Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 22, 1995 TAG: 9511220014
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
``THE CHRISTMAS CUP'': Through Nov. 26, Mill Mountain Theatre's Theatre B, Roanoke. Adapted from children's novel by Roanoke author Nancy Ruth Patterson. $6, $3, children. 40 E. Church Ave. 342-5740.
``A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS'': Cherry Tree Players' performance following Cherry Jubilees' Christmas concert. Through Dec. 16, Cherry Tree Playhouse, Boonsboro Shopping Center, 4925 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg. $10. (804) 384-4577 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.).
``THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI'': Holiday musical based on O. Henry stories. Through Dec. 16, TheatreVirginia, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 2800 Grove Ave., Richmond. (804) 367-0840.
NOVEMBER 23
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ILLUMINATION: Downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.
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FESTIVAL OF TREES: Twenty trees decorated by area business and civic organizations. Theme: ``A Roanoke Holiday.'' 21st floor, First Union Tower, through Dec. 23. Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. $1.50, $1 ages 5-12. Proceeds benefit Mental Health Association of Roanoke Valley's community education and advocacy efforts. 344-0931.
GREENING OF THE MARKET: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Roanoke's Historic Market area. 342-2028.
CHINQUA-PENN HOLIDAY TOURS: Collection of decorative arts in 27-room mansion. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m., Chinqua-Penn Plantation, Reidsville, N.C. Candlelight evenings until 8 p.m. each Saturday in December. $10; $9, senior citizens; $5, students. (910) 349-4576.
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HOLIDAY STUDIO OPEN HOUSE: Potter Ellen Shankin and woodworker Brad Warstler display handmade gifts for sale. Also, Nov. 26. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Floyd County. U.S. 221 South from Roanoke; right onto Va. 615 (just before town limits); follow balloons and signs eight miles to studio. 745-3595.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT MAGGIE'S CREATIVE STUDIO: Stained glass, jewelry and candles by several local artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Floyd. U.S. 221 South to Floyd County; 1.5 miles south of Stonewall Church, on left (north of town). 745-2970.
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ROANOKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT: Traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites with Roanoke Youth Symphony and Roanoke Valley Choral Society. 4 p.m., Roanoke Civic Center. $10, $5, under 12. 343-9127, 343-6221.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Shops open, holiday music. 1-5 p.m., Historic Market area, downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.
GARTH NEWEL CHAMBER PLAYERS: Holiday benefit concert for Botetourt County Fuel Assistance Program. 3 p.m., Fincastle Presbyterian Church. 473-2042.
10TH ANNUAL COURT END CHRISTMAS: Holiday celebrations with music, dance, living history and children's activities at the Museum of the Confederacy, John Marshall House, The Valentine Museum and St. John's Church, Richmond. Noon-5 p.m. (804) 649-1861.
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``THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS'': Performances by choirs, bands and dance troupes from seven-county area. Through Dec. 21, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. Weeknights, 7 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., noon, 2, 4, 6 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m. 989-4394.
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``WOMAN IN LIGHT'': Through Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3, 2:30 p.m., Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke. One-woman play based on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. $10. 362-2628.
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ROUNDELAY ``TO DRIVE THE COLD WINTER AWAY'': Early instruments from medieval to Baroque with vocal selections. 8 p.m., Snidow Chapel, Lynchburg College. (804) 522-8325.
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VINTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Marching units, floats, antique cars, clowns and more. 7 p.m. Begins at Roanoke County Career Center; ends at Vinton War Memorial. Pre-parade choir competition, 6 p.m., Vinton Municipal Building. 343-1364.
LIGHTING OF HOUSECALL HOSPICE MEMORIAL DOVE TREE: 6 p.m., next to Vinton Municipal Building, Pollard Street. 983-0613.
MADRIGAL DINNER: Pageantry, music and food of Renaissance England. Through Dec. 2, 6 p.m., Muse Banquet Room, Radford University. $18. 831-5265.
``HOLIDAYS AT SMITHFIELD'': An 18th-century celebration of the season including candlelit tours of Smithfield Plantation, seasonal music, Susanna's Tea Shop, museum store. Through Dec. 3, 1-4:30 p.m., Smithfield Plantation, Blacksburg. Off Duck Pond Road near Virginia Tech campus. 231-3947.
CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION: Begins at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, Lexington, 5:30 p.m. With town crier and illumination of businesses; community Christmas tree lighting, 6 p.m. 463-7191.
``CHRISTMAS MARION DOWNTOWN'': Old-fashioned celebration with tree lighting, caroling and Santa. 783-4113.
DECEMBER 1
``DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS'': Caroling, carriage rides, strolling entertainment, decorated shops open. Also, Dec. 8 and 15, 6-10 p.m., Historic Market area, downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING BAZAAR: Holiday and African-influenced Christmas and Kwanzaa gifts, entertainment. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (10 percent discount 5-7 p.m.); Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 1-5 p.m., Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 523 Harrison Ave. N.W., Roanoke. 345-4818.
``THE GIFT OF THE MAGI'': Through Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Second Street and Church Avenue, Roanoke. With candlelight dinner, $16. 344-6225.
LIGHTING OF THE OFFICIAL SALEM CHRISTMAS TREE/ANNUAL SALEM CHRISTMAS PARADE: 6 p.m., tree lighting, Salem Farmers Market. 375-3057. 6:30 p.m., parade. West Main Street to College Avenue to Andrew Lewis Middle School.387-0267.
``THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER'': Comedy for the whole family. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Through Dec. 17. Playmakers and Company production. Playmakers Playhouse, Blacksburg. Tickets at the Weight Club, University Mall. $6, $4 students and senior citizens. 951-3999.
FESTIVAL OF TREES: Trees decorated by Montgomery County schools and civic organizations. Through Dec. 21, New River Valley Mall, Christiansburg. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m. Fund raiser for local American Red Cross chapter. 382-2361.
DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON ``GRAND ILLUMINATION'' CHRISTMAS PARADE: 5:30 p.m. 463-7191.
LYNWOOD ARTISTS HOLIDAY SHOW'': ``Off the Wall'' art exhibit through Jan 30. Piedmont Arts Assn., Martinsville. 632-3221.
CLIFTON FORGE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE: 862-2000.
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SECOND ANNUAL TUBA CHRISTMAS: Sounds of the season on the big brass. 6 p.m., Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. 977-2365.
ROANOKE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE: 6:30 p.m. Victory Stadium to Third Street and Campbell Avenue via Jefferson Street. 342-2028.
16TH ANNUAL HANGING OF THE GREENS: Carols and readings on the religious significance of decorations. Nursery provided. 7 p.m., Belmont Christian Church, 1101 Jamison Ave. S.E., Roanoke. 343-7502.
``YE OLDE SALEM CHRISTMAS'': Carriage rides, ice sculpturing, dancers, choirs, caroling, mass procession and caroling from Salem Library to Longwood Park for Yule Log Burning Ceremony, children's activities. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain date, Dec. 3, 12:30-4 p.m. 375-3057.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE DUTTON FAMILY: Country, bluegrass and classical show by nine-member family. 3 and 8 p.m., Whitman Auditorium, Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke. $6, $8 evening. 857-7334.
``VINTON OLD-FASHIONED HOLLY DAY'': Crafters, carolers, wagon rides, bake sale, children's games, lunch with Santa. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Vinton Farmers Market. 983-0613, 343-1364.
BEDFORD CHRISTMAS PARADE: ``Christmas Around the World.'' Bands, floats, marching units, equestrians. 2 p.m. Parking passes for the handicapped available until Nov. 29. 586-2148.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHRISTMAS STORE BENEFIT DANCE: Music by the Ken Epperly Band, dessert buffet and cash bar. Black tie optional. 8-11 p.m., Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech. $40, couples; $30, students. Reservation deadline, Friday. 552-2923.
CHRISTMAS FAIR: Wreaths, crafts, bake sale. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mark's United Methodist Church, U.S. 220 North, Daleville. 992-1512.
``THE QUEEN BEE'': Children's Theatre production. Musical of color and magic by Milton Granger. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Porterfield Theatre, Radford University. $2, $1, children. 831-5475.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Pancake breakfast and children's activities. 8-10 a.m., Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, 1815 Thomson Drive. $5, under 2 free. Limited space; call for reservations. (804) 846-8451.
HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT: Seasonal music from around the world performed by FACination and FAC Kids' Chorus. 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 2 p.m., Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, 1815 Thomson Drive. $7. (804) 846-8451.
HOLIDAY 10K ROAD RACE: Lexington to Buena Vista. Registration, 9 p.m.; race start, 10 a.m., Lexington. 463-3777.
ROCKBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE: ``Reflections of Rockbridge'' with traditional decorations and music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 3, 1-5 p.m., Campbell House, 101 E. Washington St., Lexington. 463-3777.
LEXINGTON'S HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR: B&Bs and country inns. 1-5 p.m. $8 at the door. 5-7 p.m., After the House Tour Dessert and Wine at Union Run. $3. 463-3777.
``SEASON SAMPLER: SHOWCASING LOCAL BOOKS AND COOKS'': Holiday sampling of foods. 5-6:30 p.m., Stonewall Jackson House, Lexington. 463-3777.
``CAROLS IN LEXINGTON'': Public sing-along. 6 p.m., Courthouse Square, Lexington. 463-3777.
SANTA'S SECRET SHOP: Affordable gifts for children to purchase (all gifts under $5). 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 7 North Main St., Lexington. 463-7191.
CONCERT OF SACRED AND SEASONAL MUSIC: Danville Choral Arts Society presentation. 7:30 p.m., Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, Danville. (804) 792-6965 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.).
ART EXHIBIT: ``Bestial Angels'' through Jan. 20. William King Regional Arts Center, Abingdon. 628-5005.
THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT WARWICKTON: Tour of Warwickton Mansion decorated for an 1860s Christmas, Civil War re-enactors. Dec. 3 and 8-9, 2-4 p.m. each day, Hidden Valley, Warm Springs. $5. Benefit for Bath County Historical Society. Six miles northwest of Hot Springs. Va. 39 west of Warm Springs for three miles, right on Va. 621 for one mile, left on Hidden Valley Road 1.5 miles. 839-5409, 839-3178.
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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONCERT: Chapel choir and readings by the college community. 7:30 p.m., Hollins College, duPont Chapel. 362-6452.
HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERTS: ``The Lessons and Carols of Christmas'' presented by Roanoke College Choir. With Roanoke Preparatory Division of Music Children's Choir. 4 and 7 p.m., St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Roanoke. 375-2333 (Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m.).
HANGING OF THE GREENS: Carol singing, hanging of the greens, choirs, fellowship following service. 7 p.m., Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 774-1684.
``MUSIC AND ART BY CANDLELIGHT'': Gospel music, art by Yvonne Gaskins, miniature doll houses and Teddy bears. 6 p.m., Williams Memorial Baptist Church, 2105 Carroll Ave. N.W., Roanoke. 366-5260.
EARLY AMERICAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC: Presented by Deo Gloria choral group and instrumentalists. Child care provided. 7:30 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerly Road, Roanoke. 989-3314.
``A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION'': Seasonal music, exhibit by League of Roanoke Artists, dessert buffet, tours of decorated apartments. 2:30-4 p.m., The Park-Oak Grove Retirement Community, 4920 Woodmar Drive S.W., Roanoke. 989-9501.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE OAKS: Holiday and classical music by Roanoke Youth Symphony String Quartet. 2-4 p.m., The Oaks at Richfield, Richfield Retirement Community, Salem. 380-6537.
MORAVIAN LOVEFEAST: With the Brass 5 and traditional Christmas music. 5 p.m., Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3911 Greenland Ave., Roanoke. 366-8115.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONCERT: Performances by the Hollins College chapel choir, a service of Advent and Christmas readings and an offering to benefit charities. 7:30 p.m., duPont Chapel, Hollins College, Roanoke. 362-6451.
``HANGING OF THE GREENS: 5 p.m., Virginia Heights Baptist Church, 2014 Memorial Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 344-7748.
HISTORIC FLOYD-CHRISTMAS WALKING TOUR AND PARADE: Guides in period costumes, tour exteriors of historic houses and shops. 12:30 p.m., meet at Jessie Peterman Library. Parade, 3 p.m. Floats, marching units, clowns, horses, antique cars and trucks. (Rain date, Dec. 9) 745-2004.
ROCKBRIDGE BALLET: Holiday program. 7 p.m., Lenfest Center, Washington and Lee University, Lexington. $6, $3 children. 463-3777.
EMPTY STOCKING FUND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE 2:30 p.m., Main Street, Danville. (804) 792-6965 (10 a.m-3 p.m.).
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Open houses, live music. 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., The Rock House and Thomas J. Boyd Museums, Wytheville. $4, $2, ages 6-12. Proceeds benefit museums' programs. 223-3330.
``HAPPY HOLIDAYS'': Story-theater production including ``The Gift of the Magi,'' ``The Chanukah Guest,'' ``King Hilary and the Beggarman'' and ``Persephone.'' 3 p.m., Richlands High School Auditorium, Richlands. $10, $8 advance; students, $8, $6 advance. 963-4278.
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``THE NUTCRACKER'': Performed by The Eglevsky Ballet of New York. 7:30 p.m., Virginia Tech. $14, $7, 12 and under. 231-5615, (800) 843-0332.
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HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT: 7 p.m., Lenfest Center, Washington and Lee University, Lexington. 463-3777.
``HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS: MR. JACK DANIEL'S SILVER CORNET BAND'': Alleghany Highlands Arts Council's Performing Arts Series. 8 p.m., Covington High School. $18, $15, students. 962-6220.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Virginia Highlands Community College Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers present traditional and contemporary holiday music. 7:30 p.m., Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon. $3. 628-6094, 466-3444.
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VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: THE BOB BROWN PUPPETS PERFORM ``CINDERELLA'': 4 and 7:30 p.m., Reynolds Homestead, Critz. Also, Dec. 7. $2, $1 children. 694-7181.
``AN O. HENRY CHRISTMAS'': Musical based on O. Henry stories. Through Dec. 31, Barter Theatre, Abingdon. Call for times and ticket information. (800) 368-3240.
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VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: THE HOMESTEAD BY CANDLELIGHT - PLUS THE BOB BROWN PUPPETS PERFORM ``CINDERELLA'': 4 and 7:30 p.m.; $2, $1 children. The Homestead by Candlelight, 7-9 p.m., Reynolds Homestead, Critz. $4, $2 children. 694-7181.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT: 7:30 p.m., Lee Chapel, Washington and Lee University, Lexington. 463-3777.
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HANDEL'S ``MESSIAH'': Christmas portions performed by Bedford Choral Society. Bedford Baptist Church, Oakwood Street. 586-0231.
``COPPELIA'' - A HOLIDAY SEASON BALLET: Seasonal alternative to ``The Nutcracker'' with national folk and classical dancers, orchestra. 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Radford University. $8, $4.50, children. 831-5265.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Decorated trees at former First American Bank Building, Main Street, Lexington. Gala, 7-9 p.m.; display open, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 10, noon-5 p.m. 463-3777.
``CAROLS IN THE COURTYARD'': 7:30 p.m., Virginia Military Institute, Lexington. 463-3777.
23RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOUR: Tour of homes built between World Wars I and II in Danville's Forest Hills. Benefit for restoration projects of Danville Historical Society. 1-6 p.m. (804) 799-5326.
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``SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE'': 5 p.m.; Dec. 10, 5 and 8 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, Campbell Avenue at Sixth Street S.W., Roanoke. No tickets required. 342-4224.
JINGLE BELL RUN: 8:30 a.m., costume contest. 9 a.m., race. Downtown Roanoke. 342-2028.
ANNUAL OLD SOUTHWEST PARLOR TOUR: The ``Sweet Sixteen'' tour featuring open house at 10 homes and businesses in Roanoke's Old Southwest neighborhood. 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 10, 1-5 p.m. $10. Tickets at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (corner of Franklin Road and Highland Avenue) on tour days. 343-8794, 345-4030.
THE BALTIMORE CONSORT: Music of the holiday season, featuring traditional music of Scotland, Renaissance England and Appalachia. With Custer LaRue. 8 p.m., Roanoke College's Olin Theater. $10. 375-2333 (Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m.).
CHILDREN'S CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Roanoke College Preparatory Division of Music Children's Choir with Brass 5. 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Roanoke. $3, 12 and under free. 375-2096.
HOLIDAY CONCERT: Radford University choral ensembles' performance. 8 p.m., St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Roanoke. 831-5177.
``THE NUTCRACKER'': Lynchburg Regional Ballet Theatre performance. Also, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 16 and 17, 2 p.m., Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, 1815 Thomson Drive. $15, $11, senior citizens, students and children. (804) 846-8451.
SANTA'S SECRET SHOP: Affordable gifts for children to purchase (all gifts under $5). 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 7 North Main St., Lexington. 463-7191.
``A SHENANDOAH CHRISTMAS: CHRISTMAS IN ARNOLD'S VALLEY'': Theatre at Lime Kiln presentation. 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Lenfest Center, Washington and Lee University, Lexington. 463-3074.
``CHRISTMAS REMEMBERED'': Traditional family activities, mid-19th century decorations. Noon-4 p.m., Stonewall Jackson House, Lexington. 463-3777.
CLIFTON FORGE MAIN STREET'S ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9 a.m., Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church. Call for reservations, 862-2000.
HANDEL'S ``MESSIAH'': Performed by the Alleghany Highlands Chorale. 5 p.m., The Homestead, Hot Springs. $10. 962-6220.
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ROUND THE TABLE CAROL SING: 5 p.m., Virginia Heights Baptist Church, 2014 Memorial Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 344-7748.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT EXPLORE: An 1850s Christmas with traditional crafts, music, decorations and refreshments. Virginia's Explore Park, 1.5 miles off milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway. Admission waived. 427-1800.
SALEM MUSEUM HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR: Historic Broad Street homes with holiday decor, seasonal music, old-fashioned Christmas tea. 2-5 p.m. $10, $8 advance. Tickets at museum, Grandma's Attic, Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy, For the Birds, Bowles Nelson Powers, Designers II. Rain date, Dec. 17. 389-6760.
CHORAL CONCERT: Jefferson Choral Society performs Handel's ``Messiah.'' 3 p.m., Randolph Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg. $8, $6 advance. (804) 237-1822.
DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON OPEN HOUSE: Entertainment, refreshments, other items. Noon-5:30 p.m. 463-7191.
``JOLLY OLD ST. NICK'': Children's holiday musical. 2 and 4 p.m., Children's Theatre of Danville. (804) 797-2124.
``A CHRISTMAS GIFT: TRADITIONAL MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS'': Performed by the Danville Community Orchestra. 3 p.m., City Auditorium, Danville. (804) 792-6965.
A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Presented by the choirs of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, Danville. 4 p.m. (804) 792-6965.
SACRED MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS: Presented at Main Street United Methodist Church. 4:30 p.m. (804) 792-6965.
CHRISTMAS VICTORIAN STYLE: The Danville Museum, bedecked with fresh materials. 2-5 p.m., through Dec. 17. (804) 792-6965.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Emory & Henry College Oratorio Choir. 8 p.m., Memorial Chapel, Emory & Henry College, Emory. 944-4121, ext. 3130.
``FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS'': Presented by the Greenbrier Valley Chorale. 3 p.m., Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg, W.Va. (304) 645-7917.
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FERRUM COLLEGE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Music by the Concert Choir, Handbell Ensemble and Ferrum Edition. 7:30 p.m., Ferrum College. 365-4358.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS: Popular and classical seasonal music performed by the New River Valley Community Chorus. Dec. 12. 8 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, Radford. 382-5492.
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LIVE NATIVITY: Four scenes from the first Christmas with live characters and animals. Dec. 16-17. 6:30-9 p.m. each day, Penn Forest Christian Church, 3028 Penn Forest Blvd., Roanoke. 774-2445, 345-6149.
ELKS NATIONAL HOME LIGHTING CEREMONY: Illuminated Christmas scenes and more than 15,000 lights. Ceremony, 5 p.m., Elks National Home dining hall. Display, 5:30-10 p.m. through Dec. 31, Bedford. 586-8232.
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``THE NUTCRACKER'': Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with guest conductor James Glazebrook and Southwest Virginia Ballet. 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 17, 3 p.m., Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium. $17-$25. 343-6221.
A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS DINNER THEATER: Colonial dinner and entertainment with instruments, handbells and choirs. 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m., Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Roanoke. $7.50, $3.50, ages 10 and under. 774-1684.
SECOND ANNUAL ``TOAST TO CHRISTMAS'': Featuring Brass 5 and guitarist Robbie Dummitt. 8 p.m., Whitman Auditorium, Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke. $10. 977-2365.
BLACKSBURG MASTER CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT: Portions from Handel's ``Messiah,'' holiday music, carol singing. 8 p.m. Blacksburg Baptist Church. Portion of proceeds donated to Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry. Tickets at Books Strings & Things, Blacksburg, Squires ticket office and at the door. 552-8071.
``TEA WITH CLARA'': Following performance of ``The Nutcracker,'' tea with ballet company. 4:30 p.m., Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, 1815 Thomson Drive. $22, parent accompanied by child; $8, children. Limited space; purchase tickets in advance. Proceeds benefit Lynchburg Fine Arts Center Dance Program. (804) 846-8451.
``THE SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE'': Chancel Choir performance. Dec. 17. 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 301 N. Jefferson Ave., Pulaski. 980-3643.
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``GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN'': Cantata by Stan Pethel, with adult choir. 9:30 a.m., Melrose Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke. 345-8727.
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: ``A Christmas Gathering'' presented by adult choir. 10:45 a.m., Penn Forest Christian Church, 3028 Penn Forest Boulevard, Roanoke. 774-2445.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAM: Presented by Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs and orchestra. Child care provided. 7:30 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerle Road, Roanoke. 989-3314.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAM: Sanctuary Choir concert. 7 p.m., Connelly Memorial Baptist Church, 3907 Hershberger Road N.W., Roanoke. 563-4971.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: ``Good News of Great Joy'' performed by adult choir. 7 p.m., Antioch Church of the Brethren, Franklin County. U.S. 220 South from Roanoke; through Boones Mill, right on Va. 919 (Grassy Hill Road); six miles, right on Va. 641 (Callaway Road); three miles, on right. 483-2087.
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CHINQUA-PENN ORGAN CONCERTS: Inaugural concerts on the newly restored pipe organ inside the mansion. 7:30 p.m., through Dec. 22, Chinqua-Penn Plantation, Reidsville, N.C. Limited seating. $35. (910) 349-4576.
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MORAVIAN-STYLE LOVEFEAST: Carols and brass music, Moravian Love Feast. 6 p.m., Fincastle Presbyterian Church. 473-2042.
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``JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM'': Journey from three Roanoke churches to a stable and Christmas play at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. 6:30 p.m., originates at Christ Lutheran Church, Raleigh Court United Methodist Church and Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Caroling en route. Bring candles, flashlights or lanterns.
LIVE NATIVITY SCENE: Dec. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Connelly Memorial Baptist Church, 3907 Hershberger Road N.W., Roanoke. 563-4971.
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Carols, drama and Communion. 7:30 p.m., Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 774-1684.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE: 11 p.m., Virginia Heights Baptist Church, 2014 Memorial Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 344-7748.
LIVE NATIVITY: Live animals and luminaries. 6-7 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerle Road, Roanoke.
CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION/CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: 8 p.m., Connelly Memorial Baptist Church, 3907 Hershberger Road N.W., Roanoke. 563-4971.
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KWANZAA CELEBRATION: 6-8:30 p.m., Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 523 Harrison Ave. N.W., Roanoke. 345-4818.
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FIRST NIGHT ROANOKE: Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. Several venues with more than 60 performing and visual arts, ice skating, dancing, games, music, Chinese dragon procession, fireworks and more. 6 p.m.-midnight, downtown Roanoke. Admission button required. $9, $7 advance; children, $5, $3 advance. 342-2640.
by CNB