CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) — The 54th annual Southern Christmas Show, the largest holiday show in North America, will return to Charlotte from Thursday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 21, with more than 400 vendors showcasing the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor, gourmet goodies and much more.
Hosted by Marketplace Events, the show will be held at The Park Expo and Conference Center, where guests will be greeted by the smell of baked sugar cookies before they stroll through dazzling designer rooms by CGalloway Designs and Richeson Properties and Interiors, LLC., hear the pleasant sound of old-fashioned carols from the LeafFilter Entertainment Stage and share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus. An unparalleled holiday shopping experience, the show will offer attendees a wealth of gift options and a variety of holiday ornaments, wreaths, stockings and trimmings.
With the theme of “A Sweet Christmas,” this year’s show will feature a life-sized gingerbread castle built into the main entrance and playful candy-inspired decorations that will make attendees feel as though they’re strolling through a real-life candy and gingerbread land while they shop. Show guests will pass through Olde Towne, where the magic of the season comes alive with shops brimming with gifts, dolls, ornaments and decorations. Christmas Tree Lane will deck the halls with trees from the North Carolina mountains and ideas that range from traditional to whimsical. The show will also provide many ways to make mantels, doors and wreaths shine during this holiday season.
Attendees can also take in the model train exhibits at the show or check out the talented work of skilled crafters and artisans from around the country showcasing one-of-a-kind watercolors, sculptures and pottery. A variety of tasty food items including piping hot strudel, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and so much more will also be available at the show.
The Southern Christmas Show will be following all CDC guidance, as well as local city and county government regulations. We are closely monitoring the situation and will post specific guidelines for both attendees and exhibitors in the weeks leading up to the show.
Guests can get a sneak peek at the show during a special preview night on Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a portion of each ticket sale being donated to charity partner The Sandbox, which supports families who have children with cancer or other life-altering illnesses. Attendees will enjoy free parking, special entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets cost $24 online and at the door, and the first 250 guests will receive a gift.
For those who want to beat the crowds and shop before the general public, the Southern Christmas Show will host an Early Bird VIP morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. Tickets for this unique opportunity cost $20 online and at the door, and the first 250 VIP shoppers will also receive a gift. During the Early Bird VIP morning, no wagons, strollers or carts will be allowed on the show floor.
The Southern Christmas Show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sunday through Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. On-site parking is $10, and valet parking can be purchased at the normal entrances to the main parking lot for $20 with cash or credit card. Tickets purchased at the door cost $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free with a paying adult. Adult tickets can be purchased online on the show’s website for $13. Guests may also buy tickets at participating Harris Teeter stores for $12.50 with a VIC card starting Oct. 20.
Show sponsors include Georgia Mattress Company, Harris Teeter, LeafFilter and Universal Windows Direct. For more information, visit www.southernchristmasshow.com.