Christmas Fun! Find more at

Salisbury-Rowan 

• ‘A Visit to Santa’s Workshop’ — 2-5 p.m. weekdays Nov 27-Dec 23 plus by appointment on Saturdays at The Sugar Fairy Sweet Shop. Get a free candy cane from Santa; photos taken for purchase. For autistic or special needs children, book a 5-minute appointment with the big guy. Bring a wrapped gift ahead of time and Santa will give it to your child right from his big velvet toy bag. Info 704-239-2700. 1108 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer.

• ‘It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play’ at Old Courthouse Theatre — Opens 8 p.m. Nov. 30: Beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast at Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St NW, Concord. Performance dates 8 p.m. Nov 30, Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16. Sunday matinees Dec 3, 10, 17 at 2:30 p.m. Info and tickets 704-788-2405 or www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

• Vernaculars Showcase 1 — • 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1: Catawba Music presents a Vernaculars concert Free at Catawba College, 2300 W Innes St., catawba.edu

• The Arc of Rowan annual Festival of Trees — • 7-9 p.m. Dec 1

• 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec 2: Storytime at 1 p.m.; Santa & Mrs. Claus at 1:30 p.m.

• 1-5 p.m. Dec 3: Storytime at 2 p.m.; Santa & Mrs. Claus at 2:30 p.m.

Free to the public. F & M Trolley Barn, 127 E. Liberty St., 704-637-1521, www.thearcofrowan.org

• Jingle Mingle — 5-9 p.m. Dec 1: Classic holiday fun with strolling carols, hot cocoa, special visits from Santa and the Grinch. downtownsalisburync.com

• Cleveland Christmas Parade: 2 p.m. Dec 2.

• Rockwell Civitans host Breakfast with Santa — Dec 2: Santa Claus arrives via motorcycleat Romano’s Italian Restaurant in Rockwell. Tickets $5 each for three breakfast seatings 8:30-9:30 a.m. • 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Seating is limited. Tickets available at 704-754-3207. Includes full breakfast, visit with Santa and take pictures, make a Christmas craft, write letters to Santa, shop in Santa’s mobile mall.

• Brunch with Santa — 10 a.m.- noon Dec 2: Register in advance. Salisbury Civic Center. $6 per person or $20 per family of 4.

• Christmas Craft and Vendor Show — Dec 2-3: Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $2 or 2 cans of food for food pantry. Children under 12 free. Rowan County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by Rowan County Fair Association.

• 20th annual ROBOJO — 2-3 p.m. Dec 2: 20th annual children’s Christmas Show. In the Stanback Room, RPL, W. Fisher St. rowanpubliclibrary.org

• Come see Santa at the Lake — 3-5 p.m. Dec 2: At Granite Lake Park (Rain date Dec 3). Free event for children of all ages. Enjoy Santa, his elves, hot chocolate, and the Christmas Trees lighting (around 5 p.m.) Make sure to bring your camera.

• Happy’s Farm Storybook Christmas — 4-7 p.m. Dec 2 and 3: $5 per person; $5 Activity Pass includes • horse ride • Western theme playground • jail arcade • hot dog with fixins’ and drink • meet and take pictures with storybook characters • ride Happy’s Express Hay Wagon • children can ride The Cress Express , the farm’s special Veteran train. Proceeds from this event support the farm’s Veteran H.E.R.O. Project. Happy’s Farm, 985 Parks Road, 704-279-5268, www.happysfarm.org

Winter Workshops at Salisbury Art Station —

• Tiny Canvas Painting and Card Making. 10 a.m.-noon Dec 2; 1-3 p.m. Dec 9; 1-3 p.m. Dec 16. Paint small canvases that can easily be made into keepsake ornaments or gifts. $25 for materials and instruction

• Individual Expression. 4-6 p.m. Dec 15 and Dec 22. Students will be given 3 8×10 canvases to create their own works of art. $25 for materials and instruction.

• For children age 5 and up. Call and arrange for payment to hold a spot. 120 E. Innes St., 704-754-0853.

Tree Lighting in Hanna Park — 7 p.m. Dec 2: Second annual Lighting of the Town of China Grove Christmas Tree. Light refreshments and caroling.

• Fulton Heights Holiday Tour — 5-8 p.m. Dec 2: . $10 suggested donation. Linda & Buddy Jones. 715 Wiley Ave.; Bret Busby. 507 Wiley Ave.; Susan & Mike Williams. 701 Maupin Ave.; Soful Yoga & Wellness. 1024 S. Fulton St.; Happy Roots. 1026 S. Fulton St.

• Swing into Christmas for Rowan Helping Ministries — 7 p.m. Dec 2: Salisbury Swing Band live at the Salisbury Civic Center, 704-798-5840, salisburyswingband.com

• Christmas on the Homefront at the Price of Freedom Museum — 3-6 p.m. Dec 3 and Dec 10: WWII-era three-room house decorated for Christmas, live traditional Christmas music, vintage Christmas items in the Do You Remember room, winter refreshments, special Pearl Harbor display in the Navy Room, all displays open, all branches represented. Music Dec 3 by Strings of Victory; music Dec 10 by Madison McCorkle. Free admission, donations accepted. The Price of Freedom Museum, 2420 Weaver Road, China Grove, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us

• Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society presents ‘Tales of St. Nicholas: The Art of the Gift’ — • 4:30 p.m. Dec 3 at Milford Hills UMC, 1630 Statesville Blvd., and • 7:30 p.m. Dec 8 at First UCC, 207 W. Horah St. Holiday concert of familiar Christmas songs plus some new numbers. Bring a new unwrapped toy for children served by Rowan DSS. See Facebook page or call 704-796-9683.

• Gingerbread Workshop at Rowan Museum — Dec 3: Advance registration required. Museum volunteers put the houses together, you and your child decorate. $35 per house. www.rowanmuseum.org

• PPT Youth Theatre presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — Dec 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., Nov 9, 10 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. Classic animated television special comes to life; Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets go on sale Nov 27. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471,www.PiedmontPlayers.com

• Live Nativity — 6-9 p.m. Dec 7, 8, 9: Live nativity set to musical narrative outside Franklin Baptist Church, 3810 Hwy 601 next to Rowan Memorial Park. Come inside for soup, sandwiches, Christmas goodies, hot chocolate. Info Sandi Hache 704-797-6536 or flashofjoy@yahoo.com

• Drive-through Live Nativity — 6:30-8:30 p.m. December 8, 9, 10: Free admission, hot chocolate and cookies. Cleveland First Baptist Church, 200 Maple St., 704-278-5486.

• Christmas Dance at Harold B. Jarrett Post 342 — 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec 8: (second Fridays): Contest and prize for the ugliest Christmas Sweater. Family friendly. Music by DJ Rawhide (Lee Clark). $10 admission, finger foods served. 1024 Lincolnton Road. Info 704-637-1722.

• Christmas in Historic Gold Hill Village — Dec 8-10: Christmas in the Village in Historic Gold Hill. Santa’s in town, complimentary refreshments in the shops, hayrides, marshmallow roasting, live music, free photo ops with Santa, all free to the public. Shops open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec 8-9, and 12:30-5 p.m. Dec 10. Complete schedule at www.goldhillnc.com. Saint Stephens Church Road. Email questions to goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com

• Phoenix Readers present Christmas Made in America — 5-8:30 p.m. Dec 8: Holiday celebration. Bishop Family Chreche Collection in the Galleries; music in the Parlor with string trios from Salisbury Youth Orchestra, Ashley Jo Farmer, Phoenix Readers; face painting and magic in the hallways; artists host first ever Suitcase Sale in the large front classroom; homebaked goodies, hot chocolate, coffee, everything for $1 outside the office; chances to win a Soul Collage session, handmade holiday fascinator, other items; raffle tickets are $1 each, in the library. 207 W. Harrison St, www.faithart.org, 704-647-0999.

• Bethlehem Marketplace — 4-8 p.m. Dec 9-10: Travel back 2000 years to a place called Bethlehem. A Roman centurion will guide you as you experience prophecy, angelic visitations, and a visit to a marketplace, a very full inn, and the stable birthplace of Jesus Christ. Admission is free. Children welcome. Handicapped accessible. North Main Baptist Church, 1501 North Main St., 704-637-2929 or www.northmainonline.com

• Horizons Unlimited — • 1-3 p.m. Dec 9: Cookies with Santa and Holiday Lasers • Dec 16: Holiday Lasers, Hall of Trees, silent auction, Holiday laser shows, Winter Story Walk and Setzer Christmas. 1636 Parkview Circle. 704-639-3004, www.rss.k12.nc.us/horizonsunlimited-margaret-c-woodson-planetarium

• Weekend tours of the Hall House dressed in its holiday best — 1-4 p.m. Dec 9-10 and 16-17 with special Candlelight Christmas Eve Tour from 6-8 p.m. Admission $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12. Admission for the candlelight tour is by donation. www.historicsalisbury. org/tours/hall-house-tours

• Fifth annual Rail Walk Studios and Gallery’s Festival of Gifts — Through Dec 9: Showcasing the work of local artisans, 409-413 N. Lee St., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Free and open to the public. 704-469-2781, www.railwalkgallery.com

•  St. John’s Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert — 4 p.m. Dec 10: St. John’s Men’s Chorus presents “Sing to the Child” under the direction of Jason Harwood. Plus congregational carol singing, St. John’s handbells. Free admission. Nursery provided.

• Tea with Mrs. Claus at the NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures — 2-4 p.m. Dec 11: $28 includes adult/child ticket. Complimentary doll for each attendee. Must RSVP • 108 Fourth St., Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.NCMDTM.com

• Christmas Tradition Stories & Music of Christmas — 7 p.m. Dec 11-12: At the Meroney Theatre featuring Karl Hales and Neal Wilkinson with Lauren Stephenson, vocalists and Susan Trivette, pianist. Admission: canned item for Rowan Helping Ministries.

• Rowan Big Band All Stars at Lee Street theatre — 7:30 p.m. Dec 15: 18-piece community big band in the style of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, etc. $20 + tax. 329 N. Lee St., 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org

• Third annual Cruise-By Christmas Window Art Show — Drive by 24 hours a day Dec 16-Jan 6: Window art of local artist Cherrathee Hager. Locations so far: Hendrix BBQ 1624 at W. Innes St.; Hendrix BBQ at 1530 Statesville Blvd.; The Pop Shoppe at 1831 W. Innes St.; Landmark Family Resturant at 1617 South Main St.

• Salisbury Symphony’s ‘The Nutcracker’ with Piedmont Dance Theatre — Dec 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec 17 at 2:30 p.m. Keppel Auditorium. Tickets at salisburysymphony.org

• Santa and the Grinch with Antique Fire Trucks — 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Dec 16: Cruise around downtown. Cookies, cocoa, holiday crafts while you wait. Weather permitting. downtownsalisburync.com

• Christmas Open House at THD — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec 16: free horse and carriage rides, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Hot chocolate, cookies, craft vendors. Tilley Harley-Davidson, 653 Bendix Drive, 704-638-6044, www.tilleyhdofsalisbury.com

•  A Service of Lessons and Carols  — 11 a.m.   Dec. 17: St. John’s Lutheran Church. Carols and anthems   by the Chancel Choir, St. John’s Men’s Chorus, St. John’s Women’s Ensemble, soloists and Instrumental Ensemble. The music of Handel, Forrest, Rutter and others composers will be featured.

• Handel’s Messiah by Salisbury Symphony and Symphony Chorale — 6:30 p.m. Dec 19: Holiday concert of Christmas excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah.” First Presbyterian Church at 308 W. Fisher St. $15 adults and $5 ages 18 and below. Free for children under 10. General admission. Tickets at www.salisburysymphony.org, or 704-216-1513.

• Boston butt and turkey BBQ — Dec 22, 5-8 p.m.: Cleveland Lions’ Den, Cemetery Street, Cleveland. Pre-order by Dec 18, 704-278-2252.

• Old Stone Christmas — Dec 30-31: at Old Stone House, Christmas like our Rowan County ancestors would have known 200 years ago. $5 adults $3 students. www.rowanmuseum.org

• New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower — 9 p.m. – midnight Dec 31: Hosted by Salisbury Parks and Rec. Celebrate at Salisbury’s historic Bell Tower. Live music, video feed of Time Square, hot cocoa, more. downtownsalisburync.com

Kannapolis

• Holiday Market at The Laureate Center — 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec 9: Kannapolis City Hall. Free admission. Info www.kannapolisnc.gov/christmas

Kannapolis Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. Dec 9.

Concord

• Bill Gaither & The Gaither Christmas Homecoming at the Cabarrus Arena — 6 p.m. Dec 2: Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC 49, Concord, 704-920-3976, www.cabarrusarena.com

• Piedmont Choral Society’s annual Christmas concerts — Dec 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec 10 at 3 p.m.: 50-voice community choir with orchestra presents familiar carols and songs of the season at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. North, Concord. Free, followed by reception. www.piedmontchoralsociety.org

• The Barefoot Christmas Movement Show — 8 p.m. Dec 16: Christmas favorites from International Bluegrass Music Association’s Band of the Year. $30. The Davis Theatre. 65 Union St., South in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. 704-920- ARTS or www.cabarrusartscouncil.org

Elsewhere 

•  All Aboard: Denton Country Christmas Train — 9th Annual Country Christmas Train each weekend and other select weeknights through Dec 27. 1 ½ -mile 20-min. loop around Denton FarmPark, past hundreds of light displays, live Nativity, and a short film about the Christmas story. Also, a gingerbread house with cookie decorating area for kids. Denton is about an hour from Salisbury. Information, hours and tickets at www.dentonfarmpark.com

• A Tweetsie Christmas — Through Dec 30: Blowing Rock. Santa Claus in his shop, train ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains, carolers throughout the park, live Christmas show, roasted s’mores, select the perfect Christmas tree to take home. Advance tickets recommended at Tweetsie.com

• Christmas in Old Salem — 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec 9: 18th-19th century celebrations culminate in lighting of 16-foot-tall Moravian Christmas pyramid. Other days: candlelight tours, A Special Day with St. Nicholas, St. Philips Anniversary Lovefeast, Tannenberg Organ Recital Series, Christmas Week. See oldsalem.org for dates, times, details.

• ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ at Ovens Auditorium — 7 p.m. Dec 20: $29.50-$69.50 plus charges. Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. See rudolphthemusical.com

• High Point Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ — Dec 20-22: At High Point Theater, 220 E Commerce Ave., reserved seating, see highpointballet.org or call 336-887-4HPB.

• 26th Annual Tanglewood Festival of Lights — Begins 6 p.m. through Jan 1: 26th annual Festival at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons. Also Santa and Mrs. Claus, performers, gift village, tractor-pulled hayrides. Reservations required at 336-766-9540 or http://www.forsyth.cc/Parks/Tanglewood/

 

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Theater

PPT Youth Theatre presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — Dec 7-9 and 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., Nov 9, 10 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. Classic animated television special comes to life; Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets go on sale Nov 27. Adults $12, students/seniors $10. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471,www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Ovens Auditorium and Blumenthal Performing Arts host hit Broadway musicals — • Les Misérables, Dec 13-17 • School of Rock, Jan 9-14 • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, April 17-22. 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

 

Music & more 

See also Night Life

Fridays@First Advent Series — Noon, Dec 1: First United Methodist Church’s annual Fridays@First Advent Series begins with music by composers who died from AIDS, for World AIDS Day, performed by organist Matthew Michael Brown, harpist Bonnie Bach, flutist Lissie Shanahan, soprano Lurline Baccari. Continues each Friday of Dec . Concerts are 30 minutes, free, open to all. First UMC, 217 S. Church St., 704-636-3121, www.fumcsalisbury.org

The Gibson Brothers appearing at High Point Theatre — Dec 2: Along with their longtime band. High Point Theatre, 220 E Commerce Ave. Ticket info at 336-883-3401, http://www.highpointtheatre.com

Open mic at Mean Mug —Dec 1: Hosted by Jamie Slate and thev. Rich band Sign up begins 7 p.m. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Sunday concert at Mean Mug — 5:30-8 p.m. Dec 3 – Meryl Vogh, and special guest, Eric Upton. Plus Cliff Vogh, no cover. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — Jan 6: A night of music, wine, food, dancing. This year’s theme “First Ladies of Swing” celebrates the music of Pearl Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald.chttp://www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center — 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Complete listings at 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

Live at Harrah’s Cherokee — • Dwight Yoakam, Jan 13 • A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper, March 17 • Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee.

 

Book signings

Susan Barringer Wells — 6-8 p.m. Dec 1: “A Game Called Salisbury.” South Main Book Co., 110 S. Main St., 704-630-9788, southmainbookcompany.com

Matthew Readling — 6-8 p.m. Dec 1: “Benton Johnson and the Tale of Tu’i Malila Part II,” a middle grade genre for reluctant readers. South Main Book Co., 110 S. Main St., 704-630-9788, southmainbookcompany.com

Rev. Patricia Turner — Noon-2 p.m. Dec 16: Rev. Turner, copastor emeritus of Tower of Power, self-published “Developing/ Preaching Sermons to Reflect the Spirit of the Pentectost: A Training Manual for Ministers in Basic Sermon Preparation.” Book signing at J.F.Hurley Family YMCA multipurpose room. More info at 704-636-1244.

 

This & That 

Tonight Game night at Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 6-9 p.m. Thursday Nov 30 and Dec 7: Bring your favorite board game. Free. 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615.

Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday,Dec 2: Delmonico’s Band. Bring a dish to share. $8, guests welcome. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

Women’s Dress for the Job seminar and clothing give-away — 9 a.m.-noon Dec 2: Learn the nuances of completing job applications and resumes; conducting a successful interview; job availability and trends; dressing for the job. Each participant will select a free outfit at the conclusion. Guest speakers: Sherry Hailey Bennett, Labor Specialist; Alisha Byrd, CEO Byrd Staffing. Sponsored By Progressive Outreach Ministry Park Inc and Swagga Inc. Held at 600 N Long St.

Special Band dance at the Y — 7-10 p.m. Saturday,Dec 16: Delmonico’s Band. Bring a dish to share. $8, guests welcome. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

Yoga in the brewery — 6 p.m. Wednesday at Morgan Ridge Railwalk. $6 includes a pint of beer and a one hour class. 421 N. Lee St., 704-754-8379, www.morganridgerailwalk.com

NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures — • Dec 4: Make A Fortune-Teller Doll, $85. Must RSVP • 2-4 p.m. Dec 11: Tea With Mrs. Claus. $28 includes adult/child ticket. Complimentary doll for each attendee. Must RSVP • 108 Fourth St., Spencer, 704-762-9359, www.NCMDTM.com

Monthly Peace Circle — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec 5 and every first Tuesday: At Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Community drum circle — (second Fridays): 6-8 p.m. Dec 8: Center for Faith & the Arts. No experience needed, extra drums available. 207 W. Harrison St. behind Haven Lutheran Church. Free.

Gold Hill Christmas in the Village — Dec 8-10: The village shops will be open. Info: Vivian Hopkins, 704-267-9439 or www.historicgoldhill.com

Downtown Salisbury events— • 5-9 p.m. Dec 1: 1st Friday Shop-Dine-Stroll • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec 16: Santa and the Grinch with Antique Fire Trucks •www. downtownsalisburync.com

Bills Magic Show at the Y — 1:30 p.m. Dec 9: Call to sign up. Free . Great family time. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, www.rowanymca.org

NC Rowan County Anime Group — 6-8 p.m. Dec 16: Christmas Party at the Comic Monstore, 813 S. Jake Alexander Blvd. Free,  open to the public. Showing “Gargantia On The Verdurous Planet.” For age 12 and up. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ncrowancountyanime/info

Bear feeding every Saturday and Sunday at Dan Nich — 2 p.m. weather permitting. At Wildlife Adventures section. Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net

Meet The Animal every Saturday and Sunday at Dan Nich — 3 p.m. weather permitting. At Wildlife Adventures or Nature Center. Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net

 

Comedy

Colin Quinn: One in Every Crowd — Jan 19, 2018: At the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Prices begin at $25. N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Details at 704-372-1000 or www.blumenthalarts.org

 

Blood drives

North Hills Christian School — 2-6:30 p.m. Dec 14: Davis Wing on the campus of North Hills Christian School. Schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/driveSearchList.jsp?zipSponsor=North%20Hills

J.F. Hurley Family YMCA — 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Dec 19: American Red Cross Blood Drive at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Sign up at 704-636-0111.

 

Fundraisers 

Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary third annual PawBrokers — Dec 1 from 5-8 p.m. and Dec 2 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Jewelry fundraiser with hundreds of pieces of jewelry. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St. www.faithfulfriendsnc.org

Corks, crafts & cocoa — 5:30-8 p.m.Dec. 1: Make your own recycled Christmas gifts, all ages welcome, cocoa and cookies served; over 21 after 7 p.m. with wine available. $10/person. The Pedal Factory, 218 B South Main St., 704-870-7145.

Christmas crafts, baked goods, hot dogs — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec 2: Christmas ornaments, decor, gifts, cakes, cookies, snacks, candy. Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 4914 Old Beatty Ford Road, corner of Old Concord Salisbury and Old Beatty Ford Road, China Grove. 704-857-1377. Proceeds benefit the organ fund.

Support Tamara Brendle in her fight against stage 4 cancer — 2-5 p.m. Dec 2: Morgan Ridge Vineyard, 486 John Morgan Road. Sip wine, shop for Christmas with vendors, raffles, photo ops with Santa. All proceeds go to help Tamara and her family. www.gofundme.com/prayfortamara

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — Jan 6: Salisbury Symphony’s biggeset fundraiser, a night of music, wine, food, dancing. This year’s theme “First Ladies of Swing” celebrates the music of Pearl Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald. www.salisburysymphony.org/tickets

 

History 

Winter in Wartime at Fort Dobbs — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec 9: Fort Dobbs State Historic Site (Statesville) offers glimpses into daily lives of French and Indian War soldiers in the winter of 1755. Historic interpreters, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, displays of life in a winter military camp. Free. Complimentary seasonal refreshments. Info at 704- -873-5882 or www.fortdobbs.org

2018 Rowan County History Course — 13-week course Thursday evenings Feb. 1-May 3: Classes meet at various historic locations, beginning with the Rowan Museum. To register, email office@historicsalisbury.org or call 704-636-0103. Tuition may paid in advance. Info at historicsalisbury.org/education/history-class

Through December: ‘Cheerwine: 100 Years’ exhibit —Cheerwine celebrates 100 years in its hometown in an exhibit at Rowan Museum. Through Dec . 202 N. Main St. Free. 704-633-5946 or www.rowanmuseum.org

 

Wine & beer tastings 

Salisbury Wine Shop — • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec 1: A Tour of Burgundy Wine Tasting with Mark Orsini, Orsini Wines. $5/person.

• 6 p.m. Dec 2: Annual Sparkling Wine Tasting with Charles Heeb, Rickety Bridge Winery. Seated tasting. Local cheeses, crackers, summer sausages will be served. Reservations requested. $10/person.

• 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec 7: Christmas Beer Tasting featuring Ridgeway Brewing of the United Kingdom. Highly allocated beers including the labels of Santa’s Butt, Reindeer’s Revolt, Very Bad Elf and more. $5/person.

• 106 S. Main St., 704-636-5151, sws@salisburywineshop.com

Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse — 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill, 704-639-0911, www.morganridgevineyards.com

Cauble Creek Vineyard and Winery — NC’s 100th Winery. Tasting room Friday -Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. $8. 704-633-1137, 700 Cauble Farm Road, www.caublecreekvineyard.com

Douglas Vineyards — Tasting Room hours: Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. Wine Tasting $6. 7696 Freeze Road, Kannapolis, 704-939-6260, www.douglasvineyardswines.com

Cougar Run Winery — 704-280-3624. Cougar Run Winery, 363 N. Church St., Concord. www.cougarrunwinery.com/

Mean Mug Coffee Co. — 7-9 p.m. Dec 12 and every second Tuesday: $15 pp with RSVP to 704-754-4615. 1024 S. Fulton St. www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

Old Stone Winery — 704-279-0930, 6245 US Hwy. 52. www.oldstonewines.com

Rocky River Vineyards — 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com

Childress Vineyards — 336-236-WINE, 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, exit 89 off I-85, Hwy 64 W. Lexington. www.childressvineyards.com

 

Night Life

See also music & more

The Carriage Room, 2141 Statesville Blvd. — Sundays 2-7 p.m. Open Mic hosted by Danny Franklin • Fridays: pool tournament, $5. 704-647-9876, carriageroomnc@ facebook.com

Firewater, 122 Avalon Drive — • Thursdays: Karaoke •Fridays-Saturdays: Deejay • Age 25+. 704-870-8689.

Go Burrito RumBar, 115 W. Fisher St. across from the mural — • Monday: Poker Night • Tuesday: Team Trivia • Wednesday: Open Mic • Saturday: Karaoke • carriageroomnc@facebook.com

The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — 8 p.m. Saturday: Open mic nite, Contemporary Christian music venue. Musicians invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.

Karaoke at Mean Mug — 7-10 p.m. Dec 9 and every second Saturday. 1024 S. Fulton St.,704-754-4615, www.meanmugcoffeeco.com

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

Morgan Ridge Railwalk, 421 N. Lee St. — Nov 30: Joel Mccarson 7:30-9:30 p.m. • 704-754-8379, www.morganridgerailwalk.com

Break-n-Run Bar & Billiards, 612 S. Main St. — • Wednesday Ladies night • Tournaments: 9 Ball Friday night, 8 Ball Saturday night, APA league Monday-Tuesday-Thursday, cash league Wednesday • Free pool Friday • Car show fourth Saturday. 980- 216-1603.

 

Classes

Hablas Español (Do you speak Spanish) — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Spanish language lessons in an informal and conversational setting. Mean Mug Coffee Co., 1024 S. Fulton St., 704-754-4615.

Mind Aerobics art class — 2-4 p.m. Mondays: Introduction to mass drawing, pastels, sculpture. Rufty-Holmes Center, 1120 S. MLK Jr. Ave. $10/2 hr. session. For beginner and advanced adult. Sign up at 704 216-7714. Instructor Robert Richard Toth, www.RobertTothSculptor.com

Public Speaking for Professionals — Raleigh’s Burning Coal Theatre, March 12-April 2, 2018. For educators, business professionals, anyone who wants to speak confidently and comfortably in front of groups. Monday evenings. $155. www.burningcoal.org/classes/

 

Speakers & forums

Salisbury AARP — 12:30 p.m. Dec 7: Light pot luck Christmas luncheon; bring a covered dish or dessert. Entertainment by renowned Randolph County guitarist Larry G. Davis, former studio musician encouraged by Chet Atkins, spurring him to achieve the status of one of today’s premier solo guitarists. Larry performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. Also membership drive. 704-216-7714. Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.

S.N.A.G (Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group) — 10 a.m. First Wednesdays at the Salisbury Police Department, 130 E. Liberty St., 704-638-5333.

Bright Ideas — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays: Networking at 10Thread, 1024 S. Fulton St.

 

Auditions

Lee Street to present ‘The Realistic Joneses’ — Auditons 7-9 p.m. Dec 10-11. Performances dates Feb. 22-March 3. 329 N. Lee St., 704-310-5507, www.leestreet.org

PPT youth auditions for ‘Julius Caesar’ — 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Jan 2-3: Only 25 spots available per time slot. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St. Show dates Feb. 16-24. 704-633-5471 or www.PiedmontPlayers.com

Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre auditions for ‘The House at Pooh Corner’ — Dec 11-12. Auditions held at Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St, Mooresville. Open to youth ages 6-18. No prior acting experience required; novice actors encouraged. Free to audition. If cast, a $90 participation fee covers materials/costumes/ t-shirt/acting instruction. Scholarships available. Show dates Feb 22-25. www.mooresville childrenstheatre.org/auditions.

 

Film

More free movies at the J. F. Hurley Family YMCA — Call today to ask about the schedule: 704-636-0111

 

Art 

‘Making a Mark’ exhibit opening reception at Salisbury Business Center — 5-8 p.m. Dec 1: Artists from the Jesse C. Carson Fine Arts Program showing through Feb 23, 2018. Live reception music by Karen Franks, flutist. Original artworks by Lisa Mirisola, Isabella Almazon, Victoria Amaro, Chloe Kirkpatrick, Olivia Cunningham, Kristina Neumiller, Serena Wale. Free, open to the public. Artists interested in exhibiting may contact Sue McHugh, receptionist@integro-tech.com. Salisbury Business Center, 301 S. Main St., www.salisburybusinesscenter.com

Waterworks features Ben Martin retrospective — Commemorative retrospective of the late photojournalist Ben Martin, plus solo shows featuring textiles and clay. Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. — Bishop Family Creche Collection closes January 6 •  Christmas Eve: special candle light showing of  Bishop Family Creche Collection. Center for Faith and the Arts, behind Haven Lutheran Church. www.faithart.org or 704-647-0999.

Rail Walk Studios & Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. — Keyth Kahrs’ one man art exhibit at Rail Walk Studios & Gallery. Free and open to the public. 704-469-2781 www.railwalkgallery.com

WVAC Fall exhibition ‘Architecture and History’ — Through Feb. 3, 2018: at Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org

 

Trips 

Travel with the YMCA — • • 11:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec 6: Barn Dinner Theater, “A Groovin Christmas” holiday musical • Trips are open to the public • Buses leave from J. F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. 704-636-0111 or lklaver@rowanymca.com

Community Travelers to McAdenville — Departure 4 p.m. Dec 16: Bus trip to McAdenville-Christmas City. $20. Call Brenda Cowan 704-431-3974 or Cathy Alexander 704-433-5609 to reserve your seat.

Rowan Rambers — April 11: Glamour on Board, wardrobe from Titanic the movie at Biltmore in Asheville; see 45 beautiful costumes worn in the movie. $100 due by Feb. 15, 2018 • May 16-19: Ohio Amish Trip, Warther’s carvings, Amish farm tour, 2 shows, Step-on-Guide, Victorian mansion, in home Amish meal, Mrs. Yoder’s Country Kitchen, Lehman’s General Store, Heini Cheese, Der Dutchman Restaurant. Total cost double occupancy $470; $150 deposit by Jan 9 Info: Cheryl Kluttz 704-633-3484.

 

Call for performers

Salisbury Swing Band— SSB is seeking instrumentalists. Auditions are Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Contact Jim Grazcyk 704-798-5840 for more information.

Gold Hill Bluegrass jam — Acoustic Bluegrass jam. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. 7-9 p.m. Fridays. 704-267-9439. www.themontgomerystore.com

Blumenthal Performing Arts open mic nights — Free event open to performers, selected by lottery. E-mail openmic@ncbpac.org

 

Call for artists artisans

Center for Faith & the Arts seeks artists — 5-8 p.m. Dec 8: Holiday Suitcase Celebration. Bring one suitcase to display work. Prize for the most creative display. $10 entry fee. CFA, 207 W. Harrison St. Contact Nancy Gaines at ngaines@fibrant.com

 

Call for volunteers 

Staff the CFA art gallery — The Center for Faith & the Arts seeks volunteers to staff the art gallery Fridays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact the center at 704-647-0999 or email info@faithart.org

Rowan Helping Ministries volunteers – Pick up donated food, stock food pantry, intake interviews, laundry, meals. 704-637-6838.

Help feed the horses — Horse Protection Society, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, hps@horseprotection.org

DAV transportation network of Rowan County — Take veterans to hospital appts. Call Jim Martin at 704-638-9000 x3904.

Novant Rowan Medical Center – Patient escorts, gift shop, surgical waiting room, flower delivery, more. dbhundley@novanthealth.org