From The Huntsville Times

Today - November 23rd

Galaxy of Lights, Botanical Garden

Galaxy of Lights walking nights, holiday light extravaganza, bring Toys for Tots, nonperishable foods, clean coats, paper products, pet supplies and children’s books, Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 5-7:30 p.m., $6, children $3, 830-4447 or www.hsvbg.org.

Chip Davis’ Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 2:30 and 7 p.m., $65.

Delta Zeta Marketplace, more than 150 exhibitors and vendors, Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St., noon-5 p.m., free, 533-1953 or www.deltazetamarketplace.com.

Christmas open house, photos with Santa, who arrives by fire truck on Saturday at 1:15 p.m., live entertainment, carriage rides for $10 and ages 5-12 $5, various businesses, around Athens, 1-5 p.m. today, 256-232-2600, 256-278-6436, www.tourathens.com or www.spiritofathens.com.

Today and beyond

Christmas trees, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., today-Dec. 30, 532-5940 or www.hpl.lib.al.us.

Kwanzaa exhibit, by appointment through Jan. 2, State Black Archives, Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian St., $5, seniors $5, ages 5-11 $3, 372-5846.

Thursday

Galaxy of Lights driving nights, holiday light extravaganza, discounted tickets in advance in gift shop and $1 off with donations (see above), Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday-Dec. 14, Dec. 25-31; 5:30-10 p.m. Dec. 15-24, $15 per car up to 10 people, $3 each additional person, 830-4447 or www.hsvbg.org.

Friday

“Miracle on 34th Street,” Renaissance Theatre, 1214-B Meridian St., 7:30 p.m. Friday-Nov. 29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13; 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, $14, 536-3117.

Santa’s Village, the Claus home with reindeer, elves and “snow,” Alabama Constitution Village, 109 Gates Ave., 5-9 p.m. Friday-Dec. 23, $15 for family of up to five, some discounts, 564-8100 or www.earlyworks.com.

Saturday

Santa train, 35-minute train excursion, North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Road, 10 and 11 a.m. Nov. 29; 10, 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13; 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7, $12, 851-6276 or www.northalabamarailroadmuseum.com.

Kris Kringle pancake breakfast, pancakes cooked by Huntsville Kiwanis Club, picture included, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 29, $8 for adult, $6 for Burritt adult member, children $4, 3 and under free, reservations 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

“Christmas Tree Forest” exhibit opens, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 10 a.m. Nov. 29, 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

Dec. 1 and beyond

Supper with Santa, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, 404 Madison St., 4:30 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1-4, $10 each, reservations 564-8122 or www.earlyworks.com.

Dec. 2

“Joyeux Noel,” foreign film, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2, free, 532-5940 or www.hpl.lib.al.us.

Madison Community Band Christmas concert, featuring music historian and cornet soloist Steve Charpie and guest conductor David McCullough, Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Road, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, free, 461-0028.

Dec. 3

Every Light a Prayer for Peace, two string quartets, elementary school choir, Grissom High School Jazz Choir, local clergy, essays by fifth graders on “What Peace on Earth Means to Me,” Huntsville Botanical Garden Arbor, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 10 a.m. Dec. 3, free, 859-8051, 536-1453 or www.hsvbg.org.

Dec. 4

Holiday gallery tour, Artisans Cove, Artistic Images, Artistic Minds, Flying Monkey Arts Center, Huntsville Art League, Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, Signature Gallery, Studio 100 Gallery, Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St., 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4, free, admission to art museum galleries $10, $5 for Mambo Gris Gris at Flying Monkey, 535-4350 or www.hsvmuseum.org.

Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 4-6, $8, seniors 60 and over and military $7, ages 13-17 $6, ages 3-12 $5, 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

Holiday concert, flute choir Prevailing Winds, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., 6 p.m. Dec. 4, free, 532-5940 or www.hpl.lib.al.us.

Dec. 5

“Holiday on Broadway,” four Broadway stars performing skits and music of the season, Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, 3320 Triana Blvd., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7, $32.50, students and seniors 60 and older $29.50, 534-6455 or www.merrimackhall.com.

Christmas NEACA craft show, 250 crafters, benefit for local charities and scholarships, Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 5-6; noon-5 p.m. Dec. 7, free admission, 880-7987 or 883-2199.

“A Christmas Carol,” Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 11-12; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, $15, ages 17 and under $10, 539-6829 or www.letthemagicbegin.org.

“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues,” not for children, Renaissance Theatre, 1214-B Meridian St., 8 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 11-13, $14, 536-3117 or www.renaissancetheatre.net.

Dec. 6

Winter Wonder Slam, Toby Mac, Relient K and Family Force 5, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 7 p.m. Dec. 6, $16-$35, www.ticketmaster.com.

“A Christmas Carol on Ice,” Point Mallard Figure Skating Club, Point Mallard Ice Complex, Point Mallard Circle, Decatur, 1 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, $5 in advance, $6 at the door, 341-4913 or www.pointmallardfsc.com.

Christmas parade, sponsored by WAAY-TV, Big Spring International Park, 200 Church St., noon Dec. 6, free, 883-3710.

Antique Erector set and train display, train displays by the Lego train Club and Plastic Modelers Club in addition to antique train and Erector sets, make-and-take activities and entertainment, Southerland Station, 402-B Governors Drive, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6; 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7, free, 533-4720.

“On Holiday,” Huntsville Community Chorus, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, $18, some discounts, 533-6606 or www.thechorus.org.

“The Nutcracker, a Yuletide Ballet,” Alabama Youth Ballet Theater, Butler High School, 3401 Holmes Ave., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, $10, 881-5930 or www.alabamayouthballet.org.

Boat Parade of Lights, Rhodes Ferry Park, 100 Market St., Decatur, 6 p.m. Dec. 6, bring canned food for food bank, 476-3205.

Christmas Star, ponder the possibilities of the sky over Bethlehem, telescope viewing following if weather permits, Von Braun Planetarium, Monte Sano State Park off Nolen Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20, $5, students $3, www.vbas.org.

Christmas open house, no-kill animal shelter, Ark, 139 Bo Cole Road, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6, donations, 851-4088.

Woodville Christmas parade, Home for the Holidays, refreshments afterward at the Fire Hall, Woodville High School, 290 County Road 63, Woodville, noon Dec. 6, 776-2874.

Dec. 6-7

LEGO city, open house with displays of city, vintage model trains, toys and Erector sets, may be largest LEGO exhibit in Alabama, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7, Southerland Station, 402-B Governors Drive, free, http://tvbricks.googlepages.com or 533-4720.

Dec. 7

Heritage Ringers of Huntsville, seasonal carols and popular holiday music, Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, free, 536-4133.

Rocket City Tuba Christmas, more than 40 tuba, sousaphone, baritone and euphonium players performing holiday music, Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St., 3 p.m. Dec. 7, free, admission to art museum galleries $10, 535-4350 or www.hsvmuseum.org.

Christmas Musicale, 80th annual, Alabama A&M University Choir and Brass Ensemble performing favorites including J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat,” Elmore Gym, Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian St., 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7, donations, 372-5512, 372-5513 or www.aamu.edu.

Dec. 8

Blind Boys of Alabama, songs from “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, 112 Second Ave., Decatur, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, $30-$44, 350-1745 or www.princesstheatre.org.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Grissom High School, 7901 Bailey Cove Road, 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9, $5, students $3, 428-8000 or www.grissomtheatre.org.

Dec. 9

“Messiah” sing-along, Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, 1306 Canstatt Drive, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, free, 881-6882.

Holiday centerpiece floral design, take home a design, Chip Padgett of GateHouse Flowers, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9, $28, 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

Dec. 10

The Canadian Brass, Huntsville Chamber Music Guild Celebrity Series, Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, $25, ages 65 and over $20, students $15, 824-6540 or www.hcmg.uah.edu.

Dec. 11

Wine and Cheese Holiday Twist, Art Krewe, for young professionals 21 and older, Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St., 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11, $15, members free, 535-4350 or reservations at artkreweRSVP@hsvmuseum.org.

Star party, Von Braun Astronomical Society volunteers will bring telescopes and discuss holiday sky, Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 11, free, 461-0046 or www.hpl.lib.al.us.

Holiday Magic dinner, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 11-13, $75 to $85, 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

Dec. 12

“The Nutcracker,” Huntsville Ballet Company, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, $22, $25 and $27, www.ticketmaster.com.

“Nutcracker” ice show, Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex, 3185 Leeman Ferry Road, 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, $12, seniors $10, ages 12 and under $8, 883-3774 or www.iceskate.org.

Spirit of the Season, Whitesburg Baptist Church, 3911 Pulaski Pike, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, donations for Downtown Rescue Mission, 457-3169 or SOSChristConcert@aol.com.

Dec. 13

Spirit of Christmas Past homes tour and luminarias, traditional decorations, luminarias, caroling, chimes, live entertainment at four homes along McClung Avenue dating from as early as 1819 and Weeden House Museum, rain date Dec. 14, Weeden House, 300 Gates Ave., 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13, $15, ages 12 and under $5, 536-7718 or www.weedenhousemuseum.com.

200th year luminaria night celebration, First United Methodist Church, 120 Greene St., 4-6 p.m. Dec. 13, free, 539-5738.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” plus Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Roberts Recital Hall, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 7:30-10 p.m. Dec. 13; 2:30-5 p.m. Dec. 14, $10, seniors $5, students free, 824-6436 or www.uah.edu/music.

Candlelight Christmas memorial, luminarias on graves of unknown Confederate soldiers, and ribbons and greenery, re-enactors in period attire, sponsored by United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans, Maple Hill Cemetery, 202 Maple Hill Drive, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 13, free, 859-3525.

Light of Hope, luminarias commemorating World AIDS Day, Big Spring International Park, 200 Church St., 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13, free, 536-4700 ext. 125.

Wreaths for Veterans, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 300 locations across the world and at sea, Maple Hill Cemetery, 202 Maple Hill Drive, 11 a.m. Dec. 13, donations, 881-5487.

Christmas tour, 10 historic homes and churches, architecture talk at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 3 p.m., Christmas Chorale at First Presbyterian Church at 5 p.m., live nativity at First Baptist Church, Carillon Christmas music at First Presbyterian, carriage rides at Carnegie Visual Arts Center and Delano Park for $10, downtown Decatur, 3-8 p.m. Dec. 13, home tours $15, 350-2028 or 800-524-6181.

Dec. 14

Elkton Historical Society Christmas Tour of Homes, tour of five homes and one church and candlelight Christmas concert by Martin Methodist College Choir of Pulaski, Tenn., at 5:15 p.m. at Elkton First Methodist Church, 200th anniversary of Elkton Historical Society, Elkton Community Room, 160 Main St., Elkton, Tenn., 1-4:45 p.m. Dec. 14, $10, three for $25, under 16 free, 931-468-0674, 931-468-2051 or www.elktonhistory.net.

Hampton Cove luminarias, rain date Dec. 19, Hampton Cove, Old U.S. 431, Hampton Cove, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 14, 533-9999.

Holiday carolers, trio with flute accompaniment, Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St., 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14, $10, includes admission to galleries, 535-4350 or www.hsvmuseum.org.

Dec. 16

“Come We Joyous All, Together,” Huntsville Master Chorale and Whitesburg Middle School Chorus, singing, storytelling and dancing, First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Ave., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, free, 533-7703.

Brass Band of Huntsville, Christmas concert, Trinity Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, $6 adults, $4 children.

Dec. 17

“Sanders Family Christmas,” performed by Renaissance Theatre, Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 3101 Burritt Drive, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-19; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, $20, 536-2882 or www.burrittonthemountain.com.

Dec. 18

Festival of Sacred Christmas Music, Mark Lowry, Stan Whitmire, LordSong, Bob Smith and others; preshow concert 30 minutes before showtime, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, $15, $25 and $35, www.ticketmaster.com and www.keepchristmasalive.org.

Living Christmas Tree, 150 singers on a 39-foot Christmas tree, First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-19; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 3 and 5 p.m. Dec. 21, free reservations, 428-9422.

Dec. 20

Rudolph Run, 5K at 8 a.m. through Twickenham and Old Town historic districts, fun run at 9:15 a.m., benefit for Blount Hospitality House, Alabama Constitution Village, 109 Gates Ave., Dec. 20, 534-7014 or www.earlyworks.com.

Solstice concert with Huntsville Feminist Chorus, concert, open house and market, Flying Monkey Arts Center, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20, free, 489-7000 or www.flyingmonkeyarts.org.

Dec. 31

Recover from the Holidays 50K, Huntsville Running Park, 2060 Airport Road, 8 a.m. Dec. 31, $10, 650-7063.

New Year’s Eve skate, Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex, 3185 Leeman Ferry Road, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, $11 with $2.25 skate rental, 883-3774 or www.iceskate.org.

New Year’s Eve potluck, bonfire and night ecohike, ecohike at 9 p.m, Hays Nature Preserve, U.S. 431 South east just past mile marker 324, Hampton Cove, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 31, free, 427-5116 or www.huntsvillepreserves.com.

“An Irish New Year’s Eve,” Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31, $28-$68, 539-4818 or www.hso.org.