Must be nearing the holidays! Our weekend calendar has a seasonal feel, with holiday-themed concerts and theater. Historic Latta Plantation offers its annual candle-light tours of the decorated plantation house in Huntersville. And there are two alternative gift fairs in Davidson, offering ways to help local and international nonprofits and honor those on your gift list. But that’s not all: We’ve also got wine tastings, restaurant ribbon cuttings, a “Hunger Games” inspired dance performance from Community School of Davidson, and the opening of “The Hobbit” at Our Town Cinemas in Davidson.

Our Town Cinemas has a premiere of “The Hobbit” at midnight Thursday (12am Friday). Also there: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Playing for Keeps,” “Skyfall,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Killing Them Softly,” and “Rise of the Guardians.” Check the showtimes at right on this page.

THURSDAY, DEC. 13

Grand Opening – Hot Stone Grill, 4 to 6:30pm, Hot Stone Grill, 17015 Kenton Place Drive, Cornelius – Grand opening ribbon cutting and reception with Lake Norman Chamber at the new restaurant in Kenton Place. Hot Stone Grill serves meats, seafood and fish on a hot cooking stone. See more in our Oct. 26 feature story, “Stone comes to town at Hot Stone Grill.” ^[2]. More info: www.hotstonegrillnc.com ^[3]. 704-765-5924.

Cornelius Historic Preservation Commission, 5:30pm, Manager’s Conference Room at Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Historic Preservation Commission monthly meeting. Meeting details on Cornelius.org. ^[4]

Day Care Open House, 6-8pm, Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, 208 Concord Road, Davidson – Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center 4th annual open house. Each year the children prepare a special program for families, friends, and community members, with food, singing, arts, and Santa. This year, as renovations get the day care ready to add infant care, they’re holding the open house off site. http://www.dc-childcare.org/ ^[5]

Hough choral concert, 7pm, W.A. Hough High School, Bailey Road, Cornelius – The school presents a Combined Choirs Holiday Concert, including the premiere of the Hough Show Choir, the Hough Mens Ensemble, the Bailey Middle School Honors Chorus, and various musicians from the Hough High Band and Orchestra ensembles. Free.

Wine tasting and music, 7-9pm, The Wine Cellar, 19712 One Norman Boulevard, off West Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Music by Megan Flechaus with a wine tasting.

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with Billy Jones and The Pocket. Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit SummitCoffee.com ^[6].

Theater: “Farndale Christmas Carol”, 8pm, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson – Davidson Community Players presents “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.” In a festive mood, the crazy ladies of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of the Dickens classic. They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters, engineer some novel audience participation, and bravely contend with an intrusive public announcement system. Performances also Friday and Saturday, 8pm, and Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Tickets available at DavidsonCommunityPlayers.com ^[7].

Theater: ‘Beyond the Fringe’, 8pm, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius – “Good Evening From Beyond The Fringe” by Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, etal, Dec. 6-16. It’s a collection of the best and funniest sketches from two British 1960s classic revues that introduced America to Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and paved the way for Monty Python and other sketch comedy shows. Performances Thursdays to Saturdays, Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at 8pm, Sundays Dec. 9 and 16 at 4pm. Ticket information: warehousepac.com ^[8]

FRIDAY, DEC. 14,

CSD Alternative Gift Fair, 10am-2pm, Community School of Davidson High School, 404 Armour St., Davidson – Community School of Davidson High School presents its annual Alternative Gift Fair, which offers holiday gift ideas – donations you can make in honor of your family and friends that benefit local nonprofits. This year’s charities include: Davidson Historical Society, Davidson Farmers’ Market, Davidson Cornelius Child Development Center, Davidson Housing Coalition, Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson Lands Conservancy, Davidson Community Players, Davidson Public Library. Checks and cash only.

Jazz with Left@25, 7:30pm, Huntersville Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville – Left@25 (the NMCC jazz ensemble) presents its holiday concert “Swingin’ with Santa.” Free. Info: www.nmcchorus.org ^[9] or 704-644-7368.

Live music at Summit Coffee, Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with the Mike Strauss. Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com ^[6].

Day care open house, 6-8pm, Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, 208 Concord Road, Davidson – Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center 4th annual open house. Each year the children prepare a special program for families, friends, and community members, with food, singing, arts, and Santa. This year, as renovations get the day care ready to add infant care, they’re holding the open house off site. http://www.dc-childcare.org/ ^[5]

Theater: “Farndale Christmas Carol”, 8pm, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson – Davidson Community Players presents “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.” In a festive mood, the crazy ladies of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of the Dickens classic. They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters, engineer some novel audience participation, and bravely contend with an intrusive public announcement system. Performances also Thursday and Saturday, 8pm, and Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Tickets available at DavidsonCommunityPlayers.com ^[7].

Theater: ‘Beyond the Fringe’, 8pm, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius – “Good Evening From Beyond The Fringe” by Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, etal, Dec. 6-16. It’s a collection of the best and funniest sketches from two British 1960s classic revues that introduced America to Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and paved the way for Monty Python and other sketch comedy shows. Performances Thursdays to Saturdays, Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at 8pm, Sundays Dec. 9 and 16 at 4pm. Ticket information: warehousepac.com ^[8]

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

Davidson Farmer’s Market, 9am-noon, downtown Davidson, off Main Street next to Town Hall – Davidson Farmer’s Market winter market. Local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. Runs every first and third Saturday through April. Information: Visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net are pleased to be media partners of the Davidson Farmer’s Market.

Davidson basketball vs. Wilmington, 7pm, Belk Arena, Davidson College – Davidson men’s basketball vs. UNC Wilmington. More information on DavidsonWildcats.com ^[10].

Theater: “Farndale Christmas Carol”, 2 and 8pm, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson – Davidson Community Players presents “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.” In a festive mood, the crazy ladies of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of the Dickens classic. They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters, engineer some novel audience participation, and bravely contend with an intrusive public announcement system. Performances also Thursday and Friday, 8pm, and Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Tickets available at DavidsonCommunityPlayers.com ^[7].

Theater: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, 2 and 4pm at the Cannon Memorial YMCA, 5325 Langford Avenue, Concord – Activate Community Through Theatre (ACT) presents “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” an audience participation play for children 3-12 and children of all ages. Directed by Wrenn Goodrum, this heart-warming holiday classic of a reindeer named Rudolph uses children in the audience to help the elves make toys, participate in reindeer games and even join Rudolph as he saves the day. Parents are welcomed to take photos as their children get into the ACT onstage. Also Dec. 22 at 1 and 4pm at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn Loop in Mooresville. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children. For reservations, call: 704-707-6757. More information: activatecommunitythroughtheatre.com ^[11]

N. Meck Community Chorus, 3pm, Huntersville United Methodist Church, 14005 Stumptown Road, Huntersville – North Mecklenburg Community Chorus presents its annual Christmas concert “Season of Joy!” Free. Also, Dec. 10 at Assurance United Methodist Church, and Dec. 17 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Info: www.nmcchorus.org ^[12] or 704-644-7368.

Dance: ‘Catching Fire’, 4, 6 and 8pm, Lake Norman High School at 186 Doolie Road, Mooresville – 223 Community School of Davidson dance students perform a show based on “Catching Fire,” the second book in the “Hunger Games” series. Suitable for all ages. Tickets available at www.CSDNC.org ^[13]. Proceeds will go in part to the LNHS Academy Scotland tour and to CSD. See more in our latest School Notes column ^[14].

Parents Night Out, 5-8:30pm, Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St., Davidson – The church’s youth, parents and child care workers will host a “Parent’s Night Out” – babysitting in age-appropriate rooms for children ages infant through Grade 5. Activities include outdoor playtime (weather permitting), holiday crafts, and movies. Suggested donation: 1 child ($20); 2 children ($30); 3 or more children ($35). All proceeds support DUMC youth group trips and youth choir trips. An optional chicken nugget dinner is available for $3 per child. Space is limited; pre-register at www.dumcyouth.org ^[15].

Latta Plantation Candlelight Christmas, 6-9pm, Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville – Walk the plantation house, kitchen, cabin, and grounds by candlelight and experience an 1820s Christmas. See dancing in the house, meet the Latta family, see a slave Christmas in the kitchen, and more. The plantation will be decorated for the season. Admission is $7 per person, ages 5 and under and members free. More information: LattaPlantation.org ^[16]

Theater: ‘Beyond the Fringe’, 8pm, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius – “Good Evening From Beyond The Fringe” by Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, etal, Dec. 6-16. It’s a collection of the best and funniest sketches from two British 1960s classic revues that introduced America to Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and paved the way for Monty Python and other sketch comedy shows. Performances Thursdays to Saturdays, Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at 8pm, Sundays Dec. 9 and 16 at 4pm. Ticket information: warehousepac.com ^[8]

Live music at Summit Coffee, Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music with Davidson Local, playing the locally inspired songs of John Wertheimer. The group includes Davidson College faculty and local students. Fundraiser for Davidson Housing Coalition. Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com ^[6].

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

Theater: “Farndale … Christmas Carol.”, 2 and 7pm, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson – Davidson Community Players presents “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.” In a festive mood, the crazy ladies of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of the Dickens classic. They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters, engineer some novel audience participation, and bravely contend with an intrusive public announcement system. Final two performances. Tickets available at DavidsonCommunityPlayers.com ^[7].

DUMC Missions Mall, 9am-12:30pm, Davidson United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 233 S. Main St., Davidson – Buy gifts to help others, in honor of those on your list at the Davidson United Methodist Church Missions Mall. Gifts range from a cuddle quilt for a newborn to a scarf for your aunt, a goat for a family overseas in honor of your mom or a bag for your sister made by Thai women struggling to survive. Also, lunch for a week for a child at the Brookstone School in honor of your father, or a stove for a family in Guatemala in honor of your grandmother.

Mt. Zion Christmas program, 11am and 3pm, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Cornelius – Mt. Zion’s annual Christmas program will feature the Chancel Choir, Hand Bell ensemble, along with a chamber orchestra. The featured work will be “A Thrill of Hope” by Joel Raney, an arrangement including an array of familiar carols and hymns that helps retell the Christmas story.

Theater: ‘Beyond the Fringe’, 4pm, Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius – “Good Evening From Beyond The Fringe” by Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, etal. It’s a collection of the best and funniest sketches from two British 1960s classic revues that introduced America to Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and paved the way for Monty Python and other sketch comedy shows. Ticket information: warehousepac.com ^[8]

Santa on a fire truck, 6-8pm, Davidson streets – FLASH from the North Pole: Santa Claus makes his annual pre-Christmas tour of Davidson, reviewing his route with the help of the Davidson Fire Department. Santa will transfer from his sleigh to a fire engine for a ride about town on from 6-8pm. As Santa’s time is limited, and turning around in cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets is difficult, please observe from the entrances of the affected streets. Thank you and a Merry Christmas from the Davidson Fire Department.

MONDAY, DEC. 17

Coffee with commissioner Bradford, 9:30-10:45am, Acropolis Restaurant, 20659 Catawba Ave., Cornelus – Cornelius Town Commissioner John Bradford will hold his monthly Cornelius Commissioner Coffee Chat. The town’s new Economic Development consultant, Don Harrow, will be this month’s guest to discuss his vision and strategy in this newly contracted role. Commissioner Bradford’s coffee meetings are the third Monday of every month (same time and location.) Meeting details and cancellation notices Facebook page and Twitter @JohnRayBradford

Cornelius Town Board, 7pm, Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Regular Cornelius Town Board meeting. Agenda to be posted on the town website ^[17]. The board also has an 8am agenda preview meeting at Acropolis Restaurant and a 6pm pre-meeting at Town Hall.

N. Meck Community Chorus, 7:30pm, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Main St., Davidson – North Mecklenburg Community Chorus presents its annual Christmas concert “Season of Joy!” Free. Also, Dec. 15 at Huntersville United Methodist Church. Info: www.nmcchorus.org ^[9] or 704-644-7368.

HAVE LISTINGS?

Send calendar listings to editor@davidsonnews.net ^[18]. Listings appear in our day-by-day calendar at right and in our Monday This Week and Thursday Weekend Calendar columns on DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.

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