Gingerbread Village Display – Through January 3rd – Relish the festive display of gingerbread houses made by Chapel Hillians showcasing their creativity and imagination. The Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro St.; Free; carolinainn.com
Carr Mill by Candlelight – Thursday, 5-8pm – Sofia’s Boutique will host a candlelit open house to welcome those who opt to shop small this holiday season. Gift wrapping and festive refreshments will be provided by Sofia’s and the rest of the historic mall’s unique array of vendors. Sofia’s at Carr Mill Mall, 200 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro; Free; 919-942-9008; sofiasboutique.us
Feast of the Seven Fishes – Thursday through Dec. 24th, 5:30-10:30pm – Join chef Teddy Diggs as he presents the traditional Italian Seven Fishes feast at Il Palio. Typically held on Christmas eve, the dinner calls for up to 13 courses that exclude all meat besides fish. Il Palio’s will be served as a tasting menu during regular dinner hours and will feature seven simple yet elegant seafood dishes. Il Palio, 1505 E. Franklin St.; 919-929-4000; ilpalio.com
NC to Normandy – Friday, 4-5pm – This project, a collaboration between UNC and Smith Middle School teachers, connected current students with two American D-Day veterans. The resulting documentary, which followed the group’s visit to Omaha Beach on the event’s 70th anniversary, is to premiere on Friday and will later be transferred to modern teaching curricula. Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd.; Free; (919) 968-2070; http://bit.ly/1Nt0Knp
Nutcracker on Ice – Friday, 6pm; Saturday, 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
Holiday Craft Market – Saturday, 9am-noon – Browse handcrafted gifts from a variety of vendors in addition to regular offerings from local farms at this year’s yuletide-themed farmers’ market. Offerings will include but are not limited to ceramics, cards, jewelry, clothing and furniture. Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market, 201 S. Estes Dr.; (919) 533-9496; thechapelhillfarmersmarket.com
Storyteller Donald Davis – Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 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. In lieu of admission, donations of canned goods to CORA and gently used children’s books to Book Harvest will be accepted. The Fearrington Barn, 2000 Fearrington Village Ctr.; (919) 542-2121; fearrington.com
Holiday Sing Along – Saturday, 5:15-6pm – The Community Chorus project will lead an all-ages singing event at the stage in University Mall, located by Kidzu Children’s Museum. Attendees are encouraged to arrive around 5:00 to pick up their song sheets, which later can be redeemed for discounts at Alfredo’s Pizza Villa and Red Bowl Asian Bistro. Chairs will be reserved for seniors, and volunteers will be present to assist younger participants. University Place, 201 S. Estes Dr.; Free; (919) 945-1900; universityplacenc.com
Chatham County Line – Saturday, 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; (336) 525-2314; hawriverballroom.com
VOICES – Saturday, 8pm – The Chapel Hill-based singing group presents their holiday program “Rejoice This Night!”, appearing at the Carolina Theatre for the first time in their 35 years of performing. The evening will include a family-friendly holiday singalong accompanied by organ and a small orchestra. Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham; $20, children 12 and under are free; 504-994-5167; voiceschapelhill.org
Skate with Santa – Sunday, 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
3rd Annual Holiday Hum-Along – Sunday, 2-3pm – Enjoy art games and activities at the Ackland Art Museum at their Fourth Sunday Family and Friends event, featuring a special Holiday Hum-Along edition of the Ackland’s Music in the Galleries series. Guests are welcome to sing, hum or clap along with tunes provided by an acoustic band; all ages and musical abilities are welcome. Ackland Art Museum, 101 S. Columbia St.; Free; (919) 966-5736; ackland.org
