The children are out of school, bouncing off the walls and it’s too cold to make them play outside. Take a break from the season’s busyness and get into the holiday spirit with some fun activities for the whole family. And don’t forget to take a camera—they really do grow up fast!
November 30 - December 31 ~ Night of Lights
This annual tri-community Christmas Celebration will kick off from 6 – 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at The Phenix City Amphitheater. Start the holidays right with live entertainment, a visit from Santa and fireworks. Visitors will be given hot chocolate and a snack. The Riverwalk will be lit up on both sides of the river until New Year’s Day. See the beautiful decorations displayed each year along with some exciting new ones. Dress warmly and be prepared to park and walk. Free to the public.
December 1 ~ A CSO Christmas
Join the CSO and the CSU Chorale for this joyful celebration of the Yuletide season. Carols, stories, Santa Claus, sugar cookies, and perhaps a surprise or two...this is a celebration for the entire family. At the RiverCenter at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $17 – 29. Tickets: Tickets.com, 888-332-5200 or RiverCenter Box Office, M-F, noon–5 p.m.
December 1 – 23 ~ A Christmas Carol
The Springer Opera House presents this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens holiday classic. Ebeneezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas return in this musical favorite. Banish the bahs, hide the humbugs, bring your family or friends to the perfect way to get in touch with the reason for the season. Rated: G Info: 706-327-3688 and www.springeroperahouse.com
December 2 ~ Tubachristmas
The warm, rich organ-like sound of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience, becoming a Christmas tradition in cities throughout the world. The performance features Christmas carols especially arranged for these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions. At the Columbus Public Library at 1 p.m. Info: Bill McLaughlin at 706-563-4748 or billmac6115@mchsi.com
December 2 ~ Breakfast with Santa
Come enjoy a full southern style breakfast at The Central Activity Center, 1500 14th Street in Phenix City at the old Central High School. This beautiful historic auditorium will be transformed into a cafeteria-style dinning area for breakfast, a puppet show plus a visit from Santa. Doors open at 8 a.m. Puppet show at 8:30 a.m. and breakfast served at 9 a.m. A photographer will be available to take pictures or use your personal camera to photograph your child on Santa’s lap. Call for reservations, seating limited: 334-291-4743. Cost: $1 per person.
December 4 – 22 ~ Holiday Storytime
Volunteers from the Literacy Alliance and other area agencies will read classic holiday stories weekday mornings 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. JCPenney Court at the Peachtree Mall.
December 5-21 ~ Holiday Entertainment Showcase
Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6–8 p.m. come to Macy’s Court at Peachtree Mall for some classic holiday entertainment. Enjoy choral, theatrical and dance performances by local schools and groups. Additional information will be posted at www.peachtreemall.com as events are updated.
December 7 ~ Christmas with George and Friends
Columbus Symphony Orchestra featuring the Celtic band Mithril. From the haunting Christmas music of the Emerald Isle to the never-know-what-might-happen-next shenanigans of Music Director George Del Gobbo, this will be a holiday program that entertains and inspires. Watch as Santa Claus travels down Broadway in style and arrives to magically light up the RiverCenter. Bring your camera and visit with Santa before the concert. Enjoy sugar cookies and cider during intermission. This event is for the entire family. Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $5 – 33. Tickets: RiverCenter Box Office or Tickets.com, 888-332-5200
December 8 ~ 5th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Warm up to the holiday season with festive songs, stories and apple cider! For school-age children at the Mildred L. Terry Branch Library at 4:30 p.m. Info: 706-748-2851
December 8 ~ Ushering in the New
The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus presents its holiday concert featuring two orchestras, a percussion ensemble, brass ensemble and more performing classical symphony music along with holiday selections to welcome the season. Special visit by Santa following the concert. RiverCenter Bill Heard Theater at 7 p.m. Admission free. Info: Dottie Brown 706-256-3614 and www.yogc.org
December 9 ~ Christmas Parade
This traditional parade will feature floats, horses, marching bands, antique cars and jolly old Santa himself. Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Colin Powell Parkway in Phenix City and make its way into downtown Columbus. Go early to get a good spot.
December 9-30 ~ Westville Yuletide Season
A time of spirited Christmas cheer with period decorations and festivities in Lumpkin, Ga. All special activities during the season will begin at 2 p.m. Activities include the “Yule Log Ceremony” on Dec. 9, “Christmas Tree Lighting” on Dec. 16 and “Burning of the Greens” on Dec. 30. Info: Patty Cannington 1/888-733-1850 or patty@westville.org
December 10 ~ Hills & Dales Estate Christmas Celebration
Travel to LaGrange for a special holiday celebration. Estate tours with live music, carolers, cider and cookies from 2–5 p.m. Families can decorate cookies and ornaments. Cost: $10 adults, $6 students. Free for pass holders.
December 11- 22 ~ Santa and Mrs. Claus
Visit Dec. 11 at South Columbus Branch Library 10 a.m.; Dec. 12 at Quitman County Public Library 9 a.m.; Dec. 18 at North Columbus Branch Library 10:30 a.m.; Dec. 19 at Parks Memorial Public Library 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 20 Mildred Terry Branch Library 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 20 Marion County Public Library 3 p.m.; Dec. 21 Columbus Public Library 10 a.m.; Dec. 22 Chattahoochee County Public Library 11:30 a.m.
December19 ~ One Magic Christmas
Children’s Movie Matinee Holiday Special at the Columbus Public Library at 4 p.m. Rated G for children ages 6 - 11. Info: 706-243-2669
December 29 ~ Kwanzaa Celebration
Time Learn about the customs, sing, dance, make a craft and experience a karamu or feast. Columbus Public Library at 2 p.m. Info: 706-243-2669 December 2006 Valley Parent 29
