2016 local Christmas events

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 24, 2016

Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour — Travel back in time with Scrooge via the trolley; scenes acted out at historic downtown sites. A live-theater presentation.Four times a night Friday-Saturday Nov. 25-Dec. 23. Advance tickets recommended. Tours begin at Salisbury-Rowan Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

Polar Express Train Ride at the NC Transportation Museum — Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-22: Meet popular characters from the holiday tale, Reindeer Games, entertainment, s’mores, a post-ride children’s play area. See www.nctrans.org for time and ticket information.

Downtown Salisbury Holiday Night Out — Nov. 25, 5-9 p.m. With the strolling Victorian Voices and more.  https://downtownsalisburync.com/

Kannapolis: 10th annual Holiday Market — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25-26: at The Laureate Center in Kannapolis City Hall. Local vendors and artists, entertainment. Free admission. www.kannapolisnc.gov

Santa and the Grinch at the Bell Tower — Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-noon: https://downtownsalisburync.com/

RPL’s Saturday Cinema presents 1954’s ‘White Christmas’ — 10:30 a.m. Nov. 26: Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Light refreshments. At RPL East Branch (Rockwell). Call 704-216-7842 for details.

Kannapolis: Tree Lighting Ceremony — 6 p.m. Nov. 26: Village Park, 700 West C St. Live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, fireworks. Free admission. www.kannapolisnc.gov

Kannapolis: Winterland Express train — Nov. 26-Dec. 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 250,000+ Christmas light displays. Admission and viewing of the lights is free; train ride tickets are $2. At Village Park, 700 West C St. www.kannapolisnc.gov

Kannapolis: Visit with Santa — 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 26-Dec. 30 except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit Santa in his studio; storytelling by Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays and Fridays thru Dec. 20; local musicians performing favorite Christmas songs. The Kannapolis Singing Bears entertain each hour on the hour. The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers group with popular model trains on display Nov. 26, 27, 30; Dec. 1-4, 7-23 and 26-30. At Village Park, 700 West C St. www.kannapolisnc.gov

29th annual Service of Lessons & Carols — 6:30 p.m. prelude, 7 p.m. service Monday, Nov. 28: Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, Catawba. Reserve up to 4 free tickets at 704-637-4396. Also Thursday, Dec. 1.

Christmas Craft Fair at the Y — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 30: Open to the public. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.

Concord: Old Courthouse Theatre presents ‘A Broadway Christmas Carol’ — Dec. 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4, 11, 18 at 2:30 p.m. Cross between classic Dickens’ tale and uproarious song parodies of favorite Broadway show tunes. Tickets at www.oldcourthousetheatre.org or 704-788-2405. Old Courthouse Theater, 49 Spring St. NW, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Salisbury AARP Christmas party — 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1: Covered dish Christmas Party, music by Bob Wingate and his guitar class. Bring non-perishable food for Rowan Helping Ministries. Also 2017 elections. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 MLK Jr. Ave. Seniors 50+. Information 704-216-7714.

29th annual Service of Lessons & Carols — 6:30 p.m. prelude, 7 p.m. service Thursday, Dec. 1: Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, Catawba. Reserve up to 4 free tickets at 704-637-4396.

Jeff Whittington Holiday Show at The Davis — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1: Evening of bluegrass and Christmas music hosted by Jeff Whittington, NC Banjo Champion. 65 Union St. South, Concord. Tickets $16 at http://cabarrusartscouncil.org or 704-920-2753.

First Friday: Jingle Mingle — Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m. https://downtownsalisburync.com/

The Arc of Rowan Festival of Trees — 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2 • 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 3 • 1-5 p.m. Dec. 4. Free. At the F&M Trolley Barn, 127 E. Liberty St. 704-637-1521, www.thearcofrowan.org

Three dates for Piedmont Choral Society Christmas concerts — Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. North, Concord. On Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. the groups will perform at Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle. The Piedmont Choral Society partners with the Pfeiffer University Choir and a 25 piece orchestra for their annual free Christmas concerts. Info: kayy2000@gmail.com or 704-699-6053.

Tree lighting ceremony and candy cane hunt — 6 p.m. Dec. 2: Free. Held at City Park Lake. Sponsored by Salisbury Parks and Recreation, www.salisburync.gov

Bethlehem Marketplace — 4-8 p.m. Dec. 2-3-4: Travel back 2000 years to a place called Bethlehem. A Roman centurion will guide you as you experience prophecy, angelic visitations, a visit to the marketplace, a very full inn, and the stable birthplace of Jesus Christ. Free. Handicapped accessible. North Main Baptist Church, 1501 N. Main St., 704-637-2929, www.northmainonline.com

Kannapolis: Intimidators Holiday laser light festival — Friday-Sunday Dec. 2-4: General admission $5, kids $4. Three nightly shows set to favorite Christmas songs, at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., rain or shine. Held at Intimidators Stadium. The Kid Zone will be open, Santa and other holiday characters on hand, holiday concession and crafts for sale. Tickets at www.intimidatorsbaseball.com or call 704-932-3267.

Millers Ferry Fire Dept. Christmas Craft Show — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3: Christmas craft event. 2650 Long Ferry Road, info at firemom114@yahoo.com

Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18. Special evening tour on Christmas Eve 5:30-8 p.m. Admission for weekend tours is $5 per person. Admission to Christmas Eve Tour is by donation. The 1820 two-story Federal style house is located at 226 S. Jackson St. 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org

Fulton Heights Christmas Home Tour — Saturday, Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m., Fulton Heights Neighborhood • 515 Wiley Ave. • 111 Maupin Ave. • 513 Maupin Ave. • 502 Maupin Ave. • $10 donation. Plus Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making the rounds on their Kawasaki throughout the neighborhood. TInfo Theresa Pitner, theresapit@hotmail.com

Brunch With Santa — 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 3: Share a pancake brunch with Santa plus crafts, games, photos. Civic Center. Pre-registration required at www.salisburync.gov/play. $20 family of 4/ $6 per person.

17th annual RoBoJo Holiday Theater — 2 p.m. Dec. 3: Hour-long variety show featuring holiday stories, songs, jokes, readers’ theater, audience participation for kids of all ages. Rowan Public Library headquarters, 201 W. Innes St. 704-216-8243.

Rowan Museum’s Gingerbread House Workshop — 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4: Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St. Tickets and reservations at 704-633-5946, www.rowanmuseum.org

ROCOC Christmas Concert — 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4: Featuring Raising Glory Band. Hosted by Life Church, 708 Jake Alexander Blvd. West. Benefits Rowan One Church One Child Ministry: make a difference in the life of a Rowan County child or teenager receiving Child Protective or Foster Care Services. For info email Jon.Hunter@rowancountync.gov

‘The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss’ as performed by The Phoenix Readers — 2 p.m. Dec. 5: at Trinity Oaks. Kate Davis, 703-217-1027, Kldavis302@Gmail.com

PPT auditions for ‘Act One’ — 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6: Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Auditions will consist of cold reading from the script. Third floor of the Meroney Theater. Show dates Jan. 26-Feb. 4. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com

USO Troupe Holiday Show at The Davis — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5: A repertoire of holiday and Broadway songs. A portion of the sales from this show will go toward the support of USO programs. 65 Union St. South, Concord. Tickets $15 at http://cabarrusartscouncil.org or 704-920-2753.

RPL presents Winter Traditions — 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 6: For age 11 and under. Learn about winter traditions around the world. Sponsored by Smart Start Rowan. At Headquarters (Salisbury). 704-216-8234 for details.

RPL’s Holiday Pajama Express — 6-7:30 p.m., Dec. 6: For age 11 and under. Participants are invited to wear favorite holiday pajamas, have refreshments, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. At South Rowan Regional (China Grove). 704-216-7729 for details.

Second annual Phoenix Readers Christmas show — • 7 p.m. Dec. 6: Oak Park Retirement • 2 p.m. Dec. 7: Morningside Of Concord • 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13: Memorial Baptist Church, Kannapolis • 2 p.m. Dec. 20: Trinity Oaks. Kate Davis, 703-217-1027, Kldavis302@Gmail.com

Lee Street theatre presents ‘10 Minutes till Christmas: 9th Annual New Play Festival’ — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-10: Lee Street Theatre, 329 N. Lee St. www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.

PPT’s ‘Elf: The Musical’ — Dec. 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10, 11, 17 at 2:30 p.m. Join the cast for a complimentary reception in the Norvell lobby following the opening performance. Adults $12, seniors/students $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471,  www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Historic Gold Hill Village Christmas in Gold Hill Village — Dec. 9-11: Refreshments in the shops, visit with Santa, Friday night shopping, S’mores at the Arbor. 735 Saint Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill. Sponsored by Gold Hill Merchants’ Association, www.goldhillnc.com

‘Christmas In The City’  — 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 -10: Dinner Theater, $25/person •• 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11: Show only, $10/person •• Christmas worship musical and dinner theater with small symphony, choir, soloists, quartet, worship dance and drama. Dinner served banquet style with music in the background until the show begins. Presented by He’s Alive Church, 1310 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis. Tickets at hesalivechurch.org or on Sunday mornings at the church.

Skate with Santa’s Friends at Afton Ridge— Rudolph (6-8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10) and A Princess from noon-6 p.m. Dec. 10 • Santa visits on Dec. 11. Skating is free. skate rentals $5 with donation fo Kids 4 Kids in Need. See shopaftonridge.com

Santa and the Grinch at the Antique Fire Trucks — Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. https://downtownsalisburync.com/

RPL’s Stories with Elves — 10:30 a.m.-noon, Dec. 10: Christmas stories, light refreshments, activities geared toward age 11 and under. Crafts, activities, Christmas Karaoke, visit from Santa Claus. At East Branch (Rockwell). 704-216-7842 for details.

78th annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade — 6 p.m. Dec. 10: Travels through downtown Kannapolis and usually lasts until 7:30 p.m. www.kannapolisnc.gov or 704-932-3808.

Salisbury Swing Band Christmas Show — 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10: Live from the Food Court at the Carolina Mall in Concord. Free and open to the public.

Charlotte: Tosco Music Holiday Party — Dec. 10: Acoustic music showcase. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St.. Tickets now available at www.carolinatix.org or 704-372-1000. Details at www.ToscoMusic Party.org

Tea with Mrs. Claus at the Spencer Doll & Toy Museum — 2-4 p.m. Dec. 11: Tea and cookies, punch, displays, door prizes, snacks, helpers, museum tour, The Great Santa search, a special Christmas story. $28 one adult/one child pair, $13 each additional child or $15 additional adult. Proceeds benefit the Museum, 108 Fourth St., Spencer. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com

St. John’s Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert — 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11: In the sanctuary at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Downtown Salisbury. Free event to benefit Rowan Helping Ministries.

Karl Hales’ ‘A Christmas Tradition’ — 7-8:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 12-13: Annual event held at the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Bring a canned good for Rowan Helping Ministries. Stories by Karl Hales, and music of the holidays by Neal Wilkinson, Susan Trivette, Debbie Hubbard-Pastore and Laura Millspaugh.

ERHS Honors Chorus Christmas celebration — 7 p.m. Dec. 12: Transformation Church hosts Dean Orbison and East Rowan High School Honors Chorus. Special offering benefits the ER Honors Chorus. Transformation Church, 1350 Old Stone House Road, 704-633-6588.

Winston-Salem Symphony presents 10th annual ‘Handel’s Messiah’ — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14: Guest singers Margaret Carpenter Haigh, soprano; Daniel Moody, countertenor; Jonathan Blalock, tenor; Theo Hoffman, baritone. At Centenary United Methodist Church, 646 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem. Tickets are $15-$47 at WSsymphony.org or 336-464-0145.

Rowan Big band All Stars Holiday concert — Dec. 16: Live at Lee Street. 18-piece community big band in the style of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other early twentieth-century greats, home-based in Landis.

‘The Nutcracker’ — Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 18 at 2:30 p.m.: Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and Piedmont Dance Theatre present the family classic, at Catawba’s Keppel Auditorium. Reserve ticket info at salisburysymphony.org

Community Travelers going to Christmas City: McAdenville — Saturday, Dec. 17: For information and seat reservation contact Brenda Cowan 704-633-9073 or Cathy Alexander 704-636-8900.

31st annual Old Christmas at Old Stone House — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1-4: Old Stone House, 770 Old Stone House Road. Call 704-633-5946 or visit www.rowanmuseum.org for details.

New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower — 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31: Free. Ring in the New Year at Salisbury’s historic Bell Tower with live music, video feed of Times Square, hot chocolate, goodies, the ringing of the bell at midnight. Sponsored by Salisbury Parks and Recreation, www.salisburync.gov

The Avett Brothers New Year’s Eve in Charlotte — 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31: $39.50 to $75 (plus fees) at Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, or Bojangles’ Coliseum Box Office, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

Rhiannon Giddens at W-S Symphony’s New Year’s Eve pops concert —  8 p.m. Dec. 31: Singer, violinist, banjo player for Grammy award-winning group the Carolina Chocolate Drops, will ring in the New Year with a night of bluegrass, folk, and jazz. At Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road. Tickets $20-$67 at 336-464-0145 or WSsymphony.org

Christmas at Historic Rosedale — Celtic-Heritage Christmas • Holiday Greenery Workshop • 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, www.historicrosedale.org

Christmas in Old Salem — • Holiday Open House • Moravian Christmas in the South exhibit • Christmas by Candlelight Guided Tours • NC Harp Ensemble Holiday Concert • Saturdays with St. Nicholas • Candle Teas • Anniversary Lovefeast at St. Philips • Tannenberg Organ Recital Series • Christmas Week in Old Salem • Peter and the Wolf Concert • www.oldsalem.org

Christmas at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden • Holiday Tea Tasting Nov. 27 • Holiday Wine Pairing Dec. 10 • Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 • Hair of the Dog Hike Jan. 1 • 704-829-1252, www.DSBG.org

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