Looking for a festive night out with the family, a date night, or a night on the town with your friends? Well, look no further! We have the ultimate list of restaurants and bars that have gone all out for this holiday season!
Festive Fun for the Whole Family
Optimist Hall
Optimist Hall is a food hall with over 20 different food stalls in downtown Charlotte, and has turned into a full-out Winter Wonderland!
There are selfie stations throughout the food hall, and they are having Cocoa with Santa on December 13th from 10 am to 12 pm.
A brand-new holiday pop-up, Sugarplum Social, is launching at Optimist Hall from December 4–28, 2025 in the former Billy Sunday space.
Created by the team behind The Bar at Optimist Hall, this festive concept offers seasonal cocktails, cozy décor, and additional heated outdoor spaces.
What’s Happening
- Brand-new 2025 holiday pop-up
- Seasonal cocktails and returning guest favorites
- First-come, first-served seating (no time limits)
- Added standing room
- Two heated igloos
Check out our Kidding Around Review of the restaurants at Optimist Hall.
Optimist Hall
1115 N Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Every weekend this holiday season Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in LoSo has the best Christmas village! Explore their Christmas market with over 50 vendors, watch the Christmas lights, and meet Santa on December 6th, 13th, 20th, 2025!
- Authentic German-inspired Christmas market
- Dozens of local vendors
- Holiday lights throughout the biergarten
- Seasonal beers including holiday releases
- Family-friendly atmosphere
And parents, they have a great holiday variety beer pack featuring their Yule Bock and 3 other holiday brews!
Old Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Worth Getting a Babysitter For: Festive Spots for Grown-Ups
Leave the kids at home and hit the town for a date night, a night out with friends, or a solo adventure!
The Waterman Fish Bar
The Waterman Fish Bar has transformed into their Nauti North Pole!
Head up to the rooftop in the South End to experience their holiday transformation- featuring holiday-themed mocktails and cocktails
The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28209
The Royal Tot
The Sippin’ Santa popup is taking over The Royal Tot rooftop bar!
Sippin Santa is the ultimate tropical holiday escape! Their rooftop tiki lounge is decked out for the holidays, and is serving Christmas-themed drinks in made-for-Instagram mugs and glasses. Open until January 1st, you’re not gonna want to miss this!
The Royal Tot
933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28205
VINYL
VINYL in South End is decking the halls—big time. Starting November 12 through January 4, 2026, this music-themed restaurant transforms into Santa’s Favorite Watering Hole, and the holiday vibes are strong. Think walls covered in ornaments (yes, literally Christmas balls to the walls), glowing lights, and a hip-hop holiday soundtrack that’s more merry than cheesy.
The decor is cozy yet totally over-the-top—just the way Santa likes it—and it’s a fun pick for grown-up holiday outings with friends or coworkers.
VINYL
1440 S Tryon St #105, Charlotte, NC 28203
Supperland Speakeasy
Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop is happening at the Supperland Speakeasy, located below the Bar at Supperland, from November 20 through January 3 on select Wednesdays through Saturdays. Seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and the cost is $175++ per person.
Supperland Speakeasy
1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
More Eats& Fun for the Holidays
If you’re not wanting to cook on Christmas Day, we have a list of all the restaurants in Charlotte that are open Christmas Day! But hurry, many of these places require reservations, and are filling up quickly!
Check out our Ultimate Holiday Guide and find creative, festive ways to bring in the holiday season with the whole family!