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.
Last three performances of PPT’s ‘Inspecting Carol: A Holiday Comedy’ — Through Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Downtown Mocksville Hometown Holiday events — • 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
Santa Comes to Gold Hill — Friday, Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec 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. 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
Live Nativities — • Wittenberg Lutheran Church, Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Snacks and hot chocolate afterward. Corner of Oak and Bank Streets, Granite Quarry • South River UMC, Saturday, Dec. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. Free hot chocolate while viewing; 10 minutes from Salisbury at 11705 Cool Springs Road, Cleveland.
Happy’s Farm Country Christmas Town — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 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.
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m., through Dec. 23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, ticket info at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Salisbury Art Station’s Holiday Open Art — Dec. 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.
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
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.
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville — 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: A Candlelight Christmas. Walk the plantation house, kitchen, cabin, grounds by candlelight; experience an 1820s Christmas with dancing in the house, meet the Latta family. The plantation is decorated for the season. Admission $7 per person, 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
‘A Christmas Gloria’ in Hickory — Two performances: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16,: holiday pop and sacred music by combined choir of 80 singers, 22-piece orchestra, the West Iredell High School Drum Corp and a combined handbell choir. Reception follows both concerts, free , childcare provided. 1246 2nd ST NE, on Hwy. 127, next to Checker’s Restaurant. www.viewmontbaptist.org, or call 828-322-6732 for more information.
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 at the Charlotte Folk Society Gathering — 4-9:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16: Annual CFS Holiday Jam & Potluck features short concert of seasonal songs by Natalie Royal. Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte. Jams and song circle 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. Singing and jamming follow dinner. Bring a dish to share or donate $5/person toward expenses. Free. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.folksociety.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Knight Theater — 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18: Gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen powerfully sculpting, penguins spinning, puppets dancing.Tickets start at $35. 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix.org, www.blumenthalarts.org
Sixth annual West Corinth Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree — Two performances • 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, • 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 23: A Christmas tradition in the Atwell township community. 110 Corinth Church Road, Mooresville, off Hwy 152 between China Grove and Mooresville. Free, open to the public, limited seating. Dean Orbison 704-433-8015.
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
Reserve a spot at 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

Acid FM at the LGAC black box theater — 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Hard rock band performing “Psych Hard Rock from the Future.” Doors open 8 p.m. $10 at door. Concessions available. 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-2787 or salisburyartists@gmail.com
Bon Jovi at Time Warner Cable Arena — Wednesday, March 5, Charlotte. Tickets start at $19.50. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.
‘One Night Of Queen’ at the Knight Theater — 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1: Premier Queen tribute band, “One Night Of Queen,” performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. Tickets start at $34.50. 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.Tickets: 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix.org, www.blumenthalarts.org
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 — • 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.

Bob Paolino in ‘33 Variations,’ Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, Charlotte — 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings through Dec. 23. No late seating. CAST is located at 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 113, Charlotte. Reservations 704-455-8542, www.nccast.com
Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ at Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh — Through Dec. 16. Tickets $25. Burning Coal Theatre Company, Murphey School autidorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.org
‘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.

Salisbury Confederate Prison Exhibit — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec 14: A model of the military prison, images of prisoners and guards, quotes from letters, diaries, newspapers. Stanback Auditorium, Rowan Public Library, 201 West Fisher St. Free , open to the public. 704-637-6411, Sue Curtis, www.salisburyprison.org
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
Family Laser Show ‘Laser Holidays’ — 5 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Heartwarming program of favorite holiday music and laser light images. Delight to the sounds of Sleigh Ride, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, more. $3 for adults, $2 for 12 and under. 1636 Parkview Circle, 704-639-3004.
?Events at Sacred Grove — • ‘Art at the Grove’ arts and crafts fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Local artists and crafters in the yurt; hot apple cider and bonfire (weather permitting) • Sweat lodge ceremony and tribal songs teaching, 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Sunday, Dec. 16: Nathan Silver Bear will teach songs from the Lakota, Ojibwe, Hopi, Chumash, Paiute.15750 Mattons Grove Church Road, Gold Hill. Preregister at 704-463-0768, info@bedandbikeinn.com
Concord Library events — • 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• 6:15 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 • 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 • Concord Library, 27 Union St., N., Concord www.cabarruscounty.us/library or www.facebook.com/ 0cabarruscountylibrary

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: Salisbury Symphony’s fundraiser, featuring big band music, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, dancing. $75/ticket; free dance lessons for ticket holders. Hedrick Auditorium & Crystal Ballroom, Catawba College. 704-637-4314 or salisburysymphony.org

The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — • 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Dec 14: Ashley Jo Farmer Band, no cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: David Myers and Ashley Honbarrier, no cover • 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. — 8-11 p.m. every Tuesday: Open mic night. 704-754-4907.
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. 14: Jazz guitarist/vocalist John Sharp • 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 15: azz guitarist/vocalist Harry Bell. 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — Friday Dec. 14: open jukebox • 8 p.m. until, Saturday Dec. 15: Karaoke with Mark Tomei. 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).
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — 9 p.m. until, Saturday Dec. 15: First annual Christmas party with the Kry Havok Band, no cover. www.highrocklaker
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Friday, Dec. 14: Metal Night with bands My Own Voyage, Acacius, Fall of Goliath, Eight Days From December, In Search of Reason, Bring The Arsenal and Rise to the Heights. Saturdays’ bands: Second Chance, Defenders of the Cross. Another Metal show Monday, Dec. 17 withbandsInstead of Sleep, Pale Face, The Infantry, Creations, Fall of Goliath. 704-213-1467.
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15: Darrell Harwood. www.reverbnation.com/venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, Dec. 13: Karaoke performance by Jeff Myers. 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, 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. 14: Jennifer Daniels; Hannah Thomas; Keaton Simons; Jason Adamo • Saturday, Dec. 15: Mount Moriah; Hiss Golden Messenger; Crushed Out (formerly Boom Chick)s. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 14: Truckstop Preachers with Liane Edwards • Saturday, Dec. 15: Charlotte Does Foo Fighters: An Amped-4-a-Cure Benefit • CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte — Saturday, Dec. 15: Charlotte’s biggest dance party returns. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — Saturday, Dec. 15: Grown Up Avenger Stuff. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com

Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14: Music by DC and the Chosen Few. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish

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.
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 art classes byPatt Legg; studio off Miller Road • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes are ongoing, 2 hrs. in length, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Call for material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/
Card Making Class at the Y tonight — 6-8 p.m. every other Thursday evening, next class 6-8 p.m., Dec. 13: supplies included. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., Terri Dockins 704-636-0111.

PPT youth for ‘The Jack Tales’— By appointment only. Monday, Jan. 7 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time); Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time). Call 704-633-5471. Show dates Feb. 19-March 2. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com

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
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.

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

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — • Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 22-24; open Nov. 29 -30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday open studios, special prices, refreshments. Saturday, Dec. 1 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday, Dec 2 1-5 p.m. • Upcoming show, “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. — Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance, through Feb. 9. Seven contemporary artists express their personal relationships to their faiths in photographs, paintings, mixed media • Free admission, donations appreciated. 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 on display 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 Selby exhibiting 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
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” 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” • 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

Community bus trip to Christmas City, McAdenville — Saturday, Dec. 15. Contact Brenda Cowan for details 704-633-9073
YMCA sponsored trips — • Travel to Alaska 2013: Interested call Barbara Franklin-704-636-0111.
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

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 of ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, shelters, playground, 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, see 120 miles in most directions, blacksmith shop display, Saturday-Sunday shuttle service, 704-216-7803.

NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — • See www.nctrans.org for 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. 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; participating departments: Army Air National Guard, Rowan Fire Marshal Office, Rowan County Emergency Services, East Spencer, Woodleaf, Spencer, Bostian Heights, Mt. Mitchell, Cleveland, Faith, Ellis, South Salisbury, Franklin, Pooletown, Granite Quarry, City of Salisbury, Locke, Union, West Rowan, China Grove, Rockwell City, Rockwell Rural and Richfield/Misenheimer. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 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), 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,
Old Stone House (1766) Christmas Celebration, Granite Quarry — 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday,Dec. 29 and noon–4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30: 28th annual German Christmas Celebration with house decorated like pre-Revolutionary days, guides in period costumes, guests will learn and participate in crafts, musket firing, woodworking (benches, bowls, spoons), weaving, candle making, open fire cooking, music, children’s games, goats, chickens, more. $4 adults, $2 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com. The house is one half mile down Old Stone House Road off Highway 52 in Granite Quarry.
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St.— 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours, ticket info at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
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, near Locust — A Golden Christmasat Reed Gold Mine, Dec. 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, 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org/ reed/
Gregory Creek Homestead and walking trails, 1335 Museum Road, Statesville — Statesville’s heritage site. 704-873-4734, www.iredellmuseums.org.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — The only N C Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Free, open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville — Christmas at Latta, see Holiday Events. Circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm with endangered breeds of historic livestock. The last remaining Catawba River Plantation open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — • Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Saturday: 1 a.m.–6 p.m. • Sunday: noon–5 p.m. Where science amazes, educates and entertains. World Alive: aquarium, learning labs, rainforest • Think It Up: multi-sensory world of color, light, sound, creation • Project Build: explore the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers • Cool Stuff: learn the why of science • Discovery 3D Theatre: glasses required, the latest in digital filmmaking, state-of-the-art sound • See website for scheduled labs for kids, admission pricing. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two free, free parking. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead — NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Town Creek Mound between NC 73 and NC 731. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen, historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. 919-839-NCMA, www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — • $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh —Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. Free general admission, cover charge for special exhibits and 3D Theater. 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — Indoors: Sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, see 75+ animal species of Carolina wildlife • Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits. $14 adults, $10 children ages 3-12. Train and bungee rides small add’l cost. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — Climbing Lobby, Amazing Library, Build it!, Surprise Garden, The Enchanted Forest, Animal Alphabet, Amazing Airways, more. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive — Hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. General admission includes admission to the Museum and Animal Discovery. $8 adults $8, $7 children ages 3-13. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families. Adults $8, children 12 months+ $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com