KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and sometimes even
from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out how to make the
family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's never perfect,
but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace, it’s more
likely to find its way into the room.
—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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Capture the Magic this holiday season when the 4th Annual Holiday Walk-Thru Experience arrives in Ballantyne - November 28-December 30th, 5:30pm-10:00pm! Tickets start at $10. 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, 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, and a brand new Winter Wonderland Carnival. See Ballerinas and other performers every night. Santa will be there nightly through December 23rd.
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A Golden Day: Stallings Turns 50! Join us for the ultimate birthday party as we celebrate 50 incredible years of our community! A Golden Day marks the official 50th birthday of Stallings, and we’re throwing a party to remember! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to join in the fun as we honor this golden milestone with laughter, joy, and community spirit. This is a once-in-a-lifetime golden celebration you won’t want to miss! Come party with us and help make Stallings' 50th birthday unforgettable!
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Come to Village Park and enjoy all the beautiful lights and displays in celebration of the holidays. Bring your wish list for your visit with Santa – you are welcome to take your photo with him at no charge. Other activities include making a holiday craft, enjoying smore’s around the fire pit and much more. Local craft and artisans be on hand on the weekends so come prepared to do your Christmas shopping. Food trucks will have food and drinks for sale. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights and bears is free; tickets are required to ride the carousel and train. Free parking for Celebration of Lights is avaliable at Village Park.
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Celebrate Kwanzaa and the principle of "Kujichagulia" (self-determination), which means "to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves." This family-friendly event features a holiday marketplace showcasing local entrepreneurs and small businesses, a Kwanzaa table presentation by Kwanzaa Charlotte to explore the holiday's history and traditions, and plenty of fun activities including arts & crafts, family photos, and live music throughout the day. Join us for a vibrant celebration that honors culture and the joyful spirit of the holiday season!
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Charlotte - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 12/27/2025 - 12/28/2025, See link for times
- Winter Wonderland: Coloring & Cocoa - McDowell Nature Center, York Road, Charlotte, NC, USA, 12/27/2025, 10am-4pm
- Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2025: Kujichagulia - Harvey B. Gantt Center - Harvey B Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States, 12/27/2025, 12 pm - 4 pm
- City of Belmont's
Annual Festival of Trees - City of Belmont - Stowe Park, South Main Street, Belmont, NC, USA, 12/27/2025 - 12/28/2025, See website for details
- Holiday Lights of Christmas Town U.S.A. 2025 - McAdenville, NC, USA, 12/26/2025 - 12/28/2025, Nightly 5:30 pm - 10 pm
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break Camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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