Southern Christmas Show Open Through Nov. 23 in Charlotte
Hundreds of vendors packed the space on Briar Creek Road next to Bojangles Coliseum, hawking decor, gifts, food, and an assortment of other wares.
The 58th annual Southern Christmas Show kicked off Thursday at The Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte. Hundreds of vendors packed the space on Briar Creek Road next to Bojangles Coliseum, hawking decor, gifts, food, and an assortment of other wares.
Doors stay open through Nov. 23. Hours shift depending on the day. Sunday to Wednesday, visitors can browse from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the show stretches from 10 a.m. all the way to 9 p.m.
Several occasions punctuate the run. A preview night kicked things off Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. An Early Bird VIP session happens Saturday — 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. — before regular guests pour in.
Two themed evenings arrive later this month. Thursday, Nov. 20, brings an evening with Lysa Terkeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Girls Night Out follows the next day, Friday, Nov. 21, same hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What's inside? An entertainment stage, a Christmas tree lane, and an Olde towne shopping experience that mimics a quaint village. Designer rooms let visitors peek at styled spaces, while a North Carolina wine pavilion pours local selections. Tiny trains chug along miniature tracks. A decor competition pits creative minds against each other, and artisans plus crafters show off handmade goods in dedicated zones.
"It is a very large show. But they are all small businesses, so they rely on this for income to feed their families, pay their employees, and they're bringing you something you can't get on Amazon," said show manager Jennifer Smetana, per WCNC. "They're unique presents that have a story when you're giving it to a loved one, and of course, you're shopping local."
General admission for adults begins at $20. Weekday passes for ages 13 and older run $22; weekend versions jump to $25. Children's tickets hold steady at $12 whether it's a weekday or weekend. Kids five and younger? Free.
Certain occasions demand special tickets for all ages. Preview night costs $30 per person. Early Bird VIP access rings up at $28. Both the Lysa Terkeurst evening and Girls Night Out require $15 tickets to enter.
Shuttles loop around the venue, ferrying attendees from spot to spot. Holiday morsels — bite-sized snacks and meals — keep hunger at bay as visitors wander the aisles.
