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December 4, 2024
A guide to Charlotte’s festive holiday bars
Holiday takeovers are taking place all over Charlotte
By TM Petaccia
Many Charlotte-area bars and restaurants go all out for the holidays, creating varied seasonal experiences by transforming their spaces as well as creating special dishes and drinks to celebrate this special time of year. Here’s our list of local restaurants and bars to consider for a festive night out, now through mid-January.
Backstage Lounge at SouthBound, South End
November 20 – December 29. The not-so-private speakeasy (they publish the password weekly on their social channels) brings back its holiday popup, The Miracle, complete with a snow machine, special holiday décor, and seasonally themed cocktails. Live DJ Thursday-Saturday.
Billy Sunday, Optimist Hall
November 29 – December 31. The bar’s popular “Welcome to Tinseltown” pop-up includes a baker’s dozen holiday-themed drinks (many can be made as mocktails) along with an abundance of holiday decorations. No reservations. First come, first served.
The Garrison, Pineville
November 18 – January 4. “The Christmas Bar” is back with seasonal decorations and specialty holiday themed cocktails.
Moo & Brew, Plaza Midwood/Matthews
December 1 – 31. Both locations will feature Trees on the Patio where you can view, pose, and vote for your favorite tree, plus decorate the “Lucky Tree” with empty Feeling Lucky beer cans. On Sunday, December 15, the Matthews location will get a visit from Santa to pose with your family, while the Plaza Midwood location will have the jolly old elf ready to pose with your fur babies.
The Royal Tot, Belmont
Running through January 1, 2025, Sippin’ Santa offers festive specialty tiki cocktails and elaborate decorations — all infused with Caribbean island vibes.
Supperland Speakeasy, Plaza Midwood
November 14 – January 11 (Wednesday-Saturday). “A Holiday Spirit Experience” turns Supperland’s downstairs speakeasy into a winter wonderland. Two seatings per night. Includes four holiday-themed cocktails paired with small plates. $165. Order tickets online.
The Waterman Fish Bar Rooftop, South End
December 12 – 28 (Thursday-Saturday). Decorated rooftop patio featuring holiday-themed cocktails, mocktails, and shots. Weekend prize drawings, music, and photo ops. BYOBlanket. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged.
The Wine Vault, Elizabeth
Sunday, December 15 only. In collaboration with the Charlotte Wine & Food nonprofit, this 7th Street wine bar will host a champagne and fried chicken “Sparkling Sunday Holiday Party” which pairs exclusive and vintage champagnes from the private cellar of CW+F patron Donald Thompson as well as current releases from Tim Wallace of the Wine Vault — with the popular “gas station chicken” from The Chicken Shop inside the Shell station at the intersection of East and South Boulevards. Proceeds to benefit Augustine Literacy Project/Charlotte, Digi-Bridge, and Wayfinders. $265. Order tickets online.
Vinyl, South End
November 20 – January 6. “Santa’s Favorite Watering Hole” features festive decorations and holiday cocktails. See website for DJ schedule.
