Holiday Gifts In The Queen City

Holiday Gifts In the Queen City Sparkling Frasier firs, faux snow and singing bears at Founders Hall—it’s Christmas time in the Queen City. Here are the best places to shop for fun, festive—and sometimes plain funky—holiday gifts in Charlotte.

- Virginia Brown

HEAD OVER TO PAPER SKYSCRAPER

A longstanding favorite with the Charlotte locals, Paper Skyscraper has it all. From classy candles, artwork and hand-picked books to kitschy items bordering on the ridiculous, you’ll leave this staple with something for everyone—and maybe for yourself. Looking to take home something Charlotte-themed? There’s a whole section in the back corner, filled with coasters, artwork, cards and more—all paying homage to the QC. Wrapping paper, cards in bulk and tons of individual cards are also available.

330 EAST BLVD., 704.333.7130. WWW.PAPERSKYSCRAPER.COM

A SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

For over 50 years, visitors and locals alike have flocked to the annual spectacle that is the Southern Christmas Show. One of the largest Christmas shows in the country, this true shopping experience offers a veritable wonderland of local vendors—and those from all across the country, nearly 500 in all, who set up and sell everything from tiny ornaments to sweets. One of the top takeaways: Austrian-style Helmut’s Strudel out of Massachusetts. But chocolate, candies, roasted nuts, and, yes, fruitcake all make cameos. Walk through a wonderland of fresh-cut trees, straight from the North Carolina mountains ( fun fact: NC is one of the nation’s top Christmas tree growing states in the country). Each tree is decorated by one of the show’s exhibitors and is sure to inspire wonder—and ideas for your own home. Enter the enchanting Olde Town for a peek inside a charming Christmas village filled with dolls, ornaments and other holiday gifts. Festive dances, chorus groups and live bands all perform on the show stages.

NOV. 14-24. WWW.SOUTHERNCHRISTMASSHOW.COM

BLOW THROUGH YOUR LIST AT 7TH STREET PUBLIC MARKET