Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Dec. 14-16, 2007)

The Charlottesville S.P.C.A. is having a Holiday Adoptathon Saturday, 12pm-6pm. Take a break from holiday shopping and visit with Santa and the pets at the SPCA. Adoption Specials. Arrange for Santa to deliver your new pet to your home over the holiday season. Or make a donation towards their care. For more information: http://www.caspca.org/images/homeforholidaysad.pdf

I found more holiday fun at the Albemarle Family calendar:

Caroling at Central Place on the Downtown Mall, near the Community Christmas tree. Turn back the clock to a simpler time when friends and neighbors would gather together during the holidays to carol through the streets. Friday from 3pm to 3:45pm.

"A Christmas Carol" at The Paramount on the Downtown Mall, presented by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan! Snow and greenery, colorful streets with warm windows, bright and shining faces, and plenty of dancing and carols bring Victorian London to life, telling the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge's ghostly visits by Christmases Past, Present and Future. Saturday at 3pm & 7pm. $25.50 Youth/Child, $32.50 to $45.50 Adult.

All children in the community are invited to visit with Santa at Northridge Community Church Saturday from 10:30am-Noon. The children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, get their pictures taken, make crafts, and enjoy juice and cookies.

A Blue Ridge Christmas-at historic Rockfish Presbyterian Church. The Virginia Consort, under the leadership of Judith Gary, is known for its energetic and varied programs and its rich, lush sound. Rockfish Presbyterian Church, Nellysford. Sunday at 4pm. $30.

The Charlottesville Municipal Band plays seasonal and traditional music. "Snow fall" and audience participation highlight this annual festivity. Charlottesville Performing Arts Center. Sunday at 3:30pm. Free.

Virginia Gingerbread Christmas-Come see the Gingerbread Village in Winter Wonderland, complete with elves and helpers, Mrs. Claus, electric trains, and a storytelling corner. Visits with Santa from 3pm-8pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sage Moon Gallery on the Downtown Mall.

Here are more events I found at the NBC 29 calendar:

"On the Last Night Before Christmas," an original musical written by two Charlottesville locals playwrights. This is a unique Christmas tale that tells the story of an Appalachian family of beekeepers and how they spend their holidays. The play is fun for the whole family -- kids can get in free with the purchase of one adult or senior ticket. $10-$15. Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 8pm at Play On! Theatre at Ix, 983 Second St. SE, Charlottesville VA 22902.

Village of Bethlehem Community Outreach and Dramatic Production. Imagine a little village that existed long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Roman Soldiers walk the streets, Wise Men appear with their camels, shop keepers are going about their everyday lives yet this village is on the brink of something immense, the birth of one who would forever change the course of human history. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas. Step back in time as you enter the gates of Bethlehem of Judea. The Roman emperor has issued an order that a census be taken throughout the Empire and every citizen must register. On a cold winter’s night you are traveling streets illuminated by torchlight, wandering deeper into the heart of a village where cautious Roman soldiers patrol the crowd, Wise men, shepherds, livestock are among the many passersby, shops and shopkeepers inhabit a bustling marketplace, and welcoming cheer abounds. Now, far away from the tinseled trees and crowded malls that most commonly usher in the Christmas holiday season, this is an event no one should miss. Hebron Baptist Church, 66 Tanbark Drive, Afton, VA 22980. Free. 6pm-9pm nightly, 12/14-12/23, weather permitting.

“Winter Wonderland Fun Day” on Saturday, 11am-3pm at the Madison County High School gym. Games, prizes and activities for toddlers through fifth grade. Santa will be there and children can have their picture taken with him for only one dollar! Admission is $5.

Also, today is National Cocoa Day! So enjoy a steaming cup of goodness on this cold and cloudy day to cheer your spirit!

Karen
www.move2va.com