Holiday Planner: Tree festivals, more on tap

ABINGDON

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: Cave House Craft Shop, 279 East Main St., Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holston Mountain Artisans will hold their third annual open house with discounts, door prizes, refreshments and craft demonstrations. (276) 628-7721 or e-mail .

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Abingdon Elementary School Cafeteria, Dec. 5, 8 to 11 a.m. Children will eat breakfast, meet and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. Pancake breakfast, $5 per person with tickets available at door. All proceeds benefit the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, a nonprofit watershed group.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Abingdon, Main St., Dec. 5, Annual Kiwanis Christmas parade, 11 a.m.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 E. Main St., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Everywhere Christmas Tonight! featuring adult choir and handbells, with orchestra and piano. Sacred and secular anthems. Reception to follow. Nursery available. (276) 628-3361.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Arts Depot, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m., artists will be working on their artwork, refreshments served throughout the day; Virginia Highlands Community College Madrigal Singers will perform and harpist Sandra Parker will play.
CONCERT: Barter Theatre, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Highlands Youth Ensemble sings for Community Christmas.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: 205 Oak Hill St., Dec. 8, holiday themed story-times and crafts for babies/toddlers, 10 a.m.; preschoolers, Dec. 8-9, 11 a.m.; Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., family program. Branch locations in Damascus, Glade Spring, Hayters Gap and Mendota will also hold story-times. (276) 676-6382 or e-mail .

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS: Barter Theatre, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Holly Jolly program with area musicians, dancers, storytellers; $15 per immediate family at the door or tickets at Greers Jewelry or Zazzy’s. (276) 628-3634.

OPEN HOUSE: White’s Mill & Mercantile, 12291 White’s Mill Road, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the month of December; refreshments, door prizes; Barter tickets, gift baskets, other items to be given away; tours still going on; (276) 628-2960.

BIG STONE GAP

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Goodloe Center, Phillips-Taylor Hall, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., Brass 5, featuring trumpets, French horn, tuba, trombone and percussion, will perform a mix of sacred and secular holiday favorites, $12 adults, $8 seniors $6 students and college students free. Presented by Pro-Art Association and MECC. (276) 376-4520.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM HISTORICAL STATE PARK: Through Dec. 31, Festival of Trees; Nov. 28-Dec. 26, Night viewing of Festival of Trees, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 5, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Breakfast with the Grinch; Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Photos with Santa, $5; Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m. Sweet Treats Class, $15, registration by Dec. 4; Dec. 20, Tea with Mrs. Claus, $15 for one adult and one child. Additional children from same family, $5 each. Register by Dec. 15. (276) 523-1322.

BLOUNTVILLE

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts on main campus on 2425 Highway 75, adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport. Northeast State Community College’s Theatre Department, Dec. 10-12, 7 p.m. and Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m., The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. $5 advance/$8 general admission/$7 seniors, $6 for groups of 10 or more. Free admission to Northeast State students with valid student IDs. (423) 354-2511.

BRAMWELL, W.VA.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES: Dec. 12, 5-8 p.m. Self-guided tour with live music in the traditionally decorated homes, $15. Refreshments at the Hospitality Room in the Historic Train Depot Building. Proceeds will help in building a performing arts theater in Bramwell. (304) 589-0246 or (304) 248-8381.

BRISTOL

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND: Volunteer Parkway, Shadrack Watersports and RV through Jan. 2, 6-10 p.m. Drive-through, fully computerized LED light and music show with over 1,600 lights. $10 per car, Sunday-Thursday; $12 per car Friday-Saturday;  $20 per activity van; $30 per Limo and $65 per bus. Proceeds benefit local food ministries. (423) 652-0120 or http://www.shadrack.com.; Also located in Knoxville and Smokies Baseball Park in Sevierville, Tenn.

CHILL HILL TUBE SLIDE: Bristol Motor Speedway, Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2-10 p.m., through Jan. 10; closed Mondays. $7 per person, for 50-minute session. Children riding with someone 16 or older additional $3 for the pair. (423) 989-6900. Proceeds benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities.

ICE RINK: Bristol Motor Speedway, Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 2-10 p.m.; closed Mondays, $5 plus additional $2 to rent skates. (423) 989-6900. Proceeds benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities.

SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS: Bristol Motor Speedway, through Jan. 2, 6-10 daily. Holiday light show as well as Christmas Village. Cost: Car tickets, $10, Sunday-Thursday; $12 Friday-Saturday; activity van tickets, $15; tour buses, $65. Proceeds benefit Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities.

SHARE CHRISTMAS WITH A VETERAN: Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation Department and recording artist April Taylor invite public to assist this program by filling a reusable bag or shoebox with highly needed items such as a fleece throw or small blanket, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Kleenex, socks, knit caps, hard candy and the like. The container should be brought to the Slater Center before Dec. 16 to be delivered to the VA Hospital in Johnson City. For information, (423) 764-4012 or http://www.bristoltn.org.

FESTIVAL OF TREES: Bristol Train Station, Nov. 29, 1:30-6:30 p.m. $3 at door or free with presentation of the Bristol Christmas Tour of Homes ticket at the door. Jewell Williams, (423) 652-0163 or Elizabeth Marshall (423) 418-4621.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 3, 7 p.m. The parade will begin at Bob Morrison Blvd. and travel down State Street to the Bristol Train Station at Martin Luther King Blvd. (423) 989-4850.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: VI College, Recital Hall of the Anne R. Worrell Fine Arts Building, Dec. 3, Virginia Intermont College Choir will perform a program of solely American Christmas music including I Wonder as I Wander and Go, Tell It on the Mountain. Free admission. (276) 466-7973 or .

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Paramount Center for the Arts, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Bristol Ballet will collaborate with Highlands Ballet for this year’s performance; Reception: “Under the Mistletoe” will precede the opening at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Paramount Center with wine, wassail and hors d/oeuvres. Reception: tickets, $20 per person with reservations, (276) 669-6051 or (276) 623-0822. Reservations for performance, (423) 274-8920.

GLENWOOD/SHELBY HILLS CEMETERY: 839 Bluff City Highway, The Heritage Mausoleum Chapel of Memories, Dec. 5, Candlelight Service, 6 p.m. (423) 989-4825.

CHRISTMAS FOR THE GROVE: The Country Club of Bristol, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol/Washington County. Holiday shopping spree with items such as decorated greenery, artwork, health and beauty items like massages and fitness packages, sports items like race packages and golf outings included in the silent auction or the voice auction with Steve Hawkins from WCYB, as guest auctioneer.  Theme: Winter Wonderland includes a gourmet faire catered by the Troutdale Dining Room. Stephanie Brooks, $60. (276) 645-5867.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES: Dec. 6, 1:30-6:30 p.m. Benefit for East Hill Cemetery. Tickets: $10 advance/$12 at door. Tickets available at Country Gallery Florist, State Street Sweets and Eats, Grand Antiques, S B Paul Art Gallery and Cranberry Lane. Tickets also available day of the tour at each of the homes and at the Festival of Trees, Nov. 29, 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bristol Train Station. Call Jewell Williams, (423) 652-0163 or Elizabeth Marshall, (423) 418-4621.

NIGHTS OF THE NATIVITIES: 3225 Avoca Road, Addilynn Memorial UMC, Dec. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 12, noon to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Hundreds of nativities from all over the world will be on display, along with angels and dozens of decorated trees. Special section of nativities available for children to play with. Free. Treat bag will be given to each attendee. (423) 764-1747.

THE NUTCRACKER: Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre of Ballet Arts, Dec. 11-12, 7 p.m., Dec. 13, 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors/students. $6 children under the age of 12. (423) 274-8920.

CONCERT: Paramount Center for the Arts, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. East High School Band and Chorus will present annual Christmas concert. Donations at the door.

JOURNEY’S END: Downtown center to Bristol Trainstation, Dec. 15 (Dec. 17 snow/rain date), 6:30 p.m. Candlelight, caroling procession is recreation of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem as they go from inn to inn seeking lodging. (423) 573-2200.

SENIOR SHOWCHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW: State St., Paramount Center for the Arts, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Christmas Time,  $5 per person. Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and all the special toys will appear on stage; A very special presentation Tongue In Cheek of the Nutcracker. The production will conclude with the full nativity scene.

SANTA CALLING: Children ages 2-9, Dec. 17, 6-7 p.m. Reserve a call. (276) 645-7275.

CHRISTMAS POPS CONCERT: Paramount Center for the Arts, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Carolina Brass present Christmas carols, Hanukkah suites, jokes/anecdotes, etc. $26 adults/$22 seniors/$14 students.

DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS NATIVITY: 2455 Kingmill Pike, NorthStar Church, Dec. 18-19, 7-9 p.m. Come and witness the Christmas story unfold as you visit seven scenes with live actors and animals, which depict Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. (276) 466-1825 or http://www.northstarbristol.org.

CHRISTMAS PLAY: 2220 Bradley St., Bradley Street Baptist Church, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m. Dr. Newheart’s Christmas Cure.

CHRISTMAS DAY MEAL FOR PETS: Cumberland and James Streets, Emmanuel Episcopal Church parking lot, Dec. 25, 4-7 p.m. The Holly Help Fund will provide a free pet take-home meal for dogs and cats of pet owners who attend the Episcopal Christmas celebration feast. http://www.HollyHelp.org.

CHILHOWIE

HOLLYBERRY BAZAAR: 940 East Lee Highway, Valley Health Care Center, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts, Christmas items, baked goods, hot dogs, music, fun. Vendor space available. Contact activities department for table space. Reservations by 4 p.m. Dec. 2, (276) 646-4313 or fax: (276) 646-8824.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Old high school, Dec. 5, 8 a.m. to 12 noon with a pancake breakfast with Santa; parade 3:30 p.m. After lighting of the tree with Santa, children can take photos with Santa, hear stories from Mrs. Claus and enjoy marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa, cookies, caroling and more. (276) 646-3232.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES: Dec. 13, 2-7 p.m. Tickets: $10 may be purchased on the day of tour, or in advance from Chilhowie Organization for Arts, Community, and History (COACH) members and local businesses. For information, Leslie Brewer, (276) 646-7506.

DUFFIELD

HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING: Powell Lodge within Natural Tunnel State Park. Dec. 5, 10 a.m. $25 per wreath. All materials will be provided. Space limited; pre-register by Dec. 2 by making a check to Natural Tunnel State Park, Attn. Megan; 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, VA 24244. Include phone number and or e-mail for confirmation and the number of wreaths you would like to make. Make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia; Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m. Christmastide at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse.

ELIZABETHTON

SYCAMORE SHOALS HISTORICAL PARK: 1651 W. Elk Ave., Nov. 29, Christmas Art Show, Nov. 29-Jan. 2. Artwork on display Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m. (423)743-7799, (423) 543-5808 or http://www.watauga-valley-artists.com.

FALL BRANCH, TENN.

PLAY: LampLight Theatre, Dec. 14-20, Candy Makers Gift, (423) 348-7610.

GATE CITY

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Line up at Gate City Middle/High School complex, 5 p.m. Parade theme: The Magic of Christmas.

GLADE SPRING

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Christmas Under the Lights, (276) 356-5380; following parade about 8 p.m. Christmas in the Square: Tree lighting, caroling, Santa and more. (276) 429-2111 or .

GREENEVILLE

NUTCRACKER: Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Dec. 4-5, 7 p.m. Kingsport Ballet’s Nutcracker; Clara’s Tea Party for ages 4-9 held in the Mezzanine prior to Saturday’s performance; String ensemble of violinist and instructor Galina Timofeev will perform prior to curtain and during intermission; Hand-made, stained -glass ornaments depicting the many Nutcracker characters will be on sale at ballet boutique. $10 for Clara’s Party; Performance tickets, $20, $16 (senior/student)/$15 groups of 15 or more/$10 (4 years and under. (423) 638-1679.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 6, 2 p.m. A Story Book Christmas. From Bohannon, left onto Main St., and continue to McKee St., turn left at traffic light, left on College St. and proceed to Greeneville High School. (423) 638-4111.

INDEPENDENCE, VA.

DAVIS BOURNE INN: Offering Christmas parties in all price ranges; Dec. 18, LauraLane Osborne will perform music including Broadway, arias and Christmas tunes; New Year’s Eve Dinner. Reservations required. (276) 773-9384.

JOHNSON CITY

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. Begins at ETSU travels down State of Franklin onto Buffalo then onto Main St. and ends at city hall. Over 75 lighted floats, bands and Santa Claus. (423) 461-8000.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS: Winged Deer Park, Robert Young Cabin, Dec 5, 6 p.m. Hot chocolate and apple cider, Christmas carols, hayrides, children’s activities and a visit from Santa. Free for all ages.

CHRISTMAS DANCE: Johnson City Seniors’ Center, 607 Myrtle Ave., Dec. 11, 7-9:30 p.m. Johnson City Grand Squares will hold their annual Christmas dance with squares, rounds, lines. Caller: Don Williamson; cuer: Phyllis Paulantonio. $5 per person. Wear your Christmas colors. For information, Neal Sanders, (423) 282-6153 or Dub Lady, (423) 384-5504.

JONESBOROUGH

ST. NICK NIGHTS TOY DRIVE: Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St., Dec. 5, 12, 19, 4-7 p.m. nightly. Bring a new or gently used unwrapped toy to give to Santa. Gifts for children 12-17 are especially needed; Drop off letters to Santa in the mailbox beside the courthouse. Be sure to include a self-addressed envelope and Santa will write you back. (423) 753-1010 or http://www.historicjonesborough.com.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 12, 6 p.m. Twelve Days of Christmas. Floats will parade downtown on Main Street.

KINGSPORT

HOLIDAY POPS AND GOSPEL FAVORITES: Toy F. Reid Employee Center, Dec. 5, Voices of the Mountains and Lee Street Baptist Church Choir, 3 p.m. (423) 392-8423.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY: 4812 Orebank Road, Exchange Place Living History Farm, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebration features the sales of fresh greenery and trees, handcrafted wreaths and roping, traditional foods and folk arts. Noon to 4 p.m. visitors can step back in time and see costumed interpreters demonstrating December activities on the mid-19th century farm. Traditional Yule Log Ceremony with carol singing around the bonfire begins 4 p.m. Free admission. For information or to register for corn shuck angel workshops, (423) 288-6071.

ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS: Meadowview Convention Center, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Boys Like Girls, Pop ‘evil and We the Kings. Tickets: $17 in advance and $20 day of show. For all ages. Portion of the proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots.

CHRISTMAS DANCE: 125 Cumberland St., Rascal’s Teen Center, Dec. 18, TriState Singles will hold a dance with music by Limited Edition, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Attire is dance dress. Members $7/guests $10. Bring finger food to share, (no alcohol). (423) 357-4096, (423) 384-1469 or e-mail

KNOXVILLE

CLAYTON HOLIDAY CONCERTS: Civic Auditorium, Dec. 18-19, 7:30 and Dec. 19-20, 3 p.m. Theme: Angels Among Us, celebrating the angels in our community. Concert will feature slide show of art by local students, depicting angels. Classical and holiday favorites will be featured. (865) 291-3310, (865) 656-4444 or http://www.knoxvillesymphony.com.

MAX MEADOWS

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Downtown, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. sponsored by Max Meadows Community Improvement League and Max Meadows Fire Department. (276) 637-3017.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Fort Chiswell Middle School Gym, No. 1, Pioneer Trail, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MEADOWVIEW

THE CHRISTMAS SHOES: Fellowship Baptist Church, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 4 p.m. and Dec. 20, 6 p.m. Free admission, however, tickets are required due to limited seating. (276) 944-5832.

MENDOTA
WINTER WONDERLAND 2009: First annual Christmas parade, Dec 12, 4:30 p.m. with lineup by 4 p.m. After wards is a tree lighting and entertainment. Entries still being accepted at (276) 466-9533.

RICHLANDS

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. A Christmas Full of Blessings. Parade marshall is Ryan Lawson, 3rd grade student at Cedar Bluff Elementary School. Line-up will begin 5 p.m. at the Richlands Police Department. Register at Richlands Chamber, 1413 Front St., Entry fee is $5-$15. (276) 963-3385 or e-mail .

ROGERSVILLE

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES: Dec. 12, 2-6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 13, 2-5 p.m. Tour includes Hale Springs Inn, Hasson Street Christian Church and Ebbing and Flowing United Methodist Church as well as several homes. Maps and tickets will be available at the Depot (corner of Broadway and Depot) and Hale Springs Inn on the days of the tour. Light refreshments will be offered at the Inn; $15 advance before Dec. 12 and $20 day of the tour. (423) 272-1961, (423) 754-4842 or ; Visit McKinney’s Restaurant for dining before and after the tour with special Dickens Christmas Dinner menu. For reservations, (423) 272-5171.

RURAL RETREAT

CHRISTMAS PARADE: Downtown, Dec. 6, 2 p.m. (276) 686-4769.

SALTVILLE

CHRISTMAS TREE EXHIBIT: Museum of the Middle Appalachians conference hall, Dec. 1-Jan. 2, tree exhibit will be open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. (276) 496-3633.

HOMES CHRISTMAS TOUR: Dec. 12, 1-5 p.m. Various homes will be decorated for the tour. $10. Contact the Museum of the Middle Appalachians (276) 496-3633.

UNICOI

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Presented by Appalachian GhostWalks. Various tours in Middle East and Northeast Tennessee for ages five and up through Jan. 15. (423) 743-WALK (9255), http://www.AppalachianGhostWalks.com.

WYTHEVILLE

CHRISTMAS PLAY: Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, through Dec. 31, Christmas in New York. (276) 223-0891 or http://www.wohlfahrthaus.com.

WINTERFEST: Wytheville Community Center, Dec. 18, Inflatables, games, climbing wall, teen center, pizza, snacks and more; Dec. 19, Visit with Santa, 2-4 p.m. (276) 223-3378.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES: Dec. 13, (276) 228-7134 or http://www.wythevillefestival.org.