Welcome 2015!

Hoping you have enjoyed a wonderful first week of winter, and that the holidays you celebrated were wonderful, and meaningful and full of memories for you and your children. Hard to believe that another year has passed, and that we usher in 2015 on Thursday. My wish for all of you is a new year filled with good news, healthy family and friends, and more memories than you can count. Thanks for making 2014 another GREAT year for The Queen City Buzz!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 29

• Winter Break Camps are back at Discovery Place for students in grades K-3. More info...
• The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express continues through tomorrow. More info...
• Today through Friday, head to Discovery Place to celebrate Jurassic New Year with activities throughout the day! More info... 
• Holidays at the Garden continues at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Through December 31. More info...
• The Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park continues evenings through December 31st. More info...
• Head to BB&T Ballpark this afternoon, 5-7pm, for the Belk Bowl Pep Rally. More info...
• The Belk Bowl Fan Central also happens this evening beginning at 7pm at The Epicentre. More info...

Tuesday, December 30

• Toddler Tuesdays has been extended through December 30th at Sea Life Aquarium. 1 FREE child (3-12) with an adult ticket (other children $5). More info...
• Beginning at 12pm, don't miss the Belk Bowl FanFest happening outside of Bank of America Stadium. More info...
• Enjoy Season of Light at the planetarium at the Schiele Museum. Tuesdays-Fridays at 3:30, and various times through tomorrow. More info...
• Speedway Christmas wraps up this evening at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. More info...
• The Belk Bowl kicks off this evening at 6:30pm at Bank of America Stadium. More info...

Wednesday, December 31 - New Years Eve

• Ages 3 and under are invited to Wee Wednesday this morning at 10:30 at the Main Street Children's Museum. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Wonderful Wednesday - New Years at Noon!  More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum hosts Wild Wednesday: When Winter Comes today at 12:30. More info..
• Ages 6 and up are invited to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for a Winter Scavenger Hunt at 2pm. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries close at 5pm today, and are closed tomorrow. More info...
• Don't miss CLT New Year's Eve this evening beginning at 7pm at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Lots of fun for the whole family. More info...

Thursday, January 1 - Happy New Year!

• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts First Day Hikes today at 9am and 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the fun of First Footin' 2015 beginning at 10am at Historic Rural Hill. More info...
• Head to the Schiele Museum today at 11am to learn all about Tools of Stone. More info...

Friday, January 2

• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts a Friday Morning Hike this morning at 9am for all ages. More info...
• Holiday on Ice winter ice skating continues through January 4th. More info...
• The Schiele Museum has a new planetarium show. Enjoy The Planets: A Voyage Across the Solar System through February. More info...
• Ride The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad now through January 4th. More info...

Saturday, January 3

• See Dinosaurs in Motion at Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte. On display through January 16th. More info...
• Families with children in grades PreK to 2 can head to Discovery Place for Scrambled Eggs Super at 10:30am. Please register. More info..., and families with children in grades 3 to 5 are invited to You Are What You Eat at 10:30am. More info...
• Lots of fun with Healthy Winter Treats today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the children will make Beary Warm Earmuffs. More info...
• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts Woodland Wildlife this morning at 11:30am for all ages. More info...
• Experience Civil War Winter Quarters today and tomorrow at Latta Plantation. More info...
• Ages 4 and up are invited to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for their (almost) Full Moon Hike this evening at 7pm. More info...

Sunday, January 4

• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum this afternoon at 12:30pm for Build it Like a Beaver. More info...
• The Latta Plantation Nature Center hosts Reptile Encounters this afternoon at 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30pm. More info...
• Imaginon hosts Paws to Read this afternoon, 2-4pm. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Healthy Winter Treats this afternoon at 2pm. More info...

Monday, January 5 - Back to School!!!

• Ages 3 and up are invited to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this morning at 10am for Nature Story Corner. More info...
• Storytimes return at the Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries after their holiday hiatus. More info...

Save The Date:
January 9-10, 2015: Monster Jam More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Merry Christmas!!

School's out, shopping's done (thank goodness...have you seen the mall parking lots?!?!), and now it's time to enjoy family, friends, and holiday fun. I wish for you a week filled with laughter, joy and memory making with those you love. If you forgot something, forget it...if your house is a mess, don't clean it...if the kids are coloring and having snacks in church on Christmas Eve, let it go! It's Christmas, and it doesn't have to be perfect. Pause, reflect, and be thankful for those forgetful, messy and imperfect moments! Be real, and be merry!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 22

• Learn all about Scales & Slime this morning at 10am at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Head to Barnes & Noble - Carolina Place for their Hanukkah Storytime this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• The Ballantyne Jewish Center presents Chanukah Wonderland today and tomorrow 11am-3pm. More info...
• You can SCHEDULE an appointment with SANTA at Southpark Mall!! More info..
• Winter Break Camps are back at Discovery Place for students in grades K-3. More info...
• The bears are back! Don't miss the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra at Founders Hall through December 26th. More info...
• Christmas at the Library runs through tomorrow at the Billy Graham Library. More info...
• The Lights of McAdenville are on tonight, and will be nightly through December 26th. More info...

Tuesday, December 23

• Toddler Tuesdays has been extended through December 30th at Sea Life Aquarium. 1 FREE child (3-12) with an adult ticket (other children $5). More info...
• Head to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for Getting Ready for Kwanzaa today, 11am-2pm. More info...
• Don't miss Scuba Claus at Sea Life Aquarium, today and tomorrow, 11am-1pm. More info...
• Enjoy Season of Light at the planetarium at the Schiele Museum. Tuesdays-Fridays at 3:30, and various times through the weekend. More info...
• Speedway Christmas continues through December 30th (closed Christmas Day) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. More info...

Wednesday, December 24

• Discovery Place Kids is CLOSED today and tomorrow.  More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum is closed today and tomorrow. More info..
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries close at 5pm today, and are closed tomorrow and Friday. More info...
• Looking for a place to worship this Christmas Eve? Charlotte has many services to choose from. More info...

Thursday, December 25 - Merry Christmas!

• Gingerbread Lane at Ballantyne Hotel is on display through December 28th. More info...
• Don't want to cook this Christmas? The Ballantyne Hotel hosts Christmas Brunch & Dinner with a fantastic menu. More info...
• Holidays at the Garden continues at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Through December 31. More info...
• Looking for a Christmas movie for the family? Check out ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. More info...

Friday, December 26

• Holiday on Ice winter ice skating continues through January 4th. More info...
• Head to Schiele Museum today for their Which Way? scavenger hunt. 11am-2pm. More info...
• Ride The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad weekends now through January 4th. More info...
• Barnes & Noble - Carolina Place hosts their Fabulous Friday Pajamarama Storytime this evening at 7pm. More info...
• The Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park continues evenings through December 31st. More info...

Saturday, December 27

• See Dinosaurs in Motion at Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte. On display through January 16th. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Recycled Wrapping Paper Crafts this morning 9:30-11:30am. More info...
• Ages 5 to 11 are invited to read to a dog during Paws to Read this morning at the Morrison library beginning at 10:30am. Please register. More info...
• Lots of fun celebrating Kwanzaa today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the children will make a Celebration Noise Maker. More info...
• Head to Imaginon this afternoon at 2pm for Story Explorers: Dino Story! More info...
• The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express continues through December 30th. More info...

Sunday, December 28

• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum this afternoon at 12:30pm for their Nature Trading Project. More info...
• Imaginon hosts Paws to Read this afternoon, 2-4pm. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Kwanzaa this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Ages 8 and up are invited to a Fitness Hike this afternoon at 3pm at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...

Monday, December 29

• Imaginon is the place to be this morning at 10:30am for Family Storytime. More info...
• The Mountain Island library hosts From Page to Screen: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• Head to the Main Library this evening at 7pm for a special community presentation about Kwanzaa. More info...

Save The Date:
January 9-10, 2015: Monster Jam More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

(Christmas) Lights over Charlotte...

A Very Miller Christmas - 2014

I love, and I mean LOVE Christmas lights. I don't like to put a lot on my house (no time for that), but I absolutely love to get in the car at dusk with the Christmas music playing and head out to see "the lights". The professional displays are awesome for sure, but I really love going to individual homes, streets or neighborhoods, where individuals have poured their heart, soul and time into creating something for us all to enjoy this season. These are a few of my favorites:

      Lake Park Lights (Indian Trail) - More info...
      A Very Miller Christmas (off Colony Road) - More info...
      Hillside Hunger Holiday Drive Through - More info...

For more great local light displays, follow Rose's Christmas Light Tour Stops on Facebook...she knows them all!! More info...

Have a wonderful, happy and BRIGHT week!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 15

• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this morning at 10am for Nature Story Corner. More info...
• Time to write your Letters to Santa, and you can drop them off to be delivered at Imaginon now through December 20th. More info...
• You can also send Letters to Soldiers at Imaginon through December 20th. More info...
• Don't miss SchieleVille this evening, 6-8pm at the Schiele Museum. More info...
• The bears are back! Don't miss the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra at Founders Hall through December 26th. More info...
• Christmas at the Library runs through December 23rd at the Billy Graham Library. More info...
• The Lights of McAdenville are on tonight, and will be nightly through December 26th. More info...

Tuesday, December 16

• Don't miss Toddler Tuesdays for the last time today at Sea Life Aquarium. 1 FREE child (3-12) with an adult ticket (other children $5). More info...
• Enjoy Season of Light at the planetarium at the Schiele Museum. Tuesdays-Fridays at 3:30, and various times through the weekend. More info...
• Head to Southpark Mall's Circle Court for the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony this afternoon, 4:30-6:30pm. More info...
• The Scaleybark library hosts Rookie Science this afternoon at 5pm for elementary ages. More info...
• Don't miss Carmel Presbyterian Church's Drive Through Christmas this evening, 6-8pm.  A QCB holiday favorite!! More info...

Wednesday, December 17

• Discovery Place Kids hosts Wonderful Wednesday: Hanukkah Traditions  at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum hosts Wild Wednesdays: Nature Trading Project today at 12:30pm. More info..
• Don't miss Homeschool Day - A Fossil Frenzy! this afternoon, 1-3pm, at the Museum of York County. Please register. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Stonecrest Shopping Center hosts the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony this evening at 5:30pm. More info...
• Or head to Polk Park for Chanukah @ Uptown Charlotte also this evening at 5:30pm. More info...

Thursday, December 18

• Head to Imaginon this morning at 10:30am for Family Storytime: The Polar Express. More info...
• Gingerbread Lane at Ballantyne Hotel is on display through December 28th. More info...
• You can SCHEDULE an appointment with SANTA at Southpark Mall!! More info...
• Holidays at the Garden continues at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Through December 31. More info...
• Looking to get a little more into the holiday spirit? Check out ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. More info...

Friday, December 19

• Holiday on Ice winter ice skating continues through January 4th. More info...
• The annual Yule Log Ceremony takes place in McAdenville this evening at 5:30, with the Christmas Town Festival following, 6-9pm. More info...
• Ride The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad weekends now through January 4th. More info...
• The Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park continues evenings through December 31st. More info...

Saturday, December 20

• See Dinosaurs in Motion at Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte. On display through January 16th. More info...
• Lots of fun making Reindeer Food today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Holiday Gift Wrapping is being offered at Southpark Mall with all proceeds benefiting the Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the children will make a Festive Card Holder. More info...
• The Energy Explorium presents "A Visit from Santa" this afternoon, 1-3pm. Please register. More info...
• Head to Christ Central Church for their Cinematic Christmas beginning at 3pm. FREE movies and popcorn! More info...
• Speedway Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...
• The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express continues through December 30th. More info...

Sunday, December 21

• Celebrate Winter Solstice 2014  at sunrise this morning at the Schiele Museum. More info...
• The Ballantyne Jewish Center presents Chanukah Wonderland today, tomorrow and Tuesday, 11am-3pm. More info...
• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum this afternoon at 12:30pm to learn about Active Animals. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Reindeer Food this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents Welcome Yule! concert this afternoon at 4:30pm at Morningstar Lutheran Church. More info...

Monday, December 22

• The bears are back! Don't miss the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra at Founders Hall through December 26th. More info...
• Christmas at the Library runs through tomorrow at the Billy Graham Library. More info...
• The Lights of McAdenville are on tonight, and will be nightly through December 26th. More info...
• The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents Welcome Yule! concert this afternoon at 7pm at First United Methodist Church. More info...

Save The Date:
January 9-10, 2015: Monster Jam More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Holiday Countdown...Make some memories at the Duke Mansion

Looking for a special holiday girlfriend gathering, mother-daughter or grandmother-granddaughter outing? The Duke Mansion has just the thing on Sunday, December 14th at 2pm. Join the fun of Holiday Tea and Shopping at the Duke Mansion. Shopping begins at 2:00 and the tea begins at 3:00. Stroll the public areas and grounds of the mansion, all decked out for the holidays. Reservations are requested by Thursday. So much fun to celebrate in style in the Queen City!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 8

• The bears are back! Don't miss the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra at Founders Hall through December 26th. More info...
• Christmas at the Library runs through December 23rd at the Billy Graham Library. More info...
• The Lights of McAdenville are on tonight, and will be nightly through December 26th. More info...

Tuesday, December 9

• Don't miss Toddler Tuesdays today (and Tuesdays through December 16) at Sea Life Aquarium. 1 FREE child (3-12) with an adult ticket (other children $5). More info...
• The Independence library hosts a Playdate: Community Learning Time this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• This afternoon is a FREE Tuesday at the Schiele Museum. 4:00-8:00pm. More info...
• The Scaleybark library hosts a screening of Frozen this afternoon at 5pm. More info...

Wednesday, December 10

• Discovery Place Kids hosts Wonderful Wednesday: Holiday Pet Treats at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum hosts Wild Wednesdays: Winter Sleep today at 12:30pm. More info..
• Jump Bunch comes to the University City library this afternoon at 2pm. Please register. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...

Thursday, December 11

• Gingerbread Lane opens today at Ballantyne Hotel and is on display through December 28th. More info...
• Holidays at the Garden continues at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Through December 31. More info...
• Looking to get a little more into the holiday spirit? Check out ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. More info...

Friday, December 12

• Today is Day of the Dozens at Krispy Kreme. Buy one dozen original glazed, get one free with the coupon in the link. More info...
• Don't miss the 5th Annual Latke Festival at Atherton Market today. More info...
• Holiday on Ice winter ice skating continues through January 4th. More info...
• Head to the Gaston County Museum for their Holiday Open House this afternoon, 3-7pm. More info...
• Ride The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad weekends now through January 4th. More info...
• The Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park continues evenings through December 31st. More info...

Saturday, December 13

• See Dinosaurs in Motion at Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte. On display through January 16th. More info...
• The Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS is today at 11am and 3pm at Ovens Auditorium. More info...
• Lots of fun at Healthy Holiday Snacks today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the children will make a Welcome Winter Wreath. More info...
• Today is Geology Rocks! Family Day at the York County Museum. 12-2pm. More info...
• The Schiele Museum hosts Colonial Christmas & Candlelighting this afternoon, 2-6pm. More info...
• Head to Lowell, NC for Light Up Lowell beginning this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Historic Brattonsville hosts Christmas Candlelight Tours this afternoon and evening, 3-9pm. More info...
• Speedway Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...
• The Kannapolis Christmas Parade steps off this evening at 6pm. More info...
• The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights & Winterland Express continues through December 30th. More info...

Sunday, December 14

• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum this afternoon at 12:30pm for a special Teddy Bear Party. More info...
• Don't miss Discovery Place Kids' Healthy Holiday Snacks this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• The Waxhaw Christmas Parade steps off in Downtown Waxhaw this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• Head over to the Johnson YMCA for Christmas Celebration in NoDa at 6pm. More info...

Monday, December 15

• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this morning at 10am for Nature Story Corner. More info...
• Time to write your Letters to Santa, and you can drop them off to be delivered at Imaginon now through December 20th. More info...
• You can also send Letters to Soldiers at Imaginon through December 20th. More info...
• Don't miss SchieleVille this evening, 6-8pm at the Schiele Museum. More info...

Save The Date:
December 19: Yule Log Parade More info...
January 9-10, 2015: Monster Jam More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.