GINGERBREAD VILLAGE DISPLAY
Dec. 1-Jan. 3
Relish the festive display of gingerbread houses at The Carolina Inn made by Chapel Hillians showcasing their creativity and imagination. 211 Pittsboro St.; Free; 919-933-2001; carolinainn.com
CHRISTMAS IN THE AYR
Dec. 2-13, various times
Take a tour of 200-year-old Ayr Mount while it’s decorated for the holidays with natural materials in keeping with the period in which it was built. Ayr Mount, 376 St. Mary’s Rd., Hillsborough; $12; 919-732-6886; classicalamericanhomes.org
UNC CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Dec. 8, 10am-5pm
Get started on your holiday shopping and feel good about the proceeds benefitting UNC Children’s. Pick up hand-decorated and custom gifts from clothing and accessories to books and bath products. N.C. Children’s Hospital lobby, 101 Manning Dr.; Free; 984-974-1000; uncchildrens.org
A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS
Dec. 9, 7:30pm
Infuse your holiday season with the melodies of Handel and Bach, including “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. Memorial Hall, 114 E. Cameron Ave.; $10-$75; 919-733-2750; ncsymphony.org
THE RED CLAY RAMBLERS & THE COASTAL COHORTS
Dec. 9-11, 6:30pm
These longtime theatrical musicians will join forces to perform selections from some of their most memorable shows. Cat’s Cradle, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro; $10-$30; 919-967-9053; catscradle.com
BIG BAND HOLIDAYS
Fri. Dec 11, 8pm
Showcasing 15 of the most electrifying soloists, ensemble players and arrangers in jazz today including vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Audrey Shakir, this holiday program features original compositions by musical director Wynton Marsalis and the masterworks of Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and other jazz titans played by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Memorial Hall, 114 E. Cameron Ave.; $54+; 919-843- 3333; carolinaperformingarts.org
CARRBORO TOWN TREE LIGHTING
Fri. Dec. 11, 6pm
Gather with friends and family to enjoy holiday music on the lawn as the town Christmas tree is lit. Town Hall, 301 West Main St., Carrboro; 919-942-8541; townofcarrboro.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE DINNER SHOW
Fri. Dec. 11, 7pm
Enjoy a three-course meal during an interactive theatrical performance of the tale about Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Rd.; $30+; 919-967-1100; extraordinaryventures.org
CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO HOLIDAY PARADE
Sat. Dec. 12, 10am
The annual parade features marching bands, youth groups and creatively decorated floats. Don’t miss the elves, reindeer, candy canes and, of course, Santa Claus riding his sleigh. Downtown E. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill to Main St. in Carrboro; chapelhillholidayparade.com
THE VILLAGE BAND
Sat. Dec. 12, 2pm
Enjoy a selection of winter carols plus other favorites played by this community concert band. Robert and Pearl Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd.; 919-968-2070; thevillageband.org
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING PARTIES
Dec. 12 and 19, 4-6PM
Kids of all ages can construct a gingerbread dream house while indulging in cocoa and cookies. The sweet supplies will be provided; just bring your holiday cheer. The Root Cellar, 750 Martin Luther King Blvd.; tickets $20 per house; rootcellarchapelhill.com
STEEP CANYON RANGERS
Dec. 12, 8pm
This Grammy Award-winning group of UNC alums proves that traditional bluegrass music can adapt to the times without losing its roots. The band will play songs from their most recent album, Radio. Memorial Hall, 114 E. Cameron Ave.; tickets $34+; carolinaperformingarts.com
THE GET UP KIDS
Wed. Dec. 16, 7pm
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this second-wave emo band on a tour featuring favorites from the ‘90s. Cat’s Cradle, 300 E. Main St.; $19.50-$23; 919-967-9053; catscradle.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec. 17-18, 7:30PM
It’s a Hillsborough tradition! Don’t miss the 14th annual (and very last) performance of Charles Dickens’ classic Victorian tale featuring local writers Allan Gurganus and Michael Malone at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Proceeds benefit the Burwell School, the Hillsborough Arts Council and St. Matthew’s “Faith in the Arts” Series. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 210 St. Marys Rd. Hillsborough; Tickets $20; burwellschool.org
NUTCRACKER ON ICE
Fri. Dec. 18, 6pm and Sat. Dec 19, noon
The Carolina Ice Synchro skating team in production with local community skaters brings life to this seasonal favorite in the rink. Orange County SportsPlex, 101 Meadowlands Dr. Hillsborough; $8+; 919-644-0339; oc-sportsplex.com
STORYTELLER DONALD DAVIS
Dec. 19, 11am; Dec. 20, 2pm
For more than two decades, the gifted storyteller has been regaling audiences at The Fearrington Barn with his tales. Bring the whole family to hear the entertaining stories from the man who’s been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and the Smithsonian Institution. Fearrington Village, 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro; in lieu of admission, donations of canned goods to CORA will be accepted; fearrington.com
CHATHAM COUNTY LINE
Dec. 19, 7:30pm
This tight-knit ensemble makes a stop on their Electric Holiday Tour to deliver ballads and bluegrass in an irresistible combination. Haw River Ballroom, 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Saxapahaw; $20-$22; 919-967-9053; catscradle.com
SKATE WITH SANTA
Sun. Dec. 20, noon-2:15pm
Join the big man in red on ice for an afternoon of seasonal celebration just days before Christmas. Orange County SportsPlex, 101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough; $5.50+; 919-644-0339; oc-sportsplex.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Tue. Dec. 22, 8-10am
Spend the morning with Mr. Claus as you enjoy a festive breakfast buffet at the Weathervane. Kids will get a chance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and pose for a photo. Southern Season, 201 S. Estes. Dr., $13-$16; 919-929-9466; southernseason.com
NIGHT LIGHTS: FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE
Thu. Dec. 31, 3-6pm
Grab the kiddos and celebrate the end of 2015 with activities, performances and a countdown under the stars to ring in the new year! Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E. Franklin St.; $5; 919-962-1236; moreheadplanetarium.org
