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. 9

Handel’s Messiah Annual Christmas Cantata:

8:30 & 11 a.m. in the sanctuary at Harrison UMC, 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, near the Ballantyne Community. Free. 704-541-3463, ext. 212. www.harrisonumc.org.

Charlotte Daily City Tour:

2-hour-15-minute guided motorized climate-controlled city tour includes over 100 sites in Uptown. 9:30 a.m. through Dec. 23. $6 - $27. Queen City Tours, 3125 Eastway Dr., Charlotte. 704-566-0104. www.queencitytours.com.

Holiday Afternoon Tea:

Includes a variety of seasonal loose leaf tea blends from Harney & Sons Teas and a selection of tea sandwiches, confectionaries and treats. Reservations are required. 1 p.m. Dec. 9, 12-16, 19-23, and 26-29. $30 for adults and $15 for children, ages 5-12, and complimentary for children ages 4 and under (plus tax and gratuity). The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

White Christmas:

Based on the film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. 2 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16; 8 p.m. Dec. 14-15. $10-$17. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’:

Levine JCC presentation. 2 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Levine JCC, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5007. www.charlottejcc.org.

Harris YMCA School of Dance 10th Annual Nutcracker:

Noon and 3 p.m. Dana Auditorium Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte. 704-337-2213. www.queens.edu.

Cookies, Cocoa & Santa:

Afternoon of painting recommended for ages 5 and older. Artists provide assistance, but younger painters might also need the help of their guardian. 3 p.m. $25. Painting with a Twist, 4724 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 980-224-7760. www.paintingwithatwist.com.

KinderMourn Holiday Memorial Service:

All bereaved parents are welcome. Each family is asked to bring a candle in a holder whey they light from the KinderMourn candle in memory of their child. A nursery will be provided for young children. 3 p.m. 704-376-2580. www.kindermourn.org. Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte. 704-376-3695. www.myersparkpres.org

Winning-Women Holiday Fest DI-VA:

3 p.m. Dec. 9. BlackLion, 10605 Park Road, Charlotte.

Ghost Tours:

Family friendly. 6 p.m. through Dec. 23. $5-$15. Queen City Tours, 3125 Eastway Drive, Charlotte. 704-566-0104. www.queencitytours.com.

Live Nativity:

6-8 p.m. All are welcome to come see the live animals and experience a walk-thru dramatization of the Birth of Jesus. Free and open to the public. Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. 704-541-3463, ext. 212. www.harrsionumc.org.

A Modern ‘Christmas Carol’:

Performers include yearlong theater classes from ages 6 thru high school. 7 p.m. $9-$10. 704-846-8343. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

Dec. 10

Charles Basham & Christopher Clamp:

Exhibit 10 a.m. through Dec. 28. 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 then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. 10 a.m. Dec. 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28. Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, 4447 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-972-4700. www.cbcc.us.

Story Time:

Recommended for children 18 months to 4 years. 10:30 a.m. Free. Chick-fil-A Cotswold, 4431 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-366-0073. www.cfarestaurant.com

Dec. 11

Speed Networking:

MainStreetChamber Charlotte. 7:30 a.m. Free. Sweet Tea’s Restaurant and Catering, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville. 704-855-1803. www.sweetteascatering.com

Counterparts in Clay:

New exhibition featuring complementary works from Vicki Grant, Myron Whitaker and Doug Delind. The show runs through Dec. 29 during gallery hours. RedSky Gallery, 1523 Elizabeth Ave., Suite 120, Charlotte. 704-377-6400. www.redskygallery.com.

Options for Long-Term Care:

Program includes free signups for The Five Wishes Document, a legal document which tells your family your desires in case you are incapacitated. Advance registration requested. 2 and 6 p.m. Free. The Ivey Adult Day Services, 6030 Park S. Drive, Charlotte. 704-909-2070. www.theivey.com.

The Best of B2B Marketing in the Carolinas:

6 p.m. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Drive, Charlotte.

Carolina Breast Friends:

Breast cancer survivors, during any stage of their journey, can mix and mingle with other survivors, as well as hear guest speakers covering a variety of educational talks. 6:30 p.m. Free. The Pink House/ Carolina Breast Friends, 1607 E. Morehead St., Charlotte. 704-370-7773. www.carolinabreastfriends.org

12 Gifts of Christmas:

Stories, musical performances, holiday humor and a master illusionist. Host: Lisa Whelchel. 7:30 p.m. Regal Cinemas Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 7824 Rea Road, Charlotte. 704-540-7558.

Dec. 12

Santa & Mrs. Claus:

Complimentary photos with the couple. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. Abundant Health Family Chiropractic, 10310 Feldfarm Lane, Charlotte. 704-759-9020. www.drcharlesfrancis.com.

Windy O’Connor:

Meet the artist. Wine and hors d’oeuvres served. 5 p.m. Free. Allison Sprock Fine Art, 600 Queens Road., Charlotte. 704-705-2000. www.allisonsprockfineart.com.

Author Rhiannon Bowman:

Award winning writer Rhiannon Fionn Bowman will present findings from her six months of research on the impact of coal and toxic coal ash on the environment. The meeting is free and open to the public. The evening begins with pizza at 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Free. www.charlottesierraclub.org. Mahlon Adams Pavilion at Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Ave., Charlotte.

Dec. 13

Gingerbread Lane:

Collection of gingerbread houses through 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 25. Vote on your favorite gingerbread house with $1 minimum donation per vote. Proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital7 p.m. Dec. 13. The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Dec. 14

Live Nativity:

Charlotte Christian School sixth-graders perform. 7:15 a.m. Dec. 14, 17-18. Charlotte Christian School, 7301 Sardis Rd., Charlotte. 704-366-5657. www.charlottechristian.com

Children’s Handmade Gift Workshop:

Drop off, ages 4 and older. $35/child and $15/siblings. 6 p.m. Small Hands Big Art, 8025 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte. 704-246-8271. www.smallhandsbigart.com

Dec. 15

The Metropolitan Opera: Aida Live:

Showing of Liudmyla Monastyrska, Roberto Alagna and Olga Borodina star in Verdi’s drama set in ancient Egypt. Fabio Luisi conducts. 12:55 p.m. Regal Cinemas Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 7824 Rea Road, Charlotte. 704-540-7558.

Holiday Tea:

4 p.m. $35 per person. Painting with a Twist, 4724 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 980-224-7760. www.paintingwithatwist.com

Live Nativity:

Held on the front lawn of the church, the presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-554-5714. www.qhpc.org.

Yulefest: German traditions of Christmas:

7:30 p.m. The Charlotte Chorale presents many carols in their original format and language. Tickets: charlottechorale@hotmail.com. $10. Messiah Lutheran Church, 8300 Providence Road, Charlotte. 980-297-0391. www.charlottechoraleinc.org.

Dec. 16

Charlotte Comicon Comic Book Convention:

Thousands of new and vintage comic books and related items for sale and trade. Costume contest at 2:30 p.m. with $100 in door prizes. The Star Trek club will be accepting donations for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation. 10 a.m. $3 at the door (12 and younger free). 704-907-6690 or 803-547-3995. www.charlottecomicon.com. Marriott Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte. 704-527-9650.

Grief and Loss Support Group:

12:15 p.m. on the first and third Sundays. Facilitated by Lotes nelson a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate of N.C. 704-965-2113 or Counseling@LotesNelson.com. Everyone is invited for any type of loss – pet; job; loved one; empty nest; health; broken dreams. Free. Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. 704-889-2022. www.pinevilleumc.org.

The Hope of Christmas - Evening of Music:

An eclectic collection of music. 7 p.m. Sharon United Methodist Church, 4411 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 704-366-9166. www.sharonumc.org.

Dec. 17

Free Weight Loss Seminar:

Free presentation on surgical programs. 6-7:30 p.m. Matthews Presbyterian Hospital’s Main Lobby, 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews. 704-316-7740. www.presbyterianbariatrics.com.

Dec. 19

The Metropolitan Opera: La Clemenza Di Tito Encore:

Broadcast of Elina Garanca as Sesto, Giuseppe Filianoti as Tito and Barbara Frittoli as Vitellia star in Mozart’s opera set in ancient Rome. Harry Bicket conducts. 6:30 p.m. Regal Cinemas Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 7824 Rea Road, Charlotte. 704-540-7558.

Dec. 20

Dec. 21

Children’s DIY Holiday Village Workshop:

In this festive workshop, children will create an enchanting keepsake 3D holiday village that will impress even the grinchiest of grinches! In the evening workshop, children are encouraged to wear comfy PJs (that can get a little messy, of course) to help unleash their creativity!

Drop off, ages 4+. $35/child + $15/siblings.

For more information or to register, visit www.smallhandsbigart.com or call 704.246.8271. 6 p.m. Dec. 21. $35/child + $15/siblings. 704-246-8271. www.smallhandsbigart.com. Small Hands Big Art, 8025 Ardrey Kell Rd., Charlotte. 704-246-8271. www.smallhandsbigart.com

Dec. 22

Community Blood Drive:

Area high school and college students can qualify for a Holiday Heroes Scholarship from the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas by hosting a blood drive with CBCC between now and Jan. 6.

Join the eighth Annual Puppies for Patients program that runs now through Dec. 31. Donors who give blood during this time will sign a tag to be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals. Sign up at www.ncdonor.com or call 704-972-4700. Providence Country Club, 6001 Providence Country Club Drive, Charlotte.

Holiday Enchantment:

Charlotte City Ballet’s annual Holiday Enchantment show. Meet the ballerinas after the 3 p.m. performance and visit our Nutcracker Caf. Also 7 p.m. $8. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.