Bavarian Holiday Fest

Oompah music, warm pretzels and mugs of hot spiced wine take over Main Street in downtown Belmont for one Saturday each December, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Now in its third year, the German-inspired festival brings the Steubenville Tootlers and their polka melodies to the streets while local breweries pour seasonal offerings. Browse handcrafted gifts from area artists and artisans, snack on freshly boiled peanuts and test your grip in the stein holding competition hosted by Primal Brewery, open to both men and women. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go.

Make a day of it in Stowe Park, where the Festival of Trees turns the park into a walk-through gallery of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups, alongside visits with Santa and his elves that give families a reason to linger. Belmont's locally owned shops and restaurants stay open throughout downtown, making this a good excuse to shop small a short drive west of Charlotte.