It’s Christmas All Year Long
For Southern Christmas Show family
November 13 - 23rd!
10am-9pm daily
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday 10am-6pm
Bob and Rob Marshall, owners of the Christmas Mouse, are surrounded by Christmas 365 days a year; and they love it. And for them, the highlight of their year-round passion is the Southern Christmas Show, happening November 13-23 in Charlotte.
Show guests, who have met this father-son team at the show for the past 16 years, know they are masters when it comes to displaying the spirit and sights of Christmas. What they may not know is that this family lives and breathes Christmas. While others are building sand castles, or hunting Easter eggs they are focused on December 25. This most wonderful time of the year is their entire business. To prove it, they have eight stores in NC, SC, and VA, each packed with decorations, gifts and gadgets with a Christmas theme.
What makes the Christmas Mouse different and successful is their focus on getting it right for their customers. Rob Marshall says he and his staff begin planning for the next show at the current one, by asking customers ‘what’s missing? “ There’s a lot more work here than meets the eye,” says Rob, “we really kick into high gear in early September. We lay out the floor plan and decide where each theme will go. We start pulling the goods from our warehouse and separate them into those themes, which may include college and NCAA mascots and logos, NFL teams, Major League baseball; artistic ornaments made of blown glass; occupational and hobby ornaments; stars; shoes; nutcrackers; nativity scenes and more.”
The size and scale of their operation is amazing, according to David Zimmerman, president of Southern Shows. “It’s a sight to behold,” said Zimmerman, “when they bring in two tractor-trailer loads of ornaments and holiday decor. But it’s not just the variety and value that keeps people coming back to them, it’s the Marshall’s welcoming personalities. They are hands-on owners, who love Christmas and sharing their joy with others. They have become a very big part of the show.”
The word ‘big’ certainly describes the Christmas Mouse shop in the show’s Olde Towne. They will have 26 decorated trees on display, most of them on rotating stands. Over 4,000 items are for sale, and they're replenished throughout the show. A team of 40 people will decorate the trees, and get the shop ready for eager customers.
Both father and son love the family-feeling they’ve built over the years. Apart from thousands of repeat customers, they have 60 people from the Charlotte area, who have worked with them for all 16 years. In fact, some of the youngsters who first came in strollers are now college age, and part of the sales and support staff. “Without this core group of local people,” says Rob, “our task would be almost impossible.”
Christmas Mouse is just one of the traditions back this year. Show guests will discover, or rediscover, many of their favorites, such as:
· Olde Towne. Fifty shops are positively brimming with gifts, dolls, ornaments and decorations.
· Christmas Tree Lane. A dozen Fraser firs from the N.C. mountains will be decorated by professional designers. And throughout the show, dozens more trees add the aroma and feel of this festive season.
· The Holiday Entertainment Stage. Puppet shows, holiday fashions and old-fashioned sing-alongs are part of the fun.
· The Enchanted Village. Dollhouses and miniature scenes were created by members of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.
· Tiny Trains. Intricate trains wind their way through miniature country villages.
· Helmut’s Strudel. Those in the know just follow their nose.
· *Notice: A major event at Bojangles' Arena on Saturday, Nov. 15 will limit parking options. Guests who can attend another day are encouraged to do so. Those who attend on Nov. 15 should plan to arrive by 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Tickets
· Adults: $11 at the door
· $3 for children ages 6-12; ages 6 and under free with paying adult
· Advance tickets $10 for adults; available online at www.SouthernChristmasShow.com
· Discounted advance tickets available at participating Harris Teeter locations, with a VIC card, for $9.50 beginning Oct. 23.
· Onsite ticket office closes thirty minutes prior to show closing
· Group tickets are $8.50 for orders of 20 or more (available only in advance)
Visit the Website for more details HERE!
