Dec. 1-31
For the entire month of December, enjoy Christmas festivities at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Holidays at the Garden: Mile of a Million Lights. From the all-new musically orchestrated topiary display to the classic tradition of holiday shopping in The Garden Store, this event is fun for the whole family. Open from 5-9 p.m. daily. 6500 South New Hope Road. Tickets start at $12.95 for adults and $7.95 for children. dsbg.org
 

Dec. 8
Hear your favorite holiday classics live at “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” a performance featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Presented by the Hallmark Channel, the orchestra’s 20^th-anniversary tour is a must for those full of holiday spirit. Tickets start at $47. There will be two are performances: one at 3 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. spectrumcentercharlotte.com

Dec. 15
Channel your inner Saint Nick at the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s We Believe Santa 5K Dog Jog. Prizes will be awarded to the best Santa look-a-like, so grow out that beard and don your favorite red coat. After the noon 5K trail race, your furry friend can join in on the fun for the 1:30 p.m. Dog Jog. Pre-registration for each event is $30 through Dec. 13. 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. usnwc.org

Dec. 29
Kick off the end of 2018 at this year’s Belk Bowl. With the best football teams from the ACC and SEC going head to head this season, this is a game you won’t want to miss. Start the game day excitement at 8 a.m. at the Belk Bowl FanFest with food, drinks, and activities for the whole family. The FanFest is free, but the noon game tickets start at $35. All the fun will be at the Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St. belkbowl.com

Dec. 31
Celebrate the end of 2018 in Roaring Twenties attire at the New Year’s Eve Fundraising Gala: Harlem Nights Style. Presented by the Jack and Jill Foundation, this night of food, dance, and philanthropy supports education programs, health service, and other programs that assist African-American children and their families. The event is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7^th St. Tickets are $100. jackandjillcharlottechapter.com

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