Trees filled with ornaments and lights, Christmas music, and an abundance of holiday spirit. There is nothing like Christmas in Charlotte, North Carolina. Whether it’s your first time visiting Charlotte or you already live in the area, there is plenty of holiday fun to be had for the entire family. No matter what your plans are this holiday season, don’t miss out on these three holiday experiences around Charlotte:
Where: The Ritz-Carlton
When: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, continuing through December 27, 2015
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina has some big plans this holiday season and they should not be missed. The hotel is allowing the public to walk in and view their stunning holiday décor, which features the world’s largest croquembouche pastry tree that is more than eight feet tall (and completely edible). The Ritz will also feature:
- Three enormous holiday trees made entirely from hand-made macarons.
- Two eight-foot-tall white holiday tinsel trees suspended from the hotel’s lobby ceiling.
- A 10-foot-tall gingerbread house with an electric train.
And perhaps the most talked about tree of all is their 17-foot sustainable tree made entirely from 789 recycled green plastic bottles. Come take in this spectacular sight, along with their delectable, hand-sculpted chocolate Santa sleigh led by four chocolate reindeer. Don’t forget to drop off a teddy bear, which will be donated to Charlotte’s Levine Children’s Hospital.
Where: Ballantyne Hotel
When: Thursday, December 10 through Sunday, December 27
Hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, and Christmas brunch? This event won’t take much convincing to attend. The Ballantyne Hotel has a lot of holiday fun in store for all ages this Christmas. Here are some of their events that you shouldn’t miss this year:
Gingerbread Lane: View their stunning display of gingerbread creations. You can vote on your favorite creation for a minimum $1 donation, which will benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. Santa will also be making a few appearances at Gingerbread Lane, so make sure that you bring the entire family!
Hot Chocolate and Toddies: Sip on some delicious hot chocolate and add some liqueur if you want. The Ballantyne Hotel will also offer a variety of garnishes at the Veranda and Gallery Bar. It will be $7 for hot chocolate and $10 with liqueur.
Christmas Brunch: The Ballantyne Hotel’s Gallery restaurant will be serving a decadent buffet filled with salads, seafood, cheeses, omelets, and much more on Christmas Day. There will also be live holiday music to enjoy. The cost is $75 for adults, $35 for children, and complimentary for children 4 and under.
Where: Biltmore Estate
When: November 6, 2015 – January 10, 2016
Nestled in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina is George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate. It is a sight to see during any time of the year, but this holiday season is the perfect time for a tour:
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration: On Christmas Eve 1895, George Vanderbilt introduced his new home to his friends and family members. This is celebrated today by those at the Biltmore Estate by displaying dozens of trees that are decorated with thousands of ornaments and spectacular lights.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings: With a reservation for the Biltmore Estate’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings, you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and tour, venture into estate shops and restaurants, and receive admission to their exhibition, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad.
Holiday Fun Around Charlotte, NC
If you are visiting Charlotte and considering a move to the area, YourOffice Ballantyne offers executive suites and virtual offices so that you can start working as soon as possible. You can also get two months’ free rent to help you with the cost of the move! Charlotte, North Carolina is a beautiful place to be year-round, but it is particularly enchanting during this time of the year. The Ritz-Carlton, Ballantyne Hotel, and Biltmore Estate are all bursting with holiday cheer and these events shouldn’t be missed!
