ACC fun, pop up shops and parties

The weekend is almost here and the fun ranges from tree lightings to pop up shops to parties. Don't forget it's ACC Championship football weekend.

Wednesday
Pop Up Shopping - Head uptown for the 7th Street Public Market Holiday Sip & Shop featuring more than 50 locally-owned businesses. Free sparkling wine for the first 100 guests. Live music by local musician Taylor Winchester. Free pimento cheese samples from Queen Charlotte's Pimento Cheese Royale, free beer tasting courtesy of Triple C Brewing Company at Tank's Tap and Massage Works of Charlotte will be onsite doing chair massages. 5:30 p.m. 7th Street Public Market, 224 E 7th St. Details.

More Holiday Shopping - The Uptown shopping experience continues at Tinselbox: A Holiday Pop-Up Shopfeaturing 16 vendors, complimentary holiday beverages from Not Just Coffee, and festive gift-wrapping. Gifts include jewelry, scarves, and dresses, candles, chocolate, books and more. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Foundation For the Carolinas, 220 N Tryon St. Cruise Carts will also be running shuttles throughout Uptown for your convenience.

Thursday
Tree Lighting - Bring the family uptown for the annual Uptown Charlotte Tree Lighting featuring ACC mascots and music. 5:30 p.m. Trade and Tryon Streets. 6:30 p.m., Tree Lighting. After the lighting, the celebration moves inside Founders Hall for more music, holiday treats and photos with Santa.

Toy Drive - All American Pub is partnering with Stella Artois to celebrate the holidays. Bring three to four unwrapped toys or a $25 donation and receive a complimentary live Christmas tree. All donations will be gifted to Toys for Tots. 12 p.m.,  All American Pub, 200 E Bland St.

Reggae Rhythms - Washington D.C.-based band FeelFree genre-bending reggae blends reggae, funk, jazz, and rock influences. The band’s latest EP is "The Ebb Tide.” 5 p.m. Crown Station Coffee House & Pub,1425 Elizabeth Ave. Details.

Game Night - Eligible bachelors and bachelorettes take center stage in the live action Dating Game. Audience members get complimentary wine & beer. 7:30 p.m. Charlotte Trolley Museum, 1507 Camden Road.

Friday



Holiday Fun -2nd Chance Santa is one of the biggest holiday parties. It's a black-tie optional event features Hot Sauce Band, light appetizers & finger foods from eight Local Charlotte restaurants. There will be beer and wine. 7:30 p.m. Rooftop 210, Epicentre,210 E Trade St. $40, $60
Details.

Winter Market - Another chance to by gifts and baked good from 30 local vendors at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's 6th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt. This is the opening weekend of the German-inspired Christmas Market. Winter seasonal beers include Dunkel, Bauern Bock, and Yule Bock and OMB’s homemade Glühwein: a spiced red wine served hot.
Weihnachtsmarkt is every Friday and Saturday through the Dec. 18-19. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturdays.  4150 Yancey Road.

Gay Chorus - One Voice Chorus’ annual holiday concert theme is Madonna/Madonna. It highlights both Mary, at the center of the nativity, and Madonna, pop icon! 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, 234 North Sharon Amity Road. $18.65 and up. Tickets.

ACC Championship Fun - Prep for the ACC Championship game with the ACC Bar Crawl. $20 gets you an ACC Bar Crawl T-Shirt, event koozie, drink specials, and free entry to all participating bars! A portion of the proceeds goes to each alumni group. 7 p.m. Tilt, (check-in), 127 W. Trade St. ACC Fan Central at the EpiCentre features a pep rally, the mascots, team pep bands and more.

Saturday
Fighting AIDS - Congratulations to Hannah Stutts, this year’s Red Pump Project honoree. The benefit gala commemorates World AIDS Day by fusing fashion and philanthropy. The gala includes live entertainment, cocktail reception with a silent auction, runway show and more. Co-hosted by Special Ed Archer and media personality Kendra James. 7 p.m. UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 9th St.

ACC Festivities - Head uptown for live music, interactive games, contests and novelty stations, ACC mascot appearances, Corporate Champion attractions, giveaways and sampling, autograph opportunities with ACC Legends, food trucks and more family fun at the ACC Football Championship Fan Fest. Event features live music from country music artists Tucker Beathard, Dustin Lynch & Tyler Farr. All activities take place outdoors (rain or shine) adjacent to Bank of America Stadium along Mint, Graham and Stonewall Streets at Noon.
4 p.m. pre-game hospitality party, BB&T Stadium, $85. Details.

Christmas Beer - Drink beer and help the Levine Children’s Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC). Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any or all of the six participating Southend area breweries and receive special discounts and access to the free hop on/hop off trolley. Free music, free swag and specials. Beer schedule.

Jazz Concert - See jazz saxophonist David Sanborn live at the 7th Annual Carolina Jazz Concert Series. 8 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon S. Tickets. $45.

Scary Christmas - You've seen the movie trailers. Now, experience the Charlotte Krampus tradition at the NoDa Krampus Krawl is a don’t miss event. See St. Nick & many Krampuses (fearsome creatures from Alpine folklore with long horns, shaggy fur, sharp fangs, and a long lolling tongues) will be roaming the streets of NoDa looking for naughty and nice children of all ages. Starts at Heist Brewery at 5:30 p.m. and winds through NoDa. Expect costumes, story tellers, free face painting, and free swag. A concert of twisted carols at JackBeagle's after 10 features Evergone and Radio Lola.

Sunday


Fancy Dinner - Chefs from five high-end restaurants have teamed up for Sous Chef Sunday Supper. The chefs will prepare a five-course plated dinner with an optional wine pairing.  The menu will focus on fresh, local ingredients, and will be a culinary night to remember. $65 per person with a $28 optional wine pairing, cocktail reception & passed hors d'oevres. Tickets.

Family Fun - Shop from 60 local artists and craftsmen and find one-of-a-kind items at Christmas in Cornelius. The event will also feature live entertainment, food trucks, kids activities, and more. 1 p.m. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius

Holiday Shopping - Shop for gifts from Charlotte boutiques and then take a break for tea, sandwiches, canapés, scones and sweets at Holiday Tea & Shopping At The Duke Mansion. 2 - 4 p.m. Food The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd  $35 per adult, $15 per child ages 5 to 12. Details.

Skate Party - Bring your skates and your dance moves to Roll Bounce. Kate’s Roller Skating Rink, 15400 Independence Boulevard.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com