8 Holiday Happenings Near Ballantyne

Gingerbread Decorating Class, Saturdays and Sundays, December 4 – 20

The Ballantyne’s pastry chef, Morgan Larsson, will teach how to assemble and decorate the house of your dreams! Gingerbread houses and construction materials (icing and candy) are provided. $50/house, max four people per house. Make a reservation.

Gingerbread Lane, December 4 – 27

Open daily at The Ballantyne from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote for your favorite gingerbread house entry with a $1 minimum donation to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Hot chocolate is available for purchase from the Gingerbread Hut.

Merry and Bright Santa Visit and Carriage Rides, December 5

Join Promenade on Providence from 12 to 4 p.m. for a very, merry, socially-distant day packed with a visit from Santa and carriage rides. To schedule a free carriage ride or time with Santa, choose a time that works for you.

Menorah of Gratitude, December 10              

The seventh annual StoneCrest Menorah Lighting, hosted by the Ballantyne Jewish Center, will be located at a new location this year to allow for social distancing. Come to the Regal Stonecrest parking lot from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for fun activities for the kids, music, Hanukkah goody bags, latkes and donuts.

Letters to Santa, through December 19

While Santa is socially-distancing at the North Pole this season, he still wants to make sure to receive all the wish lists! Blakeney Shopping Center will help send your letters directly to Santa.

Families are encouraged to visit the North Pole Mailbox on the Village Green near the Christmas Tree. Drop your Letters to Santa in the mailbox along with your return address to receive a special surprise from the Big Man himself.

Meet Santa, through December 19

See and chat with Santa through Blacklion’s storefront window while he makes his list and checks it twice. Bring your camera and take family photos in the holiday displays along the front sidewalk while observing social distancing. There will be heaters for Santa visitors waiting in line or you may check in with the Blacklion team and wait in your car for your visit with Santa.

Christmas Dinner, Brunch and Tea, December 24 and 25

Even the hungriest elf will leave with a smile! Gallery Restaurant will be open for a la carte brunch and prix fixe dinner on December 24 and 25. The Ballantyne Ballroom will host an elaborate buffet and live holiday music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 25. Holiday Afternoon Tea will be held in the lobby on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations are required for all events.

New Year’s Brunch and Dinner, December 31 and January 1

On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Gallery Restaurant will be serving an a la carte brunch. Ring in the New Year in Gallery Restaurant with a chef-curated prix fixe dinner. Reservations are required for all events.”