Savor the season at a holiday-themed afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel. Take a stroll along "Gingerbread Lane," where visitors vote on their favorite gingerbread creations.
The hotel offers the elegant English tradition all year long, but in December it comes with seasonal petit fours, tea sandwiches and live holiday music. Tea is served every Thursday through Sunday in December from 1 to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome. Reservations are recommended.
The Gingerbread Lane competition is open to all, with categories for kids, amateurs, and professionals. Proceeds benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. It's open Dec. 14 -22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Ballantyne Hotel partners with Mecklenburg County Police to host its annual Toy Drive. Donations of new toys for children ages 14 and under will be accepted until Dec. 15.