2022 Holiday Event Guide

Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing debuts in December

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - A new holiday event is set to start in December in South Huntsville: Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing.

Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick and Ditto Landing Ex ecutive Director Brandi Quick made the announcement earlier this year about the new event taking place throughout the month.

From December 2 through Decem ber 31, community members will

have the opportunity to buy a tree at the Tree Farm, visit the indoor holiday miniature train display at Santa’s Depot, take a stroll through Christmas Card Lane, along with other activities.

There will also be special weekend events that will include a Fireworks Night, Deck the Dock, Caroling, and a visit from Old St. Nick.

Event organizers said in keeping with the holiday spirit, they will be accepting donations of pet supplies for the Greater Huntsville Humane

For everyone that fondly remembers Southerland Station and their incredible train display, South Huntsville’s Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing is planning to bring back this Huntsville yesteryear staple.

Society and canned food items for Manna House.

The proceeds from the cards will benefit the Ditto Landing Master Plan. For more information and to

keep up with special event dates and updates, go to www.dittolanding.org and look for South Hunts ville’s Christmas on the River at Dit to Landing Facebook page.

JAZZ COMBO

NORTH STAR LIMITED TRAIN RIDE - Dec. 2-10 • Rides depart at 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. at the North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Road • /northalabamarailroadmuseum.com

The North Star Limited allows our guests to experience an evening adventure under the wintery stars. Of course, Santa will be on board, spending quality, one-on-one time with each child and their family. The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes, allowing each child to tell Santa everything he or she wants for Christmas. All children on board the North Star Limited will receive a gift from Santa, and every passenger on board, both adults and children, will have a snack waiting for them when they arrive. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, a unique experience for this ride. As always, our Gift Shop will be open, detached from the train, so be sure to make a visit! Make your reservation early as these rides sell out very quickly! Call (256) 851-NARM for more information.

Come on out and see the train decorated inside and out. Talk and visit with Santa on the train and let the little ones have their picture made with him. And surprise, all the good youngsters will get a special treat from Santa before the day is done. They have expanded the schedule to try and make sure everyone gets to ride that wants to. These leisurely Santa Train rides last approximately forty minutes. Call (256) 851-NARM for more information.

SANTA TRAIN RIDE - Dec. 3 and 10 • Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. at the North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Road • /northalabamarailroadmuseum.com

Orion Amphitheater turning into a winter wonderland for holidays

The Orion is located in Hunts ville’s MidCity District.

Winter Park is planned to be an immersive winter themed experi ence bringing the magic of the sea son to life throughout The Orion’s campus. It is free to enter with ad ditional activities and food available for purchase.

tainment, and enjoy festive events, treats and crafts.

Winter Park will also feature mu sic throughout the amphitheater and Apollo South, including DJs spinning for ice skaters and local group performances. Some of the performances include:

Christkindlmarket featuring music by Alli & Christy

• Saturday, Dec. 10 - Arts Hunts ville Christkindlmarket featuring music by Winslow Davis, Alex Banks and Preston Watts

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - Huntsville’s holi day season is set to be more festive than ever before with the addition of Winter Park at The Orion Am phitheater and Apollo South, open ing next week, Nov. 22, and running through Jan.29.

At Winter Park, guests will be able to ice skate under the stars in the amphitheater bowl, explore San ta’s Workshop for meet and greet photo opportunities with Santa, relax with a warm (or cold!) drink and DIY s’mores kits around one of the fire pits, shop holiday markets featuring local vendors and enter

• Tuesday, Nov. 22 - Fantasy Play house Children’s Theater and Acad emy Carolers

• Saturday, Nov. 26 - A Rocket City Bones Christmas

• Saturday, Dec. 3 - Dance Theatre of Huntsville

• Saturday, Dec. 3 - Twickenham Jazz & Swing for the Holidays

• Friday, Dec. 9 - Arts Huntsville

• Sunday, Dec. 11 - Arts Huntsville Christkindlmarket featuring music by Gabe LaRose, Karmessa and Mi cah J

• Saturday, Dec. 17 - Last Minute Holiday Market with a Live DJ

More events doe Winter Park are being added, so be sure to check out their website at theorionhuntsville. com. and monitor Orion Amphithe ater’s social media pages for delays or closures due to weather.

HOLIDAY MARKET AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY - Ring in the holiday season by making plans to join Family and MWR for the second annual Holiday Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Redstone Arsenal. The German inspired festivities will take place on December 2-3 on the Redstone Arsenal Activity Field. Find your perfect gift for family members and friends with 80 vendors selling their hand made crafts, treats, and more. There will be Holiday Market Shopping, Selfies with Santa Claus, Home Depot Santa’s Workshop, Winter Craft Biergarten, Gluh wein, German Brats, potatoes, and pretzels, and a Sports Pavilion. For more information, go to www.redstone.armymwr.com.

Huntsville Christmas Parade to debut new route Dec. 8

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - Mix 96.9 (WR SA-FM) and the Von Braun Center (VBC) plan to host the Huntsville Christmas Parade for the eighth year on Thursday, Dec. 8. The pa rade is presented for the first time by Bank Independent.

The theme for the 2022 Hunts ville Christmas Parade is “Rock in’ Around the Christmas Tree!” This year’s official Grand Marshal is Kids to Love Founder/CEO, Lee Marshall.

“Christmas is an exciting time at Kids to Love,” remarks Marshall. “For years the community has ral lied around us, helping us to pro vide Christmas gifts for local chil dren in foster care. I can’t think of

a better way to celebrate the season than to enjoy the Huntsville Christ mas parade together!”

The highly anticipated parade will feature over 80 quality floats, animals, and marching bands.

The parade has a new route this year and will begin on Clinton Av enue near the U.S. Post Office at 6 p.m., it will then progress east on Clinton through downtown Hunts ville, ending near AM Booth’s Lum beryard.

To stay updated on parade an nouncements, follow @HSVChrist masParade on Facebook.

EarlyWorks to bring back “12 Nights of Santa”

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - 12 Nights of San ta opens at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum this December, bringing all the magic of the holiday sea son with it. From Monday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 23, children are invited to visit with Santa Claus and to enjoy an immersive holiday experience in downtown Huntsville.

During 12 Nights of Santa, the jolly old elf himself will be on hand each night to listen to children as they share their wish lists. No visit to Santa would be complete with out meeting his North Pole elves. Additional family-friendly activ ities adding to the whimsical fun include nightly snowfalls, making holiday crafts, a holiday themed experiment in the all-new Tinker

Lab, mingling with costumed char acters like the Grinch and Olaf, dec orating a fresh made gingerbread cookie, mailing letters to Santa, sock skating and shopping in San ta’s gift shop. Kids will have plenty of room to play and enjoy the spirit of the season.

A limited number of tickets for the event will be offered online.

12 Nights of Santa will be held nightly Monday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 23 starting at 5 p.m. on weeknights, 3 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. Sunday. All tickets must be pre-purchased online. Cost for 12 Nights of Santa is $12 per person for the general public and $10 per per son for members. Admission is free for children under one year old. Go to www.earlyworks.com/ nightsofsanta for more informa tion.

It’s ok ay to have a BLUE CHRISTMAS

TRUNKSHOW EVENT

12 Nights of Santa will be held nightly Dec. 12-23.

The Christmas season at Burritt on the Mountain

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - Burritt on the Mountain is a fascinating place to visit regardless of the season, but there is just something extra special about Christmas on the moun tain.

Burritt on the Mountain is a very festive place to visit during the hol idays. From the beautiful mansion decorated with a variety of Christmas trees, to the grounds, cabins and old church that are decked out for the holidays, this is a must-see during the Christmas season.

Burritt also hosts several special events during the holidays, and one of their favorite traditional holiday events is back. The Burritt on the Mountain Candlelight Christmas 2022 will be held Dec. 2 and 3, 5-9 p.m.

Burritt comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a tra ditional Christmas. Cabins are dec orated with historic ambiance and the sounds of traditional music fill the air throughout the park. String

cranberries and popcorn, make pa per punch ornaments, create hand made cards and ice cookies to kick off the holiday season.

The Holiday Magic Dinners will be held Dec 6-11. This is one of Bur ritt’s most important and magical fundraisers. Guest enjoy a holiday dinner in the upscale atmosphere of the Burritt Mansion or the fami ly style warmth of the cabins in the historic Park.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christ mas at Burritt on the Mountain with the Sanders Family Christ mas, Dec. 14-18.

Southern Rogue Theatre Com pany and Burritt on the Mountain pair together to bring this tradition al favorite to the community. Con ceived by Alan Bailey and penned by Connie Ray, this famous sequel of Smoke on the Mountain returns to the Old Country Church at Bur ritt on the Mountain.

You’ll return to Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, on Christmas Eve of 1941. Reverend Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders to the Baptist

Church to sing and witness, there by getting the congregation into the down-home holiday spirit before the boys, including one of the Sand ers’ own, ship off to World War II.

The congregation will hear more than two-dozen Christmas carols, many of them vintage hymns, and hilarious yuletide stories from the

more or less devout Sanders family members.

The play is set in a church which makes the Old Country Church the perfect venue.

Performances: Dec. 14 – 17 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 17 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, go to bur rittonthemountain.com.

There will be plenty of Christmas magic at Burritt on the Mountain this holiday season. Burritt on the Mountain’s Candlelight Christmas will be held December 2-3.

Sanders Family Christmas will be held Dec. 14-18.

Classes from the

Huntsville Botanical

Garden to help you get creative in your holiday decor

HOLIDAY TABLE GARLANDS | IN-PERSON CLASS

December 3

10 a.m. to 12 noon

Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue www.hsvbg.org

Add natural beauty to your holiday display with handcrafted garlands of fresh green ery! In this class, you will learn the steps to turn unassuming branches and foliage into beautiful pieces of festive cheer. Your in structor, Rebecca Turk, will cover key trees and shrubs to grow as well as how to make a six-foot table garland using those plants. Each class attendee will make their own 6’ table garden with materials from the Gar den.

FRESH WREATHS: WHAT TO GROW AND HOW TO make them | In-person class

December 8 and 10 6-8:30 p.m.

Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue www.hsvbg.org

‘Tis the season for holiday wreaths! A fresh evergreen wreath in your home adds the perfect festive touch, and by knowing what to grow in your own home landscape, your decoration will be both festive AND convenient. In this hands-on class, your in structor, Rebecca Turk, will cover key trees and shrubs to grow as well as how to make an 18” wreath using those plants.

Changes in store for this year’s Rocket City Marathon

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE -This year there are major changes in what has be come known as one of the fastest marathon courses in the country, the Rocket City Marathon. For the first time in race history, the 26.2mile race will be held on a Sunday. Race officials decided on the change to accommodate other events sur rounding the race, which include the RCM Expo, 5K and 10K races, the Kid’s Marathon, and two Half Marathon events.

This year, the event has been stretched to three-days in attempt to allow visitors from outside Huntsville to take their time in vis iting the immediate area, which will mean additional revenue for

Huntsville and Madison County. A fixture in Huntsville for 45 years, the Rocket City Marathon features a flat and fast course and is an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

The schedule of events include: Friday, Dec. 9 - RCA Expo, present ed by Barrios Technology, from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. inside the South Hall of the VBC, Packet Pick-Up for all races 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Histor ic Huntsville Group Runs- 3 miles 3:30-4:30 p.m., RCM Race Dinner with guest speaker in the VBC 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10 - 10K Race 7:00 a.m., 5K Race 9:00 a.m., Kid’s Marathon, RCA Expo, Packet PickUp for marathon and half marathon races; Sunday, Dec.11 - Marathon Race 7:00 a.m., Half-Marathon Race

9:00 a.m., Second Half-Marathon, Post-Race Party (VBC South Hall) 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Awards Cele bration 1:15 p.m. Post-race stretch ing will be provided by Therapy South.

In 2021, the marathon featured 1,185 runners with 700 partaking in

the half-marathon race. This year, the preliminary numbers are above what they were a year ago, so race directors are prepping for an excit ing three days of fun for the entire family.

For more information, go to www.rocketcitymarathon.run.

The Rocket City Marathon has been a holiday tradition in Huntsville for 45 years.

Huntsville Ballet celebrates 53rd year of presenting The Nutcracker Ballet

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – Tickets are now available for Huntsville Ballet’s 53rd annual production of “The Nutcracker,” accompanied by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. Performances are scheduled for De cember 9-11 at the Von Braun Center’s Mark C Smith Concert Hall. The production features Huntsville Ballet’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a cast of over 80 students from Huntsville Ballet School, the official school of Huntsville Ballet.

“The Nutcracker” tells the sto ry of the Nutcracker, a gift from Clara’s mysterious godfather Dros selmeyer. As the magical Nutcrack er comes to life, the characters are whisked away to The Land of the Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and entertained by a dazzling array of color ful characters. Highlights of the pro duction include a magical growing Christmas tree, an onstage blizzard of snowflakes, dancing flowers, and Mother Ginger’s iconic skirt. This timeless and inventive clas sical ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score performed by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. “We are extraordinarily grateful to be back on stage with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra for the 2022 holiday season and excited to pres ent a classical portrayal of the characters that Huntsville, as well as the entire ballet world, have grown to love,” says Phillip Otto, Artistic Director of Huntsville Ballet. The set is designed by David Harwell, the theater program director at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), and costumes are designed by Lisa Ordway, Resident Costume

Designer at Huntsville Ballet. Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m., Sat urday, December 10, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 11, at 1 p.m.

Special Performances

• The Huntsville Ballet, along with supporting community partners, will host active duty, retired, guard, and reserve military members and their families at the 18th Nutcracker Military Night on December 8.

• The Outreach and Education De partment of Huntsville Ballet will once again welcome up to 3,700 area third grade students to the VBC Con cert Hall for two specially scheduled closed performances on December 8 & 9.

Showtimes and Ticket Information Group discount rates are avail able. To purchase tickets, visit www. huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call (256) 539-0961. For more information, contact Huntsville Ballet at (256) 539-0961 or by email at companymanager@ huntsvilleballet.org.

Huntsville Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker will be offered Dec. 9-11.

Galaxy of Lights returns for 27th holiday season

Changes made to how the walking and driving nights are structured

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Gar den, has returned for its 27th sea son through Jan. 1, 2023. This year, guests will enjoy more Walking Nights, new immersive displays and innovative designs.

The award-winning event will again offer both walking and driv ing experiences, but Galaxy will now have more Walking Nights than ever before, increasing from 17 dates in 2021 to 31 dates this year. The Garden increased the number of Walking Nights in response to their growing popularity and based on feedback from guests and the community.

“For several years now, we have seen a growing demand for walking experiences at Galaxy of Lights,” said Rebecca Turk, director of learn ing and public engagement at the Garden. “In response to that feed back, we are excited to be offering even more Walking Nights, and we are thrilled at the positive response we have received so far. There really

is something special about walking among the lights at Galaxy!”

In addition to more Walking Nights, this year’s Galaxy experi ence will include several all-new features and innovative lighting designs. Combined with tradition al light displays and special effects throughout the experience, there will be surprises for first-time guests and longtime visitors alike.

“If you haven’t been to Galaxy of Lights in a few years, particularly to the Walking Nights, you will be amazed at how it has evolved,” said Sue Wagner, chief executive officer of the Garden. “Every year, we lis ten to feedback and make improve ments to the experience so that we can continue to dazzle our guests again and again. Galaxy of Lights is a Huntsville holiday tradition, and our team of staff and volunteers work behind the scenes all year to ensure we create a must-attend, oneof-a-kind event.”

For the past two years, Galaxy of Lights has been recognized national ly in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, winning second place in 2020 and seventh place in 2021.

Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights will take place Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 27, and Satur day, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 1, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (time of last admission). The event will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Ticket prices range from $13 to $25 for adults and $7 to

$15 for children. Discounted tickets of $3 each are available to those who qualify through Museums for All (limit of four tickets). Gate tickets for Walking Nights are not guaranteed, so guests are asked to pre-pur chase timed tickets in advance.

Guests can also enjoy Dog Walking Nights on Mondays and Tues days during Walking Nights (Nov. 14, 15, 21, and 22; December 19, 20, 26, and 27) and the Galaxy of Lights 5K Race and 3K Fun Run on Nov. 28 and 29.

Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 5:30

p.m. to 9 p.m. (time of last admis sion). Ticket prices range from $20 to $35 per vehicle (limit of 10 passen gers) with a $5 discount available at the gate on Mondays for active and retired military personnel with valid ID. Tickets for Driving Nights can be pre-purchased for any date or purchased upon arrival.

Tickets to Galaxy of Lights are available now at the Garden front desk during business hours or on line at hsvbg.org/galaxy. All pro ceeds directly support the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Galaxy of Lights is presented by the Damson Automotive Group.

The driving nights for Galaxy of Lights begins Dec. 1 and continue through Dec. 16

There will be more walking nights, which allows guests to view the light displays up close, this year.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show in Madison returns Nov. 18

By STAFF REPORTS

MADISON – One of the biggest hol iday celebration in North Alabama returns for its third year when the Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland are back at Toyota Field beginning on Friday, November 18 and continuing until Sunday, January 1.

“The Rocket City Christmas Light Show has welcomed over 45,000 cars of families to Toyota Field over the past two years,” Trash Pandas Ex ecutive Vice President and General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “We are looking forward to bring ing Christmas cheer back in 2022 with our greatest show yet, full of fun for guests of all ages.”

Guests can drive through the en chanted North Pole-themed mile and a half show that features hun dreds of thousands of lights for $30 per car. The festivities last from 5-9 p.m. each night, rain or shine. While driving through the light show, guests can tune in to 95.5 FM for a Christmas soundtrack to accompany the light show. Tickets are $60 for passenger vans or larger vehicles.

The admission price also includes access inside Toyota Field for the Winter Wonderland. The Winter Wonderland includes huts for hot chocolate, cookies and ornament decorating, fire pits to make s’mo

res, and so much more. The Winter Wonderland will also be open from 5-9 p.m. each night through Decem ber 24. Children can also write let ters to Santa Claus at the Winter Wonderland.

The 2022 Rocket City Christmas Light Show will have many new features such as: The holiday snow globe is back and bigger than ever after debuting in 2020. The 15-foothigh show globe is a perfect photo opportunity for families and fans of all ages. Guests will be allowed to bring their dogs into the Win ter Wonderland. All dogs must be leashed, and owners need to clean up after their dogs.

On the Bill Penney Concourse ad ditional fire pits, including a new wood burning fire pit, will be in place to allow more people to make and enjoy their own s’mores and have a relaxing evening by the fire.

Santa Claus will be visiting Toyo ta Field each night from November 25 through December 18 ahead of Christmas. Throughout the Winter Wonderland, Trash Pandas mas cot Sprocket will be appearing and will be joined by friends including Anna, Elsa, Belle, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen, Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, Poppy and Branch from Trolls, and others! On select dates throughout the Light Show, there will be live music to delight the crowd.

Guests can also support local business at Toyota Field, as a wide variety of local vendors will have stations at the Winter Wonderland every Thursday through Sunday night. Toyota Field is a cashless venue, accepting most major credit cards as well as Apple Pay and Goo gle Pay.

The Trash Pandas will be host ing a breakfast with Santa on Sat

urday, December 10 at 9 a.m. in the SportsMED Stadium Club. Tickets include breakfast as well as a visit and photo opportunity with Santa.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids ages 12 and under. Limited tickets are available with the pro ceeds benefitting the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation. Tickets can be purchased online at trash pandas.givesmart.com.

Plans in place for Madison’s yuletide events, including Christmas parade

Wassail Fest

Chickens to fly Christmas Capers

By STAFF REPORTS

MADISON – If you have not had a chance to visit Madison’s histor ic downtown, the Christmas season is an excellent time to do so. The scenic store fronts decked out in Christmas decor is reminiscent of yesteryear. Combine that with the rows of beautiful Christmas trees, which are part of the downtown’s Polar Express Christmas on Main Tree Trail, and you have a scene fit ting for any Hallmark movie.

If that was not enough to draw you to make the trip to downtown Madison, there are some excellent Christmas events planned that you will not want to miss.

Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail Lighting

On Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., the Polar Ex press Christmas Tree Trail will be illuminated on Main Street. Madi son City Community Orchestra will perform. Madison Public Library staff will read “The Polar Express”, and the annual Children’s Lantern Parade will be held before the tree lighting.

After tree lighting on Dec. 2, Mad ison’s downtown merchants will present the second annual Wassail Fest. Main Street Cafe owner, Tam my Hall, launched the idea as an added way for those attending the tree lightings to visit all the down town businesses. For the event, many downtown businesses will have samples of their own wassail recipes.

Guests can pick up a downtown map to see participating business es to sample different recipes and vote for their favorite. Complet ed forms can be returned for door prize drawings. This is also a great time to do some holiday shopping and support the downtown Madi son businesses.

Roundhouse Open House and MCCO Concert

On Dec. 4, the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society will host the Christmas Roundhouse Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Roundhouse in the village green on Front Street. Enjoy hearing about the history of Madison from histo rian John Rankin and stay for the Madison City Community Orches tra Christmas concert.

The concert will be held at the Madison United Methodist Church, 127 Church Street in downtown Madison, starting at 4 p.m.

Christmas Parade

The 2022 Madison Christmas Parade, coordinated by Madison Parks and Recreation Department, will fill the streets on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. n downtown Madison.

Christmas Card Lane

Enjoying all downtown Mad ison has to offer for the holiday season is not complete without a visit to Christmas Card Lane start ing Dec. 6. Hosted by the Madison Arts Council, historic homes on Front and Church Street are lined

with more than 15 larger-than-life Christmas cards designed by local artists.

The trail is illuminated each night till 9 pm and is worth view ing both during the day and night. Fortunately, these two streets are not high-traffic areas, so on a warmer day, take a stroll and en joy the cards in the daylight. Then, make plans on an evening to drive through to see them lit up with all the historic homes illuminated as a backdrop.

A crowd gathers for rubber chickens to be thrown off the top of Madison’s Hum phrey-Hughes building in 2021 (above) to recreate the tradition held during the Great Depression involving real chickens (below).

Christmas Capers

In other activities, the city and historical society will present the fourth annual Madison Christmas Capers on Dec. 17 from 4 to 5 p.m. Lifelong residents will reprise the legend with ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below.

The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972.

During years of the Great De pression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 18562015” by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.

On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes

threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys, some people say) received the priz es and kept the chicken for Christ mas dinner.

In recent years, the Christmas Chicken Capers evolved from live chickens to rubber chickens with gift cards from local retail stores.

At 4 p.m., Doc Hughes’ grand sons, Larry and Walt Anderson, will re-enact the legend by pitching rubber chickens with gift vouchers totaling over $3,000 tied to their legs from Hughes Drug Store’s balcony.

Rotary Club of Madison will serve free hot chocolate and cookies. Madison City Community Orches tra will entertain the crowd.

For all up-to-date info, follow Shoppes of Downtown Madison on Instagram and Facebook.

The Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail will be illuminated on Main Street Dec. 2.

YULE Y’ALL - December 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive • Parking is $10 • www.lowemill.art/yuleyall

This outdoor market includes maker art, holiday creations, food, and music – all with a spir ited chaser. Enjoy a luxurious winter stroll throughout the grounds and freshly decked halls. Samplings of local spirits will be available on site while supplies last, and at 5 p.m. the fabled water tower will be lit to signify our bright and shiny stance for the season! Windows will be well-dressed for the early gift getters out there.

WINTER SOLSTICE MARKET - December 17 from: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lowe Mill ARTS & Enter tainment, 2211 Seminole Drive • www.lowemill.art/winter-solstice-market

The Winter Solstice Artist Market is the last and largest artist market of the year! The Winter Solstice Market is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town family members to show them the best local artist and makers North Alabama has to offer. Stroll through the artist market throughout the grounds and take a step inside to shop the fantastic studio artists in the building!

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS ARTISAN SALE!

December 3 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monte Sano United Methodist Church 601 Monte Sano Blvd, SE www.msumc.net

Simply Christmas is an annual event featuring artists, craftspeople, authors, woodworkers, jewelry makers, and more at Monte Sano United Methodist Church. For over ten years we have welcome over 60 vendors who sell their own unique, handmade items. Find a special, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one and celebrate the season! Join in for live music throughout the day and a chili lunch provided by our Mission Team.

NERDY NOEL: ALL NEW IN `22 December 11 Noon to 6 p.m. Stovehouse 3414 Governors Drive

A special Holiday Market for all the nerds in your life! After 6 years of Nerdy Noel, they are ready for a BIGGER space and MORE NERDINESS! There will be more vendors, TONS more shopping, TONS more room, and best of all: BUNNIES! Huntsville House Rabbits, a satellite rescue of Alabama Rabbit Rescue, is a sponsored charity and they will be there with bunnies that are available for adoption and fostering, plus bunny-themed goodies and a silent auction.

N.E.A.C.A CRAFT SHOW - December 2-4 in the Von Braun Center South Hall 1 & 2, 700 Mon roe Street • www.vonbrauncenter.com

Needlework, ceramics, flower arrangements, jewelry, decorated and hand-woven baskets, pottery, stained glass, clothes, toys, woodwork and other items are featured at the NEACA Christmas Craft Show on Dec. 2-4 at the VBC. For more information, go to www.neaca.org. Craft show times are as follows: Fri., Dec. 2nd: 9am - 6pm; Sat., Dec. 3rd: 9am - 6pm; Sun., Dec. 4th: 12pm - 5pm.

Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater plan Christkindlmarket

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater plan to get festive this December at Christ kindlmarket Huntsville, a free community event. Combining German and European tradition with local flair, the new Christkindlmarket Huntsville will feature a unique hol iday shopping experience with over 60 juried artists featured alongside a blend of holiday food, drink and mu sic at The Orion Amphitheater on Dec. 9, 10 and 11.

Christkindlmarket Huntsville offers shoppers the opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special from long-time favorite artists along with 18 new artists that have not previously shown work at an Arts Huntsville event. Juried art ists mediums present at the market include painting, drawing, mixed media, clay, glass, jewelry, fiber, photography, sculpture and wood.

“This holiday season, Arts Huntsville is excited partner with The Ori on to welcome the community to a holiday shopping market like none

other Huntsville has experienced before,” Arts Huntsville Executive Director Allison Dillon-Jauken said. “High-quality art selections in all price ranges make amazing holiday gifts, while at the same time support our Alabama artists – when you add specialty Bavarian food accompa nied with holiday sounds, Christ kindlmarket Huntsville will truly be a special time to make memories with your loved ones.”

Musical performances will be held throughout the three-day market. On Friday, Dec. 9, there will be mu sic from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, will feature Winslow Davis from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Alex D. Banks II from 3 to 5 p.m. and Preston Watts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 11, Gabe Larose will share his music from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with Karmessa and Micah closing out the market from 3 to 5 p.m.

“We are thrilled to partner with Arts Huntsville for Christkindlmar ket Huntsville,” Orion Amphithe ater Cultural Programming Man ager Dianya Markovits said. “By featuring a multitude of talented

artists alongside live entertainment, food and fun will make for a fantas tic three-day, arts-focused holiday market. It’s an incredibly fun way to celebrate the holidays as a commu nity.”

Christkindlmarket Huntsville will be open to the community from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 – from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 – and, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. The market is a free event with free onsite parking during event hours only, and The Orion Amphi theater will offer a specialty food se lection of Bavarian treats available for purchase along with holiday ac tivations and additional enjoyment with pricing associated. The amphi theater is located at 701 Amphithe ater Dr NW, Huntsville, Ala. 35806.

The tradition of Christmas mar kets stretches back to Saxony, Ger many, during the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the joys of these markets have spread from town to town and around the world –and this December, Huntsville, Ala.

will be no exception. Inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarkt is well-known for its vendors’ high-quality gifts with food and holiday cheer. Arts Hunts ville and The Orion Amphitheater hope to create an annual event that will be the ideal place for the com munity to make treasured memo ries every December.

Christkindlmarket Huntsville de tails, along with a full list of artist participants, can be found at www. artshuntsville.org/christkindlmar ket. Info can also be found on the market’s Facebook event page. For more information on Arts Hunts ville, visit www.artshuntsville. org and follow @ArtsHuntsville on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information on The Ori on Amphitheater, visit www.theorionhuntsville.com and follow @ theorionamphitheater on Facebook and Instagram and @theorionamp on Twitter.

Christkindlmarket Huntsville will be held at the new Orion Amphitheater Dec. 9-11.

Skating in the Park is back for its 10th season

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Museum of Art and presenting spon sor Redstone Federal Credit Union are gearing up to open the tenth season of Skating in the Park.

The outdoor ice-skating rink of ficially opens at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18. A ribbon cutting will take place at 5:25 p.m. with remarks by Mayor Tommy Battle. A meet and greet with the ice sisters will take place from 5-6 p.m. and a celebratory fireworks show will begin at 5:30 p.m. The rink will be open through Jan. 8.

“For the past nine years, people of Huntsville and other surround ing areas have enjoyed Skating in the Park. This well-organized event has become a constant in our com munity and is something that draws locals and new visitors to take part in each year. The 10th anniversary season is a milestone that continues this holiday tradition,” said Museum Foundation Board President Hank Isenberg. “Thank you to the sponsors, the Museum Board and

Staff, and the City of Huntsville for their dedication in making this com munity attraction a success.”

Located directly behind the Hunts ville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park, Skating in the Park will be open seven days a week, including holidays. Rink hours change at dif ferent points of the season and can be found at hsvmuseum.org Admis sion: $15 ages 10 and up; $10 ages 9 and under; $13 for groups of 10 or more; and $5 scooter rental. There is a $5 discount for those who bring their own skates.

“Skating in the Park brings our community together each year to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of downtown Huntsville,” said Museum Director of Development Andrea Petroff. “We are honored to host this festive annual event and look forward to celebrating our 10th season with old and new friends alike. Skating in the Park enriches our economy by bringing more peo ple downtown to enjoy all the unique happenings in our flourishing city. There are so many incredible holi day traditions that Huntsville has

to offer, and I’m ecstatic to include Skating in the Park in a group of fes tivities that brings so much joy to North Alabama.”

The rink will host special events throughout the season including Skate with Santa, DJ Nights present ed by McDonald’s, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve, Skate with Santa, Superhero night, and more.

After skating, visitors may come inside and warm up while viewing

the Museum’s holiday exhibitions, including Donato Giancola: Adven tures in Imagination, Looking at the Collection: African American Art and Artists and Encounters: John Cleaveland, Jr. Access to all exhib its is included with general museum admission.

To stay updated on all events and any weather-related closings, follow the Facebook or Instagram pages @ SkatingInThePark.

Skating at the Park has become a quick holiday favorite in North Alabama. It will open Nov. 18 and will remain open through the holidays.

OF

PAST LUMINARIES - December 10 • 5-9 pm in the Twickenham Historic District, Downtown Huntsville • www.weedenhousemuseum.com. If you want a peek at some of the Antebellum homes in Downtown Huntsville’s Twickenham Historic District, a select few are open each year for one evening as part of the Spirit of Christmas Past Home Tour. Private residences along with the Weeden House Museum go “all out” with holiday décor and the entire district lines its streets with luminaries, giving the entire area a true Christmas glow. The following will be open to visit during this year’s event: The Weeden House will be open for walk through from 5-9 p.m., Central Presbyterian Church, along with Hawthorne Conservatory will offer warm drinks and a concert. First Methodist Church will have its sanctuary open and nativity scenes will be on display. Church of the Nativity will open their building for guests as well as offer Christmas carols, and music and cookies and cider. Luminaries will be out for view Saturday, Dec. 10.

CHRISTMAS AT BRIDGE STREET TOWN CENTRE

During the holidays, Bridge Street Town Centre is more than a place for shopping. It is an

most popular offerings at Bridge Street, which is located at off

LIGHTS UP! PRESENTED BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS

November 18 from 4:30 pm to 7 pm

Bridge Street will host their annual kick-off of the holiday season on Nov. 18. Lights Up! will feature live music by Big Daddy Kingfish and local choir groups, giveaways, holiday characters and more. Santa will join us at the end of the ceremony to light up our 45-foot Christmas tree for the very first time this year and launch our holiday light show, that will continue on Friday and Saturday evenings leading up to Christmas.

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW PRESENTED BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS

November 18-December 23

Bigger and better this holiday season, we will be spreading cheer through a holiday themed light show at the Christmas tree near Cinemark. Showtimes listed below will be the start times for the 10-minute holiday light show. Show Times:

Friday, November 18 | 7 pm

Saturday, November 19 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Friday, November 25 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Saturday, November 26 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Friday, December 2 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Saturday, December 3 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Friday, December 9 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Saturday, December 10 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Friday, December 16 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Saturday, December 17 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

Friday, December 23 | 6, 7 & 8 pm

attraction within itself with several Christmas-themed activities and sights. Here are a few of the

Research Blvd and Old Madison Pike in Huntsville. For more holidays events there, go to www.bridgestreethuntsville.com.

SPIRIT

CHRISTMAS

ABOUT THE WEEDEN HOUSE - Built in 1819, the Weeden House was home to the 19th century poet and artist, Maria Howard Weeden. History comes to life through the words and art of Miss Weeden as she captured the spirit of an era across cultural divides.

Theatre Huntsville to present “A Christmas Story” Nov. 17-20

By STAFF REPORTS

MADISON - The Christmas sea son is officially here! To help her ald in the festive season, Theatre Huntsville is presenting “A Christ mas Story” November 17-20.

Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s De partment Store. The consistent re sponse: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental explod ing furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenar ios and more.

The show will run two weekends: November 11-13 and 17-20 at the Von Braun Center (VBC) Playhouse. Tickets may be purchased online at THTix.com, at the Theatre Hunts ville box office at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment (Wednesday through Saturday, 12-6 p.m.), or by calling (256) 536-0807.

Theatre Huntsville is a nonprofit community theatre, connecting you to excellent and entertaining story telling and creative artistic oppor tunities.

Showtimes

Thursday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 18, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m. Where: Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St. SW, Huntsville, Ala. 35801 Tickets available at www.THTix.com

Madison Community Band to present “Christmas Journey”

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - The Madison Com munity Band (MCB) will present a concert on Dec. 6 called “Christmas Journeys”. The concert will fea ture Christmas music old and new, as well as a musical “visit from St. Nicholas” that tells the story of “the night before Christmas.”

“Since the band first formed, we’ve learned that a journey is more about the experiences along the way than the destination,” said band’s musical director Dave Ryan. “And Christmas is all about the journey: Santa’s global all-nighter, sleigh rides, cross-country trips to be with family, and the Son of God coming to a humble stable. We’ll take our audiences with us on a musical trek through the season.”

The band’s annual Community

Christmas Concert will be on Tues day, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monro via Road in Huntsville. This will be the band’s 16th Christmas concert at Grace, which hosts their rehearsals and Spring, Summer, and Christmas Concerts.

“Our Community Christmas Concert features such classics as “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival,” music from The Polar Ex press, a concert setting of “Breath of Heaven,” a Christmas singalong, and works that weave together be loved Christmas tunes in surprising ways” Ryan said. “We hope the joy we’ve had along our journey reaches out through our music.”

The band formed in Madison in 1993 with 15 members. Twenty-nine seasons later, more than 65 members play at parks, patriotic events, and

festivals throughout the Tennessee Valley. Students, retirees, and peo ple from all walks of life comprise the band, all volunteer musicians united in the love of playing and sharing their music with the com munity.

Next year will mark the band’s 30th year of operation. Planning is underway for special events and performances. To learn more, visit www.m-c-b.org or look the band up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MadisonALCommunityBand.

The Madison Community Band played at the Nov. 12 Fayetteville, Tennessee “Host of Christmas Past” festival. It marked their 25th Christmas appearance at the courthouse gazebo. The will perform in Huntsville on Dec. 6.

Asbury Church to present

“Lessons & Carols: The Songs of Christmas”

By STAFF REPORTS

MADISON - Asbury Church will celebrate the season of Advent through two “Lessons & Carols: The Songs of Christmas” services on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Asbury’s diverse music groups, with kids and students choirs, the men and women ensembles, and Chancel Choir, along with the or chestra, handbells, plus contempo rary and Harvest Campus worship teams, will delight all who come. They will perform “The Songs of Christmas” through a collection of scripture and music, which is a much-loved annual tradition.

Through this hour-long fami ly-friendly service, those who at tend will travel through God’s story from the garden with Adam

and Eve through Abraham and the prophets’ foretelling of our Savior, to the preparation for His arrival and the celebration of His birth.

“Asbury Church has a rich histo ry of bringing the love and light of Christ to our community, through local and global ministry opportu nities, worship experiences, and iconic Christmas music throughout the season of Advent,” shared Lori Bailey, Director of Traditional Wor ship at Asbury. “As newbies our selves to the Asbury community, my family is expectant about expe riencing Christmas in Madison for the first time.”

“We invite everyone to join us during this season as the Les sons and Carols services pave the way through Advent towards our final celebrations,” she added.

Asbury Church in Madison is gearing up for this annual musical tradition.

“Hot chocolate and cookies will be served afterward, and we’d love for everyone to share in this opportuni ty to grow deeper connections and feel the warmth that defines Asbury Church.”

Lessons & Carols will take place in the Building 2 Sanctuary on Asbury’s Madison Campus at 980 Hughes Road. Families are invited to experience this free event.

KidsCare will be available for

ages 3 and under only during both services.

Families are also invited to par ticipate in Asbury’s other Advent celebrations, including the “Neigh borhood Caroling Night” that will take the songs of Christmas into the adjoining community on Dec. 10, and any of the nine Christmas Eve services starting on Dec. 23. Moere information is available at weareasbury.com/christmas.

UAH HOLIDAY JAZZ featuring the UAH Faculty Jazz Combo will be presented at The Royal in the Stovehouse Arts & Entertainment (3414 Governors Dr., Huntsville) on Sunday, Dec. 4. Join the festivities with cocktails (5pm) and seasonal jazz (6pm). Ticket price $15 - $25 (Students w ID are free). Go to www.uah.edu/holidayjazz.

A BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS - THE CLASSICS IN HUNTSVILLE will be presented Thursday, Dec. 1at 7 p.m. in Covenant Prebyterian Church. Enjoy Classic Christmas Music with the Brass band of Huntsville in the acoustically-engineering sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church on Drake Avenue, Huntsville. For more information, go to brassbandofhuntsville.com.

Fantasy Playhouse to present “A Christmas Carol”

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – Fantasy Play house announced kicked off its 62nd season, a season filled with adored classics and new twists on fairy tale favorites presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Fantasy kicked off this season in October with E.B. White’s “Char lotte’s Web”. They plan to present “Snow White and the 7 Littles” by Stephen Tyler Davis (Huntsville native and Fantasy Alumni), a contemporary spin on the classic Brothers Grimm story in Feb., and Tinker Bell in May. For the holi days, would it seem like Christmas in Huntsville without the annual presentation of “A Christmas Car ol”.

Huntsville’s most beloved fami ly holiday tradition returns to the

Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December. Take a trip in time through the past, pres ent, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens classic will delight all ages as an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.

The production will take place Dec. 2-4 and 9-11 at the Playhouse at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville. Time are: Friday nights at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 6 p.m.

For more information about the 62nd Theater Season and their cupcoming presentation of “A Christmas Carol”, visit the Fantasy Playhouse website at www.fantasy playhouse.org.

Madison natives, The Beasley Brothers plan annual Christmas concert at the Princess Theater Dec. 15

By STAFF REPORTS

DECATUR - Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers is back! The show is family-friendly and will feature Christmas classics, mod ern Christmas hits, and even a few Christmas originals this year. They will perform this year at The Prin cess Theater in Decatur on Decem ber 15 starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Beasley Brothers is a Amer icana/Rock music group original ly from the Madison area, but now based in Nashville.

From the ages of 3 and 4, Jackson and Lawson Beasley spent most of their time with toy guitars singing along to anything ranging from The Beatles and Eagles, to the CMT top 20.

Showcasing their unique ability

to wrap heartfelt stories in familial harmonies, catchy melodies, and tasteful guitar work, the band works tirelessly to win over fans in the southeast and beyond. Lawson and Jackson Beasley, along with their band, started carving out their place in the country/rock music scene in 2015 when they scored their first large music festival slot and opened for the iconic rock band, Kansas. They went on to sell out their first show in Huntsville later in 2015.

Since then, they have used that momentum to draw nearly 600 fans to their headlining shows, which are exclusively organized and pro moted by the band themselves. Drawing from classic influences such as The Beatles and Eagles fused with the modern influences of Nashville, the group has found

Jackson and Lawson Beasley

a sound that is signature to them. The Beasley Brothers have released three EP’s and 5 singles of their own, and are gearing up to release a new wave of music drawing from both their north Alabama soul and

rock roots, as well as their country roots.

This is the seventh year for the Beasley Brothers to host their Christmas show. For more info go to www.thebeasleybrothers.com.

Huntsville’s favorite family holiday tradition, “A Christmas Carol” will be presented again this year between Dec. 2-11.

November 25

7 p.m.

VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

700 Monroe Street www.vonbrauncenter.com

Around Christmas time in 1956, Carl Perkins was in a post-“Blue Suede Shoes” funk. He booked a recording session on Dec. 4th with producer Sam Phillips. Along with Jerry Lee Lewis, Perkins and his band recorded a number of songs including one of Perkins’ best-known records, “Matchbox.”. (The single was only a minor hit when Perkins recorded it, but later on when released by The Beatles in 1964, it reached the top 20 of the Billboard charts.) Details from the rest of that day are still questioned, but this is what is known: Perkins and Lewis were later joined by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and the foursome held an impromptu jam session. A newspaper wrote, “This quartet could sell a million.” Shortly after they were known as “The Million Dollar Quartet.”

November 27 at 7 p.m.

VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 700 Monroe Street Admission Charged www.vonbrauncenter.com

Sometimes, love lives fade. But blood? Blood is thicker than all of that, right? The Mitchell siblings are coming home for the holidays. And with them, they’re bringing all of the memories, drama, and conflict that comes along with being family. Was an in heritance the cause of this once-close-knit family’s unraveling or are the secrets they keep causing the riffs? Tis the season to find out. In Marc Raby’s “Soul Food: Tis The Season”, you’ll find a dash of betrayal, a heaping of humor, and much more than a dab of drama.

ing dolls, marching soldiers, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy and all the delights found in the Land of the Sweets. There will be four performances, Friday through Sun day, December 2-4, 2022 at the Lee High School Mainstage Theater. Performances are scheduled for 7:00 pm on 2nd and 3rd of December and 2:00 pm on 3rd and 4th of December. Parking is free at the Lee High Theater.

December 2

7:30 p.m.

VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 700 Monroe Street www.vonbrauncenter.com

Not that they needed one, but the pan demic has provided yet another reason for the Mitchell siblings to be apart. It’s just the latest in a long line of excuses. The Mitchell family is hilarious, headstrong, and opinion ated. They love hard and fight even hard er. But now that life has settled into a new normal, perfect timing, or perhaps forced timing, has finally brought them all back to gether. Well, sort of. Let’s face it, families are often messy. Friends can be flawed.

THE NUTCRACKER: A YULETIDE BALLET

December 2-3

Lee High Mainstage Theatre 2500 Meridian Street www.aybtheatre.org

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre is cele brating our 17th season and would like to invite you to join in an annual tradition: The Nutcracker: A Yuletide Ballet. From the mo ment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical holiday wonderland filled with a holiday party, adorable children, danc

December 28

7:30 p.m.

Von Braun Center

www.vonbrauncenter.com

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Gram my Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mann heim sound. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS

SWITCHFOOT- THIS IS OUR CHRISTMAS TOUR 2022

MARC RABY’S SOUL FOOD: TIS THE SEASON- A STAGE PLAY

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE - A spectacle of sight and sound, over 150 singers, a 50 piece orchestra and thousands of lights bring a 39-foot Christmas tree to life. It wull be held Decem ber 15-18. For more information on this year’s Living Christmas Tree go to www.fbchsv.org/lct

HOLIDAY DREAMS: A SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY CIRQUE! - December 18 at 7 p.m. in the VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall • www.vonbrauncenter.com. This one show you don’t want to miss. There will be acrobats, daredevils, holograms, lasers and more.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

Christmas Gift Ideas

For a unique gift idea, browse THE FRET SHOP’S ever changing inventory of vintage and used gear. From estate curated collections to a great price on a starter guitar, they have it all! See their ad on page 11.

You will come out a huge winner this Christmas if you treat her to remodeled kitchen from M. A. JACKSON CO. See page 15 for their ad.

Some of these necklaces that are sure to be on somebody’s Christmas list! It would be hard to pick a favorite from these because they are ALL so beautiful and so per fect for a modern lady with modern style. Check them out at MEYER AND LEE. See their ad on page 13.

Check out all the yummy gift ideas at TENNESSEE VALLEY PECAN CO. on page 4

A date night to TOM BROWN’S is al ways a great gift idea. Check them out on page 16.

Wanting to give the gift of wine? Check out BIG CREEK WINERY TENNESSEE on page 15.

Check out the beautiful framing at FRAME GALLERY OF ATHENS for great gift ideas. See ad on page 19.

For over 40 years, BURNINGTREE COUNTRY CLUB has represented a unique alternative in country clubs for our region. As host of the National Spirit of America Golf Classic, their unique club is one of the top amateur spots nationwide. A mem bership would make a great gift idea for the whole family. See their ad on page 12.