Holidays in the High Country

Though not quite science fact, Christmas comes earlier every year, with wreaths, garland and twinkling lights hitting stores before jack-o-lanterns can be doused and turkeys stuffed. The holiday season comes at you rather fast, but fortunately, your Mountain Times staff has been keeping tabs on this year's events, celebrations, festivals and general holiday what-have-yous for the sake of convenience (and a semblance of sanity).
This list is subject to change.

November
Nov. 18-19 - The annual Christmas Craft Sale will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone. Crafts are handmade by local seniors who get 100 percent of their asking price. "If you are a crafter age 60 or older and interested in earning extra money, then make plans to participate in this year's sale," a spokesperson for the center said. " Inventory forms and instruction sheets for participating crafters are available at both the Harrill xenter and the Western Watauga Center." Call (828) 265-8090 for more information.

Nov. 20 - The fifth annual Mistletoe Market will be held at the Newland Volunteer Fire Department on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be gift ideas, door prizes and light refreshments. For more information, contact Martha at (bmburleson@skybest.com) or Carol at (carolshgi@hotmail.com) ; or call (828) 387-6101.

Nov. 21 - The Howard's Creek Baptist Church Searchers Relay For Life Team will be sponsoring a Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Three Forks Baptist Association Building located on N.C. 194 north, just one-half mile from New Market Centre, on the left. Items will include ornaments, gift baskets, holiday decor, etc., as well as homemade jams/jellies and baked goods. Sausage gravy and biscuits will be served for breakfast, and hot dogs will be served for lunch. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Nov. 21 - The Boone Service League will be hosting its annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the National Guard Armory from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost of admission is $3, or $1 with two canned goods that can be donated to the Watauga County Hunger Coalition. There will be a variety of goods that include skin care products, stationary, baked goods, pottery, jewelry, arts and crafts, and items for the home. For more information or to be a vendor at the event, e-mail (bslholidaymarket@hotmail.com) Vendor spaces are subject to availability. Boone Service League is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for projects and charities throughout the High Country. All funds raised by the Boone Service League remain in the High Country. For more information on the league, visit the Web at http://www.booneserviceleague.org.

Nov. 21 - Advent Festival (an alternative holiday shopping event) will be held at the High Country United Church of Christ in Vilas Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Activities will include entertainment, snacks, making ornaments (kids and adults) and advent wreaths, decorating cookies, yoga and dulcimer lessons and "shopping for the perfect gift purchased from a member of our church or community." Those who are interested in having a booth can contact the church. Vendors include: Lynn Townsend - photography/nightlights; Mary Ferrell - crafts; Loretta Link - pottery; Lauri Whyte - yoga session; Sondra Edwards - dulcimer lesson; Gale Buchanan - ornaments for kids; advent wreaths - Bernie Edwards; Graham Ferrell - supplying greenery for wreaths; Rosa Powers - Scandinavian heart ornaments; Joseph Bathanti - books; Sylvia and Kelly - crafts; Diane Lasey - T-shirts; and Laura Wolpert - a volunteer at the White Elephant Table.

Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 - Holiday markets from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ashe County Farmers Market on the Back Street. The Ashe County Farmers Market re-opens just in time for the holidays. Local produce, greenery plants and arts and crafts, plus homemade treats. For more information, visit the Web at http://www.AsheFarmersMarket.com

Nov. 22 - Opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" will be presented at 2 p.m. at ASU's Rosen Concert Hall. Dr. Joseph Amaya is director. Admission is charged. For more information, call (828) 262-3020.

Nov. 23-Dec. 30 - TreeFest, Ashe Arts Center, West Jefferson. Beautifully decorated trees with handcrafted ornaments, holiday crafts, gift items and miniature paintings and photography. Dec. 6: Holiday open house and reception for artists at the Ashe Arts Center. For more information, contact the Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-2787 or e-mail (jlashearts@skybest.com)

Nov. 24 - The Blowing Rock community churches will sponsor a Thanksgiving eve worship service on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Blowing Rock School auditorium (on Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock). Father Rick Lawler, rector of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, will preach, and FaithBridge United Methodist Church's praise band will lead the music. The community is invited. For more information, contact FaithBridge UMC's office at (828) 295-8333 or visit http://www.faithbridgeumc.org

Nov. 26 - The Hunger & Health Coalition and First Baptist Church of Boone are serving the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 375 W. King St. in downtown Boone. The dinner, free to all who attend and designed to serve 500 people, offers turkey and all the trimmings, donated by Woodlands Barbecue and Pickin' Parlor, Makoto's Seafood and Steakhouse of Japan, and Pepsi. Deliveries are also available by calling the Hunger Coalition at (828) 262-1628.

Nov. 26 - Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in Ashe County will hold a "Thanksgiving Nature Hike (Plants, Birds, Rocks, and Things)" on Thursday, Nov. 26. Meet at the picnic area at noon. Hike with a park ranger and discover some of the natural threads that weave geology, plants, animals and weather into a kaleidoscope of Appalachian grandeur. Wear sturdy shoes. For more information or directions, call (336) 246-9653.

Nov. 26-Dec. 15 - Choose & Cut Christmas Trees. Location: Watauga County. Create or continue a family tradition. Visit one of many area tree farms to choose your tree and have it cut fresh for the holidays. Contact the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association for more information at http://www.watauganurserymen.org/choose_cut.htm

Nov. 27-29 - Santa Claus is coming to Boone Mall, 1180 Blowing Rock Road. Hours are: Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays 1-5:30 p.m. and Christmas Eve (Thursday) 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call (828) 264-7286 for details.

Nov. 27-29 - Christmas Art and Craft Show, Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m, at the Boone Mall. Call (828) 264-7286 for more details.

Nov. 27-Dec. 13 - Ongoing - Choose & cut season - Ashe County Christmas tree farms and nurseries are open for family selection of Christmas trees and wreaths, plus roping, countywide. For more information, visit http://www.AsheCountyChristmasTrees.com.

Nov. 27-Jan. 31 - Chetola Resort's Festival of Lights - Location: Chetola Resort grounds and around Chetola Lake, Blowing Rock (828-295-5500). More than 50,000 illuminations throughout the holiday season. Glittering depictions of ice skaters, trains, Rudolph, swans and much more. Complimentary hot apple cider. Pick up an information brochure at Chetola's main gate.

Nov. 27 - Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock (828-295-5222). There will be visits with Santa, caroling in the park, hot chocolate, and the ceremonial "Lighting of the Town."

Nov. 28 - An 18th century Thanksgiving will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Hickory Ridge Homestead, located on the grounds of Horn in the West in Boone. The presentation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Come and enjoy the warmth of the homestead and experience the way of life on the American frontier during the Revolutionary War," a spokesperson for the homestead said. "The scent of our holiday Thanksgiving dinner, being prepared over an open fire, will accompany you through the historical log cabins. Participate in the old ways of celebrating the holidays with an opportunity to experience bees-wax candle making, and/or the making of corn-shuck angel tree ornaments. Enjoy making authentic holiday decorations for a small fee while you shop the Historical Museum Store."
The Hickory Ridge Homestead is located at the Horn at 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. For more information, phone (828) 264-2120 or visit http://www.HornintheWest.com.

Nov. 28 - A community Thanksgiving dinner in Jefferson will be held Saturday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. at Faith Fellowship & Harvest Ministry, 513 E. Main St., Jefferson. Faith Fellowship invites everyone to share a Thanksgiving dinner. The menu includes turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and a variety of desserts. Ashe residents who need a dinner brought to their home, can call Angie at (336) 877-6332. Those planning to attend are asked to call the church office at (336) 846-3345; or e-mail (ffhm@skybest.com) People can also volunteer to serve.

Nov. 28 - There will be a special holiday Watauga County Farmers' Market on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be plenty of trees and wreaths, fine crafts, homemade goodies, goat cheese, local grown meat and winter vegetables. The market will be held at the Horn in the West in Boone, turn next to First Citizens Bank on the N.C. 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. Call market manager Karen Bauman at (828) 355-4918, send an e-mail to info@wcfm.info, or visit its Web site at wcfm.info for more information. The market will be there rain or shine.

Nov. 28 - On Saturday, Nov. 28, the Beech Mountain Holiday Market will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Buckeye Recreation Center at Beech. "This is a great way to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. There will be plenty of unique gift items made by local artisans, yummy food and live Christmas and folk music played by Art and Kathy Lang. We will be giving out door prizes that include yart (yarn art), gift baskets, and a Zumba Party," a spokesperson for the event said.

Nov. 28 - Annual Thanksgiving Kiln Opening, 9 a.m. Location: Traditions Pottery Studio, Blackberry Road, Blowing Rock (828-295-3862). Be present at 9 a.m. to watch the potters unload the wood kiln, and then make a selection. Items in the wood kiln will include work from Bolick's and from Traditions. With face jugs such as Santas, wizards and cry babies, Rebekah pitchers, candlesticks, sculpted chickens, and other traditional wares. Plenty of Christmas red pottery will also be available. There will be Christmas caroling. Food will be served. Free admission. For more information, visit the Web at http://www.traditionspottery.com

Nov. 28 - Blowing Rock Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. Location: Main Street Blowing Rock (828-295-5222). Annual tradition.

Nov. 28 - Downtown Sparta Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. Downtown Sparta captures the yuletide spirit with its annual Christmas Parade on Main Street. Santa and friends will pay a visit to this picturesque Alleghany County town, adding luster to this special holiday tradition. The parade begins at 2 p.m. For more information, call (336) 372-6135.

Nov. 28 - Mountain Home Music presents its "Community Christmas Tree" concert Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Blowing Rock School auditorium in downtown Blowing Rock. Starting time is 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.mountainhomemusic.com.

Nov. 28 - West Jefferson Holiday Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown West Jefferson. Ashe County Farmers Market re-opens just in time for the holidays. Local produce, greenery plants and arts and crafts, plus homemade treats. Call (336) 846-9550 for details.


December
December - Beech Mountain winter guided hikes. Beech Mountain invites all guests, residents and neighbors to hike the trails less traveled. Hike dates: TBD.

Dec. 1 - End of season - NASTAR at Sugar Mountain in Avery County. NASTAR is a public racing program that provides recreational racers with the opportunity to compare their ability to the fastest member of the U.S. Ski Team. NASTAR races are held every Saturday and Sunday at noon on Big Red at the Sugar Ski Resort.

Dec. 1 - Snowshoe Guided Tours. Snowshoe tours will be offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Sugar Mountain. Based on instructor availability, additional tours will be given on demand for groups of four to 15. The program includes a one-hour tour and snowshoe rental. Cost is $20. Adult tours are for 12 years or older. Children's tours are for 8- to 11-year -olds. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to tour time at the Sugar Mountain Ski/Snowboard School.

Dec. 1-Jan. 31 - Chetola Resort's Festival of Lights - Location: Chetola Resort grounds and around Chetola Lake, Blowing Rock (828-295-5500). More than 50,000 illuminations throughout the holiday season. Glittering depictions of ice skaters, trains, Rudolph, swans and much more. Complimentary hot apple cider. Pick up an information brochure at Chetola's main gate.

Dec. 2-3 - New Play Festival will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 2-3, at 7 p.m. both nights. Students/children $5. Adult/faculty/senior adult tickets $8. Box Office: 828-262-3063. A weekend of new plays written, directed, and performed by students. Sponsored by the Department's student club, Playcrafters. "Three Little Words" by Jordan Lance. "Well Made" by Nicholas Harris. "The Wake" by Becca Dillon. "You Broke My Heart, Mr." by Jason Edwards. http://www.theatre.appstate.edu/performances/season.html.

Dec. 3 - Find Yosef a Holiday, 5 to 7 p.m., Blue Ridge Ballroom in the Plemmons Student Union on the Appalachian State University campus. This fair-style event offers an "a la carte menu" of the images, sounds, foods and activities that represent winter holidays from around the world. Attendees will learn in fun and interactive ways about many international holidays, cultures and customs. Past holidays have included Chanukah, Bodhi Day, Junkanoo, Christmas, Diwali, La Befana, Irish St. Stephen's Day, Hmong New year, Winter Solstice, Day of the Dead, Moravian Love Feast, and Egyptian Coptic Christmas.

Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-24 - Santa Claus is coming to the Boone Mall, 1180 Blowing Rock Road. Hours are: Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays 1-5:30 p.m. and Christmas Eve (Thursday) 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call (828) 264-7286 for details.

Dec. 4 - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Christmas - Walker Center in Wilkes County events: Friday, Dec. 4. Sponsored by Hardee's restaurant. For more information, call 336-838-6260. http://www.WalkerCenterOnline.org 2009-2010 Season. All shows are booked but are subject to change.

Dec. 4 - Holiday Scholarship Concert at 7:30 p.m. at Farthing Auditorium on the Appalachian State University campus. Admission is charged. For further information, contact 828-262-3020.

Dec. 4 - Poplar Grove Baptist Church will present its fourth annual live drive-thru nativity, "A Family Christmas," on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5-6 p.m. "The Christmas story will come to life for a little boy as his parents tell him of the first Christmas night, the night our savior was born," a spokesperson for the event said. Visitors will enjoy hot apple cider, homemade cookies and live carolers while they drive around the church to view each decorated scene, narrated by a CD or cassette tape playing in their vehicle. For directions or more information, contact the church at (828) 963-9390 (leave a message and someone will return the call) or visit http://www.poplargrovebaptistchurch.com. The live, drive-thru nativity is a free event, underwritten by the congregation of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.

Dec. 5 - Ashe Arts Center Holiday Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ashe Arts Center, downtown West Jefferson. Celebrate the Holiday with the Arts Council. Call 336-846-9550 for details.

Dec. 5 - Candlelight Parlor Tours. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock. More information coming soon.

Dec. 5 - Mountain Home Music concert, 8 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, Boone. Many performers reunite for Christmas favorites, a free concert. For more information, visit http://www.mountainhomemusic.com.

Dec. 5 - Holiday Tour Of Homes in Wilkes County - Enjoy the splendor, harmonious sounds and decadent tastes of Christmas by touring magnificent homes extraordinarily designed and decorated. Dessert reception to follow. Tickets are available at Wilkes Art Gallery; phone (336) 667-2841. Annual event since 2002.

Dec. 5-6 - Holiday open house at The Vineyards of Swan Creek in Wilkes County - Join the Vineyards of Swan Creek as they celebrate the holidays. Featuring music, chestnut roasting, wine tastings and more. More details on this event at https://www.raffaldini.com/calevent.aspx?id=54. Location: The Vineyards of Swan Creek, U.S. 421, exit 267, Windsor Road. Contact: 336-835-9463. E-mail: info@info@raffaldini.com. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dec. 5 - Poplar Grove Baptist Church will present its fourth annual live drive-thru nativity, "A Family Christmas," on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5-6 p.m. For directions or more information, contact the church at (828) 963-9390 (leave a message and someone will return the call) or visit http://www.poplargrovebaptistchurch.com. The live, drive-thru nativity is a free event.

Dec. 5 - Christmas Parade in Wilkes County - Dec. 5 beginning at 1 p.m. - It's an old-fashioned Christmas parade through the downtown streets of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro with all the local trimmings and, of course, Santa will be there riding a fire truck. It's held annually on the first Saturday of December. Begins at Melody Square, North Wilkesboro, and ends at BB&T in Wilkesboro. Theme - "A Storybook Christmas." Time: 1-2:30 p.m. Contact: (336) 838-8662. Email: (info@WilkesNC.org)

Dec. 5 - Christmas Boat Parade in Wilkes County - Second annual Christmas Boat Parade, W. Kerr Scott Lake, Saturday, Dec. 5, 5-6 p.m. No reservations are needed, just show up. If you have inquiries, e-mail (wksboatparade@yahoo.com) This event is sponsored by Friends of the Lake. All participants are asked to line up at 5 p.m. in the cove at Blood Creek Overlook (near N.C. 268 bridge). There is no rain date.

Dec. 5 - An Old-Fashioned Christmas Bazaar, open house and "Tree for All" will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Deerfield United Methodist Church on Deerfield Road. Tree, wreath, and roping sales will take place from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. "There will be family fun for everyone, with gifts and crafts of all kinds, aGingerbread Man Decoration Station, miniature pony wagon rides, The Fawn Shoppe (a place for children to buy gifts for parents), a bake sale, Doe Boutique and Deer Run Christmas Shoppe, bake sale and gifts in a jar," a spokesperson for the event said. There will be breakfast and lunch foods for sale.

Dec. 5-6 - Santa Paws is coming to town. Once again this year, the furry members of your family can share their Christmas wish list with Santa Paws while they have their holiday photo taken. The Watauga Humane Society has arranged for Santa Paws to visit the Little Red School House in Valle Crucis (behind Mast General Store) on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. A 5 x 7 photo costs $10, and additional photos are available for $5 each. All types of animals are invited to attend this holiday event with their owners. All dogs must be on a leash.
There will be entertainment to round out the afternoon. Weaver Cindy Long will be on hand to demonstrate spinning at her spinning wheel. Gift items she has woven will be available for purchase, with 10 percent of sales donated to the Watauga Humane Society.
Snow dates for this event are Saturday and Sunday, Dec.12 and 13. For more information, call Rachel Jolly at (828) 266-3568.

Dec. 5-6 - The Christmas Concert at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. Concert is directed by Jim Taylor. Times: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6.

Dec. 5 - A Holiday Gift & Craft Sale will be held at Mabel School on Dec. 5 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be vendors with many items. The event is sponsored by the eighth-grade class for its end-of-the-year trip. There will be pictures with Santa, holiday items, handmade items, local honey and honey products, homemade fudge, candles, raffles, food and beverages. For more information, call Marybeth Jones at (828) 297-4466.

Dec. 5-6 - First Presbyterian Church, located at 663 Howard St., Boone, is again sponsoring a Greater Gift Sale. The sale will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale is hosted in partnership with SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organization which works around the world to enable artisans and farmers to gain access to markets and maintain a sustainable income. "Purchase beautiful and affordable fair trade items handmade by disadvantaged artisans in developing countries. With each purchase, you help artisans maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families. Do your Christmas shopping with us, these are gifts that truly give twice," a church spokesperson said.

Dec. 6 - A Moravian Christmas Lovefeast will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 663 Howard Street, Boone, on Sunday evening, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. A brass choir concert will begin at 6 p.m. You are invited to celebrate Advent with this traditional candlelight service filled with Christmas music.

Dec. 6 - Whippoorwill Christmas open house in Wilkes County - Art, pottery, folk toys, stocking stuffers, books, stationary, jam, jelly, baked goods, live music. Tour the Whippoorwill Academy Schoolhouse, Matt's Store, Tom Dooley Museum, Smokehouse Gallery, Chapel of Peace, Daniel Boone Cabin, Kilby's Blacksmith Shop & Weaving Room. Time: 2:30-5 p.m. Location: Whippoorwill Village, Ferguson. Contact: Edith Carter at (336) 973-3237 or e-mail (WhippoorwillAcademy@hotmail.com) for more information.

Dec. 6 - Valle Crucis Fireside Tour, 1-6 p.m. Location: Valle Crucis. The historic community of Valle Crucis invites you to warm up by their firesides. This tour meanders along country lanes to gift shops, galleries, bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, cabins and churches where hosts will provide you with refreshments and hospitality throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $10 each and are limited.

Dec. 6 - Poplar Grove Baptist Church will present its fourth annual live drive-thru nativity, "A Family Christmas," on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5-6 p.m. For directions or more information, call (828) 963-9390 (leave a message and someone will return the call) or visit http://www.poplargrovebaptistchurch.com. The live, drive-thru nativity is a free event.

Dec. 6 - The Blowing Rock community churches will sponsor the annual Blowing Rock Community Advent Walk on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. beginning at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. There will be a brief worship time at Rumple, followed by the group singing its way to St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church for a brief worship time there, followed by singing down Main Street and Sunset Drive to First Baptist Church for another worship gathering. The Advent Walk will conclude with a reception in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall with cookies and warm drinks. For more information, contact FaithBridge United Methodist Church's office at (828) 295-8333.

Dec. 6 - Ashe Choral Society, 7:30 p.m., Ashe Civic Center. It's an annual holiday concert of sacred and secular favorites. Call (336) 846-9550 for details.

Dec. 11 - Downtown Holiday. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock (828-295-7851). Extended store hours, luminaries, Santa, strolling carolers, fresh trees and wreaths. More information coming soon.

Dec. 11-13 - Childrens' Theater in Wilkes County presents "One Magical Christmas Eve" - Sponsored by Smart Start of Wilkes and The Kiwanis. Area high school drama clubs will once again share the magic of Christmas. Synopsis: Ebenezer Pinche, local pawnbroker and postmaster, thinks Christmas is a "humbug," and does all he can to spoil Christmas for the well-intentioned folks in his poor little town. He almost succeeds. His mean efforts are foiled, however, through the efforts of his overworked young employee, David. David's best friend, Emily, and by the assistance of a "mysterious stranger" (whose name just happens to be Kringle). Location: The Stone Center for the Performing Arts (Wilkes County Board of Education building). Contact: Smart Start at (336) 838-0977 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. E-mail: (Debbi@wilkessmartstart.com) Date/time: Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.

Dec. 12 - Christmas With Old Wilkes at Heritage Museum - The Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkes County will celebrate the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 12. The museum, Old Jail and Cleveland House will be decorated for the Christmas season and all buildings will be open for tours. Special music will be performed in the auditorium throughout the day, and refreshments will be served. There will be a special dedication for the grand opening of the education exhibit at 12:30 p.m. and a luminary ceremony on the front lawn at 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Wilkes Heritage Museum at 336-667-3171 or http://www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com.

Dec. 12-24 - Santa at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in Avery County. Santa will be skiing, riding and talking with all the good boys and girls.

Dec. 12-13 - Christmas cantata at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro - Contact: (336) 838-5167.

Dec. 12-13 - The Nutcracker Ballet, ASU's Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. The classic Christmas ballet, performed by Studio K dancers.

Dec. 12 - Downtown Boone Christmas Parade, step off at 10 a.m. Call (828) 262-4532 for details.

Dec. 12 - Post parade party at the Watauga Public Library. Friends of the Watauga County Public Library will again host a reception immediately following the Boone Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Watauga Country Public Library. Parade-goers and all are invited to join the holiday festivities. There will be refreshments, music, Christmas cheer and photos with Santa Claus
The Watauga Public Library is located at 140 Queen St. in downtown Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-8784.

Dec. 12 - Candlelight Parlor Tours. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock. More information coming soon.

Dec. 13 - 7:30 p.m. - "The Nutcracker" in Ashe County - Galax Conservatory of Dance and Theatre brings Tchaikovsky's ballet to the Ashe Civic Center's stage. For more information, contact the Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-2787 or e-mail (jlashearts@skybest.com)

Dec. 13 - A Messiah Sing-Along will be held at 6 p.m. at Rosen Concert Hall on the Appalachian State University campus. Dr. Stephen Hopkins and Dr. Joby Bell are the directors. The community is invited to participate. Admission is free. For further information, call (828) 262-3020.

Dec. 17 - Holiday Fresh Market, 3 p.m. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock (828-295-7851). Local farmers and businesses bring you the best in baked goods, handmade items and winter produce at the corner of Park Avenue and Wallingford Street.

Dec. 18-19 - The Ensemble Stage Company presents "A Blowing Rock Christmas," a musical variety show to celebrate the season in the High Country. Performances are 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.ensemblestage.com or call (828) 406-2884.

Dec. 19. - Santa Visits Beech Mountain - Visit with Santa at Fred's Gazebo, 4-5 p.m. Please bring your camera. After visiting Santa, then you may enjoy cookies and hot cocoa and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, 5-6 p.m.

Dec. 19 - Candlelight Parlor Tours. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock. More information coming soon.