Start the holiday season with the Panthers, Santa and Tommy T

The most wonderful time of the year is coming! This weekend launches us into the holiday season. The fun starts tonight with several pre-Thanksgiving parties.

Tonight

Family Fun - The Carolina Panthers will hold an inaugural tree lighting celebration. 6 p.m. outside Bank of America Stadium, corner of Mint Street and Graham. See Sir Purr, TopCats and PurrCussion. Families can enjoy children’s activities, holiday music and a visit from Santa. More family holiday events on the Observer's mommy blog.

Pre-Turkey Day - The Wednesday party Pop Life gets a holiday moniker and a different location tonight. It's Kitchsgiving Eve 3.0 - The No Playlist Edition music by The Mash Out King DJ King Skillz.  10 p.m. Label, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. Onsite parking available.










Party In The Alley - One night, two clubs and it's all free. Head over to Republic and Phoenix for the Block Party. 300 Block of North College Street. 10 p.m.



Turkey Swag - Don't feel like being stuck in one bar all night? Join Tommy T's Turkey Spree VIII. The fun starts with food and drinks at Tyber Creek Pub and then rolls uptown to Tommy's other spots. See the schedule. Transportation, drink specials, complimentary drinks at a mystery location and Turkey Swag. $15. 7 p.m. Tyber Creek Pub,  1933 South Blvd. Onsite parking available.

Thursday

Floats And Fun - Don't miss the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown. Rising star 12-year-old singer Lexi Walker will perform. Starts at 9:30 a.m. Stonewall and Tryon.





Eating Out? - Don't miss Observer food critic Helen Schwab's extensive list of restaurant offerings for Thanksgiving dinner.

Weekend Preview

Friday

Catchy Pop - Kat Dahlia straddles pop and Latin music. She performed “Gangsta” live at a Billboard Tastemakers. Her new track is "Crazy." Craig Strickland opens. 8:30 p.m. Chop Shop, 399 E. 35 St. Parking available at venue and behind venue in gravel lot on the side of the building access by 36th St. $10 and up.  

Saturday

Family Fun - Head Uptown for Lights On the Square: The Uptown Tree Lighting. ACC mascots join the festivities to start the ACC Tournament weekend. Families can enjoy Santa Village in Polk Park (free photos!), and a performance by The Wonderettes! Food trucks will be there too. 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Square, Trade and Tryon streets. Tree lighting starts shortly after 6:30pm. 


Don't be shy: Tonya Jameson, sipandplayclt@gmail.com