KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Fri, Nov 28: Home Alone in Concert at Knight Theater
Sun, Nov 30: 4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Wed, Dec 3: Holidays Heard ‘Round the World: Kwanzaa - Main Street Children's Museum
Fri, Dec 5: Mark O'Connor's An Appalachian
Christmas featuring Maggie O'Connor at Carolina Theatre
Sat, Dec 6: 43rd Annual North Mecklenburg Holiday Parade
Sun, Dec 7: 4th Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne's Backyard
Sat, Dec 13: Clara's Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story at Caroline Calouche & Co.
Tue, Dec 16: Quiet Days at North Carolina Zoo
Sat, Dec 20: Movies in the Park at Stowe Park, Belmont
Wed, Dec 24: A Golden Day - Town of Stallings |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—Debra Ross,
publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers—whether you're tech-savvy or not—to weigh in. Your input will directly shape upcoming national resources designed to help families guide kids wisely and safely. The survey closes soon, so please take 60–90 seconds to be part of this important effort.
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Capture the Magic this holiday season when the 4th Annual Holiday Walk-Thru Experience arrives in Ballantyne - November 28-December 30th! Walk Through the Magic of The Holidays with your friends and family and immerse yourself in the wonder of the season with over a million Christmas lights along a half-mile walking trail, located in Ballantyne's Backyard. See spectacular Light Displays, dozens of oversized Snow Globes, Larger than Life Holiday Scenes, Magical Interactive Wand Elements throughout the event, hundreds of decorated trees, an Illuminated Elf Playground, a 30’ x 40’ Ice Castle with a Princess Carriage, a Christmas Village and the brand new Winter Wonderland Carnival, featuring the Ferris Wheel, Bear Affair, Sooper Jet Kiddie Roller Coaster, and Rapid Slide! ! Enjoy children’s activities and Santa will be there nightly through December 23rd. See Ballerinas and other performers every night – be sure to check the schedule regularly. Now open Thanksgiving Weekend! Join…
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Holiday magic is back in Charlotte Youth Ballet’s 46th annual production of The Nutcracker! This family-friendly event showcases the artistry of local student dancers and professionals from around the world. CYB is a nonprofit organization led by Charlotte legend, Gay Porter, and Artist Director, Bridget Porter Young. General Admission shows: Friday, December 5 at 7pmSaturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7pmSunday, December 7 at 2:30pm Special discounted performances are available for schools, preschools, homeschool students, Girl Scouts, and seniors. Visit our website for info.
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Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story is Charlotte’s homegrown holiday classic! Join Clara on a whimsical adventure filled with breathtaking aerial dance, acrobatics, and laughter as her holiday party takes an unexpected turn. Perfect for families, this contemporary spin on The Nutcracker blends circus arts and dance into a heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and holiday magic. Presented by Caroline Calouche & Co., Clara’s Trip returns to the Booth Playhouse December 12–14, 2025, with a special Children’s Show on December 13 & 14. Tickets start at $35 at carolinecalouche.org/clarastrip
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Holiday magic is back in Charlotte Youth Ballet’s 45th annual production of The Nutcracker! This family-friendly event showcases the artistry of local student dancers and professionals from around the world. CYB is a nonprofit organization led by Charlotte legend, Gay Porter, and Artist Director, Bridget Porter Young. Get your tickets HERE. General Admission shows: Friday, December 5 at 7pmSaturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7pmSunday, December 7 at 2:30pm
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A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams's charming and delightful score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as the entire feature-length film plays on the big screen. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family.
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Dive into the holiday spirit at SEA LIFE Charlotte’s SEAson of Trees! Wander through an underwater winter wonderland featuring over 20 uniquely themed Christmas trees sparkling throughout the aquarium. From ocean-inspired ornaments to festive sea creatures, it’s a magical celebration that brings holiday cheer beneath the waves! The magic hits SEA LIFE on November 25th and runs through the end of the year.
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Experience Christmas Eve in a new way -- where kids can be kids as carols set the scene for an interactive nativity in which the whole family can participate, followed by the Christmas story told in a way you have never seen before. Take in the wonder after the 1:00 worship hour at the live Nativity in the courtyard while petting animals and snagging the perfect family photo or hang out after the 2:30 & 4:30 services for family activities, s’mores, hot chocolate, treats for Santa & more. Check out seasonal events for ALL ages at MatthewsUMC.org/Christmas.
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Private Schools in the Charlotte, NC area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Private and alternative schools in the Charlotte area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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There are tons of opportunities for 2025 family holiday fun in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, Santa sightings, and more... plus activities for Chanukah and New Year's Eve.
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For 65 years, The Sound of Music has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed - it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” The Sound of Music is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors - and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.
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Time travel to the greatest party since Camelot! Take an autumn stroll through the wooded Village of Fairhaven where history comes alive with non-stop, day-long, immersive and interactive entertainments like no place else! Shop an abundance of arts and crafts in the village open-air Artisan Market! Adventure awaits with games and rides, valiant jousting knights on horseback, majestic falconry, beautiful mermaids and fairies, friendly dragons, feasting, and so much more! Come one, come all for non-stop, day-long adventure!
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- SCNP: Friday Fire and S'mores (drop-in) - Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:30am to 12:00pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, November 21, 2025, See link for times
- Gastonia Farmers Market - 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28054, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Movies in the Park - Downtown Belmont - 24 S Main St., Belmont, NC 28012, Saturday, November 22, 2025, See website for details
- The Mistletoe Market - 28030 Austin Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001-8304, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 am
- Kid's
market at Waxhaw's Touch a Truck & Tree Lighting - 301 Givens St., Waxhaw, NC 28173, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 03:00pm
- SCNP: Geocache Turkey Hunt - Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Sun Valley Commons Holiday Spectacular - Sun Valley Commons, Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail, NC, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am - 3
pm
- Lexington Holiday Spectacular - Breeden Insurance Amphitheater, South Main Street,
Lexington, NC, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm
- The Mistletoe Market - 28030 Austin Rd,
Albemarle, NC 28001-8304, Sunday, November 23, 2025, 11 am
- 72nd Annual Union County Christmas Parade - Monroe, NC, Sunday,
November 23, 2025, 2 pm
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The Charlotte area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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There are tons of opportunities for 2025 family holiday fun in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, Santa sightings, and more... plus activities for Chanukah and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Charlotte area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Charlotte Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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