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Read the full guide to celebrating the holidays in South End.
With the start of the holiday season, Charlotte’s South End district will again set the pace for urban shopping — starting with Black Friday and continuing with Shop Small Saturdays.
Merchants there are gearing up.
At OMJ Clothing, executive stylist Brittany Ora said the store will have holiday events, whiskey tastings and more, along with sales and in-store promotions.
“South End is such a community-oriented area,” she said, “because there are so many small businesses over here, and we try to (support) each other.”
At BOEM. a women’s clothing boutique, store manager Morgan Pasut said she’s been amazed by South End’s growth as a shopping and entertainment destination.
“It feels like just in the last two years, there’s a new store or a new restaurant opening every other day – which is awesome,” she said, predicting a festive season for South End shoppers.
Haven’t been to South End lately? Here’s our guide for holiday shopping.
Shop Small Saturdays
For the 10th straight year, Shop Small Saturdays, presented by Lowe’s beckons holiday shoppers to a retail experience that’s unique in Charlotte. This year’s Shop Small Saturdays are scheduled for Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10.
Shoppers can find open-air, pop-up markets alongside three of South End’s leading retail centers:
- Head to Atherton Mill for the South End Farmers Market, featuring more than 40 local vendors, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Check out Camden Road for a street festival with more than 125 local vendors, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a live DJ and photo opportunities with Santa!
- Stop by The Shops at The Winnifred for a street festival with more than 40 local vendors, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pro Tip:
Stop by the welcome table and grab a Shop Small Hero Card. After you make a purchase of $10 or more at five participating businesses, including pop-up shops, you can redeem your card for a free tote bag at Trolley Barn at Atherton Mill, The Invigory near Camden Road, and Boba Baba Cafe at The Winnifred.
Brick and Mortar
The shopping doesn’t end with Shop Small Saturdays. South End boasts a variety of restaurants, art galleries, spas, dessert shops and more.
Camden Road
Spend time walking along Camden Road to find local retailers like 704 Shop, a premium brand that offers Charlotte-themed apparel. Relax at The Spa at Selenite while you get a facial massage, reiki or practice yoga. Grab a bite at Sabor Latin Street Grill, which serves authentic nachos, burritos, empanadas and more.
The Shops at Winnifred
The Shops at Winnifred have a host of vendors in a plaza that features local retail, award-winning pastries, clothing boutiques, and even boba tea. A few to note include eBike Central, an electric bike store; Outlaw Hair, a hair salon with trained specialists; and Five13 Studio, a local fashion boutique.
The Design Center
The Design Center has a locally owned wine shop, Petit Philippe, which offers wine by the glass, bottle or case, as well as wine tastings. Check out Bitty & Beau’s, a coffee shop run by employees with special needs. Stop by OMJ Clothing for a wide variety of men’s apparel, and Fit Atelier to shop for women’s workout clothing.
Atherton Mill
Atherton Mill has a host of local favorites, including Not Just Coffee, Boem a fashion shop for women, and The Cocktailery, where you can find goodies for your cocktail bar. Atherton Mill also has big brands like Sephora, Free People, and Tecovas.
More Holiday Happenings
First Friday Gallery Crawl: On Dec. 3, South End galleries will stay open late with receptions, music and live paintings.
Sweet Spot Studios is hosting classes where attendees can learn to make custom honey or reindeer cookies at HopFly Brewing Co. on Dec. 6, Triple-C Brewing on Dec. 7 and Hi-Wire Brewing on Dec. 12,
Triple C Brewing is also hosting Hot Coco Wars on Dec. 17, where visitors can try all the majestic cocoas Charlotte can create.
Learn how to make seasonal cocktails at its Cocktailery’s holiday-themed classes.
Find more holiday happenings in South End here.
Plan to Shop Small
Shopping small and local is a great way to empower local artists and entrepreneurs while creating a stronger community.
Learn more about Shop Small Saturdays here, and see the official schedule below:
Saturday, November 26
- Atherton Mill: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the South End Farmer’s Market, with 40+ local vendors
- Camden Road: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Camden Road street festival from Atherton Mill to the Park Ave., with 125+ local vendors
- Snap a pic with Santa outside of LilBelle, 12-3 p.m.
- Enjoy live tunes from DJ America
- Winnifred Street: 10 a.m. – 5 .p.m, street festival at The Winnifred, with 40+ local vendors
Saturday, December 3
- Atherton Mill: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the South End Farmer’s Market, with 40+ local vendors
- Camden Road: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, Camden Road street festival from East/West Blvd Station to Park Ave., with 70+ local vendors
- Snap a pic with Santa outside of LilBelle, 12-3 p.m.
- Enjoy live tunes from DJ America
- Winnifred Street: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, street festival at The Winnifred, with 40+ local vendors
Saturday, December 10
- Atherton Mill: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the South End Farmer’s Market, with 40+ local vendors
- Camden Road: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, Camden Road street festival from Tremont Ave. to East/West Blvd Station, with 55+ local vendors
- Snap a pic with Santa outside of LilBelle, 12-3 p.m.
- Enjoy live tunes from DJ America
