGHTS FESTIVAL

The Charlotte Knights will host their sixth annual Light the Knights Festival. An ice skating rink and snow tubing hill are set up in the middle of the baseball field, but you can also wander through light displays, peruse a holiday market, or pose for photo ops with a baseball glove that’s big enough to sit in. November 26-January 4. Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St.

HOLIDAY POPS AND CIRQUE DE NOËL WITH THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY

Let the sounds of holiday favorites wash over you at the Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert. An hour-long family matinee on Dec. 13 makes the event approachable for even the youngest music fans. A week later, the annual Cirque de Noël returns with festive symphony music providing a backdrop for jaw-dropping acrobatic performances. December 12-14 and 19-21. Knight Theater, 430 S Tryon St.

WINTER AT WHITEWATER

In the middle of November, Whitewater’s 1,300-acre campus becomes a winter wonderland. Bundle up and grab a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy outdoor activities like ice skating on the largest outdoor rink in the Carolinas, curling, pond hockey, a winter market and trails twinkling with thousands of lights. There’s also a Christmas tree lot on site. Mid-November to mid-February. U.S. National Whitewater Center.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LIBRARY

The live nativity scene at the Billy Graham Library includes a camel, donkey, lambs and other animals on display six days a week during the holiday season. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the grounds and listen to Christmas carolers each night. Although admission to the nativity and carolers is free, you’ll still need a reservation. December 1-23. Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Dr.

SPEEDWAY CHRISTMAS

Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is back for its 16th season. Open every night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., more than five million lights adorn a fourmile course that circles the oval, pit road and infield road course. A Christmas Village is open in the infield most nights and includes photos with Santa and a race car selfie station. November 21-January 5. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.

If You Eat One Thing

ARTICLE BY ALLIE PAPAJOHN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DCHARMEDIA

From Italy to Optimist Hall, ESO Artisanal Pasta is Serving Charlotte Something Unforgettable

This month, we can’t choose one thing! That’s thanks to ESO Artisanal Pasta, the wildly popular food stall that opened at Optimist Hall in August. Husband-andwife owners Chef AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian opened their first storefront in New Jersey in 2020 and went on to compete in Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race in 2021. In 2024, they announced a move to Charlotte, where they now serve housemade pasta and bites made with imported Italian ingredients. The team is extremely transparent on social media, sharing details of entrepreneurship, a peek at costing and sales numbers, and expressions of gratitude toward customers—all while serving delicious, comforting dishes out of paper boxes.

THE MENU

Looking for their menu? You might catch a glimpse on Instagram, but know that ESO’s offerings can change daily. Because they make everything from scratch, often selling out due to high demand, they prepare and serve what can be made fresh each morning. While you can’t go wrong with what is available, be on the lookout for the Penne alla Vodka, Orecchiette all’Arrabbiata and their signature Sicilian fried chicken, a recipe Chef AJ concocted in Italy that receives rave reviews.

BUT IF YOU DO CHOOSE ONE THING

“My favorite pasta has always been Cacio e Pepe,” says Kristina. “It’s simple, creamy, and absolutely delicious. I love the pungent bite of Pecorino Romano and the fragrant aroma of freshly cracked black pepper. And if you really want to take it to the next level, add a few shavings of truffle on top.”

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THE TABLE BY LYNN PITTS

Personalized in-home consultation to assist you in making your holiday entertaining gracious, simple and timeless. I will curate a stunning tablescape combining your treasures with new layers for a beautiful seasonal statement.

DECEMBER 1ST – 24TH

Santa Photos at SouthPark Mall

SouthPark Mall at 4400 Sharon Road 11:00 AM

Santa sets up shop at SouthPark Mall for photos and to hear all of this season’s wish lists. While walk-ups are welcome, make a reservation to be sure you don’t miss the big guy in red. A sensory-friendly option is available December 7. Santa will be seated at Center Court just around the corner from the food court.

DECEMBER 1ST – JANUARY 4TH

Ice Skating at Camp North Pole

Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue | 4:00 PM

A corner of Camp North End is transformed into Camp North Pole for the holiday season with its annual ice skating rink. After one-hour skating sessions, all are invited to relax by the fire pit, sip a hot seasonal beverage, enjoy local eats, and find the perfect gift for loved ones.

DECEMBER 1ST – 27TH

Holidays at the Garden

Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont 5:00 PM

Nearly 90 acres of the Conservancy’s botanical gardens are lit up for the annual Holidays at the Garden event. In lieu of a regular Christmas tree, you’ll find a stunning 14-foot-tall tree made with more than 200 orchids. There are trackless train rides for kids on Friday nights and visits with Santa on Fridays and Saturdays.

DECEMBER 4TH

Phillips Place Holiday Celebration & Shopping Stroll

Phillips Place 6800, Phillips Place Court 4:00 PM

From 4-7 p.m., guests enjoy exclusive store offers, complimentary photos with Santa, carolers, face painting, balloon art, a toy drive benefitting the Ronald McDonald House, hot cocoa, holiday treats, live portrait illustrations, and more. Offers include custom-made wreaths at Granville, a charm-bar at Alice + Olivia, Cranberry Spritz at J.McLaughlin, and custom-painted ornaments with purchase at La Vie Style House. We are a premier luxury home builder in Charlotte, NC, specializing in crafting architecturally distinctive, high-end residences in the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. From Myers Park and Eastover to SouthPark, Matthews, and Country Club Heights, we deliver one-of-a-kind custom homes tailored to our clients’ visions and lifestyles. Our team collaborates with some of Charlotte’s top architects, designers, and artisans.

Home

for the Holidays

CONTINUED

DECEMBER 5TH – 7TH

Charlotte Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker

CPCC Dale F. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Avenue | 7:00 PM

Tchaikovsky’s ballet is a timeless holiday classic. This year more than 130 Charlotte-area youth will team up with professional dancers for the production, which features unique choreography by the iconic artistic directors Gay Porter and Bridget Porter-Young. Watch the magic of Clara’s adventure through the land of sweets over three days in early December.

DECEMBER 6TH

ACC Football Championship Game

Bank of America Stadium, 800 South Mint Street | 8:00 PM

The ACC will crown its football champion in Charlotte for the 15th year. The winner of the conference championship game has competed in the College Football Playoff in nine of the last 12 seasons, including last year after Clemson knocked off SMU 34-31 at Bank of America Stadium to earn a bid.