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. 16

Gingerbread Lane:

Enjoy an enchanting collection of gingerbread houses throughout the holiday season Vote on favorite gingerbread houses with $1 minimum donation per vote. Proceeds benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. 9 a.m. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Charlotte Comicon:

The biggest one-day comic book convention in the Carolinas returns for its 10th year. More than 25 guest artists and writers. 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. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltnc-charlotte-marriott-executive-park.

Holidays at the Garden:

The sights and scents of a winter’s eve will envelop guests as Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates this special season. Closed Dec. 25. 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 the first and third Sunday of each month facilitated by Lotes Nelson: 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.

Holiday tea:

Traditional English tea; visitors will be able to pair teas with scrumptious snacks. 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.

Holiday afternoon tea:

Join the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge for holiday afternoon tea in the main lobby throughout December. Includes a variety of seasonal loose-leaf tea blends from Harney & Sons Teas and a selection of savory tea sandwiches, traditional confectionaries and holiday treats. Reservations required. 1 p.m. $30 for adults, $15 for children age 5-12 and complimentary for children age 4 or younger (plus tax and gratuity). 704-248-4100. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

“White Christmas”:

Heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. 2 p.m. $10-$17. www.carolinatix.org. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

Author Signing: “New Dress A Day” by Marisa Lynch:

2 p.m. Free. Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-525-9239. www.parkroadbooks.com.

Live Nativity:

Come visit Bethlehem during Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church’s annual Live Nativity on the front lawn of the church through the acting of our children and youths and enhanced with live animals. 6 p.m. Free. Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte. 704-554-5714. www.qhpc.org.

The Hope of Christmas – evening of music:

All are invited to an evening of an eclectic collection of music. 7 p.m. Free. Sharon United Methodist Church, 4411 Sharon Road, Charlotte. 704-366-9166. www.sharonumc.org.

Dec. 17

Charlotte Christian presents annual live Nativity:

Charlotte Christian School sixth-grade students will perform their annual live Nativity scene in front of the school, a tradition for more than 15 years. 7:15 a.m. Free. Charlotte Christian School, 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5657. www.charlottechristian.com.

Free care giving help during holidays:

The Ivey memory care day center in SouthPark is offering a free four-hour visit for any senior with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or other chronic condition. Your relative will be well cared for while you take care of personal errands or do your shopping. Limit one visit per family. 7:30 a.m. Free. The Ivey Adult Day Services, 6030 Park S Drive, Charlotte. 704-909-2070. www.theivey.com.

Gingerbread Lane:

Enjoy an enchanting collection of gingerbread houses throughout the holiday season. Attendees may vote on favorite gingerbread house with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. 9 a.m. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com.

Clothing drive for A Child’s Place:

Join the Charlotte location of Griffin Home Health Care in supporting children in need this holiday season by donating clothing and school supplies for A Child’s Place. Donate items such as school uniforms, coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, underwear, gift cards, snack items, and school supplies. 9 a.m. Griffin Home Health Care, 4231 Monroe Road, Charlotte. 704-347-1993. griffinhomehealthcare.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 local 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.

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.

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.

Glitter Ornaments for Teens:

Everyone will be able to take them home to keep or give as a gift. For ages 13-18. Registration required. Contact Marcy at 704-821-7475, ext. 3, for information. 5 p.m. Free. Union West Regional Library, 123 Unionville Indian Trail Road W, Indian Trail. 704-821-7475. www.union.lib.nc.us.

Dec. 18

Charlotte Christian presents annual live Nativity:

Charlotte Christian School sixth-grade students will perform their annual live Nativity scene in front of the school, a tradition for more than 15 years. 7:15 a.m. Free. Charlotte Christian School, 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte. 704-366-5657. www.charlottechristian.com.

Free care giving help during the holidays:

The Ivey memory care day center in SouthPark is offering a free four-hour visit for any senior with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or other chronic condition. Your relative will be well cared for while you take care of personal errands or do your shopping. Limit one visit per family. 7:30 a.m. Free. The Ivey Adult Day Services, 6030 Park S Drive, Charlotte. 704-909-2070. www.theivey.com.

Gingerbread Lane:

Enjoy an enchanting collection of gingerbread houses throughout the holiday season. Attendees may vote on favorite gingerbread house with $1 minimum donation per vote. All proceeds will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. 9 a.m. The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.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 local 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.

Charles Basham & 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.

Drama Kids Acting Academy:

Open to all students ages 12-17 who wish to explore, and expand their speaking, acting and auditioning skills. For discounts or email: Dramakidsnc2@gmail.com. 6 p.m. $66 per month – ask about 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.

The Compassionate Friends monthly meeting:

The Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support group for families who have experienced the death of a child at any age and by any means. 7 p.m. Free. 704-315-6913. www.tcfofcharlotte.org. St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte. 704-543-7677. stmatthewcatholic.org.

Dec. 19

Passport to Christmas:

Come hear how Christmas affects people worldwide. Children age 6-12, along with a parent, are invited to explore other languages and cultures by making crafts, hearing stories, tasting foods from other countries, seeing how the “JESUS” film is dubbed into other languages, and having a photo taken with a mock Kodiak airplane. Reservations required. 8:30 a.m. $4 per person. 704-843-6130. JAARS Center, 7405 JAARS Road, Waxhaw. 704-843-6000. www.jaars.org.