Weekend Preview: A weird Christmas party, another ugly sweater party and dancehall fun

There's no way around it. This is the weekend to chill with the family, but if you must go out here are some things to do. See in you in the street...

Last Chance - For real, for real! Get it in. Retire the threads at the Ugly Sweater Bash. Ugliest sweater could win a price. 7 p.m., Howl At The Moon, 210 E Trade St. Details.

Offbeat Holiday - With potluck food, satellite spinning the music and drink specials at the bar Petra’s Xmas will be a fun, casual way to wind down. Five local performers will take the stage to perform everything from dream pop to ballads. 8 p.m. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

Saturday
Dancehall Groove - Su Casa is known for its Afro-beat and hip-hop, but this the monthly party Su CASA — The Dancehall tackles a different genre. DJ Justice Sun Tzulul, DJ Maf Maddix, and DJ Brian Jopedo Sambula spinning rock-reggae, Afrobeat, dub, Afrohouse + more. Live painting by Dammit Wesley, film, photography and mother. 11 p.m. and up. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5 and up.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Don't miss the Star Wars gingerbread house! (Photos)

Time is running out to see the coolest ever gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn. Dozens of gingerbread houses are on display at the historic inn in Asheville for the National Gingerbread House Competition. They are exquisitely detailed and beautiful. My favorites were by little kids. They weren't the best, but who can resist Panther spirit and the Force? Not me! It's definitely worth a daytrip during the holiday break but it's only open to non-guests from Sunday afternoons through Thursdays until Jan. 3.

 

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Double Door Inn

Let's go Panthers! After today's game, rest up for a fun evening of holiday parties and a special anniversary party for a venerable Charlotte institution.

Punk Holiday Party - This party sounds real loud and real fun. Hail Santa features red cups and Krampus. Appearances by Toke and Green Fiend and DJ J. Overcash. Music: Death Metal, Punk, Hard Core, XXXMas Trap, Carole No Cover. 8 p.m., Snug Harbor, 288 Gordon St.

Happy Birthday - The city’s venerable blue club celebrates more than 40 years of bringing live blues to Charlotte with the Federal Bureau Of Rock & Roll at the Double Door Inn’s 42nd Anniversary. 7 pm., The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Avenue $10. Details.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Chili cookoff, and final holiday markets and holiday parties

This is it! The last weekend to party as a sexy Santa or to wear your ugly sweater or to shop in the holiday market. This is it. What are you waiting for? Let's go!!! See you in the streets...

It’s Cold! - What better way to celebrate the cold weather than at the 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. Taste unlimited samples of chili from 20 home chefs teams.  Family friendly and dog friendly event so bring the whole crew. Proceeds benefit Purple Heart Homes. 1 – 5 p.m., Unknown Brewing, 1327 S Mint St. Details. #WeLoveSouthEnd #WeLoveCLT  

Don't Forget
Sexy Santa - In keeping with the naughty spirit, the 5th Annual Sexy Santa party celebrates all things naughty. Wear your sexiest, funniest, goofiest Christmas-themed costume. Ice Martini Bar, 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive #102, Huntersville.

Christmas Comedy - The Evening Muse and Matt Barrentine feature local, regional and even national comedy talent for the Stand Up, Get Down Comedy Show Holiday Special. 10:30 p.m., The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $8 - $10. Details.

Holiday Markets 

VTGCLT Pop is a full scale pop up shop that will be feature products from 85  local/regional vintage and handmade vendors. The shop will be open daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily and feature special guest and events ranging from Food Trucks to performers. The old Goodyear building at S. Tryon and East Stonewall Uptown. (100 East Stonewall St.) Details.

Art Gifts - Support NoDa artists by buying your last minute gifts at the All Arts Market. It will feature works by more than 70 artists. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., CenterStage At Noda, 2315 N Davidson St. 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.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

Christmas play, paint party and toy drive

Finish up your holiday shopping and then head out tonight for dance parties, holiday parties and more. See you in the streets...


Christmas Play - A Soulful Noel re-interprest holiday classics such as “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Go Tell it on The Mountain” through music. 7:30 p.m., McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N College St. $15. Details.

Poetry Slam - Performer, writer and community organizer Lauren Bullock headlines this month’s Slam Charlotte. 8 p.m., Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 North Tryon St.

Don't Forget
Paint and Play - Brush N Beats brings hip-hop flavor to the sip and paint theme with live music by Ron Mull. Enjoy open painting, wine and good peeps. Bring a canned good to be donated to the local food bank. 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. Free. Includes paint & brushes. Canvases will be provided at discount rates courtesy of Carolina Canvas Company.

Cultural Dance Party - This special edition of Mint To Move Cultural Dance Night. Music: DJ Pepito (Jorge Moran), Angel Delgado, Jerry Giraud, and Brandon Nater. Featuring: ArtSi members; Lena Hopkins-Jackson, caricature artist, Rodrigo and Wendy (tango). Dance Lessons by  Rumbao Latin Dance Company at 8:45 p.m. 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. $7-$11. Cash Bar and Complimentary Light Snacks.

Toy Drive - Join the Sigmas, Youth Educational Society and Queen City SGRho at the The Holiday Gathering. Bring a toy, clothing or non-perishable food to donate. Music by DJ Cali and DJ Skillz. 10 p.m. Oak Room. 200 East Bland St. Music by DJ Cali & DJ Skillz. Brought to you by: Sol Kitchen, Ultra Entertainment, Round Table Ent., Blue Goose & Status Inc.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com

   

Learn to eat with chopsticks (Video)

Tired of looking clumsy when you eat with chopsticks? AZN Azian Cuisine owner Anna Hsu demonstrates how to use chopsticks. She also offered tips for people with small or little hands.



Don't miss happy hour at AZN. All of the sushi rolls are great and will give you a chance to practice your chopsticks skills. However, don't miss the Korean Bulgogi Burger. You won't need chopsticks for this, but it is finger licking good.

Not So Acoustic Christmas, ugly sweater parties, and sexy Santas

This is it! Last weekend before Christmas. Get your last minute shopping done. Wear your ugly sweater! Donate a new toy! Give a canned good! See you in the streets...

Wednesday
Rock Holiday Party - I’ve been listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving, but I may need to take a break for Awolnation’s “Sail.” The band headlines 106.5 The End's Not So Acoustic Christmas featuring Awolnation. Metric and Grizfolk will also perform. 8 p.m. The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory. Tickets.





Ugly Sweater Party - Don’t put your ugly sweater away yet. There’s Posh Mixer: Ugly Sweater Edition. Prize given for the best holiday ugly sweater. Cash donations requested for the charity Mom4Moms and featuring HotRodtheDJ. Sip Charlotte, 200 N. Tryon. Details.

Thursday
Crafty Party - Make personalized jar-lid wreaths at Girl’s Night Out - Pinterest Party. Crafters will use mason jar lids, fabric, paper, photos and all sorts of other nik-naks to make wreaths. Hosted By Vikki O'Keefe and Vinny Trierweiler. They will provide all the supplies and assistance needed. Bring your favorite photos to add a personal touch. 6 p.m. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. $30. Details.

Friday
Paint and Play - Brush N Beats brings hip-hop flavor to the sip and paint theme with live music by Ron Mull. Enjoy open painting, wine and good peeps. Bring a canned good to be donated to the local food bank. 7 p.m. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. Free. Includes paint & brushes. Canvases will be provided at discount rates courtesy of Carolina Canvas Company.

Cultural Dance Party - This special edition of Mint To Move Cultural Dance Night. Music: DJ Pepito (Jorge Moran), Angel Delgado, Jerry Giraud, and Brandon Nater. Featuring: ArtSi members; Lena Hopkins-Jackson, caricature artist, Rodrigo and Wendy (tango). Dance Lessons by  Rumbao Latin Dance Company at 8:45 p.m. 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. $7-$11. Cash Bar and Complimentary Light Snacks.

Toy Drive - Join the Sigmas, Youth Educational Society and Queen City SGRho at the The Holiday Gathering. Bring a toy, clothing or non-perishable food to donate. Music by DJ Cali and DJ Skillz. 10 p.m. Oak Room. 200 East Bland St. Music by DJ Cali & DJ Skillz. Brought to you by: Sol Kitchen, Ultra Entertainment, Round Table Ent., Blue Goose & Status Inc.

Saturday


Sexy Santa - In keeping with the naughty spirit, the 5th Annual Sexy Santa party celebrates all things naughty. Wear your sexiest, funniest, goofiest Christmas-themed costume. Ice Martini Bar, 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive #102, Huntersville

Christmas Comedy - The Evening Muse and Matt Barrentine feature local, regional and even national comedy talent for the Stand Up, Get Down Comedy Show Holiday Special. 10:30 p.m., The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $8 - $10. Details.

Sunday
Punk Holiday Party - This party sounds real loud and real fun. Hail Santa features red cups and Krampus. Appearances by Toke and Green Fiend and DJ J. Overcash. Music: Death Metal, Punk, Hard Core, XXXMas Trap, Carole No Cover. 8 p.m., Snug Harbor, 288 Gordon St.

Happy Birthday - The city’s venerable blue club celebrates more than 40 years of bringing live blues to Charlotte with the Federal Bureau Of Rock & Roll at the Double Door Inn’s 42nd Anniversary. 7 pm., The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetowne Avenue $10. Details.

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com