Holiday happenings

Ongoing
—Central Virginia Area Agency on Aging is sponsoring its annual Home For The Holidays Christmas Project to benefit needy senior citizens in the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell. Local entities displaying angels include Lynchburg Public Library, Jamerson Memorial Library (Appomattox), Campbell County Main Library, Big Island Library, BB&T Bank (Old Forest Road), First National Bank of Altavista (622 Broad St. and 1301 Main St., Altavista); Curves for Women (Altavista), Peebles Department Store (Altavista), Generation Solutions (1302 Claymont Drive), Bedford Main Library, Altavista and Bedford Wal-Marts, Cheryl’s Secret Garden Florist & Garden Shop (Wyndhurst), and at the CVAAA office (501 12th St.). Gifts are returned to the site that displayed the angel (by the giver), and the CVAAA staff will deliver the gifts.
—The Academy of Fine Arts is hosting its annual Cash and Carry Holiday Show and Sale through Dec. 23 in the Art Up Front Gallery, with work by AFA members and other local artists. The show and sale will feature a wide variety of paintings, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, note cards, prints, tree ornaments and more. Portrait artist Claudia Van Koba will be available the first three Saturdays in December to draw quick portraits for customers. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Call (434) 528-3256 or visit http://www.academyfinearts.com.
—Lynchburg Humane Society’s “Paws to Remember” display will be located at River Ridge mall in the Santa Set. The display features animals that need homes. Donations can also be made.

Today, Nov. 28
—Christmas on the Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fishwood Farm Alpacas of Concord. Features Alpaca viewing, petting and pictures, refreshments. For information/directions, call (434) 993-9115 or visit http://www.fishwoodfarm.com.

Saturday, Nov. 29
—Holiday Lights, features more than 30 acres of lights and decorations, Liberty Lake Park in Bedford, 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1.
—Wreath-Making Workshops, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m., Old City Cemetery. Bring hand pruners. The cost is $50. Due to limited space, registration is required; call (434) 847-1465 or e-mail .
—Christmas on the Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fishwood Farm Alpacas of Concord. See Nov. 28.
— Nancy Carter Crump will discuss holiday foods and spirits during Jefferson’s time, and will sign copies of her book, “Hearth Cooking,” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Museum Shop at Poplar Forest.

Sunday, Nov. 30
—Holiday Tours at Poplar Forest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stationed tours of Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home will focus on early 19th century holiday traditions, including holiday fare. Stationed tours will begin on the hour and half-hour. Half-price admission. Visit http://www.poplarforest.org or call (434) 534-8120..
—Wreath-Making Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m., Old City Cemetery. See Nov. 29.
—Christmas on the Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fishwood Farm Alpacas of Concord. See Nov. 28.

Wednesday, Dec. 3
—Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 106 Oakridge Blvd. (corner of Memorial and Oakridge), will host its Midweek Community Advent service with the Rev. Larry Davies, district superintendent, United Methodist Church, guest organist Sonna Seipp of Heritage United Methodist Church, and guest instrumentalists Jeanne and Perry Mundy, St. John’s Episcopal Church. Prelude beings at 11:45 a.m., service at noon, followed by lunch. A $4 donation per person is requested for lunch. For more information, call (434) 847-1251 or visit http://www.FortHillUMC.org.
—Midweek Advent Services will be held at 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2940 Link Road.

Friday, Dec. 5
—Hot Chocolate with Santa, sponsored by City of Bedford Parks and Recreation, 7 to 10 p.m., Liberty Lake Park, Bedford. Children can interact with their favorite holiday characters. Pictures available for $1.
—Christmas in Courthouse Square, 6 to 8 p.m., Historic Courthouse, Rustburg. Includes crafters, carolers, Santa Claus, music, etc. Tree lighting ceremony and candle lighting at 7 p.m. No charge.
—“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Opera classic tale by Gian Carlo Menotti, 7:30 p.m., Sydnor Performance Hall, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall, Lynchburg College. Co-produced by the LC Theatre and Music Departments. Admission, $5; by ticket only. Call (434) 544-8344.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, featuring the “Twin Living Christmas Trees,” 7 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. The event features thousands of lights, hundreds of singers, players and actors. Tickets, $10, are available by calling (866) 853-8543. For group tickets, call (434) 592-4864.
—Christmas Show/Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., Lynchburg Art Club, 1011 Rivermont Ave. Features homemade baked goods, soups, jellies, paintings and crafts. For more information, visit http://www.lynchbur
gartclub.org.
—A Christmas Celebration, concert performed by vocalists, pianist and violinist, 7:30 p.m., Timberlake Baptist Church, 21395 Timberlake Road. No charge.

Saturday, Dec. 6
—Lynchburg Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. route goes through downtown.
—Amherst County Parade. Amherst County Museum, 154 South Main St., Amherst, will serve cookies and cocoa beginning at 5 p.m. prior to the parade at 7 p.m.
—Bedford Christmas Parade will begin at 11 a.m. in Centertown. Rain date: Dec. 13.
—Evergreen Community Christmas Celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at JR Hamilton Store, Evergreen. Includes tree lighting at 6 p.m., live music, pictures with Santa and more. No charge.
—Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys Boat Parade of Lights departs Virginia Dare Marina at 7 p.m. New unwrapped toys can be dropped of at Lake Christian Ministries Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings.
—WSET and Aylor’s Farm & Garden will hold a silent auction to benefit Lynchburg Meals on Wheels at Aylor’s, Virginia 221, Forest. Some auction items include a fountain, indoor planting system and bird feeders.
—Breakfast with Santa and Winter Wonderland Bazaar at Holy Cross Regional School. Doors open at 8 a.m. The cost is $5 for breakfast and crafts.
- Woodmen of the World Christmas Party, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lodge, 1800 Wards Ferry Road. There will be food, and Jodie Davis will provide entertainment.
- Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grace Church of God, 2450 Thomas Jefferson Road, Forest. Includes a variety of vendors, $5 “Kid’s Only” gift room, pictures with Santa, breakfast and lunch items.
—The Lynchburg District United Methodist Women Advent Brunch and Christmas music program, 10:30 a.m., Heritage United Methodist Church. Features Christmas music, solo and duets on handbells, piano and organ.
—“Christmas at the Barn” Bazaar, sponsored by Timberlake Garden Club, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 245 Timberlake Drive. Features fresh greenery, baskets, baked goods, gifts and Brunswick stew.
—Old City Cemetery Chapel Open House, 1 to 4 p.m. for drop-in visits. Decorated by Ragged Robin Garden Club with greenery from the Cemetery grounds. No charge.
—Downtown Lynchburg Holiday Traditions, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lynchburg Community Market. Features horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and holiday open houses. Call (434) 528-3950 or visit http://www.downtownlynchburg.com
—James River State Park, 751 Park Road, Gladstone, will host a Natural Holiday Craft Workshop, for adults only, from 9 to 11 a.m. The cost is $10. Trim-A-Tree for Wildlife, for all ages, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nature Center. Refreshments provided. Call (434) 933-4395 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.
—Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Bedford Parks and Recreation, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Bedford Elementary School cafeteria. Photos available for $1 (or participants can bring own camera). Features pictures with Santa, breakfast (for children), crafts for youth up to 12 years of age.
—The Jefferson Choral Society will present its Christmas concert, “Peace on Earth,” 7:30 p.m. at Heritage United Methodist Church. Tickets, $15 for adults, $8 for students, under 12, no charge (when accompanied by an adult), are available at Givens Books, Arthur’s Jewelry (Bedford and Wyndhurst), Aylor’s Farm & Garden, What a Blessing Bakery, Amherst, Miller’s Jewelry, Altavista or by calling the JCS office at (434) 528-5700 or LynchburgTickets.com. Gen
—Altavista Christmas Heritage Historic Home Tour/Open House, sponsored by the Staunton River Garden Club, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tour features Locust Hill (Perrow home), 7408 Wards Road, Hurt; Thornton (Lawson home), 1104 Bedford Ave., Altavista; Roark Home (Fenn home), 1002 Broad St., Altavista; and Riverview (Forrest home) 2097 Stonemill Road, Hurt. Tickets, $20 (includes map), are available at Miller’s Jewelry, 520 Main St., or can be purchased day of the tour at any of the homes.
—“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 7:30 p.m., Lynchburg College. See Dec. 5.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, 2 and 7 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. See Dec. 5.
—Christmas Show/Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lynchburg Art Club, 1011 Rivermont Ave. See Dec. 5.

Sunday, Dec.  7
—Appomattox Christmas Event/Parade. Santa will visit from 2 to 3:45 p.m. in the Visitors Center, with parade at 4 p.m. followed by the Community of Candles, downtown Historic Appomattox. Call (434) 352-5996.
—Nelson County Christmas Parade, 3 to 5 p.m. in the village of Lovingston. Features floats, marching units, vehicles, animals, Santa Claus, vendors and food.
—26th Annual Christmas Open House at Point of Honor, noon to 4 p.m. Includes period music in the parlor, refreshments, and special sale items in Gift Shop. No charge. For information, visit http://www.pointofhonor.org
—German Advent Service, conducted in German by Pastor Dr. Martin Mencke of Washington, D.C., 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 Langhorne Road.
—Handel’s “Messiah” and other Christmas hymns performed by the choirs from Beulah Baptist Church and Lakewood Baptist Church, 6 p.m., Beulah Baptist Church, 528 Leesville Road. Call (434) 239-1776.
—Christmas at Sandusky, 1 to 5 p.m. Includes holiday decorations, gift shop, refreshments and Santa Claus. Free to members, $5 adults, $3 for seniors, $2 students and no charge for those 5 and under. Call (434) 832-0162.
—Lighting of the Garden, at Awareness Garden, 5 p.m. Ring along and sing along, includes hot chocolate and caroling. Lights will be illuminated every evening from 5 to 11 p.m. through January.
—Dedication of Lights Ceremony, 5 to 7 p.m., Lynchburg Humane Society Adoption Center. Lights will be lit and stars hung in honor of animals and humans honored or memorialized. Four-legged friends on leashes welcome.
—“Tapestry of the Season,” 3 p.m., Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 106 Oakridge Blvd. Features Advent/Christmas music selections, handbells, solos/duets, piano and organ. Call (434) 847-1251 or visit http://www.forthillumc.org.
—“Peace on Earth” Christmas concert by the Jefferson Choral Society, 4 p.m. See Dec. 6.
—Pet Pictures with Santa, sponsored by City of Bedford Parks and Recreation, 1 to 5 p.m., Liberty Lake Park Peaksview Shelter.
—Vespers Concert, by candlelight featuring traditional choral music, carols, and selected readings, 7:30 p.m., Houston Memorial Chapel, Randolph College.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, featuring the “Twin Living Christmas Trees,” 4 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. See Dec. 5.
—Christmas Vespers, Sweet Briar College, Memorial Chapel, 6:30 p.m. Featuring the college’s concert and chamber choirs.

Monday, Dec. 8
—Carols by Candlelight, seasonal readings and music featuring the Lynchburg College Concert Choir, 7 p.m., Snidow Chapel. Admission by ticket only. Tickets available at the Information Center, first floor, Hall Campus Center (no phone orders.) For information, call (434) 544-8344.

Tuesday, Dec. 9
—Lynchburg Stamp Club Christmas Party, 7 p.m. in the Hume Room third floor, Westminster Canterbury, 501 VES Road. Includes Christmas goodies as well as a 30-lot auction. Youth and beginner session at 6 p.m.
—Almost Christmas, Almost Midnight Service, 11 p.m., Snidow Chapel, Lynchburg College.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
—Fort Hill United Methodist Church Midweek Community Advent service features guest minister the Rev. Catharine Montgomery, Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, guest organist, Sandra Matthes of Heritage United Methodist Church, and guest soloist Wayne Rhodes, New Beginning Tabernacle. See Dec. 3.
—Handel’s “Messiah” and other Christmas hymns by the choirs from Beulah Baptist Church and Lakewood Church, 7 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church, 2469 Sunburst Road, Evington. Call 525-1234.
—Midweek Advent Services, 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2940 Link Road.
—Village Garden Club’s Annual Christmas Decorating Contest, 6 to 9 p.m. Any home or business within the incorporated area of the Town of Amherst can participate by turning on outside lighting (homes) or window lighting (businesses). Bad weather date: Dec. 15.
—“A Classical Christmas,” by the Liberty University Chamber Singers, Brass Chamber ensembles and select faculty, 7 p.m., Heritage United Methodist Church, 582 Leesville Road.  E-mail musicand
or call (434) 582-2318.
—Central Virginia Alumni Club Volunteer Event, volunteers are needed to ring the Salvation Army Bells, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Kroger, Linkhorne Drive. Register by Dec. 8 by calling 544-8293, (800) 621-1669 or e-mail .

Thursday, Dec. 11
—Sandusky Christmas Party for members, donors and volunteers, 5 to 7 p.m. Call (434) 832-0162.
—Lynchburg College Wind Symphony Winter Concert, directed by Oeida Hatcher, associate professor of music/director of music education and instrumental studies, 7:30 p.m., Sydnor Performance Hall, Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall. For ticket information, call 544-8344.
—Westover Alumni Society Holiday Luncheon, for Lynchburg College alumni in the classes of 1968 and earlier and retired faculty and staff. East Room, Burton Student Center. Coffee hour, 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. The cost is $12 per person at the door and contribution of a can of food for the Lynchburg Area Food Bank. Reserved parking available and carpooling encouraged. (Snow date: Dec. 12) Reservations required by Dec. 4. Call (434) 544-8293, (800) 621-1669 or e-mail .
—Touch of Harmony, performed by Randolph College’s first coed ensemble, 8 p.m., Wimberly Recital Hall, Presser Hall. Features vocal, jazz and holiday favorites.

Friday, Dec. 12
—Official Lighting of the Elks National Home, Bedford, will be held at 5 p.m. The Home’s Christmas display, free and open to the public, will be illuminated from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31.
—Timbrook Friends of the Library are invited to special Friends of the Timbrook Library members-only event from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Timbrook Library. Friends will join Santa and Mrs. Claus for cookies, milk, and stories. To join, call 239-1190.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, 7 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. See Dec. 5.
—“The Nutcracker,” presented by Virginia School of the Arts, 7 p.m. at E.C. Glass Auditorium. Tickets, $18 adults, $10 seniors/students/children (general admission), $25 reserved seating, available through VSA, Givens Books, Carolina Connection and through the E.C. Glass Theatre Web site. Group rates available. Call 847-8688 or log on to http://www.vsaart.com or http://www.ecglasstheatre.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13
—“The Nutcracker,” by Virginia School of the Arts, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. See. Dec. 12.
—Holiday Show, presented by Leeanne Ashley Dance Ensemble, 6:30 p.m., Liberty High School, Bedford.
—Wreaths for the Season, featured during the Christmas Open House, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Avoca Museum, 1514 Main St., Altavista. Includes silent auction (wreaths), bake sale, discount from gift shop, and refreshments. Admission is $5, and $2 for 12 and under.
—Wreaths Across America Ceremony, sponsored locally by the Blue Ridge Chapter DAR, noon, at the Old City Cemetery. The goal is to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave in the cemetery (approximately 2,300). To help support the effort, wreaths can be purchased for $15. Call Rachel Shenigo at (434) 384-7041.
—Lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Timbrook Library. Free hot dog lunch provided for pre-registered children 10 and younger. Lunches for older children/adults will be available for purchase.
—Old City Cemetery Chapel Open House, 1 to 4 p.m. See Dec. 6.
—Downtown Lynchburg Holiday Traditions, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lynchburg Community Market. See Dec. 6.
—Handel’s “Messiah,” seventh annual performance by the Lynchburg College Choral Union and Chamber Orchestra and guest soloists, 7:30 p.m., Snidow Chapel, LC. Tickets, $15, adults, $12 for senior citizens (60 and up), $7.50 for students, available Dec.1 at the LC Bookstore, Givens Books, Aylor’s Farm and Garden, and Blue Marlin Seafood Market, Bedford Avenue.
—Christmas on the Farm, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fishwood Farm Alpacas of Concord. See Nov. 28.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, featuring the “Twin Living Christmas Trees,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. See Dec. 5.
—A Kwanzaa program, hosted by the Legacy Museum of African American History, noon to 4 p.m., Legacy Activity Center, 415 Monroe St. Features a drum call, candle lighting ceremony, chance to make Kwanzaa decorations and Kwanzaa exhibit. Decorations and wreaths available for purchase. No charge for admission. Call (434) 845-3455.

Sunday, Dec. 14
—“The Nutcracker,” presented by Virginia School of the Arts, 2 p.m. See. Dec. 12.
—Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Appomattox Woman’s Club, 1 to 5 p.m. Tour locations include Liberty Baptist Church, Coupe Home, Goodrich Home, Dr. Paul Harvey’s Office, Dickerson Home, Abbitt-Puckett Home, Longacre Bed & Breakfast, and Moses-Carson-Searcy Home. Advance tickets $12, available at Century 21 in Appomattox and Myrick Framery, U.S. 460. Tickets may also be purchased at any of the homes for $15 the day of tour. For information, call (434) 352-7731.
—Wreaths for the Season, 1 to 5 p.m., Avoca Museum. See Dec. 13.
—Voices of Good Cheer, by Cantate, the Children’s and Youth Choir of Central Virginia, 3 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church. No charge.
—Handel’s “Messiah,” 3 p.m., Snidow Chapel, Lynchburg College. See Dec. 13.
—2008 Virginia Christmas Spectacular, 4 p.m., Thomas Road Baptist Church. See Dec. 5.
—Holiday Open House, 1 to 4 p.m., Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Includes light refreshments, banjo music, holiday decorations, and ornament-making for kids. No charge. Call (434) 352-8987 ext. 27.

Wednesday, Dec. 17
—Fort Hill United Methodist Church Midweek Community Advent service with guest minister the Rev. Bill Russell, Westminster Presbyterian Church, organist Harvey Huiner of Lynchburg College (retired), and soloist, Fabian Sydnor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. See Dec. 3.
—Midweek Advent Services, 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2940 Link Road.

Friday, Dec. 19
—Drive Thru Live Nativity, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Road. No charge; however, canned food donations will be accepted to benefit the Lynchburg Food Bank. (Rain/snow date: Dec. 21).

Saturday, Dec. 20
—Drive Thru Live Nativity, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Peakland UMC. See Dec. 19.
—Old City Cemetery Chapel Open House, 1 to 4 p.m. with a special holiday concert at 3 p.m. by Brookville High School. See Dec. 6.
—Santa Claws at PetSmart, customers and pets can pose for a holiday photo (4 x 6 digital in holiday collector frame) with Santa Claws for $9.95, with $5 from each photo to benefit the Lynchburg Humane Society.
—Downtown Lynchburg Holiday Traditions, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lynchburg Community Market. See Dec. 6.
—The Polar Express, 1 to 3 p.m., Imagination Studio, Amazement Square. Decorate train whistles, create snowflake ornaments, have hot chocolate and ginger snaps.

Sunday, Dec. 21
—Advent and Christmas Concert of Baroque Music, by St. John’s Choirs, 5 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church. Donations will be accepted.
—Santa Claws at PetSmart. See Dec. 20.
—The “Doc” Falwell Memorial Toy Run, presented by TRBC and Liberty Riders. Meet at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Special worship service at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts at 9:30 a.m. Police escorted ride rolls out at 11:15 a.m. Bring new unwrapped toy. For information, call (434) 239-9281 or visit http://www.trbc.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 23
—Christmas and Candlelight, featuring Christmas songs by Marcia Jones Thom and Paddy Dougherty, 7:30 p.m., Oakwood Country Club. Tickets, $75, are available, call (434) 845-6604 or visit http://www.lynchburgsymphony.com. Proceeds benefit the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra.

Wednesday, Dec. 31
—Mad Hatters Ball, open to those 21 and older, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Academy of Fine Arts Warehouse Theatre. The event, which benefits Presbyterian Homes & Family Services, features hors d’oeuvres, beverage ticket, champagne and door prizes. Tickets, $85 per person. Visit http://www.phfs.org
—Extreme Arcade & Band Jam, open to ages 12 to 19, 8 to 12:30 a.m., The Warehouse at Amazement Square. Features Band of the Year competition, inflatables, games, door prizes, variety of food, etc. Tickets (required) are $20. Proceeds benefit Presbyterian Homes & Family Services. Visit http://www.phfs.org
—New Year’s Eve Around the World, for ages 4 to 12, Amazement Square. Features the customs and foods of other countries, etc. The cost is $35 for evening participants (7 to 12:30 a.m.) and $55 for overnight (7 p.m. to 8 a.m.). Proceeds benefit Presbyterian Homes & Family Services. Visit http://www.phfs.org