See ‘A Christmas Carol’ tonight— 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13; and 2:30 p.m. matinees Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15: ‘A Christmas Carol’ presented by NC Research Campus and A.L. Brown High School. Tickets $10 includes show and hors d’oeuvres. 120 West Ave., Kannapolis (beside Carolina Interiors), www.albhsteatre.weebly.com/shows
Santa parachutes into Rowan County Airport* — 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14: Children will have a chance to speak with Santa until noon; free to attend, donations requested for Rowan Helping Ministries. *Weather permitting. Santa will still arrive via airplane otherwise. Rowan County Airport, 3670 Airport Loop Road.
Christmas Caroling Concert at Carillon —11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14: Performance by North Carolina’s own Carolers of Christmas Past, traditional holiday food. Free, open to the public. Also, collecting non-perishable food for RHM. Carillon Assisted Living of Salisbury, 1915 Mooresville Road. RSVP or more information, Stephanie H. Linn, 704-633-4666, RSVP.Salisbury@carillonassistedliving.com
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ — See THEATER listings
‘A Christmas Tradition’ — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday Dec. 16 and 17: Narrator Karl Hales, vocalists Neal Wilkinson and Leslie Dunkin, pianist Susan Trivette provide stories and music of Christmas for the ninth year in a row. The free performance is their gift to the community — in exchange for gifts. No admission charge but bring at least one canned food item for RHM. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St.
Happy’s Farm’s Country Christmas Town and Lights — 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. $5 admission includes a ride on Happy’s Express through Christmas lights display, horse rides, lesson in making reindeer food to use on Christmas Eve, Christmas cookie decorating, unlimited play in the jail arcade Age 3 and younger free. Toy Walk and Go Fish game tickets 50 cents each/3 for $1. Concessions available for purchase. 985 Parks Road, just off Mt. Hope Church Road, 704-279-5268, happysfarm.org
Christmas Storytime at RPL — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18: A special Holiday Storytime with crafts for ages 5 and under, free, co-sponsored by Smart Start Rowan. Headquarters, 201 W. Fisher St., www.rowanpubliclibrary.org
The Efird Family of China Grove — 7-9 p.m. Thursday Dec. 12: A variety of gospel, country, bluegrass, etc.; part of special music event series scheduled throughout the holiday season. The regular Montgomery Store Bluegrass Jam will be held on Friday Dec. 13 and “A Banjo Christmas with Danny Bowers” on Saturday Dec. 14 from noon-3 p.m. E. H. Montgomery General Store in the Historic Village of Gold Hill; info and full schedule 704-267-9439 or www.historicgoldhill.com
Piedmont Dance Theatre performs ‘The Nutcracker’ — Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Kannapolis Performing Arts Center at A. L. Brown High School • Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College, Salisbury. Information Rebecca Triplett 704-971-2011 or triplettpsmd@gmail.com. General Public tickets www.piedmontdancetheatre.com and https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=psmd
Piedmont Choral Society presents Vivaldi’s “Gloria” — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13: with orchestra, favorite Christmas carols at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Vance St., Kannapolis and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord. Free. Joe Judge, director; Carol Link Soles, accompanist. Reception follows Sunday concert. 704-699-6053 or kayy2000@gmail.com
‘Laser Holidays,’ planetarium laser shows — 5 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21: 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. For a little added fun, the audience may wear their tackiest, yet tasteful, holiday attire. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show. $3 adults, $2 12 and under. Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium, 1636 Parkview Circle, park and enter in the back from Lilly Avenue. Horizons Unlimited, 704-639-3004.
Christmas Downtown — • Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tours through Dec. 21: A classic Dickens story of “The Christmas Carol” on the trolley through Historic Downtown Salisbury, 6 p.m. every Friday-Saturday. $20 adults, $15 children/seniors • Ride with Santa & the Antique Grinch on antique fire trucks, Saturday Dec. 14 10 a.m.-1 p.m., board at Okey Dokey & Co. at 126 E. Innes St. Free, weather permitting • Details for all events at www.visitsalisburync.com/downtownholidayevents
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m. every Saturday-Sunday in Dec.: With the theme of “Toyland, Toyland!” The Hall House is located at 226 South Jackson St., downtown Salisbury. $5, 704-636-0103 with questions. The museum will be closed during the months of Jan. and February, while a new exhibit is installed. The 2014 tour season will open on Saturday, March 1.
Santa Train at the NC Transportation Museum — 10 a.m. Dec. 14 and 21: Children and their parents make a daytime trip to the roundhouse shop as Ol’ Saint Nick hands out candy canes and oranges – an old railroad Christmas tradition. Make a take-home craft and more. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Admission information at http://www.nctrans.org
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at the NC Transportation Museum — 10 a.m. Dec. 14, 20, 21: Children will hear a Christmas story aboard the train and before meeting Santa Claus in the Roundhouse. Cookies and cocoa will be served and children can make a craft and send a postcard to Santa. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Admission information at http://www.nctrans.org/
Christmas in Kannapolis — • 6-9:30 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 except Christmas Eve and Day: Celebration of Lights boasts more than 250,000 lights, rides on Winterland Express, visits with Santa, Kannapolis Singing Bears, see interactive model train display open on select dates • 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21: Live nativity scene, live choir music, petting zoo, pony rides, vendors. Information at www.cityofkannapolis.com (search for A Kannapolis Christmas), 704-920-4343.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — • 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open Bluegrass jam for acoustic musicians • 7-9 p.m. Thursday Dec. 12: The Efird Family of China Grove • noon-3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14: ‘A Banjo Christmas with Danny Bowers’ • Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook, 704-267-9439, www.historicgoldhill.com and www.themontgomerystore.com
Christmas in Cooleemee — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14: Cooleemee Christmas Tour of Homes; eight homes, five historic churches, two museums. Proceeds go toward a new Splash and Swim Center in Cooleemee. Tickets $10 available at Town Hall, Village Auto, Zachary House, Davie Chamber of Commerce; also the day of the event at the Zachary House. Hellen Daywalt 284-4339 or John Chandler 284-2141.
Christmas at Bost Grist Mill — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 and Sunday 1-5 p.m.: Hot apple cider, light refreshments, gift baskets, door prizes, southern grits, much more. 4701 Hwy 200, Concord, 704-782-1600. www.bostgristmill.com, bostgristmill@netzero.net
Christmas at Latta Plantation — • 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14: Step into an 1820s candlelit Christmas, tour the plantation at night, meet the animals in the carriage barn, see dancing in the house, share the excitement of children before bedtime, see cooking in the kitchen, a slave Christmas in the cabin. $8 per person, 5 and under free • 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704-875-2312, www.lattaplantation.org
Tree-lighting tradition at the State Capitol — 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12: Free and open to the public. Holiday music by Raleigh Concert Band and Garner Magnet High Die Meisters. 6:30. p.m.: Annual holiday open house, public is invited inside • Bring donations for NC Rural Shelters for abandoned pets to Rotunda on Dec. 12, 13, 14, 15.
Christmas all over the state — Festive family fun at art and history museums, historic sites and the North Carolina Symphony. Events free unless indicated. NC Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com
Old Stone House Christmas Celebration — Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 28-29; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Noon-4 p.m. Sunday: 29th annual German Christmas Celebration at the Old Stone House (1766) Granite Quarry, sponsored by Rowan Museum. Closed November-March, opens for holiday celebration the weekend just following Christmas, decorated as it would have been during pre-Revolutionary days. $5 adults and $3 students. Located one half mile down Old Stone House Road off Highway 52, 770 Old Stone House Road, 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com
Rowan Big Band All-Stars ‘Christmas in Swingtime’— 7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 29: Program of traditional holiday favorites set in Big Band Style with local soloists. Presented by Communities in Schools of Rowan at Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road. A love offering to benefit CiS will be accepted. Dr. Turbyfill, Board Chair, is leader of the band.

FUMC hosts Fridays@First series — • Friday Dec. 13: Concert of “Carol Covers” performed by the Lee Street Theatre Singers • Dec. 20: Concert by Jonathan Johnson, tenor from A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at the UNC School of the Arts • All concerts are free, at noon in the sanctuary, 217 S. Church St., 704- 636-3121.
Salisbury Symphony’s ‘The Nutcracker’ — Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m., Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College. With the Piedmont Dance Theatre. Reserved seating at tickets.salisburysymphony.org
The Davis Theatre — 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19: The Ed Sullivan Show, The Grand Ole Opry and Prairie Home Companion = The Fuzzbucket Music Company. Tickets $12. www.fuzzbucketmusic.com . The Davis Theatre , 65 Union Street S, downtown Concord, 704-920-2753, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
The Moondance Orchestra and The Spotlight Dance Company of Salisbury — 7:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 18: A show featuring The Moondance Orchestra, music of Michael Buble’, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, etc., and The Spotlight Dance Company of Salisbury; a fundraiser for Rowan Helping Ministries. Tickets $10. www.moondanceorchestra.net/ to see a demo of the bands. Held at the Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St.
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • Kool & The Gang, Dec. 29 • ZZ Top, Dec. 31 • Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — • Colors of Christmas, Dec. 20-21 • Corner of 5th and College Streets, Charlotte. 704-372-1000, BlumenthalArts.orgm

Closing Weekend for PPT’s ‘The 39 Steps’ — 7:30 p.m. Tonight through Saturday. Adults $15, seniors/students $12, 704-633-5471. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., PiedmontPlayers.com
Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ — Dec. 13-14, 20-21 at 8 p.m., Dec. 14, 21 at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.: A wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. PG, $15/adults, $12/seniors and students, $10/children 12 and younger. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh presents ‘(Three Man) Tempest’ — Through Dec. 22: Shakespeare. Three men. A table. Tickets and times at 919-834-4001 or www.burningcoal.org. Burning Coal Theatre Company, Murphey School auditorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.org

Christmas in history — For historical Christmas events, see listings under CHRISTMAS
‘Rowan County/Salisbury: Our Place in History’ — Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 6- May 8, 2014: Annual 13-week history course on Salisbury and Rowan County. Teachers – Continuing Education Credits available. First class held at Rowan Museum, following classes at various historic locations. Basic text “Rowan County…A Brief History” by James S. Brawley available at the library or on CD at the class for $10. Course fee $30 (discounts apply). Register at HSF 704-636-0103 or office@historicsalisbury.org

Faithful Friends Holiday Open House — Noon-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Dec. 14-15: 220 Grace Church Road, 704-633-1722. Get a holiday photo taken with your furbaby when you bring a donation from the list found here http://faithfulfriendsnc.org/How-You-Can-Help-%281%29/Donate.aspx
Meet the author — 2-5 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14: Mark Stephenson Portraiture and Fine Art, 110 S. Main St. Suite A, hosts best-selling author Nancy B. Brewer who will be available to autograph copies of her books and CD featuring bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent.
‘Laser Holidays,’ planetarium laser shows — 5 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21: See CHRISTMAS listings.
City-Wide Kwanzaa Celebration — Friday Dec. 27: Kujichagulia, second day of Kwanzaa “self-determination,” free, with Obakunle Akinlana, storyteller 6-8 p.m., City Park Recreation Center, 316 Lake Drive, hosted by Rowan Blues and Jazz Society. Family fun, refreshments, African drumming, door prizes, entertainment, African Market nonfood vendors.
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum — Hand made porcelain baby or child dolls by Brenda Gregg, porcelain doll artist of Lexington, on display through Feb. 2014. Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 Fourth St., Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Concord Library events — • Book+ Teen Activity Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.: Talk about Steampunk titles, make a steampunk craft. Sign up at 704-920-2053 • Brain Teasers and Optical Illusions, Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.; Discovery Place walk-through program on how the eyes and brain work together to create illusions. 704-920-2054 • League of Extraordinary Legos, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. for ages 4-12. 704-920-2058 • Gina Guthrie of Bocca Felice Catering for Healthy Holiday Cooking & Entertaining for Family & Friends on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. Registration required at 704-920-2054 • Book Beads Craft Activity ll for ages 6-12 Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m., 704-920-2058 • Wii Open Play Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m., 704.920.2053. • 27 Union St. North, Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook
Winter stamp/postcard show — Saturday, Sunday Jan. 11-12: 2014 show featuring 14 professional dealers, exhibits, Boy Scout merit badge program. Free admission. Bring your stamps/collections to Spring Valley High School, 120 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia S.C., sponsored by the Columbia Philatelic society, contact 803-237-1184, buckeye1053@gmail.com

Stop The Silence ant-bullying community rally — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14: Live music, vendors, raffle, food, car show, bike show, G.R.E.A.T. Team, more. Free admission. Rowan County Fairgrounds. All proceeds go to Saving Safrit Trust. Info 704-431-4449.
Ashleigh’s Angels’ Gospel Singing and Chicken ‘n Dumplings — 2-8 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14: Ashleigh’s Angels raises money to help parents of kids going through brain cancer, in memory of 3-year-old Ashleigh Jade Higgins. Dinner 2-7 p.m., Gospel singing 4-8 p.m. Children 3 and under free; $5 for age 4-12; carryout only $7; dine-in only $8 includes drink. Music by The Dosses, The Gospelairs, The Enlighteners. Southside Baptist Church, 500 Morlan Park Road (corner of Jake and Morlan Park Road.
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society Fundraiser —Taking orders for Christmas cookie trays and fudge; small cookie tray $10; large cookie tray $20; assorted fudge: chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter $20. 704-433-7908 or srcshistorian@gmail.com. Orders delivered Dec. 17-18.
First Night Masquerade Ball — New Year’s Eve. Early tickets for First Night Masquerade Ball to be held at the Courtyard by Marriott available at a 5% discount if bought by Dec. 13. To aid services at Saving Grace Farm. 704-638-2339 or http://savinggracefarm.com/first-night-masquerade-ball
To help veterans with MS — 7:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 12: Jason DaSilva documentary at Tinseltown, $12.50, 85 people minimum. See www.wheniwalk.com
To benefit Meals on Wheels of Rowan — Kathleen Boggs at Genevieve’s Salon, 1921 W. Innes St., will donate proceeds from all haircuts first Saturdays. $15, by appointment
The Moondance Orchestra and The Spotlight Dance Company of Salisbury — 7:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 18: A show featuring The Moondance Orchestra, music of Michael Buble’, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, etc., and The Spotlight Dance Company of Salisbury; a fundraiser for Rowan Helping Ministries. Tickets $10. www.moondanceorchestra.net/ to see a demo of the bands. Held at the Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St.

CJ’s BBQ, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — Live music 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday nights. 704-278-4070.
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. — • 8-11 p.m. Tuesdays: Open mic night. 704-754-4907, www.coopersofsalisbury.com, Facebook
Danny Franklin plays live — Friday Dec. 20 and Saturday Dec. 21: Old Stone Vino Main St., Kannapolis, former lead singer of Jericho, see dannyfranklinelectric guitar or danny franklin acoustic guitar on youtube.
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — Friday Dec. 13: open jukebox • Saturday Dec. 14: Karaoke with Mark Tomei starting at 8: p.m., 704-638-8996.
Go Burrito, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • Mondays: Game night • 9 p.m. Wednesdays: Karaoke night • Thursdays: Trivia night, form teams, win prizes. www.facebook.com/GoBurrito
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — • 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 14: 13th Tribe and Ordinary Sinners • Set Free Church meets 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1476.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — • 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open Bluegrass jam for acoustic musicians • 7-9 p.m. Thursday Dec. 12: The Efird Family of China Grove • noon-3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14: ‘A Banjo Christmas with Danny Bowers’ • Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook, 704-267-9439, www.historicgoldhill.com and www.themontgomerystore.com
Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 7 p.m. Tuesdays: Free pool • 8 p.m. Wednesdays: Open mic • 9 p.m. Thursdays: College Night and Karaoke, ages 18+ welcome with college ID • Fridays: Deejay Snow • 704-762-9999.
Richard’s Bar-B-Que, 522 N. Main St. — • 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Cruise-In, 10 percent off. 704-636-9561.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — • 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday: Karaoke • 6 p.m. Tuesday: Cruise-in • 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday: Karaoke. 704-642-0050.
Stars & Bars Tavern, 723 Klumac Road — • 8 p.m., Fridays: Deejay T-RAV plus local talent with Karaoke • Saturdays: Open juke box • Tuesdays: Pool league night. 704-310-5503.
Statesville Shag Club, 139 Jordan Lane, Statesville — Second and fourth Fridays, members $5, others $7. Large dance floor, cash bar, great menu, 50/50. VFW Post 2031. www.statesvilleshagclub.com
TJ’s, 2675 Providence Church Road — • 9 p.m. until, Friday Nov. 22: Wayward Reason • 9-11 p.m. Saturday Nov. 23: “Men from Vegas” Dancers, men allowed at 11 p.m. no charge. Winter hours: Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m. until. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
Uncle Buck’s All American Pub & Grub, 127 S. Main St. — • 10 p.m. Friday Dec. 13: the Alijah Trio • Saturday Dec. 14: The Vince McKinley Band. No covers. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Sundays. 704-633-3750, https://www.facebook.com/unclebucksgrub?
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: Live music. 704-938-2337.
The Charlotte Zodiac Dance Club — New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance for adults, singles and couples, social with punch 7:30 p.m., and dinner 8:15 p.m. Variety dance band The Emeralds play 9 p.m.-midnight. American Legion, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Advance tickets $25; $30 at the door. Reservations: Martha at 704-236-0344. www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com

Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13: Six of the Top 100 Wines of 2013 with Josh Lavis of Country Vintner. $5/person • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywinehsop.com, www.salisburywineshop.com
Morgan Ridge Vineyards — 2-6 p.m. open house Sunday Dec. 15: visit with Tommy and Amie Baudoin in their home, $5 includes light reception and glass of wine at the tasting room plus tour, 704-639-0911.

‘Rowan County/Salisbury: Our Place in History’ — Annual 13-week history course on Salisbury and Rowan County. See HISTORY listings.
Advanced Care Planning Workshop — 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25 : By HPCCC and Bethel AME Zion Church, 2219 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, in the Fellowship Hall with light refreshments to follow. Led by Ric Durham, open to all, notaries public will be present, no fee will be charged for anyone wishing to prepare a Living Will or Healthcare Power of Attorney. RSVP to Chiquita Knight or Joy Kennedy at 704-232-7963.
January senior adults guitar lessons — For adults 55+ at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, new 8-wk. session begins Jan. 6. Beginner or intermedate.Call Bob at 704-433-1461 or sign up at RHSC 704-216-7714, more info at www.guitarheel.com
Children’s clay classes — Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, for ages 6-14, $35 per class includes instruction, all materials, firing. Instructor Jessica Buckwalter. Must pay minimum three days in advance to hold a space • Ornaments: Dec. 14. Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail.com, www.pottery-101.com
Pottery 101 2-hour workshop — Dec. 18: “Let’s Get Messy,” 7-9 p.m. most Wednesdays: For ages 14-adult, two-hour Pottery Wheel class in one evening offers opportunity to try the potters wheel without committing to a full session of classes. Instruction on wheel throwing basics, make and decorate a pot on the potter’s wheel. $35 includes everything. Pottery made during class ready for pickup two weeks from the class date. Three-day advance registration required at 101 S. Main St., 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail.com, www.pottery-101.com
Salisbury Art Station — Dec. schedule offers”kid-free” for parents; includes art making, music, snacks, reading, short movie. Sibling discounts available, registration/payment due prior to class • Snowmen & Snowflakes: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4 p.m. $35 per student • Winter Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $42 (includes 2 slices of pizza) • First Day of Winter Inspired by Dr. Seuss: Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $42 (includes 2 slices of pizza) • SASsy Canvas (for age 21+): “Rocking around the Christmas Tree” 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19: Grab your friends and a beverage for an evening of painting and laughter; we will be painting funky and fun Christmas trees; $25. SAS, 215 Depot St., 704-754-0853 or art.notions@yahoo.com
Beginning and intermediate weaving — Private lessons on a floor loom. Day or evening times available. -300-4369,livethreadstudio@gmail.com
Zumba fitness — • 5:30 p.m., Mondays, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 704-216-7714 • 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. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Painting with Patt — Adult oil painting classes, ongoing, pay as you go. 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Patt’s home studio in Salisbury. Call for info or to sign up. Class size limited to four. Patt Legg, 704-232-6000, 704-762-9647, www.pattlegg.com/
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.
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.

Piedmont Singles — • 6:15 p.m. (new starting time) Fridays. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
New Beginnings Singles Club of Lake Norman — 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays: social group of singles over 50, Captain’s Galley Restaurant in Mooresville. Visitors welcome. 704 528 3864.

Carolina Lily events — • Dec. 12 and 14: ‘Snowball Fight’ • Dec. 19 and 21: Snow Fairy Tea Party, make a spoon fairy, decorate your own cupcake and cocoa bar, come dressed in your fairy finery • RSVP to Carolina Lily, 704 639-0033, carolinalily@att.net, www.carolinalily.com

Reception tonight at Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. — 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec.12: A retrospective of James Donaldson’s work titled “Journey of an Artist” Works from 1970-2013. Gallery reception 7 p.m. tonight, James will lead a gallery tour at 7:30 p.m. CF&A is located in the lower level of Haven Lutheran Church.
The Framing Gallery, 320 N Main St. across from Koko Java — Artist of the Month Betty Sedberry; also the work of Edward Brincefield (Mark’s brother). Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Saturday, 704-633-1246.
Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — Paintings by Phyllis Steimel, and Rowan County Miniature’s by Clyde, and Mark Brincefield. 704-647-0340, www.fineframegallery.com
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — Dec. 5-21: “Small Works,” A show of art featuring Rail Walk Artists Sharon Forthofer, Karen Frazer, Kenneth Koskela, Patt Legg, Elizabeth McAdams, Marietta Smith, and new additions Keyth Kahrs, Julie Pontell. “Festive Reception” to meet and greet the artists 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, light refreshments. Open to the public and free, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment, in Historic Salisbury’s Rail Walk Arts District. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Student Art Show, Nov. 21-Feb. 1, 2014 • Window exhibition showcasing original 2-D and 3-D artwork by Summer 2013 ARTventures Volunteers on exhibit through Dec. 15 • Fall/Winter exhibition “Restructure: Contrast and Balance,” through Feb. 1, 2014 • Gallery hours 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 S. St., Concord — Shop Seagrove and Piedmont Pottery and Soft Focus, through Dec. 19. Free, 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Sundae Art Gallery, above Cabarrus Creamery, 21 S. Union St., Concord — Each month a new show is presented. Info at 704-953-4304, www.sundaeartgallery.com
Frank Selby work in ‘Entropy’ exhibit — through Jan. 4, 2014: Group exhibition curated by Vassilios Doupas at Galeri Zilberman, Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey. Info at galerizilberman.com

Community bus trip to Christmas City USA — Friday, Dec 20: See the lights in McAdenville, departing 4 p.m., cost $25. Details, Brenda Cowan at 704-633-9073.
YMCA sponsored trips — • Broadway show trips, must sign up to reserve orchestra seating: March 4, 2014 “Evita;” April 1, 2014 “Ghost the Musical;” Aug. 20, 2014 “Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess” • Questions, reservations: Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@rowanymca.com, www.rowanymca.org • Buses leave from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd.

Juried exhibit and competition — Mooresville Artist Guild’s first juried exhibit and competition, cash prizes, plus gift certificates to Lake Country Gallery. Juror: Anne Scott Clement of Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Salisbury. Intake Jan. 10-11, 2014. Information/prospectus at www.magart.org, questions jadehart7@gmail.com Mooresville Artist Guild 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville, www.magart.org

Brian Regan at Ovens Auditorium — 8 p.m. Saturday March 22, 2014: Comedian with the most appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. Tickets $39.50/$45 at Livenation.com
Mike Birbiglia’s ‘Thank God For Jokes’ — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014: Painfully awkward stories about jokes and how they can get you in trouble. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, Charlotte. Tickets $23-$43, 704-372-1000 or www.carolinatix.org.
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