CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Southern Christmas Show officially kicks off Thursday in the Queen City. There are more than 400 vendors on top of other entertainment at the annual event.
Here's what you need to know.
The show is happening at the Park Expo and Conference Center, which is located at 800 Briar Creek Road.
Vendors come from all over the region to set up Santa's shop and many are local to the Charlotte area. From Christmas gifts to décor and boutique shopping, guests can easily spend an entire day just on shopping.
It's the Southern Christmas Show's 56th year and staple vendors like The Christmas Mouse return every year for the boost in business.
"It’s a great opportunity," said Rob Marshall, president of The Christmas Mouse. "This is our 24th year at Southern Christmas Show, they bring in tons of people."
The Southern Christmas Show manager Jen Smetana added shoppers not only boost small businesses, but Charlotte's local economy too.
"We have guests that come from every single state in the United States, so with that many people traveling into the show, that’s hotel rooms, restaurants, that’s revenue for the Queen City," said Smetana.
This year, the show will run from Nov. 9 to Nov. 19. Hours for this "North Pole" experience are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Park Expo and Conference Center offers cash parking and valet but there are also many lots nearby, with shuttles available to the door from some.
Admission is $18 for adults paying at the door, $16 for adults paying in advance online, and $8 for kids ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 5 get in for free with a paying adult.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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