Music & more 

Salisbury Symphony presents ‘Minor Details, Major Decisions’ — 7:30 p.m., Saturday: The Brahms concerto is so important and pianist Dmitri Shteinberg so talented, Catawba College and an anonymous donor  partnered to completely overhaul the Steinway. Concertgoers will remember Shteinberg when he performed with the Salisbury Symphony two years ago. www.salisburysymphony.org

‘Christmas in the Country: Country Music Show’ — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-13: Enjoy holiday classics performed in true country fashion with Matthew Weaver, Graham Carlton, Mary Gillespie, Carol Harris and Tripp Edwards. “Christmas in the Country – Country Music Show” at Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St. Lobby and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15+tax at 704-310-5507 or www.leestreet.org

Piedmont Chamber Singers celebrate Christmas — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Christmas program “Snow” includes traditional and contemporary carols. Snowforms by R. Murray Schafer, and Mid-Winter Songs by Morten Lauridsen at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville. Donations of new or gently used coats and blankets accepted. General admission $15, $5 students. Children free with paying adult.

Time Sawyer coming to The Davis — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, $15. The Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S. in downtown Concord. 704-920-2753, www.cabarrusartscouncil.org/ davis-theatre/

 

Theater 

Salisbury High School presents ‘The Bully Plays’ — 7 p.m. Nov. 20, 21, 22: Salisbury High in partnership with the community relations division of the Salisbury Police Department present a series of short plays and monologues. In the SHS auditorium. Tickets $5 at the door. Call 704-636-1221 ext. 126 for information.

Lee Street theatre and Catawba College present ‘RENT’— 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20-22 at Lee Street Theater • 2:30 matinee also on Nov. 22 at LSt. First-ever collaboration and dual venue production • 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org

Closing weekend for ‘Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark’ The Musical — Only three shows left. Tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Adults $10, seniors and students $8. Tickets available at the Norvell Box Office, 135 E. Fisher St., or 704-633-5471 or PiedmontPlayers.com

Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ — Through Nov. 23. 1958 Springfield High School prom, the Wonderettes, learn about life and love. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, 704 788-2405, www.oldcourt housetheatre.org

Broadway’s Best to host Triad Shakesperience ‘Hamlet’ — Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. at 2 p.m.: Third in Visiting Artists series, The Triad Shakespearience production of “Hamlet.” Abridged, set in a modern day boardroom. Adult and seniors $15; students $10. www.broadwaysbest.biz or  336-575-4446. 103 Beechtree Place, near the intersection of I-40 and Farmington Road, Exit #174, in Davie County.

Old Courthouse Youth Theatre presents ‘On the Worst Day of Christmas’ — Dec. 12-21: Judy Blume, author. Tickets $12 www.old courthousetheatre.org. 49 Spring

 

Comedy

Comedy night at the Grapevine — 9- 10:30 p.m. Friday: Clint Nohr, see Brief page 2D. $8 cover. 209 S. Main St., 6704-870-2574, www.cartuccisgrapevine. com

 

Festivals

Lighting of the Fall Fires —5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22: Annual tradition at Village of Gold Hill. Visit www.historicgoldhill.com

 

This & That 

Downtown Salisbury’s Holiday Night Out — 5-9 p.m. Nov. 28: Shop Downtown Salisbury on black Friday, see Santa and the Grinch’s first appearance for the holidays, also free trolley rides, horse and carriage rides through historic downtown, strolling seasonal music by Victorian Voices. www. downtownsalisburync.com

NC Transportation Museum hosts The Polar Express — Nov. 28-Dec. 22: Exact dates, fares, excursion times at 704-636-2889 ext. 257 or 237, or www.nctrans.org. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!

Concord Library events — • BeTWEEN the Lines Book Discussion for ages 10-12 Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Read any book from the new shelf and make a clay sculpture 704-920-2058 • New Novel November for the Awesome Pageturners Book Discussion for ages 8-10, Nov. 25 at 4:30 p.m. Read any book from the new shelf and make a mystery craft. 704-920-2058 • 7 Union St. North, Concord, www.cabarruscounty.us/library or Facebook

Green Goat Gallery Holiday Bazaar — 6 p.m. Saturday: Meet the artists, sign up for a class with fiber artist Vickie Clontz, play with Carol Du nkley, raffles for knitting kits, be here for the debut of Salisbury High School’s Jazz Band. Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, 704-431-4527, greengoatgallery.com

 

Fundraisers 

Shabby Chic live auction — Preview 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov 22, sale follows: Kyle Swicegood leads the auction of repurposed items done by local artists. Proceeds go to Habitat home being built in Mocksville. Refreshments. Brock Theater, 622 N. Main St., Mocksville. Free admission. 724-321-6156 or www. DavieHabitat.org

Red & White Casino Night and silent auction — 8 p.m.-midnight, Saturday Nov. 22: Second annual event to benefit scholarship fund of Delta Fort2tude Foundation Inc. Tickets $20 single, $35 couples. Food, drinks, fun at the Salisbury Civic Center, 315 MLK Jr. Ave.

Deadline tomorrow: Order Port-a-Pit chicken or rib dinner for Darrin DiMarzio: Pickup Thursday, Dec. 4: Proceeds go to medical bills for Darrin, former president of Spencer Jaycees. Chicken plates $8.50, rib plates $13. Pickup at Rowan County Fairgrounds. 704-637-6080 or amadasbowman@gmail.com

Salisbury Pride Drag Show — Nov. 22 at Spoken Space Theater on Lee Street. Shows at 9 and 11 p.m.

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Cartucci’s Grapevine — 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. $15/person-$25/couple. Details on website and FB. Reservations recommended at 704-870-2574. www.cartuccis grapevine.com

Tonight at Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight: Alewerks and Crown Valley Breweries Winter seasonal beer tasting with Andrew Alley of 17th Street Distributing. Taste three seasonal beers from each of the breweries. $5/person • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday: Wines of Portugal wine tasting with Mike Flock, Ararat Imports. A selection of six fine Portuguese wines you’ll be impressed with in taste and value. $5/person • 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop. com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — North Carolina’s 100th Winery. Tasting room open Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine tastings $8 per person with a selection of eight wines for tastings. Also juices, non-alcohol ciders, food products, gift items. 704-636-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, see www.caublecreekvineyard.com

Morgan Ridge Vineyards & Brewhouse — • Saturday: 4th Anniversary Party, see BRIEFS page 2D. 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911, www.morganridgevineyards.com

 

Night Life

The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. — Monday, NTN trivia • 704-639-0694.

Live music at The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. —• 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: Southern Justice, no cover • Sign-up deadline 7 p.m. every Friday for in-house pool tournament, $5, start playing by 7:30 • Every Sunday open pool table all day • 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Cartucci’s Grapevine, 209 S. Main St. — • Friday: comedy night • Saturday: Live music with Reeve Coobs and Charlie King. SEE BRIEFS, page 2D.

CJ’s BBQ, 210 Old Amity Hill Road, Cleveland — • 6:30 p.m., Friday night bluegrass with Mountain Rain. 704-278-4070.

DJs Restaurant, 1502 W. Innes St. — • 7:30. p.m. Thursdays: Freeport Jazz house band, no cover • Sunday: NFL football • Monday: Money Night Football. $200 cash prizes • 704-638-9647, http://djsrestaurant.com

Pre-Thanksgiving affair at the Post — 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday November 23: with OCAA 2013-14 Dj Award Winner DjAaronS. Security enforced, proper attire required, $10 at the door. 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road.

Danny Franklin plays live — 3-5 p.m. Nov. 22: Speakeasy Smokehouse and Tap Room, 316 Brookdale St., Kannapolis. See Danny Franklin on youtube.

Go Burrito, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • 8-10 p.m. Mondays: Live team trivia • Tuesdays: Open mic night • Wednesdays: Karaoke • Thursdays: Pong tournament • Weekends: Live music, deejay, karaoke and more. www.facebook.com/ GoBurritoRumBar

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Saturday: Randy Stonehill returns. $10 in advance, $12 DOS. Tickets available thru Itickets.com or 1-800-965-9324. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: Open Bluegrass jam for acoustic musicians. Gold Hill. Facebook, 704-267-9439, www.themontgomerystore.com

Nashville Nights, 125-127 E. Innes St. — • 9:30 p.m. Saturday: Joe Lasher Jr, $5 cover. • Thursdays karaoke • Thursdays-Fridays Deejay Cherokee • Fridays live deejay • Open Thursday-Friday-Saturday 1 p.m.-2 a.m., 704-762-9990, www.nashvillenightsnc.com

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.

Uncle Buck’s All American Pub & Grub, 127 S. Main St. — 9 p.m. Saturday: Rodney and the Regulars • Wednesday, Nov. 26: Big Break with Dave Myers • Magic Mondays 6-8 p.m. with magician Glen Yost • Bike Night Tuesdays 6-9 p.m. • 704-633-3750, www.facebook.com/unclebucksgrub

 

Classes

Waterworks Visual Arts Center — Sign up at 704-636-1882. For details on classes visit www.waterworks.org. Located at 123 E. Liberty St.

• Hand & Wheel Pottery Class: Tuesday Nov. 25. For ages 12+.

• Christmas Ornaments in Clay: Dec. 6, ages 4-12.

• Fused Glass Ornaments: Dec. 6, Ages 16+.

Bridge lessons at City Park — 1-3 p.m. Mondays Jan. 5-March 16: Learning class to teach basic beginners bridge for those who have not played in a while or those with an interest but have never played. $5 for the whole 11-week course or free to Salisbury/Rowan Newcomers members. Contact Instructor Kerry Morgan at cmorgan33@carolina.rr.com or 704-636-8906.

From Darkness Into Light: A SoulCollage Journey — 1:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: $45 per participant, registration required. Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St., www.faithart.org or 740-647-0999.

Pottery 101 — 10 a.m.-noon. Saturday, Dec. 6: Your House as a Christmas Cottage. No experience needed; advanced registration required. For ages 6-14. Cost: $35.

Free basic computer classes — Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Classes run for two hours. Call 704-680-7317 or 704-870-8862 to schedule an appointment time. Knox’s Computer Business, 512 Klumac Road, Suite 8.

Master dance class for PPT’s musical ‘CATS’ — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25: Prep to audition for PPT’s spring musical “CATS” or just love to dance. Choreographer Tod A. Kubo. Cost: $20. To sign up call 704-633-5471. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., PiedmontPlayers.com

Create a painting in just one class — 6- p.m. Saturdays: Children and adult classes taught by certified art instructor. No talent required. Learn an overview of painting and leave with finished piece of art. Held at Michaels, 1465 Klumac Road. Register there or at michaels.com or 704-636-3130.

Ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, modern, hip hop, acrobatics — For ages starting at 2-1/2. Stress free, fun, friendly environment. Steppin’ Out Dance Company, 704-637-1222, www.stepoutdance.com, steppinoutdance @carolina.rr.com

Yoga or tap — • Yoga, instructor Nye Hartwick. 704-232-2427 • Adult beginner tap, instructor Donna Weinhold- Cesario • Combination classes for all ages • Gymnastics/acro for all ages • Spring recital: “The Little Mermaid,” call Marianna Jarrett 704-232-2437 • Spotlight Dance Company, 129 W. Corriher Ave., 704-637-3875.

Wine Down and Create — 6-8 p.m. first Mondays: At Green Goat Art Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave. Spencer, across from N.C. Train Museum. Canvases available for purchase; paints, easels, brushes, aprons, instructions, provided. $25 per class. Bring your own beverage. Call Patt 704-232-6000 or Carol 704-213-6171 or www.winedownandcreate.com

Free Bible lessons for children — 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 22: Includes Bible character cards, pictue activities, illustrated Bible studes, videos, songs. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Downstairs conference room of RPL Rockwell Branch (not sponsored by RPL). See JW.org and look under “children.”

Salisbury Art Station — 4-6 p.m. ongoing weekly classes: $25 per class. Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 5-7 • Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up • Thursdays 4-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up. 704-754-0853 or art.notions@yahoo.com 215 Depot St., 704-754-0853.

Beginning and intermediate weaving — Private lessons on a floor loom. Day or evening times. Liese Sadler, 215-300-4369, livethreadstudio@ gmail.com

Painting with Patt — Ongoing adult oil painting classes, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. Patt Legg, 704-232-6000, 704-762-9647, www.pattlegg.net

 

Singles

Piedmont Singles — 6:15 p.m. Fridays: Bingo. For singles as well as those widowed or divorced. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

 

Auditions

PPT’s ‘Lombardi’ — 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2: A play about the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, based on “When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi.” Show dates Jan. 29-Feb. 7. Meroney Theater, 704-633-5471 to sign up. www.PiedmontPlayers.com

‘Becky’s New Car’ — 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16: Lee Street theatre presents a Center for Faith & the Arts’ St. Thomas Players production by Steven Dietz. Claudia Galup, artistic director of St. Thomas Players, directs. Auditions at Center for Faith & the Arts at Haven Lutheran Church, 207 W. Harrison St. Rehearsals begin early January. Show dates Feb. 19-22 and 26-28. Copies of the script available for checkout; email info@leestreet.org

 

History

Rowan Museum History Club — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9: Bob Plott: Our State Dog, the Plott Hound, light refreshments; free. Rowan Museum Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St., (rear entrance, use elevator) 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com

China Grove Roller Mill open — 2-4 p.m. Sundays in November. 308 N. Main St. Operated by the Historical Society of South Rowan.

 

Art 

The Framing Gallery, 320 N. Main St. across from Koko Java — Artist of the Month: Barbara Duffy, local artist for 25 years, specializing in Plein Air and oil paintings. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesday and Saturday, 704-633-1246.

Fine Frame Gallery, 105 S. Main St. — • Folk Art by Wanda Clark  and Fall watercolors by Mark Brincefield. • Monday/Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 704-647-0340, www.fineframegallery.com

The Green Goat Gallery, 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Carve Into Life…Palette Knife Paintings of Patt Legg. Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. then 5- 8 p.m.; Sunday: 1-6 p.m. 704-431-4527, greengoatgallery@yahoo.com

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — Through Nov. 29: Festival of Gifts, invitational exhibit and sale of fine arts and crafts. Free, open to the public. Thursday- Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment, Historic Salisbury’s Rail Walk Arts District. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com

Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. —  Maria Michaelson, clay, wood, and bronze sculptures; also selections from the Sonia and Isaac Luski collection: Glass Works • Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

 

Trips 

YMCA sponsored trips — • Additional tickets available for Belk Theater Feb. 15 trip to “The Phantom of the Opera” • Dec. 2: Christmas at Billy Graham Library, $20 per person, call for details • July 14, 2015, “Annie,” Belk Theater, limited amount of seats • Non-members welcome, buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Details at 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

Opryland Resort holiday — Trip to Opryland Hotel in Nashville Nov. 30-Dec. 3: Gaylord Opryland Resort, lunch cruise, show on showboat, Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, holiday crafts, antiques art, the Ice Sculpture Experience, tickets to the Grand Ole Opry show. For details and prices call Janie Waller 704-278-4803.

 

Call for vendors

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday post-parade celebration —12:30p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: The Human Relations Council is accepting applications for food, craft, retail vendors to participate, held at Hall Gym. No vendor fee. Register at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@salisburync.gov

 

Call for volunteers

Help feed the horses — The Horse Protection Society of NC, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, needs volunteers to help feed the horses. www.horseprotection.org or email hps@horseprotection.org

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration weekend — The Human Relations Council needs volunteers to help plan the MLK Jr. holiday parade and breakfast programs, input needed from community representatives. Find meeting dates at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015 or email humanresources @salisburync.gov

 

Call for performers

Downtown Salisbury Inc. invites carolers, choirs, bell ringers to help ‘Sing in the Season’ — 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: During the First Friday celebration downtown merchants stay open late. Each group will be assigned a location in front of a participating merchant and are welcome to collect donations for their church or non-profit of their choice. To sign up your group email mollie@visitsalisburync.com or call 704-637-7814. For more information go to www.DowntownSalisburyNC.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday parade — 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: The Human Relations Council needs community groups, bands, dancers,  performers to participate in the parade. Register at www.tinyurl.com/joinMLK2015. Go to www.humanrelationscouncil.org or email humanresources@salisburync.gov

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday post-parade celebration — 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015: The Human Relations Council needs community groups, bands, dancers, performers to participate in the post-parade celebration at Hall Gym. Contact the HRC at humanresources@salisburync.gov

 

It’s not too soon to start filling in your Christmas event calendar

Lee Street Polar Express Opening Performance w/NC Transportation Museum — Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 17-22

Lee Street Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour — Opening Performance w/HSF — Fri-Sat, Nov. 28-29 and Fri-Sat, Dec 5-6, 12-13, 19-20.

‘Sing We Now of Christmas’ — 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: St. John’s Men’s Chorus Christmas concert, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. Free concert will benefit Rowan Helping Ministries. 704-636-3431.

Downtown Salisbury’s Holiday Night Out — 5-9 p.m. Friday Nov. 28: Shop Downtown Salisbury, see Santa and the Grinch’s first appearance for the holidays, also free trolley rides, horse and carriage rides, strolling seasonal music by Victorian Voices. www. downtownsalisburync.com

Cystic Fibrosis holiday project — 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: Helen and Ralph Brown and Linda and Derby Holshouser host a Country Christmas tour of the Holshouser’s 1910 farmhouse on highway 150, showcasing 12 decorated trees, a variety of Christmas vignettes. Craft vendors in the festive barn and cottage. A tour of the grounds includes vintage cars, horses, farm animals. Homemade goodies, beverages, door prizes. Tickets at 101 Pottery, Spencer Doll Museum, Anne Roland Furniture for $5. All proceeds from tickets sales will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For information call Helen Brown at 704-636-5902.

‘Christmas in the Country: Country Music Show’ — Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 11-13, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 11-13: Matthew Weaver, Graham Carlton, Mary Gillespie, Carol Harris, Tripp Edwards. Lee Street theatre, 329 N. Lee St. $15+tax at 704-310-5507 or www.leestreet.org

Salisbury Symphony presents ‘The Nutcracker’ — 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. www.salisburysymphony.org for tickets and information.

Holiday Organ Tour — 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29:  Skilled musicians will speak to the specific organ they will be playing and perform selected holiday and sacred music pieces. Details at CFA , 704-647-0999.

Winter Arts Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: Harp and flute concert with Helen Rifus and Gay Tatman. Afterward, guests may view a display of Winter and Christmas artwork from local older adult artists who attend art classes at the center. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for concert. at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.

Winter Arts Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Harp and flute music concert with Helen Rifus and Gay Tatman. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge for concert.

Christmas in the Village — Dec 12-14 – Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Sponsored by Gold Hill Merchants Association, held in the Historic Village of Gold Hill. Info at www. historicgoldhill.com

Piedmont Chamber Singers celebrate Christmas — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Traditional and contemporary carols. Shallowford Presbyterian, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville. Donations of new or gently used coats and blankets will be collected. General admission tickets $15, $5 students. Children free with paying adult.

St. Philips African Moravian Church to Hold Lovefeast — Noon, Thursday, Dec. 11: Christmas Lovefeast at St. Philips African Moravian Church at Old Salem to commemorate the first service held in the church on Dec. 15, 1861. Free and open to the public.Includes traditional Lovefeast buns and tea and special music featuring the Voices of God’s Children, an all-volunteer choir dedicated to the preservation of Negro Spirituals.

UNCSA’s production of The Nutcracker — Dec. 12-21: Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and the extraordinary performances of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. At UNCSA’s Stevens Center, 405 W. Fourth St., Winston-Salem. Ticket and time information at uncsa.edu/nutcracker.

Cabarrus County seniors Christmas party — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, December 9: “It’s a Cowboy Christmas,” free admission for senior citizens, free parking, entertainment, refreshments, door prizes, goody bags, prizes for best Christmas Cowboy and Cowgirl. Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 N. Carolina 49, Concord, 704-920-3976, www.cabarrusarena.com

Old Salem Museums & Gardens ‘Salem Christmas’— Saturday, Dec. 13: Families can sing Christmas carols to the accompaniment of an 1800 Tannenberg organ. Costumed interpreters in historic hearth kitchens. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes • A new holiday puppet show, “The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree,” at 3:30 and 4 p.m. The show tells the story of an Appalachian family’s sacrifice and commitment to church and community during World War I. • American Heritage Drinking Chocolate and Christmas • Rides on covered wagons, drawn by mules • A Soulful Christmas concert by Envision, at St. Philips Heritage Center at noon and other live music • Historic games for children on Salem Square • At 5:15 p.m., the event will conclude with carol singing and the lighting of the 16-feet-tall Moravian Christmas pyramid. • Admission to these activities is included with an All-in-One ticket: $23 for adults and $11 for children ages 6-16 ($3 discount on tickets purchased at oldsalem.org.) • Dec. 13:  aturday with St. Nicholas, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $7 per person (ages 2 and up). Not included with All-in-One ticket.

Denton FarmPark sixth annual Country Christmas Train — Nov. 28, 29, 30; Dec. 4-7; 11-14; 18-23; 26-27: Gates open 4:30 p.m. on Friday- Saturday, 5 p.m. on other nights. Denton FarmPark is home of the Southeast Old Threshers’ Reunion. This event features a ride on the Handy Dandy Railroad, a movie about the birth of Christ, lights and scenes. At the Church hear a bible related story and sing carols. The entrance to the Country Christmas Train is at 4259 Handy Road, Denton, NC 27239. For information on group rates: 336-859-2755, www.countrychristmastrain.com. 40 mins from Salisbury.