If you saw me in South End for Shop Small Saturday, jamming out when the DJ dropped a remix of the Bluey theme song, no you didn’t. Just kidding, I was absolutely that mom, and I have zero regrets. Honestly, between that and picking out our Christmas tree the morning after Thanksgiving, my heart is just about bursting.
We spent the entire week soaking up time with Jamie and the rest of the family, and it was exactly the reset button I didn’t know I needed. But let’s be real: dragging myself back to work (and daycare drop-off lines) this week feels a little bit like waking up from a really good nap only to realize you slept through your alarm.
The re-entry is tough, I know. But before we start spiraling about end-of-year deadlines, just remember: we’ve only got a couple of weeks until the next holiday break. We can do this. Probably.
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
This week in Charlotte feels like the heart of the holiday season. Neighborhoods are glowing, small town streets are buzzing, vendors are setting up for festive markets, and families are filling every corner with music, cocoa, crafts, and cheerful energy. From big celebrations to tiny magical moments, there is something happening every single day that invites you to step outside and join the fun.
Zip up the coats, gather your people, and head into a week full of connection, community, and pure holiday joy.
✨ Don’t miss these favorites:
Christmasville Rock Hill Preschool Morning, a gentle, little-kid focused morning with gingerbread displays, Lego creations, and activities designed especially for early childhood.
Chantilly Holiday Market and Luminary Walk, a neighborhood stroll filled with luminaries, vendors, snow, and the kind of community coziness that feels straight out of a storybook.
Santa at Night Swim Roastery, a warm, low key Santa stop and the perfect spot for a kid temp vanilla steamer.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford, a festive morning at the Levine JCC where kids can celebrate Hanukkah alongside everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog.
Charlotte is sparkling. Let’s lean in and make this week feel as bright as it looks.
🌳 Where We’re Playing
Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.
We returned to the Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular in Ballantyne for year two, and watching Jamie experience it as a walking toddler (versus a confused 4-month-old) was pure magic. The day-after-Thanksgiving crowds were real, but the line moved fast and thinned out by 7 PM.
We're sharing timing tips, what to pack (many blankets!), and whether that $20 magic wand is worth it. From live performers in giant snow globes to walk-through light sculptures, budget 60-90 minutes and prepare for enchanted kids.
Tucked away in a Ballantyne strip mall, Nora Mac's Irish Pub is the cozy holiday escape you didn't know you needed. Multiple Christmas trees, dim lighting, and private booth "snugs" create the perfect festive atmosphere for a family dinner. Our party of 10 enjoyed perfectly crispy fried pickles and hearty shepherd's pie while our toddlers wandered to admire the decorations - and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. It's the kind of warm, inviting spot that makes a cold winter evening feel magical.
A quick tip, insight, or reflection from a local expert or parent.
How To Be A Math Hero (In Thirty Minutes)
Volunteering as a math tutor is easier - and more rewarding - than you think. Here’s how just 30 minutes a week can spark big confidence in local kids (and leave you feeling like a hero).
If you assume that I spend all my time obsessing over the best local playgrounds or tracking down the perfect latte in Charlotte, you would be mostly right. But lately, I've added something new to my weekly routine that is honestly the highlight of my week. I started volunteering with Heart Math Tutoring at Landsdowne Elementary and if you think you don’t have time for this, let me stop you right there.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, "I’m not a teacher," or maybe, "I barely remember how to do long division myself." Take a deep breath. I don’t have an education background either. The beauty of Heart Math Tutoring is they hand you everything you need. They’ve got full curriculums, colorful game boards, and hands-on activities that guide your student along. You literally just show up, high-five your student, and play games that just happen to teach math.
Here’s the part that really hooked me: it’s only thirty minutes a week. That’s less time than you’ll spend scrolling through streaming services trying to pick a movie. It’s totally doable, even with a flexible or chaotic work schedule.
Because I work with the same student all year, I'm building more than just addition and subtraction skills, I'm building a real bond. Watching a child’s confidence shift from "I can't do this" to "Look at me go!" is a feeling you just can't bottle.
If you're looking for a way to plug into the community and feel like a total superhero before your morning meeting - especially during the holidays when giving back's top of mind - I can't recommend this enough. Heart Math Tutoring has tutors all over the CMS system, so there's a good chance there's a school near your house where you can jump in and make a difference. Reach out if you want to hear more about my experience or find out how you can get involved here!
Give 30 minutes. Change a year.
📅 What We’re Looking Forward To
A sneak peek at upcoming events and seasonal fun around Charlotte.
A Polar Express Morning at Blinders
Why you’ll love it: The ultimate chance to bring the kids somewhere that’s usually off-limits - plus pajamas, snow, Santa, and all the brunch treats!
Family Morning Only: Blinders is usually 21+, but for this special event, it’s all ages.
Here’s something I never thought I’d say as a parent in Charlotte: I’m taking my kid to Blinders (a typically 21+ sports bar) for a cozy family morning! On Saturday, December 13th, Blinders is transforming into a Winter Wonderland, complete with pajamas, hot chocolate, and holiday vibes. Santa will be there for snowy photo ops, and at 10 AM, they’ll show The Polar Express on a massive screen.
And let’s not forget brunch: pancakes, breakfast flatbreads, bacon egg & cheese wraps...the works. Adults can enjoy mimosas, Bloody Marys, and spiked hot chocolate while the kids soak up the magic.
This event will sell out fast (the snow machine won’t wait!), so grab your tickets before it’s standing room only by the mimosa bar.
Here's to hot chocolate that stays warm, toddlers who cooperate for Santa photos, and maybe carving out 30 minutes to be someone's favorite part of the week. Enjoy the sparkle, soak up the neighborhood magic, and if you hit a new holiday spot, tag us so we can all feel the joy!
💚 Emily Founder, The Charlotte Sprout
P.S. If you try any of these spots, tag us on Instagram @charlottesprout! I love seeing your family adventures (and secretly judge how much better your kids behave in public than mine does).
Help The Sprout grow. If one idea made your week easier, please forward this email or tag @thecharlottesprout so more Charlotte parents can find us. 🌱
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