Holiday happenings – Spencer Christmas in the Park and Tree Lighting Ceremony ó 6 p.m., Dec. 4. Library Park. Includes entertainment. – Spencer Fire Department Christmas event ó6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 4.Refreshments. Children will be able to color and write letters to Santa. Sponsored by Auxiliary. – Ornament workshop at Green Goat Gallery, Spencer ó 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 5. All ages, all materials provided, making natural, edible ornaments for wildlife. Sponsored by Landtrust. – Second annual tree trimming at Centennial Park in Fulton Heights ó 4-5 p.m., Dec. 6- trim tree with edible ornaments for birds and squirrels. Refreshments, visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Corner of Wiley and Stanley Streets. – Rowan Public Library holiday events ó RoBoJo Theatre, stories, jokes and songs 2 p.m., Dec. 12, in Salisbury Headquarters, Stanback Auditorium; Holiday Tea Party Storytime for preschool and toddlers 10:30 a.m., Dec. 16 in the Stanback Auditorium at Salisbury Headquarters; Stories by the Fireplace 10:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 12 at the East Branch library in Rockwell. Stories, crafts and a  visit from a special guest. All ages; Holiday Pajama Express- wear your pajamas to hear seasonal stories, make crafts, and enjoy cocoa at the at South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove on Dec. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. 704-216-8234. – Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-famous Rockettes ó 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. LJVM Coliseum, 2825 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem. 336-728-4200. – Annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Progressive Dinner sponsored by Historical Society of South Rowan ó Dec. 5, two tours, 4 and 6 p.m. Tours begin with hors d’eouvres served at historical China Grove Roller Mill, 308 N. Main St., China Grove. Four houses will be toured with entree and dessert served. Tickets $30. Proceeds used to maintain roller mill. 704-425-5323. – Salisbury Symphony Guild’s “Christmas in the City” tour of homes ó 3-7 p.m., Dec. 5; 2-6 p.m. Dec. 6. Downtown residences open to the public, strolling musicians. Symphony cider and tickets at The Plaza.  Tickets: $15 or $12 in advance,  reserve early at 704-638-3100 or at the Visitors Bureau. – Victorian Christmas at the Dr. Josephus Hall House ó 1-4 p.m. weekends in December. Special candlelight tour 6 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve. Weekend tours: $5 per person or $3 for members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. Candlelight tour by donation. 226 S. Jackson St. 704-636-0103. www.historicsalisbury.org. – 7th annual Madrigal Dinner, East Rowan and Erwin honors choruses ó Dec. 5. Three shows: 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $13, or two for $25. Tickets available from Erwin music director Elizabeth Cook or East HS director Dean Orbison. – Gingerbread House workshop at Rowan Museum ó 1-4 p.m., Dec. 6. Messinger Room. 202 N. Main St. $35 per child, includes attached adult.  Gingerbread ornaments, refreshments. 704-633-5946 for reservations and time slot. – Candle Tea in Old Salem ó Dec. 4, 5, 11,12. Single Brother House, 600 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. 336-749-9463. – Trip to Christmas tree farm ó Hurley YMCA is sponsoring trip to The Christmas Tree Farm in Boone on Dec. 8. Cost: $25. Information: call Barbara Franklin, 704-636-0111. – Spencer Holiday Decorating Contest ó 6-9 p.m., Dec. 9.Spencer residents are invited to decorate their homes and yards and win big. – Spencer Candlelight Tour of Homes ó 6-9 p.m., Dec. 10 Five homes. Tickets $8 in advance, $10 night of tour, available at Debbie Barnhardt Jewelers, Spencer Home Supply and Rowan Co. Visitor’s Bureau. – Spencer Candlelight Tour of Churches ó 6-9 p.m., Dec. 18. Self-guided, free. Entertainment offered at several of the churches. Trolley rides available  beginning 5:30 p.m. at Spencer Shops, $1 for riders over 3. – Chanukah Festival ó Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 13. Mooresville Town Square (corner of Williamson and Brawley). Music, bounce house, food, spin art, light the menorah. – A Christmas Tradition: Stories and Songs of the Season ó 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15, Meroney Theatre, 213 S. Main St. Stories with Dr. Karl Hales, music by vocalists Neal Wilkinson, Leslie Dunkin and pianist Zebbie Bondurant. Free, but please bring canned good for Rowan helping Ministries. – Camp Christmas Child Care ó 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec 19. F&M Trolley Barn. Donations to Rowan County Youth Services Bureau accepted. Reservations suggested, call 704-633-5636 ext 104.  – Santa’s SleigHAY Ride and Photos ó 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. The Harris Farm, 1643 Pembroke Road, Harrisburg. hayrides with Santa-$10;photos-$5. Calves, goats, elves, Mrs. Claus. Pets welcome. info@theharrisfarm.com. – Christmas at Reed Gold Mine ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5; 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 704-721-4653. Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park, Lake Norman ó 6-10 p.m., seven days per week through New Years Day. Two mile journey through forest with one million lights, ends at 300 foot Christmas light show set to music of Trans-Siberian orchestra and visit with Santa Claus. Refreshments, pony ride. $5 per person or $20 per vehicle. Off I-77 at exit 42. 1-800-966-0069. www.zootasticpark.com.  – Music and more – Fridays@First Advent Concert Series, First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. ó Noon, each Friday in December. Dec. 4: organist and choir director Matthew Michael Brown. Free, open to public. Soup and sandwich lunch served after each performance with donations accepted. 704-636-3121. – Charlotte Symphony “Magic of Christmas” ó 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. 704-972-2000. www.charlottesymphony.org. – Amadeus Youth Chorus “On the Move”holiday concert ó 7 p.m., Dec. 5. Looking Glass ArtistCollective black box theater, 405 N. Lee St. Free, donations welcome. 704-637-7326. – Piedmont Prime Time Community Band: “Our Gift of Music” ó  7:30 p.m., Dec. 5. All Saints Episcopal Church parish hall, 525 Lake Concord Road NE, Concord.  Free. 704-425-3507. – Pfeiffer University presents “Gatatumba! A Christmas Concert” ó 4 and 7 p.m., Dec. 6. Features Concert Choir, handbell choir, wind ensemble, guitar ensemble. Pfeiffer Chapel, Misenheimer campus. Free. 704-463-3148. joseph.judge@pfeiffer.edu. – St. John’s Men’s Chorus ó 4 p.m., Dec. 6. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Also featuring handbell choir and Madeline MacNeil-vocalist and hammered dulcimer player. Free. Offering will be received to benefit Rowan helping Ministries. – Central Untied Methodist Church Singing Christmas Tree ó 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 3 p.m. Dec. 6, prelude begins half hour earlier. 200 4th St., Spencer. Children’s Community Choir to perform. Free. Nursery provided. – Gospel concert: anniversary celebration in honor of Ronica and the Mighty Blazing Stars ó  Dec. 6. Doors open 2 p.m., programs starts 4 p.m., Robert L. Bowers Fellowship Auditorium, 407 Rocky River Road, Mooresville. Also featuring Darrell McFadden and His Disciples of NYC; the Williams Brothers Sr. of Philadelphia; The Singing Angels of Charlotte; Jones Brothers of Lancaster, S.C.; The Price Sisters of Pageland, S.C. Emcee: James Guy (G-Man) of WGIV radio station. $20 at door, $8 ages 7-12, age 6 and under free. 704-491-0726. – Parkland Magnet High School Honors Chorus of Winston-Salem, directed by Jonathan Sidden ó Noon, Dec. 11, part of Fridays@First concert series at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St. Performance free. Soup and sandwhich lunch follows-donations accepted. 704-636-3121. – The Piedmont Choral Society  ó Two free concerts, 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Saint James Lutheran Church, 104 S. Union St., Concord. Director is Mark Frye. Selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and the Christmas cantata “The Incarnation” by K. Lee Scott to be performed, accompanied by orchestra. 704-786-1063, ext. 3. – The Singing Americans of Stanly County “The Glory of Christmas” ó 3 p.m., Dec. 13. Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, Hwy 24/27 at Newt Road, Albemarle. Free. Donations accepted. – Rockapella ó Dec. 15 and 16, McGlohon Theater, Spirit Square, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. – Big Band Bash ó 7:30 p.m., Jan 9. Hedrick Auditorium at Catawba College, 45-minute concert followed by music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres the Crystal Lounge. Benefit for Salisbury Symphony. 704-637-4314. – George Strait and Reba McIntyre ó 7 p.m. Jan. 23. Greensboro Coliseum. www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000. – – Theater – “Grease” ó 7:30 p.m., through Dec. 6, Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte. www.ovensauditorium.com. – “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” ó Through Dec. 20, Booth Playhouse, Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. – “A Tuna Christmas” Old Courthouse Theatre ó 8 p.m. Dec. 3-5, 10-12; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13. 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. Adults $15, seniors $12, student with ID $12, children $10. 704-788-2405. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org. – – North Carolina Shakespeare Festival “A Christmas Carol” ó Dec. 4-20. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. 336-887-3001. www.highpointtheatre.com. – Dance – “Nutcracker” Salisbury Symphony and Piedmont Dance Theatre ó 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. $10-$25. 704-637-4314. www.salisburysymphony.org. – “Nutcracker” UNC School of the Arts ó 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13; 7:30 p.m. Dec. Dec. 5 and 9-12; 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Stevens Center, Winston-Salem.  $20-$66. 336-721-1945. www.uncsa.edu. – “Nutcracker” NC Dance Theatre ó 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13, 18-20; 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 19-20. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $20ń$74. www.ncdance.org. 704-372-0101. – – Classes – Make your own pottery Christmas ornament at Pottery 101 ó   Every Saturday through Dec. 12. Stop in between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 per ornament. 704-209-1632. – Piedmont Players Theatre Inc. Youth Winter Drama Workshops ó Jan. 9, 16 and 23, 3rd-5th graders: 9-10:30 a.m., 6th-8th graders: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. $40 per student for all three sessions. 704-633-5471. – – This & That – Big Band Dances ó 7-10  p.m. first Saturday of each month. Hurley YMCA. Music by The Hi-Liters. Bring a snack to share. $5.  704-636-0111.   – Yoga retreat at Sacred Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn ó  Dec. 4-6. www.sacredgroveretreat.com. – Open house at the new Knight Theater, Charlotte ó 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 5. Activities for all ages, karaoke on the stage, tours. Free. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org/knight. – – Night life – The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. ó 9-11:30 p.m., Dec. 4: Alan Barrington, singer, songwriter, storyteller, no cover; 9-11 p.m. Dec. 5: Sue McHugh, song stylist, no cover. 704-797-0093. www.thebluevine.com. – Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. ó  Open mic 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting 9:30 p.m. Performers of all types welcome-sign up as you arrive. 704-637-6047. www.thebrickstreettavern.com. E.H. Montgomery General Store ó 6-8 p.m. Fridays: bluegrass jams. Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill. com. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439. – The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 ó Saturday: The Good Old Boys-classic rock and beach music. Open 7 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.blogspot.com. – Tastebuds Coffee and Tea, 106 N. Main St. ó 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4: Reverend H Chronicles and State of Affliction will perform for Musicians 4 Cancer. Proceeds benefit local cancer patients who have no insurance. 704-212-7044. – Singles – Piedmont Singles ó Meets 7:15 p.m. Fridays, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. No joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241. – Highlighters Dance Club ó Dec. 4: Crimson Rose. First and third Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over. Dress code. Heavy hors d’oeuvres served 8 p.m. BYOB. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-948-3873 or 704-504-3135. ssendecki@aol.com. – Piedmont Triad Singles Dance ó 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. George Ks, 2108 Cedar Fork Drive (corner Holden and High Point Road) Greensboro. Deejay  playing 70’s/80’s, beach music, top 40, swing music. Cash bar, door prizes. Dress to impress. Ladies choice dances, $12. www.piedmonttriadsingles.com. peggy15311@bellsouth.net. – Singles Dance ó 8 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 4. Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Road, Greensboro. $10 at door. Business/casual dress. Deejay Curtis Treece playing your dance favorites. 704-857-4650. – Zodiac Club ó Meets second and fourth Fridays. Doors open 7 p.m., food served 8 p.m., live band starts 8:30 p.m.Open to mature singles over 40. $10 members, $12 guests. Dress code-upscale casual. Smoke-free. American Legion Post 380, 4235 West Tyvola Rd. Call 704-752-8824 or contact taylorbt@msn.com. Visit www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com – – Call for artists – Kwanzaa celebration ó Jan. 1. LGAC Blackbox Theater, 405 N. Lee St. Drumming, Afrrican dancers, community talent encouraged to participate. 704-636-2811.Bluegrass musicians ó Bluegrass jam open to all Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169. – Chris Austin songwriting contest, hosted by Merlefest ó Submission deadline Feb. 18. www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest.org. – – Poetry contest ó Entries must be recieved by Dec. 20. No entry fee. Poems of 21 lines or less on any subject and in any style will be accepted. Grand prize of $1000 sponsored by The Celestial Arts Society. 50 prizes totaling $5000. All ages welcome. www.freecontest.com. – – Auditions – “Nunsense” Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord ó Audtions 7-9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15, Call backs Dec. 16 if needed. For five women early 20s to mid-60s. Bring prepared song of your choice with sheet music or accompaniment track. Bring tap and/or pointed shoes if available.Production Feb. 11-28. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org. – – Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society ó Accepting new members for March Masterworks and Spring pops concerts. Rehearsals begin Jan. 5. Contact SRCSDirector@ gmail.com. – Art – Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. ó Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Groups may arrange guided tour. 704-636-1882. www.waterworks.org. – Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. ó Miniatures show currently on display. 704-647-0340. – Pottery 101 ó “It’s all in the Details!” featuring works by Joy Tanner and Annie Singletary. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 101 S. Main St. 704-209-1632. – Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. ó Gallery open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com. – Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, 407 N. Lee St. ó  Shop featuring art and crafts for sale by members is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, and during special events. 704-633-ARTS. www.salisburyartists.org. – Court Street Gallery, 134 Court St., Statesville ó Exhibit of works from the Pastel Society of North Carolina, on display through Dec. 18. Gallery open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. www.iredellmuseums.org. –