Past and present mingled in Jennifer Smetana’s thoughts when her niece asked, “When is the Christmas Show gonna be back? I want to see Santa!” As the Southern Christmas Show’s manager, Smetana plays a role in all stages of the annual market, from the extravagant entrance display to more than 400 vendors spread throughout Charlotte’s Park Expo and Convention Center. But beyond this season’s hustle to opening, what stands out to Smetana are memories of her early visits to the show as a nine-year-old (the age her niece is now). “For me, it was the magic created by the smell of the fresh strudel from Helmut Strudels and the timeless decorations,” she says.
The Queen City is known for its enchanting shopping experiences that make holiday preparations merry and bright. Chances are, you already know who to shop for — the harder part is narrowing down where to find the perfect gift. Read on for a roundup of Charlotte’s seasonal Christmas markets and year-round luxury shops.
Charlotte celebrates the holiday season with festive performances, jolly markets, dazzling light displays and more. There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the magic of the season in the Queen City. Start planning your holiday getaway.
From creatively decorated trees lining Christmas Tree Lane to the Olde Towne Village that emulates Victorian storefronts, every detail at the Southern Christmas Show draws you into a holiday world.
Sweet and savory aromas lead you to Helmut Strudels, a long-time show staple that bakes authentic Austrian pastries on the spot. “There are various flavors like cherry, apple, and apricot, which is one of my favorites,” says Smetana. Indulge in one of the powdered-sugar-dusted confections to nibble while you browse through the vendors at the show and then take home a box of them for holiday gatherings.
Vendors’ wares range from gourmet food gifts to kitchen gadgets and even pickleball equipment, offering an abundance of potential gifts for adults and children, men and women, hostesses and co-workers. Plus, pick up freshly trimmed wreaths, stockings, and garlands and check holiday decor off your list.
Grab an Olde Mecklenburg Brewery beer or mulled wine to sip while you browse the vendors who set up shop at Weihnachtsmarkt. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Charlotte’s oldest craft brewery has hosted this four-weekend event for the last 13 years and models it after an open-air holiday tradition dating to 14th-century Germany. While the intimidating name (pronounced “vy-nocked-mark”) is pulled from its German origins, most folks here just call it “the Christmas market.”
Starting Black Friday, twinkling lights and fire pits illuminate the brewery grounds each weekend leading to Christmas. Join in the s’mores-making activities and bring the kids on a Saturday to visit with Santa Claus. With different local vendors in the Bavarian-style huts each weekend, you’ll want to visit more than once to see them all. This year’s market will be in the biergartens of Olde Meck Brewery’s Lower South End location as well as the new Ballantyne location.
While you shop, sip steamy gluehwein — a mulled red wine made with cinnamon, anise, and other aromatic spices — or sample Old Meck’s own selection of brews. In addition to their year-round favorites, Bauern Bock and the seasonal Yule Bock will make special appearances.
Dive into a colorful explosion of one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations, ornaments, and gifts at VTGCLT Pop. photograph by Laura Sumrak
Drop by Camp North End for the latest takeover by VTGCLT Pop, one of Charlotte’s favorite pop-up shops. Enter at 301 Camp Road, suite 101, to find a space transformed into a winter wonderland for all things handmade and vintage. The collection of goods, made and curated by nearly 100 local and regional creatives, opens mid-November, right in time for the holidays.
One-of-a-kind gifts fill the shop’s displays — retro finds from Maliasmark Vintage and Vintage Types, dainty sterling and eco resin necklaces made by Muro Jewelry, bold designs by Shannon Newlin, and block printed textiles from Peepal Tree. You’ll also find stationery, tasty treats, holiday decor, and bath and body goods among the eclectic selection.
Running from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays in December, the Mistletoe Market keeps Camp North End lively well after the sun sets. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
After shopping through VTGCLT Pop’s finery, stick around Camp North End for this weekend market. For the first three Saturdays of December, winter festivities and holiday fun overtake 76 acres of the business park. Warm yourself by fire pits and enjoy special performances by live musicians and DJs. You can also ice skate at Camp North Pole, which is open daily from the week of Thanksgiving into the new year.
The merriment makes gift shopping and dining all the more enjoyable. In addition to the mainstay Camp North End stores and VTGCLT Pop, each Saturday features 25 local and regional vendors set up along “Market Street,” located on Camp Road.
Beyond shopping, don’t miss the popular Reindog Parade on December 14, where hundreds of pups sporting holiday attire strut their stuff to the delight of onlookers, and the Hunnid Dolla Art Fair (put on by Camp North End vendor BLK MRKT CLT) in the Ford Factory on December 21.
In the shadow of uptown Charlotte’s towering buildings, Light the Knights brings a European-style Christmas market to Truist Field. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
At the end of November, Light the Knights makes Truist Field sparkle with a festival of lights and holiday fun. Wander through the wintry scenes, whether that’s walking under the tunnel of lights or shopping at the Christmas market.
Local businesses offer gifts, like light-up toys, custom jewelry, textiles made from wool and cotton, and even pet food. Shop from an array of globally crafted ornaments, nativities, and other artisan goods at the World of Christmas. Within the Hans & Heidi’s Holiday Haus tent, take a look at the festive collection of European decor, including nutcrackers, glass ornaments, Moravian stars, and candle-lit pyramids. Be sure to try an Austrian-style cheese, cherry, or apple strudel from Village Bakery along with a deluxe hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
If you’re looking for more active entertainment, glide across the NHL-sized skating rink in the glow of Uptown Charlotte or hop on a tube for a thrilling ride down the 10-lane, 150-foot hill of “snow.”
At one of the few American Girl stores in the country, you can shop for the iconic dolls, accessories, and fun experiences for all ages at the location in SouthPark Mall. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Elegance permeates through this haven of 150 shops. From tried-and-true toy stores like American Girl to high-end jewelry, accessories, and clothing, you can cover gifts for every age on your list. Remember to take the kids to center court for a photo with Santa — and the opportunity to make any updates to their wish lists. Afterwards, grab a bite from one of the full-scale restaurants or a jumbo pretzel dusted with cinnamon-sugar and soft drink at the food court.
With 100-plus stores, gifts are easy to find at this shopping, dining, and entertainment center. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Designed to be a pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping village, this outlet center offers large, sheltered walkways lined with 100 designer and name-brand stores. Enjoy the fresh air as you fill shopping bags with chic outfits, casual attire, and all-purpose activewear for your fashion-forward friends. Or pick up scented soaps and body products that leave loved ones feeling pampered. Then follow your nose to the gooey cinnamon rolls for a sugary jolt that keeps you buzzed and moving.
After three years of renovations, Concord Mills, located northeast of Charlotte, houses more than 200 stores and a variety of activities for family fun. Head here to find gifts for the more difficult-to-shop-for folks on your list. Store selections range from all-things model trains to retro video games, so you can score items that delight hobbyists across different ages. Before you leave, be sure to pick up sweet treats, like gourmet chocolates and caramel apples, for teachers and coworkers.
Make your list and check it twice — even when you’re shopping with a goal, don’t forget to toast a s’mores and marvel at the twinkling lights along the way. To learn more about holiday shopping and activities in Charlotte, visit charlottesgotalot.com.
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