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December in Charlotte, NC: Lake Parades, Local Markets, Baby Layers, & Outdoor Cheer

Updated: Dec 12

A Granolaffluent Guide to What’s Happening This Month

December in Charlotte and the greater Carolina area always hits that sweet spot: twinkle lights, chilly air, outdoor adventures that feel festive instead of rugged, and a calendar full of things to do that won’t require snow chains or survival training (we don’t do that here).

If you’re new around here, Blair is our daughter — a curious, wide-eyed baby who loves twinkly lights, dogs, and anything with movement. She’s our tiny adventure buddy and the reason we’ve become pros at layering, stroller logistics, and finding outdoor experiences that are fun, comfortable, and doable for real families.


Here are our favorite things happening this month — including what we’ve already done, what’s on our list, and how we do it the Granolaffluent way: warmly, comfortably, and with snacks.

Dec 13, 6:30–7:30 PM

The brightest night on the lake. Decorated boats glide across Lake Wylie near Buster Boyd Bridge and Papa Doc’s Shore Club, and it always feels a little magical — like Hallmark, but with louder motors and better snacks. It’s free, it’s festive, and it’s basically required viewing for anyone living within 30 minutes of water.


Before or after the parade, Papa Doc’s is a must-stop, especially in December.The menu is full of lake-day favorites — seafood, burgers, shareables, cocktails — and during the holidays they transform an indoor section into a Christmas Vacation–themed pop-up bar complete with twinkling lights, festive décor, and seasonal drinks.

It’s warm, cozy, and Blair absolutely loved staring at all the sparkling lights and holiday decorations. And after wandering around in the cold, stepping inside for a warm drink feels like a little luxury we fully endorse.


Yes, FREE.We’re taking Blair this weekend, and honestly… she’s going to steal the show.

Bass Pro does Santa shockingly well — adorable sets, friendly staff, and zero pressure to buy anything beyond whatever inevitably ends up in your cart while you wander around afterward.


Pro tip: book your photo spot online about a week early so you don’t have to wait in line the day of. Just visit your local Bass Pro’s website to reserve your time slot — it’s quick, easy, and makes the entire experience way smoother with a baby in tow.



We went earlier this month and it was such a cozy, festive outing. Local makers, good food, live music, and enough holiday cheer to last all week.


⭐ Where We Warmed Up: Tipsy Pickle

If you go, make Tipsy Pickle your warm-up zone:

  • tons of seating

  • great food and drinks

  • family-friendly energy

  • perfectly loud (in the best way)

Blair was mesmerized watching everyone play pickleball — it was busy enough that her happy squeals blended right in. Comfort + energy + snacks = ideal baby-friendly atmosphere.


This is one of our favorite traditions — lights, ice skating, fire pits, vendors, and strolling around with a warm drink in hand.


⭐ Granolaffluent Parent Tips:

  • Dress warm. Like… warm-warm.

  • Layer the baby like a tiny marshmallow — hat, fleece, blanket, another blanket.

  • The stroller = a mobile drink station. Hot cocoa, hot toddy — we don’t judge.

  • Pop-up vendors make for great last-minute gift shopping.

  • So many dogs. Blair is obsessed.

Outdoor adventure, but actually enjoyable — that’s the sweet spot.


More Charlotte Holiday Markets + Pop-Ups

Charlotte is thriving with festive markets this month. A few worth putting on your radar:

  • Uptown Holiday Market

  • Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market

  • ChristmasVille Festival (Rock Hill)

  • Ballantyne Holiday Pop-Up Market

It’s the season of handmade gifts, warm drinks, and supporting local makers — we are very here for it.


Granolaffluent Parent Pro Tips (Tested. Proven. Cozy.)

  • Dress warm — we don’t glamorize frostbite.

  • Layer your littles generously... kids or your chihuahua.

  • Let the stroller hold your drink.

  • Loud spaces = happy baby + relaxed parents.

  • Pick spots with warmth, seating, and movement to keep little ones entertained.


Winter ice skating at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC — photo by Samuel Martin, courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Winter ice skating at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC — photo by Samuel Martin, courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

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