Community calendar

Please submit your event information online. Go to http://events.charlotteobserver.com and click on “add to our listings.” Email photos to stories@newsofsouthcharlotte.com. The submission deadline for print is two weeks in advance of the event date.

Dec. 2

Ron Robinson Christmas Tree Sale:

The Ron Robinson Christmas Tree Sale supports the youth missions of the St. Stephen United Methodist Church. 11 a.m. St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road, Charlotte. 704-364-1824. www.ststephenumc.net.

Brunch with Santa:

Santa Claus is coming to The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Please bring cameras for photos with Santa Claus. Reservations required: 704-248-4100 or www.gallery-restaurant.com. 11:30 a.m.Cost is $39 for adults and $19 ages 5-12, and complimentary for children ages 4 and younger (pricing does not include tax and gratuity). 704-248-4100. The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Holidays at the Garden:

The holiday display promises surprises aplenty with a new festive display of Christmas trees, a lighting display with 500,000 lights, and a touch of warmth offered by tasty s’mores enjoyed beside a glowing fire. 12 p.m. Adults $12; seniors 60 or older $11; children 4-12 $6. 704-829-1252. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Grief and loss support group:

Pineville United Methodist Church is offering a grief and loss support group facilitated by Lotes Nelson, a state licensed professional counselor associate. Contact counseling@LotesNelson.com. 12:15 p.m. Free. 704-965-2113. Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. 704-889-2022. www.pinevilleumc.org.

23rd Annual Victorian Holiday Teas:

Enchanted holiday tradition in a Victorian-themed setting featuring homemade tea sandwiches and sweets and a special Children’s Tea on Sunday afternoon1 p.m. $25. Reid House, 134 W. John St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Author signing: “Down Bohicket Road” by Mary Whyte:

A captivating portrait of women living in the countryside near Charleston, delivered in words and images by artist and author Mary Whyte. Open to the public. 1 p.m. Free. Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-525-9239. www.parkroadbooks.com.

Holiday Tea:

Visitors will be able to pair their teas with scrumptious snacks. Holiday Tea is by Savannah’s Tea Room in Historic Fort Mill. Gift baskets and other tea-related items will also be available. Reservations required: 704-829-1252. 1 p.m. $22 for Garden members and $25 for nonmembers. 704-829-1252. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:

The Levine Jewish Community Center presents Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. 2 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Levine JCC, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5007. www.charlottejcc.org.

“Jaselka” Polish nativity performance and fundraising event:

This event includes “Jaselka” performed by Polish School students, performances by groups from Polish community and homemade Polish food. Tickets: polishschoolofcharlotte@gmail.com. Admission for children younger than 5 is free. 2 p.m. Age 13 and older $10; age 5-12 $7.50; family ticket (two adults with unlimited number of children younger 12, $35. Polish School of Charlotte at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-953-7275. www.polishschoolofcharlotte.org.

Classical + Christmas:

Music to include Beethoven Trio in G Major, Handel Flute Sonata in D Major and an arrangement of traditional Christmas music. Suggested donation $5 at the door; all proceeds benefit the St. Margaret’s Church Pipe Organ Fund. 3 p.m. Saint Margarets Episcopal Church, 8515 Rea Road, Waxhaw.

A Christmas to Remember:

The Queen City Brass Band is pleased to announce a very special Christmas performance in conjunction with the Salvation Army Children’s Choir. 4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children. www.qcbb.org. South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church, 8601 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte. 704-544-0404. smpchome.org.

23rd Annual Holiday Tea:

Enchanted holiday tradition in a Victorian-themed setting featuring homemade tea sandwiches and sweets. 6 p.m. $25. Reid House, 134 W. John St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Providence UMC Chamber Music Recital:

Christmas Concert features the choirs of Providence United Methodist Church, under the direction of Adam Ward and accompanied by orchestra. 7 p.m. Free. 704-366-7442. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-2823. www.providenceumc.org/worship/music-ministry.

“White Christmas”:

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. 7 p.m. $10-$17. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

Dec. 3

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Puppies for Patients:

Donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and sign a tag that will be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. 10 a.m. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, 4447 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-972-4700. www.cbcc.us.

Story Time Monday:

Chick-fil-A Cotswold and Books-A-Million have teamed for Story Time on Monday mornings at Chick-fil-A Cotswold. Recommended for children 18 months to 4 years of age. 10:30 a.m. Free. Chick-fil-A Cotswold, 4431 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-366-0073. www.cfarestaurant.com.

“A Quiet Christmas” service:

This special program invites you to acknowledge your grief and the memory of your loved one as you claim the hope of Christmas. All are welcome. 7 p.m. Free. Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. 704-541-3463, ext. 212. www.harrisonumc.org.

Queen City Community Orchestra:

Formerly the Queens Community Orchestra, QCCO is the area’s longest-running all-volunteer nonprofit community string orchestra. Come enjoy an evening of light classical pieces led by conductor Aleo Sica. We’re also collecting for the food pantry; bring a nonperishable item and we’ll make sure it helps those in need. 8 p.m. Free. Gorelick Family Theater - Charlotte Country Day School, 1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte. 704-408-5779. www.qcco.org.

Dec. 4

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Puppies for Patients:

Donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and sign a tag that will be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. 10 a.m. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, 4447 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-972-4700. www.cbcc.us.

Drama Kids Acting Academy:

DKI Acting Academy is open to all students age 12-17 who wish to explore, and expand their speaking, acting and auditioning skills. Email Dramakidsnc2@gmail.com. 6 p.m. $66 per month; ask for promotions. Elevation Blakeney, 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte. 704-612-1441. www.dramakids.com.

Oil painting workshops:

Learn the techniques and application of oil paint together with a greater understanding of color theory, paint application, color value, space, color interaction, intensity and temperature in a creative atmosphere for both the novice and the professional artist. 6:30 p.m. $20. The Civic & Cultural Arts Center of Pineville, 316 Main St., Pineville. 704-889-2434. www.ccacpineville.org.

Savvy Social Security planning:

This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security, and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits and minimizes taxes. Registration required. 7 p.m. Free. 704-708-5001. Matthews Woman’s Club, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-849-5063. www.matthewswomen.org.

Dec. 5

Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp:

Jerald Melberg Gallery presents two solo exhibitions for artists Charles Basham and Christopher Clamp. 10 a.m. Free. Jerald Melberg Gallery, 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.

Puppies for Patients:

Donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and sign a tag that will be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. 10 a.m. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, 4447 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-972-4700. www.cbcc.us.

Kids Craft Wednesday:

Join us for free crafts for young children. 10:30 a.m. Free. Chick-fil-A Cotswold, 4431 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-366-0073. www.cfarestaurant.com.

Holiday Afternoon Tea:

Join The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge for Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Main Lobby throughout December. Reservations required. 1 p.m.The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12, and complimentary for 4 and younger (plus tax and gratuity). 704-248-4100. The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Charlotte Quilters Guild:

Charlotte Quilters’ Guild meets first Wednesday each month. 7 p.m. $5 for nonmembers. charlottequiltersguild.org. Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. 704-522-6222. www.cmseniorcenters.org.