Holiday Hosting Guide
A Local’s Guide to Hosting for the Holidays: What to Do with Family in Uptown Charlotte
The holidays are here! Full houses, joyful chaos, and the annual question: “What should we do today?”
Whether you’re hosting family or simply looking to soak up some holiday cheer, Uptown Charlotte makes it easy. With something special for every age group, from hands-on fun for kids to culture-filled afternoons and skyline nights, Uptown is the perfect holiday backdrop.
Here’s how to make the most of the season, no matter who’s visiting:
For Young Kids: A Day of Play & Magic
Morning: Discovery Place Science
Start with the ultimate kid-pleaser: Discovery Place Science. From hands-on exhibits to the indoor rainforest and live science shows, it’s the perfect place for little ones to burn energy while staying warm and entertained.
Lunch: Market at 7th Street
Walk a few blocks to the Market at 7th Street, where everyone can pick their own lunch from a small business vendor. Options like pizza, sandwiches, ramen, smoothies will be perfect for any crowd. It’s loud, lively, and no one cares if your toddler drops a cracker.
Afternoon: ImaginOn + Children's Theater
After lunch, stroll to ImaginOn and the Children's Theater for a performance, storytime, crafts, or free play. It’s a perfect low-pressure way to wind down their day before naps or quiet time at home.
For Adult Children: Food, Fun & (A Little) Competition
Morning: Coffee at Lottie’s + Browsing Standout Vintage
Kick off the morning with an Airplane Latte from Lottie’s at Queen City Quarter, then browse unique pieces at Standout Vintage next door. It's an easy, stylish way to ease into the day together.
Lunch: The Alley at Latta Arcade
Take them somewhere they wouldn’t find on Google Maps: The Alley at Latta Arcade. This historic 1914 arcade is packed with eclectic food vendors, ideal for adult kids who love a “hidden gem” moment and plenty of options with small businesses filling the hall.
Afternoon: Museum of Illusions + NASCAR Hall of Fame
These "museums" are perfect for grown children, interactive, hilarious for photos, and great for families who love a little friendly competition. The Museum of Illusions offers mind-bending rooms and puzzles that turn into instant holiday memories, where the NASCAR Hall of Fame has a fast paced relay race that puts you in the shoes of a full pit crew in a race to get your cars back on track!
Evening: Rooftop Drinks at Merchant & Trade
End the day with skyline views at Merchant & Trade. It’s the ideal “grown kids are home for the holidays” vibe, cocktails, city lights, and laid-back conversation.
For Visiting Parents & In-Law's: A Slower, Elegant Uptown Experience
Morning: Brunch at Asbury
Treat your parents to a cozy, refined Southern brunch at the Asbury inside the Dunhill Hotel. Dishes like shrimp & grits or biscuits & gravy feel classic but elevated—perfect for a relaxed holiday morning.
Lunch: Romare Bearden Park Stroll
Walk off brunch with a peaceful stroll through Romare Bearden Park. The skyline views, quiet pathways, and green space make it a calming mid-day outing.
Afternoon: The Mint Museum
Finish the afternoon at the Mint Museum with rotating exhibitions and beautiful collections. It’s inspiring without being overwhelming, a perfect pace for visiting parents.
Evening: Live Jazz at Middle C
Close the night with smooth music and dim lights at Middle C Jazz. Cozy, classy, and ideal for winding down a holiday day.
With Uptown as your backdrop, there’s something simple and special for every age group, science adventures for the little ones, memory-making fun for your adult kids, and relaxing, meaningful outings for parents. Mix and match these ideas, keep plans flexible, and enjoy showing off your city.