^[1]Christmas week is upon us and many people may be staying in with friends and family, but there are still some fun events to note. The Palace Theater will be hopping with jazz music from the 1920s through the present when the Lake Norman Big Band comes to Cornelius on Tuesday. This week enjoy food from Chili’s on Take Out Tuesday. Also, We’ve included the times of several Christmas Eve services for those people wanting to attend.

These events and more below, or in our day-by-day calendar at right. Also at right on this page, see our movie listings for Our Town Cinemas. “Little Fockers” and “True Grit” open this week, joining “How Do You Know,” and “Yogi Bear.”

MONDAY, DEC. 20

No events listed

TUESDAY, DEC. 21

Take Out Tuesday, 5-8 p.m., Chili’s Grill & Bar, 16632 Statesville Road, Huntersville, off I-77 Exit 25 – Davidson Elementary School’s PTO concludes its series of “Take Out Tuesdays.” Order takeout or dine in. Be sure to wear your Davidson Elementary spirit wear. Details in our Dec. 1 Dining News column ^[2].

Lake Norman Big Band, 7-9 p.m., The Palace Theater, Cornelius- The Palace in conjunction with Havana Banquet and Ballroom presents the Lake Norman Big Band. The seventeen piece band will perform big band jazz music from the 1920’s through today. To make a reservation, call Maura Reddington at (704)892-7636. More info: www.thelakenormanbigband.org ^[3]

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22

Spanish for Kids, 11:15 a.m., Davidson public library, 119 S. Main St. – Preschoolers learn Spanish the fun way with puppets, music, and movement. No registration necessary. Call 704-416-4000 or visit www.cmlibrary.org ^[4] for more information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 23

Children’s Storytime, 10 a.m., Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St. – Storytime for children ages 1-5. Call 704-892-6841 for more information.

FRIDAY, DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services, Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St – 1 & 3 p.m. Music provided by Children’s Choirs and a drama will be performed in place of a sermon, tailored for families with children. 5 & 7 p.m. Senior Pastor Dr. Jody Seymour and The Chancel Choir & congregation will share the Christmas story and hymns. 11 p.m. Led by Senior High & Youth Handbell Choirs and alumni. For information and parking call 704-892-8277 or visit www.davidsonumc.org ^[5]

Christmas Eve Worship Services, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church ^[6], Cornelius. 3 & 5 p.m.: Family Candlelight Service with Children Participation & Communion, 7 p.m.: Candlelight Service with Chancel Choir & Communion, 11 p.m.: Candlelight Service with Special Music & Communion. For info call 704-892-8566.

DCPC Christmas Eve Services Davidson College Presbyterian Church sanctuary, Concord Road and North Main Street – 4 p.m. Service planned with children especially in mind. There will be child care available for ages two and younger. 7:30 p.m. A candlelight service with music by the Chancel Choir, and Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons preaching. 11p.m A candlelight service with the Lord’s Supper, led by DCPC college students and music by the Geneva Choir. Info: www.dcpc.org ^[7]

SATURDAY, DEC. 25

Merry Christmas everyone.

SUNDAY, DEC. 26

No events listed