The 12 days of Christmas traditionally bring calling birds, French hens and turtledoves, but this year, Christmas shoppers have the chance to pick up a few more items. The Southern Christmas Show at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart is bringing Christmas to the Carolinas a little early. Basically, it is the place to start off your Christmas shopping, said Ann DellaValle, a spokesperson for Southern Shows, Inc. We have the magic of Olde Town. It looks like a Dickens Christmas Carol.
They re old time shops with fake snow and toys in the window. The show gets started on Thursday, Nov. 8., and runs through Nov. 18. Doors are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, Monday and Tuesday. Adult admission to the show is $8 at the door, $7 in advance, and $3 for children 6-12. Children 6 and younger are free. There is a fee of $6 for parking at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.
More than 600 vendors will fill the space of about four football fields with everything from pottery to strudel. For those looking for Christmas decorations, there will be handmade ornaments, Christmas skirts and stockings, tree toppers and garland. In addition to Christmas items, there is handcrafted jewelry, bags and purses, birdhouses, art pieces, clothing and much more. It s stuff you can not find at the mall, DellaValle said.
You re not going to go to the mall and find a hand-crafted Santa Claus or blown glass ornaments. This you can tailor to someone. Hand-crafted unique items dominate the show, but that s not all visitors will find. Christmas Tree Lane features real Fraser Fir trees decorated by various vendors at the show. The ornaments and items on the tree are available at the various booths.