Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour — 6:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. $20 adults, $15 children/seniors. Advance tickets at 800-332-2343, www.visitsalisburync.com or Visito’s Center, 204 E. Innes St.
PPT’s ‘Inspecting Carol: A Holiday Comedy’ — Dec. 6-9 and 12-15, 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee 2:30 p.m. 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Downtown Mocksville Hometown Holiday events — • HAYRIDE: Friday, Dec. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. at 185 N. Main St./Station on Main, free to the public • CHRISTMAS STORIES/STORYTELLER: Sat., Dec. 8, noon, 2 and 4 p.m. at The Book Rack • HORSE AND BUGGY RIDES: Saturdays, Dec. 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 185 N. Main St./Station on Main, $7/5 and under free • Details 336-909-2263, www.historicdowntownmocksville.com
Piedmont Choral Society presents ‘Messiah’ — 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: The 50-voice Piedmont Choral Society under the direction of Dr. Jeff Price performs portions of Handel’s “Messiah” with orchestra, along with familiar carols and hymns. First Presbyterian Church, 201 Vance St., Kannapolis and again Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord. Reception follows the Sunday concert. Free. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail.com
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society’s 2012 Holiday Concert — 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: “The Story of Christmas,” First United Church of Christ, 207 W. Horah St. The concert is free; bring new unwrapped toy for Rowan County Department of Children Services.
PFLAG holiday concert — 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG’s ‘The Last Big Gay Christmas Ever,’ satirizing the “world’s end” on Dec. 21. Haven Evangelical Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Informal reception follows. Free.
Santa Comes to Gold Hill — Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14 from 4-7 p.m.; Saturdays Dec 8 and 15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Santa’s Mailbox is at River Pines in the Village.
FUMC’s Fridays@First — Noon on Fridays through Christmas • Dec. 7: piano recital by Greensboro-based pianist William J. Kelley • Dec. 14: classical guitarist Joe Miller • Dec. 21: Aaron Craven Jazz Trio. All concerts free. First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., information at matthew@fumcsalisbury.org
Happy’s Farm Country Christmas Town — 6:30-8:30 p.m. two Saturdays, Dec. 8 and 15: Wagon rides through the Peppermint Forest, Christmas cookie decorating, Cowboys Santa’s Workshop, horse rides. $5 activity pass. Concessions available for purchase. 985 Parks Road (off Mt. Hope Church Road), 704-279-5286.
Santa and the Grinch Antique fire truck rides — 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec 8: Catch the fire truck ride at 126 E. Innes . Details 800-332-2343, visit.salisburync.com
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, yivkry ingo at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band’s eleventh Christmas concert — “Our Gift of Music – Your Gift of Food” 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, Living Water Church of God, 166 N. Little Texas Road, Kannapolis. Admission canned or boxed foods or peanut butter for Cooperative Christian Ministry. Children will be invited to play sleigh bells with the band during the singing of carols. Info Jon Hutchinson, 704-425-3508, www.primetimeband.org
Gold Hill Historic home tour — 3-7 p.m., Saturday Dec. 8: Trolley transportation to each stop included, tickets available from Gold Hill Village merchants. $12, children under 6 free. Pay-by-mail info at goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
LGAC art and fine craft holiday show — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec.8 and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9: Handmade arts and fine crafts show and sale, Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-2787, salisburyartists@gmail.com, www.salisburyartists.com
Holiday Open House at Green Goat and TranqWool — 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Rrefreshments, libations, several Gallery artists in attendance. TranqWool Knitting Provisions, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, www.tranqwoolknittingprovisions.com, 704-431-4527
Salisbury Ecumenical Choir annual Glory of Christmas Concert — 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9: Ochestra, soloists and nearly 30 churches and organizations represented. Held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St., under the direction of Dr. Phillip Burgess.
Salisbury Art Station’s Holiday Open Art — Dec. 8, 15, 22. Drop-off your child anytime between 1-4 p.m., $15 per hour, second child discounts. Must register ahead of time at www.salisburyartstation.com, 704-754-0853. Located at the Salisbury Train Depot, 215 Depot St.
Charlotte Children’s Choir Holiday Concerts — • 7 p.m., Dec. 8, Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte. $15 • 4 p.m., Dec. 15, Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, $10. www.charlottechildrenschoir.org
‘Christmas at the Cabins’ 1862 — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8: Iredell Museum presentation at the Gregory Creek Homestead, Statesville; step back 150 years to experience a Christmas in Iredell County with historic interpreters. $5 adults, $3 children. 1335 Museum Road. 704-873-473, www.iredellmuseums.org
Southern Piedmont Singers present ‘The Winter’s Night’ — 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9: A Christmas concert featuring beloved carols and new holiday music, Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, 101 Vance St., Kannapolis. Admission free, free reception follows. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if able. Southern Piedmont Singers is a youth and adult community chamber choir under the direction of Damien Evans.
Music and Stories of the Season with Karl Hales — 7 p.m., Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 10-11: A Christmas Tradition with Karl Hales, Neal Wilkinson, Leslie Dunkin, pianist Susan Trivette. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St. Admission: canned goods for Rowan Helping Ministries.
Iredell Choral Society’s annual Christmas Extravaganza — 7-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14: Third annual Christmas Extravaganza Concert and Spaghetti Dinner at Horizon Church, 316 Signal Hill Drive. Advance tickets $7, $10 DOS, www.iredellchoralsociety.webs.com
‘A Christmas Carol’ — The NCShakespeare Festival’s 35th annual professional production, at the High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., downtown High Point. Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. Opening night Friday, Dec. 14. Tickets start at $15. 336-841-2273, www.FestivalStage.org
Salisbury Symphony’s Nutcracker production — Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15 (6:30 p.m.) and 16 (2:30 p.m.), Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased at 704-637-4314 or salisburysymphony.org
First Chrismon Tour of downtown churches — Tour two of the earliest churches in NC to display Chrismon Trees (early 1960s), on display, trees decorated with the original Chrismon ornaments and the new Christian Symbol designs; total of five trees • 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 15: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., features 15’ tree and 7.5’ children’s tree • 10 a.m.–1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 217 South Church St., features two 12’ trees and one 10’ tree.. Sponsored by Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, and Rowan Museum, 202 North Main St.
How Dare they Call This An Ugly Christmas Sweater Party — 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday Dec. 15, vie to win a $100 gift certificate. www.facebook.com/carolinalily, 704 639-0033
St. John’s Men’s Chorus sixth-annual Christmas concert — 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16: St John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Rosemary C. Kinard, director; Janie R. Rollins, accompanist. Free event, with offering to benefit Rowan Helping Ministries. 704-636-3431. stjohns-salisbury.org
Christmas in Swing Time with the Rowan Big Band All Stars — 7-9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30: Holiday Concert at Christ United Methodist Church Family Life Center, doors open 6:30 p.m. Love offering for Communities in Schools of Rowan. 3401 Mooresville Road.
New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower — 11:30-12:30 p.m, Dec 31: Presbyterian Bell Tower, W. Innes St. Details 800-332-2343, visit.salisburync.com
Tickets available for OCT’s 22nd New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre — Held 7:30 p.m. in the fifth floor ballroom at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tickets are $75/person or $150 /couple by Dec. 15; After Dec. 15 $85/person or $170/couple. Includes appetizers, dinner, desert, wine, champagne toast, party favors, deejay for dancing; and the Murder Mystery. Table reservations based on first reserved/first paid basis. Old Courthouse Theatre 704-788-2405, info@oldcourthousetheatre.org, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

The Chuckleheads spoof the holidays (all of them) — 8 p.m., Dec. 8: “A Very Special Holiday (All of Them) Comedy Improv Musical Variety Extravaganza Starring the Chuckleheads,” the Charlotte improvisational theatre group. Tickets $10 at www.planetimprov.com; $15 DOS. Ballantyne Art Center, 11318 Community House Road, Suite 303, Charlotte.

Tonight: Jim Avett at the Davis Theater — 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6: Jim Avett, singer-songwriter and storyteller back by popular demand, $12. Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S., Concord, 704-920-2753, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org, http://cabarrusartscouncil.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=489409
Christmas at the Charlotte Folk Society Gathering — 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Annual CFS Holiday Jam & Potluck, Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte. Song circle and Jams: 4-5 p.m. gDinner 5-6 p.m. gConcert by singer/songwriter Natalie Royal 6-6:30 p.m. gSong circle and Jams follow concert and end at 10 p.m. gBring a dish to serve 8 people OR donate $5/person toward expenses. www.folksociety.org
Bon Jovi at Time Warner Cable Arena — Wednesday, March 5, Charlotte. Tickets start at $19.50. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
Eric Clapton with The Wallflowers in Raleigh — Wednesday, April 3, PNC Arena (formerly RBC Center). Tickets start at $45, on sale Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Scotty McCreery, Dec. 15 • KC and The Sunshine Band, Dec. 29 • Styx, Jan. 18, 2013 • Little Big Town Tornado Tour, March 2 • Celtic Woman, April 26. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Opening night tonight PPT Holiday Comedy ‘Inspecting Carol’ — Dec. 6-8 and 12-15 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9 2:30 p.m. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Adults $15, seniors/students $12. 704-633-5471 – PiedmontPlayers.com 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1-3: adults $15, seniors and students $12. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
‘Wicked’ returns — Broadway’s biggest blockbuster returns to Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, March 13-31. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 7, at BlumenthalArts.org or 704-327-1000.
Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ at Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh — Through Dec. 16; Tickets $25, except all tickets are $10 on Thursdays. Burning Coal Theatre Company, Murphey School autidorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.org

Month long Miss Row Ann — Through November: Rowan Doll Society and Rowan Library China Grove present the doll display called Miss Row Ann, featuring 12 scenes using dolls and miniatures depicting actual places, events and people from Rowan County starting from the Revolutionary War through the early twentieth century.
Family Laser Show ‘Laser Holidays’ — 5 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Heartwarming program of favorite holiday music and laser light images to enhance your family’s celebration of the season. Young and old will delight to the sounds of Sleigh Ride, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, and more.. $3 for adults, $2 for 12 and under. 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004.
Salisbury Ghost Walk — 7 p.m., Friday Dec. 14: adults $10, students $5. Meet at 130 W. Innes St., reservations/information 704-798-3102 or email boo@salisburyghostwalk.com
Kalima Tribal Belly Dance ladies night out at The Blue Vine — 6:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12: Second Wednesday ladies only event, no belly dance experience necessary; $5 includes basic belly dance class complete with sparkly hip scarves to purchase or borrow, also snacks, door prizes.
Concord Library events — g 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18: Gina Guthrie of Bocca Felice Catering will present Healthy Holiday Cooking & Entertaining for Teens, a fun and interactive demonstration to teach teens healthy ways to prepare holiday favorites and present them at a holiday party with friends. Samples provided. Spaces limited, registration required at 704-920-2054 g6:15 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18: Guthrie presents Healthy Holiday Cooking & Entertaining for adults, demonstrating healthier ways of preparing holiday classics with emphasis on eating seasonally/locally. Samples provided. Spaces limited, registration required at 704-920-2054 g 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20: Teen Book Club, meet in the Teen Area to discuss “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. Register at 704-920-2053 g Concord Library, 27 Union St., N., Concord www.cabarruscounty.us/library or www.facebook.com/ cabarruscountylibrary

The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — • 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Dec 7: Tripp Edwards Band, no cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8: Brent Lawrence, no cover • 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St. — 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant.com
ethos southern bistro and martini bar, 118 N. Main St. — 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8: Jazz pianist/vocalist Marc Hoffman performs standards, ballads, originals and seasonal music • 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 8:Jazz pianist/vocalist Marc Hoffman performs standards, ballads, originals and seasonal music. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 1: Jazz pianist/vocalist Marc Hoffman. 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — 704-638-8996.
The Fuel Depot Bar and Grill, 2168 Statesville Blvd. — • Tuesday, Open Mic • Wednesday, World Tavern Poker • Thursday, 8 ball tournament, deejay/ karaoke with Cherokee • Friday jam session with Monkey Wrench (free).
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — • Saturday, Dec. 8: LifeGiver. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, inntheloop.blogspot.com
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — • 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Darrell Harwood. Must be 18+. www.reverbnation.com/venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, Dec. 6: Karaoke performance by Mark Shue. Beach night karaoke and Bike Night 7-9 p.m. Mondays • Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays • Karaoke 7-close Friday-Saturdays. 704-642-0050.
Spencer Buffet, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 6 p.m., Wednesdays: karaoke. 704-633-1200.
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road — “Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. Mondays on the patio, full menu available, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — Friday Night Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m.: Open jam for all acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 7: Jim Avett; Jessica Lea Mayfield and David Mayfield: The Sibling Rivalry Tour; T. Hardy Morris • Saturday, Dec. 8: Sunshone Still; Elonzo; Desert Noises. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 7: Popa Chubby • CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — • Saturday, Dec. 8: Tyler Ward. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com

Hand made ‘Christmas’ card making class — 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 : Complete six handmade cards in one two-hour workshop. Supplies provided. $16 payable on arrival. Members $12. Includes Museum tour. Instructor Daphne Houghton. Advance registration required, 704-762-9359. Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer
Bring-your-own-vase floral design — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $5 per class plus cost of flowers, call for reservations; instructor David Harrison, Harrison’s Florist, 1012 Holmes Ave. off Grove St. near RRMC, 704-636-4251.
Mind aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: An introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10 per two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
Creative Art Experiences for ages 5-18 — Art Lessons for children in your home, after school, evenings, weekends with Ingrid A. Erickson, $15/hour, $10 each additional child. 413-884-4499 for appointment. Studio at Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. Email: ingridaerickson@yahoo.com with questions. Rail Walk Gallery, 409-413 North Lee St.
Zumba fitness — • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Art Classes with Patt — Adult (16+) art classes by local artist Patt Legg; studio located off Miller Road. Call for times, material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/

Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: Music with James Stocks. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

Pfeiffer University’s film appreciation series — Free monthly Friday evening film and discussion series by Pfeiffer Pfilm Society, in Pfeiffer University Theater, Administration Building, 3rd Floor, 48380 Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, 6-9 p.m., no reservation required. 704-463-3432 or pfilmsociety@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu • Dec. 7, Film Noir: The Maltese Falcon • Jan. 11, Japanese Animation: The Girl Who Leapt through Time • Feb. 15, Romance: Casablanca • March 15, B-Movie: A Hobo with a Shotgun • April 12, Documentary: Good Hair.

Piedmont Players ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ — 7 p.m., Dec. 10-11: Depression-era Maycomb, Alabama in 1935, young Scout Finch lives with her father, attorney Atticus Finch, and older brother Jem. Rehearsals begin Jan. 2. Show dates Feb. 7-16. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471. www.piedmontplayers.com
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ — 7-9 p.m., Dec. 9-10, registration 7-8 p.m. Audition consists of cold read from the script. Performance dates Feb. 7-24 24, 2013. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Piedmont Singing Men auditions to join the group — Contact Randy 704-577-8606. Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church of Concord, 301 Mt. Olivet Road, Concord, www.mtochurch.com
Attention Salisbury-area flutists — Join in a Christmas carol play-along 2-3 p.m. Dec. 9 on the stage at Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St. Bring your flute and a music stand if you have one. All ages welcome. This is one of several performances on the stage during the Looking Glass Fifth Annual Fine Arts and Craft Festival taking place inside LGAC 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Details 704-633-2787 or salisburyartists@gmail.com
Open Bluegrass jam — Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, admission by donation. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.

Ahmad in Waterworks gallery talk — 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11: Special gallery talk by Syed Ahmad. In conjunction with the Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Tolerance and Diversity exhibition and as part of the Salute to 50 Years of Studio Glass, glass artist Syed Ahmad shares his creative process, inspiration, symbolism using a technique called glass fusing. His inspiration for this work comes from the ancient Islamic art of calligraphy as well as patterns found in nature. Gallery talk is free. To help us better prepare, RSVP 704-636-1882. Wine and beverages will be served. 123 E Liberty St., www.waterworks.org
J.F. Hurley Family Senior Lunch and Learn — 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19: Happy Holidays Lunch and Learn, free but preregistration required at front desk, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. — “Embracing the Least of These: Photography of the Great Commission,” Through Dec. 10, St John’s Art Gallery, Free. Open regular business hours and by appointment. 704-636-3431.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — Opens today: “A Sense of Place,” photography by Elizabeth McAdams. Dec. 6-Jan. 26, artist reception Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. Regular hours Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — Free admission. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord — Two invitational exhibitions through Dec. 20: Hey Diddle Diddle featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture, wood rocking toys, whimsical mixed media; Shop Seagrove includes pieces by nine of the most prominent potteries in NC. No admission charge • Downtown Concord Art Walk 6-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16. 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Local artist exhibit at SECCA — Frank Selby: Misunderstanding. Curated by Steven Matijcio. Through Feb. 10, 2013. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
J Alston’s of Salisbury Studio and Gallery, 1007 Richard St. — Holiday open house 11 a.m-6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8: enjoy refreshments while browsing through items offered at special prices for this day only. Jimmy and Lesley Alston, 704 232 1467, jalston13@carolina.rr.com
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — $10 adults, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — • “Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey” on view through Jan. 13, 2013. One of the most powerful and original artists of the 20th century created a cycle of collages and watercolors based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” • “Affinities: Pairings from the Collection” through Dec. 2 • Masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Patron’s Holiday Open House with the Seagrove Potters: visit www.DiscoverSeagrove.com to become a Patron Supporter or sign up at the participating shops on Dec. 8.336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org

YMCA sponsored trips — Tuesday, Dec. 11: Christmas at Billy Graham’s Library. Buses leave 4 p.m. from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Details: Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com • Travel to Alaska 2013: Interested call Barbara Franklin-704-636-0111.
Community bus trip to Christmas City, McAdenville — Saturday, Dec. 15. Contact Brenda Cowan for details 704-633-9073
YMCA trips to broadway shows — • Reserve seats for Broadway shows: Les Miserables, Feb. 12, $95 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Nov. 10 • Wicked, March 14, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 2 • Lion King, Sept. 1, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 10 • Sign up at front desk. Buses leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca..com

N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — • See www.nctrans.org for holiday events and train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer — Current exhibit: A collection of hand-made miniatures by Terri Correll of Mooresville Miniatures Club, through the end of 2012. Correll will lead a miniature workshop on Saturday, Dec. 8. Details 704-762-9359, SpencerDollAndToyMuseum@gmail.com Museum features antique, vintage, modern collectible dolls, antique, vintage toys, train set, model tractor trailers, John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — “Where’s The Fire?” Exhibit honoring the history of firefighting in Rowan County. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755–1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — Victorian Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, yivkry ingo at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — Sundays 2-4 p.m., special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — Sundays 3-5 p.m. and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Free. Intersection of Weaver and Patterson Roads, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sundays.Operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. Free. 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., Kannapolis — Honors musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from North Carolina. In the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, admission free. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park — 19th century living history interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Free. 704-279-5674, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, off Highway 200 near Locust — A Golden Christmas at Reed Gold Mine, Dec. 8 and 15, 6-8:30 p.m., the only place you can take a candlelight tour during the day. Refreshments and cookies and music by local choirs, craftsmen. Reservations requested for evening activities. Proceeds to CCM. Free of charge.Southeastern Cabarrus County,12 miles southeast of Concord, at 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland, 704-721-4653, reed@ncdcr.gov
Gregory Creek Homestead and walking trails, 1335 Museum Road, Statesville — 704-873-4734, www.iredellmuseums.org.
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville — 6-9p.m., Dec. 15: Candlelight Christmas, walk the plantation house, kitchen, cabin, and grounds by candlelight and experience an 1820s Christmas. See dancing in the house, meet the Latta family, see a slave Christmas in the kitchen, and more. The plantation will be decorated for the season– one of our most beautiful events! Admission is $7 per person, ages 5 and under and members free.Christmas events at 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead — 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — 919-839-NCMA, www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — • 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh — 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
?NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive — 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com

Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgrounds, family camping, picnic shelters, splash pad, petting zoo. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road — 26 acres, event center, walking trail. 704-216-7783.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla — Off NC Hwy 150 approximately 10 miles west of Salisbury. Features Kerr Mill, an 1823 grist mill.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road — Historic tours available by appointment: 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail — Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, continues into Cabarrus County. 704-267-9439.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1640 Dunn’s Mtn. Road — Trail walks, overlooks. 704-216-7803.