Four Fun Things to Do in Matthews, NC This Winter

When the weather gets colder outside, it may seem like you and your family just have to stay in on weekends in the Matthews, North Carolina, area. But with these fun activities and events taking place throughout the winter, you can easily get out and make memories together.

Enjoy a Craft Beer

The state of North Carolina includes a craft beer trail from one end to the other, including more than 130 local breweries. With so many locations, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to relax with a craft beer and spend time with friends. D9 Brewing Company is a favorite, offering tours to visitors and a dog-friendly atmosphere that is fun and mellow. Some of the unique beers on the menu include pale ales and brews infused with fruit flavors.

Visit The Billy Graham Library

Located in Charlotte, The Billy Graham Library is about 23 miles from Matthews. It’s home to a variety of holiday-themed events and activities, so there is something for everyone. The special display, “Christmas With the Grahams” runs throughout the month of December and offers a look into how the founder of the library celebrated Christmas throughout the years.

Christmas at the Library is another event, taking place every day from December 1 through December 23. It includes a live nativity with lambs, a donkey, a camel, and other animals, along with actors reenacting the birth of Jesus Christ. You also find horse-drawn carriage rides, story time for kids under age 12, and Christmas carols.

Holidays at the Garden

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden transforms into a holiday-themed oasis beginning in mid-November and running through January 1. The garden is on New Hope Road in Belmont, which is about 32 miles from Matthews, but it’s well worth the short trip. Here you’ll see a natural winter wonderland, accented with over 600,000 lights and other illuminated displays.

In addition to the lighted trees and plants, the event includes access to The Garden Store, packed with holiday gifts, a visit with Santa Claus for the kids, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, $8.95 for children ages 2-12, and free for children under age 2.

Catch a Play at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts

No matter what type of entertainment you enjoy, you can have a fun time at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts. This theater is inside the Matthews Community Center on McDowell Street East, and upcoming shows include “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “The Will Rogers Follies,” “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” You can also catch a show put on by students in the School of Theatre, such as “Cinderella,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” and “The Princess and the Pea.”

The wintertime doesn’t have to keep you and your loved ones indoors. Here in the Matthews area, it’s easy to find something fun and exciting to do throughout the coldest time of the year. Some of the holiday-themed activities also help to get you into the spirit.

 

Image by Thomas Quine, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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