Finding Joy in the Holidays: A Charlotte Christmas Bucket List
We’re thrilled to feature another guest writer for the blog today! Meet Kristen Ziemer, a GOG mom of 3 and Charlotte local who has been behind the scenes of Growing Our Girls since October. She’s the heart and visionary behind our partnership with Families Forward Charlotte (the deserving recipients of many of our donated Halloween costumes and the organization we’ll be volunteering with this Saturday). Her passion for women and girls has brought even more momentum to the vision and strategy of GOG and I’m beyond grateful to have her partnership!
She came to me with this blog idea a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be more excited to share her fun ideas with our Charlotte community. She even took her daughter and friends on an exciting Christmas scavenger hunt this past weekend throughout the city!
Enjoy this post chock-full of festive ideas curated just for you and your daughter this holiday season and be sure to let us know how your quality time is with your girl!
Finding Joy in the Holidays: A Charlotte Christmas Bucket List
by Kristen Ziemer
Motherhood often feels like a juggling act—organizing schedules, chauffeuring kids, and tackling endless to-do lists. Sometimes, I feel more like a task manager than a participant in my own life. Between competitive sports, the hustle of daily life, and keeping up with the Joneses (or at least their Christmas card photos), it’s easy to lose sight of just being.
This year, I’m determined to reclaim the magic. With my son heading off to college soon (cue all the tears!), I’m soaking in every chance to make memories. Inspired by Kristin and Growing Our Girls’ message of intentional parenting, I channeled my inner elf (oh my garland, it’s a real thing) to create a Charlotte Christmas bucket list.
Think festive fun, meaningful moments, and lots of laughter—tis the season!
🎄 Explore a Christmas Holiday Market
Nothing says holiday cheer like twinkling lights, festive music, and unique finds. These markets are perfect for shopping and soaking in the spirit:
OMB German Christmas Market | @oldemeckbrew
Light the Knights | @knightsbaseball
Camp North End Mistletoe Market | @campnorthend
WNC Hurricane Relief Potters Market
Song to Set the Scene: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Mariah Carey)
🍪 Bake or Create Together
A baking or art class is the perfect way to spend time together while making a keepsake, gift or delicious treat!
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen | @chefalyssaclt
Caroline Simas Studio | @carolinesimas
Erin McDermott Jewelry | @erinmcdermottjewelry
Songs for Fun in the Kitchen: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms), “Unwritten” (Natasha Bedingfeld), “The Best Day” (Taylor Swift), “Don’t I Make It Look Easy” (Megan Trainer)
✨ See the Magic of Holiday Lights
Wrap yourselves in scarves, grab a hot cocoa, and let the sparkle of the season light up your night:
Light the Knights | @knightsbaseball
Charlotte Motor Speedway | @charlottemotorspeedway
Carowinds WinterFest | @carowinds
Christmas Town USA | @mcadenville
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular | @carolinaholidaylights
Whitewater Center | @usnwc
Songs for Strolling Under the Lights: “Let It Be Christmas” (Alan Jackson), “Christmas Lights” (Coldplay), “Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone)
🎭 Catch a Festive Theater Performance
Holiday shows are a magical way to create lasting memories:
The Nutcracker | @charlotteballet
Singing Christmas Tree | @singingxmas
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | @ctcharlottenc
YMCA Nutcracker | @ymcacharlotte
Songs to Feel the Magic: “The Christmas Song” (Nat King Cole), “Doesn't It Feel Like Christmas!” (Destiny’s Child), “Dancing Queen” (Abba)
🛍️ Shop ‘Til You Drop
Grab your jingle bells and support local businesses:
Ruxton Mercantile | @ruxtonmercantile
Social Shop | @thesocialshopclt
Girl Tribe Co. | @girltribeco
Caroline Grace | @carolinegraceclothing
Songs for a Shopping Spree: “Run the World (Girls)” (Beyoncé), “This is Me” (Greatest Showman)
☕ Holiday Tea & Gingerbread Lane
Sip tea and nibble treats at The Ballantyne Hotel—a cozy and festive outing.
The Ballantyne Hotel | @ballantynehotel
Songs for a Cozy Afternoon: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Judy Garland), “Long Live” (Taylor Swift)
⛸️ Lace Up Your Skates
Whether you’re a beginner or a skating queen, it’s always a jolly good time:
Whitewater Center | @usnwc
Camp North End | @campnorthend
Light the Knights | @knightsbaseball
Songs for Gliding on Ice: “Winter Wonderland” (Bing Crosby) “The Greatest” (Sia)
This bucket list isn’t just about checking off activities… you’ll be creating and sprinkling the Christmas magic, AND feeling it too! Grab your daughters (and sons), embrace your inner elf, and have a Holly, Jolly Christmas!
For a full list of holiday magic ideas follow @charlottemamas and check out @kpziemer for ideas to create your own scavenger hunt with your girls!
Wishing you a happy holiday season full of intention, joy, love and laughter!
Happy Holidays from our families to yours!
Kristen Ziemer & Kristin Mountcastle