CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's time to make those lists, check them twice, and try to figure out exactly what to buy for family and friends.

Whether the people on your list are easy to buy for or won't give you any clue as to what they want or need, you're guaranteed to find just what you're looking for at the Southern Christmas Show, set for Nov. 8-18 at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.

Some of the gifts you will encounter at the show include food treats, handmade jewelry, evening bags, beaded slippers and other clothing items, sports memorabilia, hand-carved night-lights, table linens, wooden bowls and other kitchen accessories, hand-blown glass ornaments, painting, pottery and more arts and crafts, birdhouses, wind chimes, garden gadgets and decor, pet gifts, children's treats and gifts, traveling gear and tons of Christmas decorations.

In addition to more than 500 vendors, there's an Enchanted Village of decorated doll houses, model trains, decorated celebrity rooms, an amazing old town filled with shops, decorated trees, mantels and doors, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Giant ornaments and twinkling lights are overhead and bid visitors a "Magical Christmas."

Admission is $8 at the door or $7 in advance for adults; $6.50 for groups of 20 or more; $3 for youth ages 6-12 years; and free for children under 6 with a paying adult. All-day parking at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart is $6 for cars and free for buses.

The Southern Christmas Show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Southern Christmas Show is produced by Southern Shows Inc. and sponsored by The Charlotte Observer. For more information, or to order advance tickets, visit www.southernchristmasshow.com or call 1-800-849-0248.

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