Christmas is creeping ever closer, and there are plenty of holiday-themed activities going on in the Historic Triangle this weekend.
Catch a concert, pick up some decorating tips or create a new family tradition – the joy of the season is in full swing.
Holiday Concerts and Performances
Flute Frenzy is hosting a holiday concert at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church that will feature the Fantasia choir. Don’t miss an evening of seasonal musical written for ensembles of piccolo, C flute, alto flute and bass flute, with special guest performances from the Prelude and Flute Frenzy youth flute choir. This concert is free and open to the public and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual holiday pops concert Friday at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News. This beloved Christmastime tradition is sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit with seasonal songs and traditional carols. Ticket prices vary and can be found here. The show begins at 8 p.m.
The Virginia Regional Ballet will present “The Nutcracker” on Saturday and Sunday at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall. This holiday classic will feature VRB’s students and professional guest artists bringing to life the enchanting tale of Klara and the Nutcracker Prince. Shows will take place at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission price varies and can be found here.
The Kimball Theatre is presenting “Christmas Dreams,” the magical tale of Janie Sparkle’s holiday wish that transports her to an enchanted world where nothing is as it seems. Join her on her journey home for Christmas morning; tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. Showtimes are 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Yorkminster Church is presenting its annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday, featuring the Combined Sanctuary Chior, the Carillon Ringers, the Alleluia Chorus children’s choir, the Girls Ensemble, a guest orchestra and vocal and instrumental soloists. Cello soloist Susan Hines will lead the orchestra in a performance of Ave Maria, while seventh-grader Esther Kim will perform a violin solo from Vivaldi’s “Winter” movement of “The Four Seasons” suite. This free service will begin at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.
The Muscarelle Museum of Art is hosting a holiday sing-along Sunday to get people of all ages into the holiday spirit. Williamsburg Youth Choral will lead the crowd in a rousing round of holiday favorites. The performance is free with museum admission and will begin at 2 p.m.
The Williamsburg Choral Guild is celebrating its 40th season with a special free community Christmas concert this Sunday at King of Glory Lutheran Church. This family-friendly concert will include holiday favorites and sing-along carols sure to delight the entire community. While admission is free, attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to FISH or Grove Christian Outreach Center. The show begins at 2 p.m.
Williamsburg United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Respite Care Benefit Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday. The performance will feature Tom Marshall on the organ and piano, In Nomine Dei Ringers, The Covenant Ringers, Mezzo-Soprano Lou-Anne Smith and congregational carols, all to benefit an engaging enrichment program for seniors. This show is free and open to the public.
Parties and Community Gatherings
The Williamsburg Art Gallery will host its annual holiday party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Come on out and enjoy refreshments and a performance from William & Mary’s Botetourt a cappella singers. Admission is free and open to the public.
Bacon Street Youth and Family Services is hosting a Holiday Open House on Thursday to give the community a chance to meet the staff and learn about the services offered there. Enjoy a create-your-own hot chocolate bar as well as light refreshments while you mix and mingle. This free event will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday.
On Thursday, Hospice House will host its second annual Light-Up-A-Life Tree Lighting. The lights on the tree will illuminate themes of remembrance, giving and sharing- each ornament is a tribute to a life well-lived. Head over at 4:30 p.m. to remember a loved one and take part in this moving program. Various different donor levels are available for those who wish to honor someone through a bow on the tree ranging from $50 to $250.
The Heritage Humane Society’s annual Christmas Bazaar is Saturday, and animal lovers of all sorts won’t want to miss this opportunity to purchase unique and handcrafted gifts for everyone on their list, all to benefit the humane society. Come out and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup as you shop, and don’t forget to check out the silent auction while you’re there. This event will take place at Bruton Parish Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Head over to York River State Park this Sunday for “Jingle Bark in the Park,” a special holiday celebration for you and your furry friends. Dress up your dog and take him to get his photo taken with Santa from noon to 1 p.m., the join in a hike around Woodstock Pond led by jolly old St. Nicolas himself. Bring pet supplies to donate to a local animal shelter to share the spirit of giving this Christmas season. Parking is $4 per vehicle.
Everything Else
Have you ever admired the beautiful holiday decorations that adorn the Revolutionary City this time of year? Now you can learn how to emulate them by attending the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg’s “Holiday Decorating Tips and Inspiration” lecture at 1:15 p.m. Thursday. A member of Colonial Williamsburg’s landscape staff will demonstrate how to make one of the historic area’s signature decorations. Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great holiday decorating tips; admission is $3 in addition to museum ticket.
Hickory Neck Episcopal Church will host “An Advent Quiet Morning” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. This special program will include three mediations followed by a time of reflection, so come out and contemplate the meaning of the season. This free event is open to the public and childcare will be provided.
