The 51st annual Southern Christmas Show, the largest holiday show in North America, will return to Charlotte from Thursday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 18, with more than 450 vendors showcasing the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor, gourmet goodies and much more.
Hosted by Marketplace Events, the show will be held at The Park Expo and Conference Center, where guests will be able to stroll through dazzling designer rooms, hear the pleasant sound of old-fashioned carols from the Holiday Entertainment Stage and share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus. An unparalleled holiday shopping experience, the show will offer attendees a wealth of gift options and a variety of holiday ornaments, wreathes, stockings and trimmings.
With the theme of “A Fashionable Christmas,” this year’s show will feature a Manhattan vibe, with whimsical Christmas windows filled with holiday trimmings turned into stylish décor plus a Southern-chic, Rockefeller Center-inspired tree. Show guests will pass through Olde Towne, where the magic of the season comes alive with shops brimming with gifts, dolls, ornaments and decorations. Christmas Tree Lane will deck the halls with Fraser firs from the Appalachian Mountains and ideas that range from traditional to fanciful. The show will also provide many ways to make mantels, doors and wreaths shine during this holiday season.
Attendees can also take in the model train exhibits at the show, visit The Enchanted Village to see a land of dollhouses or check out the talented work of skilled crafters and artisans from around the country showcasing one-of-a-kind watercolors, sculptures and pottery. A variety of food items including strudel, roasted nuts, hot pretzels and much more will also be available at the show.
For the first time this year, eager guests can shop before the show opens to the general public by attending the new Early Bird VIP mornings from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 17. Tickets for this unique opportunity cost $19, and during this time no wagons, strollers or carts will be allowed on the show floor. The first 250 VIP shoppers will receive a commemorative lapel pin featuring a design of this year’s theme, A Fashionable Christmas.
The Southern Christmas Show will be held from Nov. 8 through Nov. 18 and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. all other days. Guests can get a sneak peek at the show during a special preview night benefiting Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., where they will enjoy free parking, special entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets cost $24, and the first 200 guests will receive a gift bag courtesy of event sponsor Universal Windows.
On-site parking is $8, and valet parking can be purchased at the normal entrances to the main parking lot for $20. On both Saturdays (Nov. 10 and Nov. 17), a free shuttle service will be available for guests from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the former Eastland Mall parking lot (5471 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28212). To receive show updates, guest can text “SCS” to 31996, and at any time they can reply with the word “PARK” to the same number to receive the latest information about parking at the show.
Tickets purchased at the door cost $15 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children five and younger are free. Adult tickets purchased online at the show’s website cost $13. Guests may also buy tickets at participating Harris Teeter stores for $12.50 with a VIC card. On Monday, Nov. 12, all active military and veterans will receive free admission with valid identification in honor of Veterans Day. Senior Day is Tuesday, Nov. 13, with discounted admission of $12 for those 55+ at the door only.
Show sponsors include Universal Windows, Kitchen Craft, Carolina Home Remodeling and The Charlotte Observer. For more information, visit www.southernchristmasshow.com.
