The Weekender is proudly presented by  Speedway Christmas, opening this weekend. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s drive-through holiday light show is back with more than 4 million lights over a 3.75-mile course.

58. Mostly sunny. 10% chance of rain.

Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center: Outdoor ice skating returns to the Whitewater Center. Skate rentals are included in the ticket price. 9am to 8pm. $25 Day Pass, $6 parking. Details.

Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center: Get plenty of inspo for decking the halls at this multi-day Christmas show. Times vary. $5-$25. Details.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Belk Theater: Bring the family out to see the Broadway holiday hit. November 16-21; Times vary. $25+. Details.

VTGCLT Pop-Up at Metropolitan: The VTGCLT (short for Vintage Charlotte) pop-up returns to Metropolitan. Expect a selection of handmade and vintage items from more than 90 local and regional vendors. November 12 through December 22; 10am to 7pm. Free. Details.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Pull up to the Speedway to see a display of four million lights illuminate this four-mile course. Expect hundreds of creative light displays synchronized to Christmas-themed music. November 19 through January 2. $30+. Details.

Pie Making at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen: Just in time for Thanksgiving, this class will teach you two techniques for preparing deliciously flaky pie crusts. Chef Alyssa will then guide you through the process of making three seasonal pies. 1-3:30pm. $75. Details.

A Shot in the Dark Night Trail Race at the Whitewater Center: This nighttime trail race lets runners choose between a 5K or 10K course through the center’s trail systems. 6pm. $32-$42. Details.

Yancey Decades Party at Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Grab your scrunchies and your leg warmers for this ’80s-themed party at Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Enjoy drink specials like the Hi-C Cooler Martini (served in a juice pouch), Sloppy Joe’s, board games and video games, then compete in a costume contest for a chance to win prizes. 6-9pm. Free. Details.

Moss Art Frame Workshop at Twigs & Figs: Bring greenery into your space without the upkeep. This workshop will allow you to use preserved moss and other materials to create a unique piece of plant art. Ticket cost includes a 12″x12″ wooden frame, different types of moss and other supplies. 6-7:30pm. $45. Details.

Secret Garden Terrarium Workshop at PlantHouse: In this workshop, you’ll use a variety of plants and decor items to create a whimsical terrarium. Stop by the in-house bar before class to grab a glass of wine, local beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. 6:30-8pm. $52. Details.

Buff Faye’s “Sex and the City” Drag Dinner at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille: Embrace your inner Carrie Bradshaw at this Sex and the City-inspired drag dinner. Bring your friends and your dollars so you can “tip the dolls.” 7-9pm. $35. Details.

Tipsy Turkey Bar Crawl at Kiwanis Uptown: Explore some of NoDa’s drinking spots with Kiwanis Uptown and meet some new folks along the way. 7-10pm. Free. Details.

Hornets vs Indiana Pacers at the Spectrum Center: Join the hive in cheering on the Hornets as they take on the Indiana Pacers at home. 7pm. $15+. Details.

55. Partly cloudy. 2% chance of rain.

Fall Market at Not Just Coffee Jay Street: Shop for holiday gifts from local businesses, listen to live music, and enjoy an espresso. Participating vendors include Meshugganah, worthy+badass, CLT Find and many others. 9am to 2pm. Free. Details.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck SouthPark Mall: The popular, pink cafe and shop on wheels is making its return to SouthPark Mall. Shop new and exclusive Hello Kitty merch and limited-edition collectibles. 10am to 7pm. Prices vary. Details.

South End Rail Trail Clean-Up: Give back to the South End community by cleaning up around the Rail Trail. Clean-up supplies will be provided and following the clean-up, The Union will host a volunteer appreciation event. 10am to noon. Free, registration required. Details.

Fall Festival Skiptown CLT: Celebrate the fall season with your furry friend at Skiptown’s Fall Festival. Expect a “pup-up” market where you can treat your pup, games like giant Connect4 and cornhole, apple cider mimosas and plenty of other fun activities. 11am to 6pm. Free. Details.

Holiday Pop-Up Market at Ballantyne Village: Shop from more than 30 local vendors at Ballantyne’s annual Holiday Pop-Up Market. Noon to 4pm. Details.

[Related guide: 9 things to do, eat and drink in Ballantyne, 15 miles south of Uptown]

Big Love Friendsgiving at The Music Yard: Spread the love and get in the spirit of giving by heading out to the Music Yard for a fun Friendsgiving food drive. Your canned food donations will support Second Harvest Food Bank. 5-11pm. $5. Details.

64. Mostly cloudy. 5% chance of rain.

2021 Vintage Charlotte Winter Market at The Fillmore: Spend the day shopping from 60+ of the region’s best vintage & handmade vendors at VTGCLT’s ninth annual Winter Market. Food and drink vendors will be on-site plus the first 500 shoppers will get a limited edition tote bag. $7 early bird entry at 10am; $2 general admission 11am to 5pm. Details.

Vanity House Drag Brunch at Hot Taco: ‘Sissy that walk‘ on over to Hot Taco for a Sunday Funday drag brunch with the Divas of The Vanity House. 11am. $15. Details.

Gameday at The Music Yard: The game will be cast on the big screen plus there will be drink specials, food, giveaways and music from DJ DOMII and The Business featuring BITSKY during commercial breaks Noon. Details.

Panthers vs Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium: The Panthers are back on their home turf so cheer them on from the stands or from at home. 1pm. $125. Details.

[Related story: Cam Newton is coming home]

Charlotte Gaymers Network After Dark at Heist Brewery: Join non-profit and LGBTQ+ youth advocacy group Charlotte Gaymers Network for their monthly mix-n-mingle gaming social. There will be a variety of consoles (retro and modern) set up as well as drag performances from local entertainers. 7-10pm. Free. Details.

Check out more upcoming events on our  Event Board. Hosting an event? Reach more Charlotteans through an  Event Listing, which includes placement on our Event Board and in our weekday newsletter. Have a scoop about a cool event? Email  symphony.webber@axios.com.

Axios Charlotte thanks our partners for supporting our content. Sponsorship does not influence editorial content.