First Night

First Night Charlotte is back!!

Wednesday, December 31
3:00pm - 7:00pm First Night Kids
7:00pm – People’s Processional
8:00pm – Midnight – First Night Charlotte

www.FirstNightCharlotte.com

Where will you be on December 31? If your plans to bring in the New Year are still up in the air (and even if they’re not) consider First Night Charlotte. It’s no secret that with the current state of the economy and the holidays being just around the corner, wallets have been feeling the pinch. First Night is the most affordable, exciting, imaginative, and dynamic option for your New Year’s Eve festivities.

Click here for more information.

Charlotte Center City Partners

WBT Holiday On Ice 2008

Great traditions start with WBT... and WBT's Holiday on Ice is no exception. Tucked away in Uptown Charlotte's most scenic park is the area's only outdoor ice rink. There's no better way to get in the holiday spirit than skating with your friends and family among the holiday decorations in uptown. Join us for skating and holiday cheer at WBT's Holiday on Ice... on the Green in Uptown.

The Grand Opening is Wednesday, November 26th and runs until Saturday, January 10th.



Hours vary between holidays and school dates.

Admission: $7
Skate Rental: $3

wbt.com

Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition since 1947, is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2008, at 10:00am in Uptown Charlotte. Click here for general information and click here for a photo gallery.

Parade route: Begins at Tryon at 9th, turns left onto 3rd and ends between Davidson and McDowell on 3rd.

The Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade has evolved over more than six decades as a regional tradition and highlight of the Holiday Season. Founded in 1947 by four local businessmen to attract holiday shoppers to downtown Charlotte, the Thanksgiving week events have become so much more. The Parade and its ancillary events are produced by an independent, volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization, Carolinas' Carrousel, Inc.

Center City Trifecta:

A trio of Uptown Charlotte happenings for your weekend and beyond

One
Mother Load
The Blumenthal Center opens its new Stage Door Theater with the one-woman show Mother Load. This off-Broadway hit by Amy Wilson, inspired by her trials as a mother of three, promises to have moms and non-moms alike laughing over Wilson’s satirical quest to be the perfect mother.

When: Through October 26 with various matinee and evening performance times.
Where: Stage Door Theater
How Much: $29.50-$34.50

Two
Novello
This festival of books and reading opens its 18th season on Thursday with suspense writer and attorney Scott Turow, best know for “Presumed Innocent.” Novello runs through October 30 and features best-selling authors Khaled Hosseini and Armistead Maupin as well as interactive and family-focused events. Many are free.

A Novello Evening with Scott Turow
When: October 2 at 7:00
Where: Imaginon
How Much: $15

Three
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
The handsome and dynamic Andrew Grams is back! This popular candidate for CSO Music Director returns – this time leading the orchestra through Dvorak and Berlioz. Argentine pianist and 2006 Gilmore Artist Award winner Ingrid Fliter performs Schumann.

When: October 3 & 4 at 8:00
Where: Belk Theater
How Much: $15-$72


Deborah Cox is a free-lance writer and residential real estate broker who lives in Uptown Charlotte’s First Ward. Contact her at dcox@livinguptown.com.