Santa...

... is slated to appear at the Big View Diner from 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23, I'm told... 16637 Lancaster Highway; 704-544-0313.

In other holiday related news:
New South Kitchen will do Christmas Eve buffet 4-8 p.m. with traditional Southern holiday favorites for $30 (kids $15), and offer brunch ($15; $7.50) on New Year's Day from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner will be 3-10. 8140 Providence Road; 704-541-9990.

Lulu will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and 5-10 for dinner Christmas Eve, then again on Dec. 26 for brunch and dinner. For New Year's Eve, lunch will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner 5-11, with brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner 5-11 p.m. New Year's Day. 1911 Central Ave.; 704-376-2242.