FREE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK pt. 2

I am back with more things for you to do that are absolutely FREE!  I thought I would give them to you on Tuesday so you have a little more time to plan out your weekend in advance.   Also don't forget to reference last week's list because most of the events are reoccurring through the month of December!

***Lots of Updates...


The Schiele Museum (Gastonia)
Friday, Dec 10th
Registration deadline for Elf Camp (yes I am serious)
Cost = $18 (members)  $20 (non members)
I know this is not free but I wanted to include it anyways since it is a drop-off activity and we all could use some kid-free time now and then!
The camp is on Dec 18th 9:00 - 12:00 and although it is a little bit of a drive it may be worth it to you if you have kids ages 9-12.  You can drop them off for this 3 hour camp and go get some last minute shopping done.   The kids will get to explore the nature trails, learn about plant folklore, and create crafts for the holidays.

Saturday, Dec 11th 
10:00 - 2:00  Student Music Festival
Free to the public
Come get in the spirit by listening to various choral groups.



Atherton Mill and Market (2104 South Blvd. 28203)
Sunday, Dec 12th 1:00 - 5:00
If you have not visited this farmer's market you are missing out!  All kinds of great, local food and this Sunday there will be additional Christmas vendors.


NC Transportation Museum (Spencer, NC)
Two events going on here in December:


Santa Train, Dec 11-12 and 18-19, various times
Tickets = $7/person under 2 free (can be purchased in advance or the day of)
Kids are invited on a 25 minute train ride with St. Nick.  They will hear stories, make ornament, and leave with candy canes!

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, Dec 11, 17, 18 several evening times
Tickets = $10/person under 2 free *Must be purchased in advance
A 25 minute train ride to The Roundhouse where kids will get to do coloring activities, listen to stories told by the elves, and share treats with Santa.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit: http://www.nctrans.org/events/santa_train.php


Menorah Lighting at Southpark
Friday, Dec 10th 5:30 - 6:00
Lighting by Lubavitch of North Carolina.  Come enjoy refreshments and the lighting of this giant Menorah!  For more info. call 704-366-3984


Small Hands Big Art (The Fountains at Ardrey Kell)
Friday, Dec 10th and 17th, 6:00 - 8:00pm
An open class for kids 4 and up
Kids will make all kinds of glittery goodies.  Meanwhile you can get some shopping done at the other shops in The Fountains.

Visit with Santa at Blacklion (Park Rd.)
every Saturday 1:00 - 4:00
Kids can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa!  There are also elves, Frosty and singing bears.  Don't forget to leave your letter for Santa in his mailbox and take your (free) picture with the jolly old guy!

Sleigh Rides at the Arboretum (Hwy. 51)
Fridays 5:00 - 8:00
Saturdays 12:00 - 3:00
http://www.shoparboretum.com/events/?event_id=13


Holiday Open House at Three Little Birds (South Blvd.)
Wednesday, Dec 8th 6:00 - 8:00
**Adult event
RSVP info@threelittlebirdsinc.com
2115 Southend Dr. Suite 103
Kids are allowed but this open house is more for adults looking for gifts.  This little shop has great stationary and paper goods as well as other stocking stuffers.  Come shop while they treat you to appetizers and refreshments.

Update to this event:
Make a whole evening of this event.  Get your girls, bribe your husband, and come to Modern Nails before your shop.  If you mention you are going to the Three Little Birds party you will get a discount off your services.  If you can't make it before the party come after...they will stay open later than their regular hours to accommodate you!  If you want to make an appointment call, 704-334-1188.  Seriously, wine, mani/pedi, and shopping!  All without kids!  What more could you want?!  Well, other than Oprah's bank account and that Gabriel Aubrey guy as your pool boy?!

Holiday DIY jewelry gifts (Imaginon)
Thursday, Dec 9th 5:00
Ages 12-18
Teens can come and make jewelry gifts for family and friends!

Storytime at Barnes and Noble Bookstore 
Southpark:
Thursday, Dec 9th, 6:00
Elf of the Shelf
Come enjoy this holiday story and if you haven't already implemented this great source of bribery in your home you will after this!

Friday, Dec 10th, 7:00
Polar Express
A holiday classic that always warms everyone's heart.  Come let their staff cover bedtime story duty!
There will also be caroling

Arboretum:
Tuesday, Dec 7th, 9:30am
Its Christmas, David!
Bring your little trouble maker t hear the holiday story about this little trouble maker!

Holiday fun at Borders (Stonecrest)
Saturday, Dec 11th,  11:00am
ages 3-8
Songs, games, stories and more to help entertain your little ones!

The Shops at Morrison (Corner of Colony and Sharon Rds)
Friday, Dec 10th, 6:00 - 9:00
**Adult event
A holiday shopping crawl!  Free wine, cheese, and a visit with psychic Santa.  Your purchases are on your own dime!

Saturday, Dec 11th 4:00 - 8:00
Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus (again probably, but this never seems to get old to kids!)

The Singing Bears at Founders Hall (downtown)
Monday- Friday: 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 5, and 6:00 performances
Saturday and Sunday: hourly 8- 6:00
Hop on the light rail and take your kids on a little adventure right here in Charlotte!  The bears mesmerize the kids and there is plenty of space for them to run around, dance and sing along!