The BELK THEATER is located in uptown Charlotte at 130 N. TRYON STREET. Have some time before the performance or want to make a night out of going to the ballet? Check out our recommendations on everything to do Uptown around the Belk Theater.
GRAB A BITE TO EAT
Want the insider’s scoop? Blumenthal Performing Arts partners with multiple restaurants all within easy walking distance of the Belk Theater (Hint: show them your ticket and they might just offer you a special deal!) Visit their BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS DINING PARTNER’S page to find out what restaurants are included. Want even more options on the best Charlotte dining around the theater? CLICK HERE to read Charlotte Center City’s recommendations!
DRINKS AND DESSERT
Give yourself time to appreciate uptown’s festive ambiance and energy by enjoying a GLASS OF WINE or a DRINK. Here are some of our favorite spots.
1. STOKE BAR
Located at Marriott Center City, STOKE BAR features a hard-to-resist selection of craft cocktails plus local beers on tap. Its restaurant offers a sleek interior, open kitchen and creative menu.
Photo from Charlotte Agenda
2. COCO AND THE DIRECTOR
Also at Marriott City Center, CoCo and the Director is more casual but equally cool offering lighter fare, awesome pastries and coffee. The coffee shop, bar and restaurant, which opened in August of 2016, are fresh and fun, and a new favorite among locals.
3. ESSEX BAR & BISTRO
With views of the square, an internationally-inspired, bistro-style menu and extensive cocktail list, Essex is a great place to get a taste of the uptown experience before or after the ballet.
Photo from Open Table
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
Fill your visit with even more culture by stopping by one of the many musuems in Uptown, all super close to the Belk Theater! Choose between DISCOVERY PLACE – 301 N Tryon St – LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH – 200 E 7th St – or IMAGINON – 300 East Seventh St. Discover even more culture by exploring other MUSEUMS around Charlotte.
Photo from science.discoveryplace.org
UPTOWN HOLIDAY FUN
Charlotte Ballet’s annual Nutcracker performance is held at the Belk Theater. With Nutcracker at the center of your night out, you’re sure to have a spectacular evening. Pair the performance with food, libations and holiday festivities that will kick off or wrap up your Nutcrackerexperience!
1. MAGICAL CARRIAGE RIDE
Take a walk down Tryon Street, or better yet, go for a ride – a carriage ride. Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours picks up at the intersection of Trade and Tryon street. You don’t need a reservation but they do recommend you call for a weekly schedule.
2. CHARLOTTE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Uptown’s Romare Bearden Park transforms in to a quaint European-inspired CHRISTMAS MARKET. Vendors offer Christmas trees, beautiful hand-painted ornaments and gifts for the entire family. Browse the local merchandise, arts & crafts, food, beer and entertainment: kids can enjoy specialty foods, including sweets from a German bakery, while parents treat themselves to hot mulled wine, cider and beer. Santa will even be there for visits with children on Saturdays and Sundays – so be sure to check the SPECIALTY HOURS.
3. LEONARD BEARSTEIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The animatronic BEARSTEIN BEARS sing and play Christmas favorites in 45-minute performances repeated through each day in Founders Hall right by the Belk Theater. Whether you pause to take in a Christmas classic, or your child insists on staying until the end of the show, it’s hard not to walk away with a smile and an extra dose of holiday cheer.
4. HOLIDAY ON ICE
North Carolina’s only outdoor skating rink is right in Uptown Charlotte for the holidays. At HOLIDAY ON ICE, enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline while sliding across the ice bundled up in your favorite hat and mittens. Admission and skate rental is $14 per person and you can pre-purchase online. Be sure to check out their HOURS when planning your full day of holiday fun in Uptown!
5. RITZ-CARLTON HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
Each year the hotel creates holiday displays that amaze children and adults alike. In 2016, it held the world’s largest CROQUEMBOUCHE pastry tree, a tree made of thousands of macaroons, a 10 ft. gingerbread house, two upside-down trees hung from the lobby ceiling, and a 17 ft. tree made of 789 recycled green plastic soft drink bottles. What will it do this year? The public is invited in between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
While you’re at the Ritz-Carlton admiring the holiday decor, there are plenty of places to grab a bite, drinks or dessert. Right in the hotel you’ll find BLT Steak, desserts at Bar Cocoa, drinks in the Lobby Lounge and at The Punch Room on the 15th floor
6. IMAGINON
At IMAGINON you’ll find the building overflowing with holiday fun, including a Letters to Santa mailbox and station to write your own and mail, a holiday scavenger hunt, book displays featuring stories ranging from the Nutcracker to Christmas to Kwanzaa, a Christmas tree built of books and hands-on holiday activities.
Finding so much to do that you need some extra time? Uptown has plenty of options for ACCOMMODATIONS!
