Holiday Happenings

Tree lightings

Tree Lighting

6 p.m. Nov. 27 Memorial Garden of University Baptist Church, 100 S. Columbia St. Chapel Hill. Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt will be guest tree lighter. Caroling by the choir. Children can meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and take pictures with them. www.downtownchapelhill.com or 967-9440 Tree Lighting

5- 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Depot on Salem Street in Apex. Presented by the Apex Downtown Business Association, the event will feature lighting by Mayor Keith Weatherly and Santa. Christmas carols and sleigh rides. Ticket sales for carriage and sleigh rides begin at 4 p.m. Tree Lighting

6-8 p.m. Dec. 2, Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest. Mayor Vivian Jones will light the town's 30-foot tree. Performances by local choirs, horse and carriage rides, and visits with Santa. Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corp. at 570-1372. Heart of the Holidays

All day Dec. 3 at various spots in Cary. Sledding at Fred G. Bond Metro Park's Winter Wonderland (pre-registration required; Santa's Workshop at the Herbert C. Young Community Center; Ole Time Winter Festival sponsored by the Heart of Cary Association and Gingerbread House Competition in the streets of downtown, and a holiday open house at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. At 6 p.m., the official Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at Town Hall. "It's a Wonderful Life," performed by the Cary Players at the Cary Arts Center. Search "Heart of the Holidays" at www.townofcary.org or 469-4061. Tree Lighting and Open House

5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the state Capitol in Raleigh. Gov. Bev Perdue and First Gentleman Bob Eaves light the Christmas tree. Music by the Raleigh Concert Band and Raleigh Boychoir. Cookies and hot chocolate, tours of the decorated Capitol and Santa. Four food trucks will be open for business. Main Street Christmas

6-8 p.m. Dec. 9 in downtown Holly Springs. Features visits with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, hayrides, live entertainment, and the town tree lighting ceremony. Free.

Charity

Dog Washing & Holiday Gift Wrapping

Volunteers from Second Chance Pet Adoptions will wash dogs at Unleashed in the Stonehenge Market on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh. $10 for one dog and each additional dog only $5. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 3. Second Chance Pet Adoptions volunteers will also offer gift wrapping at Crossroads Plaza in Cary near Steinmart. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 17 through Dec. 24. All proceeds for all events go to support the rescue of local stray or abandoned dogs and cats. www.secondchancenc.org Gingerbread House Benefit

4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 1. To benefit Triangle Family Services. The Umstead Hotel, 101 Woodland Park Drive, Cary. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tea with Santa; 6:30-8:30 p.m. evening Gingerbread House event including live auction of the top area pastry chefs. www.tfsnc.org or 821-0790 ext. 303. Breakfast with Santa

8 a.m.-noon Dec. 3. Breakfast buffet, photo with St. Nick and crafts. Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church, 3541 Rose of Sharon, Durham, $5 per adult, $4 per child, $20 maximum per family. There will also be a bake sale and a raffle for prizes. Bring a can of food or small toy to benefit the Durham Crisis Response Center. mtbethelchurch.org or 383-3854 Benefit Concert

Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 3, Southland Ballroom, 614 N. West St. Raleigh. Give to Live Guitar Studios concert will benefit the N.C. Food Bank. All money and food collection will go to the charity. Includes 63 students and 10 bands from all over the Triangle. $5. Tree Trimming

6-8 p.m. Dec. 5. Ornament-making, holiday goodies, pictures with Santa and tree Lighting at 6 p.m. WakeMed Raleigh Campus Courtyard, 3000 New Bern Ave., Raleigh. You can also give the gift of a light or a star in support of the WakeMed Foundation by calling 350-7656 or visiting www.childrencantwait.org. RSVP 919-350-7827 by Dec. 1. Food Drive

Stroller Strides of Midtown Raleigh classes are free from Monday through Wednesday with donation of at least 2 nonperishable food items per person. Items will be donated to the food pantry at The Raleigh Rescue Mission. The schedule is 9 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, North Hills Mall; 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, Shelley Lake; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, N.C. Museum of Art Park. www.strollerstrides.net/midtownraleigh or 888-760-0142. The Christmas Store

A community outreach project at New Horizons Fellowship needs new, unopened toys and/or financial contributions to purchase toys for more than 900 families this year. Contact New Horizons Fellowship, 303-5736 or jandjemery@gmail.com. For more on The Christmas Store: www.nhf.cc/christmas-store

Dance

Holiday Cabaret

Holly Springs School of Dance and Springs Dance Company hosts a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. $5. Marilyn Chappell at 557-3270. Nutcracker Dances

Presented by Infinity Ballet Theatre. 3 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex. $5. Halle Cultural Arts Center or www.etix.com. The Nutcracker

City Ballet presents the 19th annual performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet featuring more than 100 young dance students alongside Carolina Ballet guest artists Alicia Fabry, Marcelo Martinez and Nikolai Smirnov. 7 p.m. Dec 9; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 10. NCSU's Stewart Theatre. 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh . $20-$25. www.city-ballet.com or 844-9799. The Night Before Christmas

Carolina Dance Foundation. 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3:30 p.m. Dec.11. Green Hope High School in Cary. www.carolinadancefoundation.org. The Nutcracker

Carolina Ballet presents its new production Dec. 10-11 at Durham Performing Arts Center and Dec. 16-24 at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh. 719-0900 or www.carolinaballet.com. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Presented by the Concert Dancers of Raleigh. 4 p.m. Dec. 11, Jones Auditorium at Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough St. Raleigh . $5-$10. 782-0622. A Very Cary Christmas

Presented by Cary Ballet Company and The 3D Project. 7 p.m.. Dec. 16 and 10:30 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., downtown Cary. $12-$15. 481-6509 or www.caryballetconservatory.com.

Music

N.C. Master Chorale

Two holiday concerts for the 2011-2012 season: Handel's "Messiah" will feature the vocal ensemble, comprised of a 40-member select chorus from the NCMC symphonic chorus and chamber choir. A 20-piece chamber orchestra will accompany the performance. 3 p.m. Nov. 27. For "Joy of the Season," the two full NCMC choruses, the 170-voice Chorale and the 22-voice NCMC Chamber Choir, join forces with the Carolina Brass. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Both events will take place in Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 856-9700 or ncmasterchorale.org. St. Ambrose Jazz Mass Quartet

"Advent Evening of Jazz Concert" featuring the St. Ambrose Jazz Mass Quartet, 7 p.m. Dec. 1. 813 Darby St., Raleigh. Free, but donations are accepted. Concert Series

GSK FullDome Theater at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. 250 E. Franklin St, Chapel Hill. Dec 2: Clef Hangers and the Loreleis of UNC; Dec 3: John Brown; Dec 10: Chelsea Chimes of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Dec 17: TBA. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. www.moreheadplanetarium.org Moravian Candle Tea

Music and the tradition Moravian treats. 2-6 p.m. Dec. 3. Free. 1816 Ridge Road, Raleigh. 787-4034, www.raleighmoravian.org Lee County Community Orchestra

With a chorus. 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Lee County Arts & Community Center, 507 N. Steele St., Sanford. Outdoor concert

Holiday music performed by members of Mandolin Orange, The Tomahawks, Skylar Gudasz, and Brett Harris. 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Free. Memorial Garden at University Baptist Church; 100 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill. www.downtownchapelhill.com or Downtown Partnership at 967-9440. Open Messiah Sing

The Wesley Foundation will host its 46th annual open sing of Handel's "Messiah" 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Free and open to all members of the community. Daniel Steinert, Director of Music at Chapel Hill's Christ UMC will be this year's guest conductor at the musical celebration. Soloists Scott MacLeod, Karen Freedman, Leda Scearce and Wade Henderson will also perform, along with an orchestra and other instrumentalists from the local community and UNC-CH. United Methodist Campus Ministry UNC-Chapel Hill, 214 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own score of Messiah, as a limited number will be available. Laura Gallo at 942-2152 or wesleyunc2@bellsouth.net. Raleigh Concert Band

2 p.m. Dec. 4. Garner Performing Arts Center (formerly the Garner Historic Auditorium), 742 W Garner Road, Garner. www.thercb.org Winterfest Concerts

Meredith College Winterfest concerts featuring Meredith Chorus, Chorale and Sinfonietta. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 4. Free. Jones Auditorium, Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. For information: 760-8536. Hillyer Community Chorus

All-Mendelssohn program of Concertpiece No. 2, opus 114, featuring Brent Smith, clarinet and Jake Wenger, cello, Psalm 95, opus 46 and Lauda Sion, opus 73. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. Free.. Paul B.Conway, 787-9458 or www.hillyercommunitychorus.org Cary Community Choir

41st annual concert Handel's Messiah. 7: 30 p.m. Dec. 4. Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh Street, Cary. In addition to a goodwill offering that supports future concerts, the choir is also collecting donations to support a local charity called With Love from Jesus Ministries. Staff from the ministries will be at the event to accept donations of nonperishable food, cleaning items and paper products. www.carycommunitychoir.com Village Voices and Harmony Grits

The women's and men's choral groups in Fearrington Village present a holiday concert. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Barn at Fearrington, 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro. $7. 545-9144 General Assembly Chorus

Songs on the Season. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., downtown Cary. $10-$20. Parking is free. Tickets at Cary Arts Center Box Office, www.etix.com or 800-514-3849. www.generalassemblychorus.org Gospel & Christmas Carols

The Hoppers sing traditional gospel and Christmas carols. 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Hunt Horse Complex, N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. $10-$15. 872-6898 or carouselfarmsraleigh.com Johnston County Chorale

"A Christmas to Remember," 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College. The 58 voice Chorale will be joined by the Johnston County Orchestra and special guests Four Oaks Middle Choir, Danze Zone Dance Studio and, of course, Santa. $10-$12.50. 209-2099 or johnstoncc.edu/performingarts Triangle Gay Men's Chorus

Holiday Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Eno River Universalist Unitarian Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham; 3 p.m. Dec. 11, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1725 North New Hope Road, Raleigh. Free, with donations accepted. This is a family-friendly event. www.tgmchorus.org/events. Triangle Wind Ensemble

Conducted by Evan Feldman, presents "Deck the Halls," is a family-friendly concert of holiday and seasonal music. 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary. $12. Admission is free to kids 12 and under with a donation of a toy or nonperishable food item. Receptacles for these items will be in the lobby from the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC and the Salvation Army. www.etix.com or at the door. www.trianglewind.org. Cherry Hill Concerts

June Burbage, piano and Jonathan Kramer, cellist. 3 p.m., Dec. 11. Cherry Hill Plantation, 2740 N.C. 58, Warrenton. $5-$10. Reception follows the performance. www.cherryhillconcerts.com Oakwood Waits

Dickens-era-costumed vocal ensemble presents holiday songs to benefit Hospice of Wake County. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1528 Canterbury Road, Raleigh. School Concerts

Millbrook High School Orchestra Winter Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 13. $3, 13 and older. Millbrook High School Auditorium , 2201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh; West Millbrook Middle School Winter Concert (Band and Orchestra), 7 p.m. Dec. 20. West Millbrook Middle School Gymnasium, 8115 Strickland Road, Raleigh. Free. For more information: Heidi Sue Ross, hross@wcpss.net Raleigh Boychoir

7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Raleigh. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.raleighboychoir.org or 881-9259. Chapel Hill Chorus

"A New World Christmas" choral concert will be performed by VOICES, The Chapel Hill Chorus. 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Hill Hall on the UNC Campus. 962-1039 Triangle Brass Band

Holiday Pops. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Fletcher Opera Theatre, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St. Raleigh. $7.50-$15. at the door or www.crowntickets.com Christmas Concerts

From the Caribbean Islands to the Andes Mountains, "A New World Christmas" from Voices (formerly Chapel Hill Community Chorus) swings with Latin American melodies and rhythms. Steel drums, guitar, vibraphone and a host of percussion instruments lend a tropical breeze to the Christmas concert. 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Hill Hall Auditorium, UNC Campus. Prepare for the holidays with "From Heaven on High," a concert of carols for the Nativity. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Chapel of the Cross, 304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill Raleigh Flute Choir

with Winifred Garrett, guest harpist. 3 p.m. Dec. 18. N.C. Museum of Art, Auditorium, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, $6-$10. 715-5923 or www.ncartmuseum.org/buy-tickets Oakwood Waits

Singing while dressed in antebellum costume. 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Free. Cherry Hill Plantation, 2740 N.C. 58, Warrenton. Reception follows the event. www.cherryhillconcerts.com Unity Church of the Triangle

The Unity Church of the Triangle 50 voice Adult Choir, with professional soloists and orchestra, will present a concert of classical, traditional and secular holiday music. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Long View Center, 118 S. Person St. across from Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. Free; donations welcome. 832-8324.

Theater

A Dixie Christmas

A musical variety show presented by the Benson Foundation for the Arts. 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $10 for ages 10 and older; $5 for ages 9 and younger. Groups of 10, $8 each. For reserved seating, call 894-3825 or tickets can be purchased at the door. 303 E. Church St., Benson. Raleigh Little Theater

"Merry Christmas Strega Nona" is a musical based on the popular children's books by Tomie dePaola. 7:30 p.m. tonight; 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $10-$15. Performed in the Gaddy-Goodwing Teaching Theatre. Nonperishable food and dry good items are being accepted for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C. at every performance. Please bring one or more items to drop off in the designated containers in the theatre lobby. 821-3111 or www.raleighlittletheatre.org University Theatre

Presenting "Little Women," an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel. Directed by Allison Bergman. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Adults $18; seniors, students, alumni and Parent Association. members, students, $16; NCSU students $5. Community Night, Nov. 30, all tickets $10 (NCSU students $5). Titmus Theatre, Frank Thompson Hall, 2241 E. Dunn Ave., Raleigh. www.ncsu.edu/theatre, Ticket Central; 515.1100 or ncsu.edu/ticketcentral Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf

PlayMakers Repertory Company presents Edward Albee's play. Nothing says "the holidays" like a dysfunctional family slugfest for adults only. Join George and Martha and their guests for a gin-soaked evening of fun and games and one dazzlingly nasty fight to the finish. Wednesday-Dec. 18. Evenings at 7:30 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m. $10-$45. www.playmakersrep.org or 962-7529. Amahl and the Night Visitors

The popular American one-act opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented. Grey Lehman of the Durham Children's Choir sings the role of Amahl, with other choir members as villagers, along with members of the Duke Memorial sanctuary choir. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, and 3 p.m. Dec. 3. $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Tickets available from the church and the Children's Choir or at the door. Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, 504 W. Chapel Hill St, Durham. Scott Hill at 489-1451 or scotthill@durhamchildrenschoir.org . Cinderella

Dec. 9-18. $25. Performed in the Cantey V. Sutton Main Stage Theatre with reserved seating. 821-3111 or www.raleighlittletheatre.org. Shepherds Play

The Nativity from the point of view of the shepherds. 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Emerson Waldorf School Farm/Garden on Millhouse Road. Free. Emerson Waldorf School, 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill. www.emersonwaldorf.org, 967-1858 Black Nativity

The Justice Theater Project presents the gospel song-play by Langston Hughes, the retelling of the birth of Jesus based on the gospel of St. Luke, combined with the poetry of Hughes. A traditional cast and a multicultural chorus of angels will perform contemporary, traditional and original gospel music with scripture, verse and dance. 8 p.m. Dec. 16, 17 and 18. $20 Adults. $15 Seniors/Students/Military. St. Mary's School Pittman Auditorium. 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. Parking through Saint Mary's Street entrance. www.TheJusticeTheaterProject.org or 264-7089. The Night Visitors

The Unity Church of the Triangle Youth will perform a Christmas musical about the journey of the three wise men and their influence on a small boy and his mother. Featuring a cast of 30 young actors and singers with musicians and dancers. 5 p.m. Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. Long View center, next to Marbles Kids museum, 118 S. Person St. (at Hargett). 832-8324.

Special events

Marbles Kids Museum

Help our Marbleous pilgrims feed hungry families by stuffing our turkey. Receive one free museum guest pass for every 4 cans of food donated. In partnership with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday. An Evening with Elves is Marbles' signature family fundraiser, featuring a family-style dinner buffet; live music by GrooveTown; meeting and greeting our own elves; wintertime crafts and activities... all in a magical North Pole setting. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9. $25. www.marbleskidsmuseum.org or www.imaxraleigh.org Christmas By Candlelight

Celebrate an 1870 Christmas at the Duke Family homestead. Enjoy tours, period decorations, caroling, and hot apple cider and refreshments. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. Duke Homestead, Durham. Free, donations accepted. Christmas for the Birds

Visitors will be encouraged to construct pinecone bird feeders using suet and seeds provided. The "ornament" treats can be hung at the site or taken home to share with local birds. Hot cider and chocolate, and holiday snacks will be served. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 3. Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead. Free, donations accepted. www.nchistoricsites.org, 910-439-6802. Historic Stagville

"Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters," re-creation of holiday traditions of the planter family and the enslaved that includes music, crafts, vendors and food. Traditional potter Sid Luck, the Sankofa Cultural Dance Troupe, African-American storytelling, singing, and dancing as well. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 3. Durham. Free. www.nchistoricsites.org, 620-0120. Winterfest

An outdoor skating rink with natural ice in City Plaza on Fayetteville Street. The celebration begins with local artists and performers, sledding ramps, a trackless train, carriage rides, Santa's Village, and Raleigh's official tree lighting ceremony. The fun continues with music featuring headliner the Breakfast Club and opening act Café Mars. 5 p.m. Dec. 3. Stay and enjoy festivities through 10 p.m. and skating until 11 p.m. www.RaleighWinterfest.com or www.facebook.com/raleighwinterfest N.C. Museum of History

Time for Tots: Moravian Traditions, 10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. Dec. 6 or Dec. 13, ages 3-5 with adult. $1 per person. To register, call 807-7992. History Corner: Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice, Discover how gingerbread came to North Carolina and what makes it a special treat. Listen to a story and make an edible craft. This program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library. 10 a.m. Dec. 7; ages 6-9 with adult, $1 per person. To register, call 807-7992. Capitol Tree Lighting, 5-7:30 p.m. Dec 8. (Tree-lighting ceremony on the Capitol grounds at 6:30 p.m.). Free. The Museum Shop will be open until 7:30 p.m. for holiday shopping. Winter Stories

Brian Sturm, associate professor at UNC's School of Information and Library Science (SILS), and Kate Barnhart, of UNC's SILS Library, lead the 19th Annual Winter Stories Program for Children of All Ages, an evening of spellbinding storytelling and music. 5 p.m. Dec. 8. UNC-Chapel Hill, Wilson Special Collections Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room. Free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children's book for the Book Fairy, an organization that donates children's books to the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at UNC Hospitals. The need is especially great for English- and Spanish-language board books, the sturdy picture books that can withstand repeated use by very young children. library.unc.edu/ Christmas Rodeo

"Bulls, Bells & Barrels," Christmas Rodeo finals, featuring rodeo and Christmas shopping. Precision flag team, rodeo clowns, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the U.S. will compete for top prizes. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10. Hunt Horse Complex, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. $10 general admission, age 5 and under free; $15 VIP. To order tickets in advance, call 872-6898; cash only at the door. carouselfarmsraleigh.com Christmas in the Carolinas During the Civil War

Re-enactors in 19th century attire will decorate the farm in typically modest fashion, and will roast the traditional hogs head. Live music, caroling, refreshments and Santa too. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11. Bennett Place, Durham. Free, donations accepted. www.nchistoricsites.org/bennett, 383-4345. Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

A program for craftmaking based on snowflake patterns, with decorations and light refreshments.11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10. Alamance Battleground, Burlington. Free, donations accepted. www.nchistoricsites.org/alamance, 336-227-4785. Colossal Cookie Cookoff

Judges will award prizes for cookie entries in the categories of taste, creativity, and presentation followed by the audience voting for crowd favorite. 2 p.m. Dec. 10. East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale. If you would like to be a contestant, register by Dec. 3 by stopping by the library or emailing Bob Morrill at Robert.Morrill@wakegov.com. North Carolina Museum of Art

The Nativity in Art and Music, presentation by Dr. David Steel, curator of European Art. Free lecture with musical accompaniment and reception. The meaning of Christmas as expressed in art and music will be explored in this multimedia presentation. 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, Raleigh, 846-8338. nativityonline.org Raleigh City Museum

Get in the holiday spirit with the museum's Holiday Customs program. Check out artifacts from Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years past in Raleigh. Find out how many of our traditions began in the mid-19th century - including Christmas trees, cards, presents, and sweets - while sampling Victorian wintertime treats and playing with toys from the era. Dec. 17. Free. Raleigh City Museum, 220 Fayetteville St. raleighcitymuseum.org or 832-3775. POW/MIA Ceremony

The North Carolina Vietnam Veterans conduct the annual Christmas Candlelight POW/MIA ceremony. Members of the group and guests will participate in reading the names of the 41 North Carolinians still missing and unaccounted for from the war in Vietnam. There will be a prelude of Christmas music, recognition of special guests, special music by a bagpiper and the reading of a special poem. 6 p.m. Dec. 18. Capitol Square in front of the Vietnam memorial, downtown Raleigh. Bud Gross, 787-7228

Shopping

Craft Market

45 artisans. Today through Dec. 31. Durham's Streets at Southpoint, across from the Cheesecake Factory. Rosie Burr 336-210-8093 Gift & Fair Trade Market

Holiday shoppers can honor others by making tax-deductible donations to local and global nonprofit organizations at Simple Gifts, an alternate gift and fair trade market. Fair-trade coffee, tea, chocolate and handcrafted goods will be available for purchase. 3-7 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Evergreen United Methodist Church, 11098 US 15-501, south of Chapel Hill. simplegiftsmarket@gmail.com. Mistletoe Market

Holiday Fair features handmade arts and crafts, gifts, jewelry, food court, bake sale, basket raffle. Orders will be taken for live Christmas trees, garland and wreaths. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday. $5/$1 off with cans of food to support. Students Against Hunger. Children 12 and under free. Wakefield High School, 2200 Wakefield Pines Drive, North Raleigh. Proceeds from event support Wakefield High School PTSA and Wolverine Club. www.wakefieldhsconnect.org or www.wakefieldhs.wcpss.net Annual Holiday Crafts Fair

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday. NCSU Crafts Center, Lower Level, Frank Thompson Hall, 210 Jensen Drive Raleigh. www.ncsu.edu/crafts. Open House

Antique shops of Cameron. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Just off U.S. 1 between Sanford and Southern Pines on N.C. 24/27. www.antiquesofcameron.com, 910-245-3055 Howliday Shop

Hosted by Pawfect Match Rescue to raise money for to rescue abused and abandoned animals from rural high-kill shelters in North Carolina. Refreshments, wine, and hot chocolate. Leashed dogs welcome. 1-6 p.m. Saturday. Chapel Hill North Apartments Club House, 200 Perkins Drive, Suite 230, Chapel Hill. Maia at maiawirth@gmail.com. Christmas Carousel

More than 250 exhibitors from all across the Southeast, showcasing thousands of one-of-a-kind items and gifts. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 25; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 26; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 27. Graham Building, State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road. Adults $8, Seniors (60+) $7, Children $4, Children 5 years and younger free. Parking: Free. www.ChristmasCarousel.com Holiday Shoppe

More than 100 vendors at Cary Academy. Proceeds support scholarships and community service. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 2; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 3. In the Sports and Education Annex on campus. 1500 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. Holiday Hotline at 228-4653. www.caryacademy.org/holidayshoppe 100 under $100 Art Sale

Original art created by local juried artists and priced under $100 apiece. A percentage of sales goes to nonprofit Wake Forest ARTS . Fridays through Sundays, Dec. 2-18. Free admission. ARTS 206, 206 S. White St., Wake Forest. 896-5691. www.wakeforestarts.org. Arts Exhibit

Exhibit, sale and luncheon, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3, Church of the Good Shepherd, 3741 Garrett Road, Durham. Luncheon tickets, $12, must be purchased by Tuesday. E-mail janicewells128@gmail.com to order lunch tickets. Secret Santa Shop

For children to buy gifts for their parents and families. Starting 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 3 and every weekend until Christmas. GC5 Vintage & Gifts, 430 S. White St., Wake Forest. All gifts are new and cost $5-$10. Amanda, 818-4534 or Amanda@gc5vintage.com Holiday Faire

Craft Market, storytelling, food, gift-making, music, merriment at the annual Emerson Waldorf Holiday Faire. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3. Admission is free. Emerson Waldorf School, 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill.www.emersonwaldorf.org, 967-1858. Christmas Market

4th Annual St. Nicholas European Christmas Market offers new and vintage Christmas linens, ornaments, handmade gifts, decorations from Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Germany, Mexico. Home made piroghi, kielbasa, kolach rolls, stollens, cookies. Christmas tree sale. German, Polish, and Swedish vendors. Little German Band, children's activities, St. Nicholas exhibit. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Church, 2510 Piney Plains Rd. Cary. www.saintscyrilandmethodius.org. 851-9266 Alternative Giving Fair

Local and international charities. Each charity display will provide a special gift card or other gift token to share with your gift, too. 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1320 Umstead Road, Durham, 477-0509 ext. 117 or info@aldersgate.org; www.aldersgate.org Art Walk

More than 100 artists will be showing and selling their work on porches and lawns in homes and artists' studios in Raleigh's Boylan Heights. Noon-5 p.m. Dec 4. Admission is free. www.boylanheights.org and click on "ArtWalk," or Lyman Collins, boylanheightsartwalk@gmail.com, 821-0899. Holiday Accessories

Make wreaths, ornaments and stockings. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10. The SewinCraft Studio, 137 B S. White St., downtown Wake Forest. Space is limited to six adult/child duos. $50/duo. Early registration is required. sewincraftstudio.com Christmas Holiday Shoppe

60 artisans and crafters from throughout North Carolina. Raffle, bake sale, musical entertainment, the Reindeer Cafe and the Candy Cane Coffee Bar. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10, St. Thomas More School, 920 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, in the Friends and Family Hall (St. Thomas More Church). Free admission. 929-1546. International Holiday Market

Sponsored by Raleigh Sister Cities. Each Sister City will sponsor a booth featuring, food and drink from the home city and a variety of small items for purchase that might make great holiday gifts. The Silent Auction will feature items from the Shops at Seaboard and surrounding community businesses. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10. The Shops at Seaboard Station just off Peace Street, near Logan's Garden Center. Gretchen Chapman, 828-2276. Christmas Open House

Features 18th-century demonstrations, cannon firings, period crafts and refreshments. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10. House in the Horseshoe, Sanford. Free. www.nchistoricsites.org, 910-947-2051 Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

Crafts, records, vintage clothes, items, baked goods and plants. 2-6 p.m. Dec. 10. Nightlight Club, 405 and 1/2 W. Rosemary St. Chapel Hill. www.nightlightclub.com. Open houses and tours

Open House

The Wake Forest DRC will offer free horse and carriage rides in historic downtown Wake Forest during the merchants' annual Holiday Open House. Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 3. Entertainment and children's activities will be offered throughout the day. 4-H Open House

The High Riders 4-H horse club.1-4 p.m. Dec 4. Take home crafts, refreshments and rides for horse lovers of all ages. 12490 Buffalo Road, Clayton. 523-2287. Candlelight Tour of Homes

Featuring 11 homes and other structures in Historic Oakwood in Raleigh.1-7 p.m. Dec. 10-11. $15 in advance, $20 days of tour. www.historicoakwood.org/candlelight/candlelighttour.php Holiday Home Tour

Sponsored by the Fuquay-Varina Woman's Club 1-4 p.m. Dec 10, with a reception 4-6 p.m. at the FVWC clubhouse, 602 N. Ennis St., Fuquay-Varina. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Advance tickets at David Anthony's and Elliot's Drugstore. On Dec. 10, tickets will be sold at the FVWC clubhouse from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vicki Currin, 612-9547 House Tour

Eight historic homes in the Greenwood neighborhood, a community that embodies the vision of one of North Carolina's most celebrated literary figures, Paul Green. Presented by The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill. 1-5 p.m. Dec. 10-11. www.chapelhillpreservation.com.

Religious events

Community Christmas Celebration

More than 300 nativities from around the world, musical performances by local churches and schools, a live outdoor nativity, a children's room with hands-on activities and a Life of Christ room depicting Christ's life through art. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1-2 and 2:30-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5060 Six Forks Road. Free. raleighnativity.org. Walk Through Bethlehem

A cast and crew of more than 150 will bring the story of the birth of Jesus Christ alive. Authentic costumes and settings. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4. Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest. Free. Monetary and nonperishable donations are being accepted, but not required, to support Tri-Area Ministries. Nonperishables are also being collected for Back Pack Buddies. Items most needed are: Individual cereals and orange juice, canned soups, peanut butter, ham/chicken/tuna salad packets, beanie weenies, spaghettios/raviolis, cereal bars. Tax deductable contributions to Wake Forest Presbyterian Church will be gladly accepted. Designate all donations to WTB.www.wakeforestpres.org//walk Advent Tour

6-10. p.m., Dec. 9-11. Tours are scheduled every 10 minutes. Forest Hills Baptist Church, 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh. Reservations are required; contact Natalie, 919-828-6161, ext 106. Chancel Choir Cantata

Avent Ferry United Methodist Church will present "A World of Christmas" by Joseph Martin, in the sanctuary at worship. Soloists and instruments will take part. 11 a.m. Dec. 11. 2700 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh. 833-9394. afumc.com Fairmont United Methodist

Fairmont Gospel Revue, 11 a.m. Dec. 11; "Dude, You Hear What I Hear?" (young people's play) 6:30 p.m., Dec. 11; John Rutter "Gloria!", joint performance by choirs of Fairmont and Community United Church of Christ, with orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Fairmont United Methodist, 2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, 27607, fairmontumc.org, 919-832-3316 Buried Treasure

One family's Christmas changes them forever and taught them the true "treasure" of Christmas. 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Westwood Baptist Chur ch, 200 Westhigh St. , Cary. Free. Christmas Drama

Longview Baptist Church presents "The Gift," an outdoor, drive-through Christmas drama, depicting the life of Jesus from birth to resurrection. 7- 9 p.m. Dec. 16-18. Longview Baptist Church, 2308 New Hope Road, Raleigh. 231-3747 or longviewbaptist.org. Christmas Lovefeast

Celebrating community with candles, carols, cookies and cider. Featuring special music by harpist Grace Wepner Ludtke. 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Lystra Baptist Church, 686 Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill. 933-6812, www.lystrabaptist.org The Living Nativity

Sponsored by a committee formed of Hayes Barton Church members. Hot chocolate, live animals and nativity. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 22, 23 and 24. Hayes Barton Baptist Church , 1800 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 833.4617. Community Christmas Chorus

Triangle Baptist Church is presently hosting a Community Christmas Chorus for neighbors and friends who love to sing at Christmas. Under the direction of Melody Moore, choral director at Ligon Middle School, they meet each Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome. 9713 Old Stage Road. 210-5577 or P_misner@bellsouth.net