Community calendar | Charlotte Observer

Please submit your event information online. Go to events.charlotteobserver.com and click on "add to our listings." The print deadline is two weeks in advance of the event date.

Dec. 4

International Collectibles & Antiques Show:

Home décor, antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, fresh produce and more. 9 a.m. $5. 704-714-7909. Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville Rd. 704-596-4643. www.metrolinatradeshowexpo.com

Charlotte Youth Ballet's "The Nutcracker":

See local choreographed with professional, international guest artists in the Charlotte Youth Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Dale Halton Theatre on Central Piedmont Community College's main campus. Free parking. 2:30 p.m. Dale F. Halton Theatre, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.charlotteyouthballet.com.

Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton:

Live music and tea at The Ritz-Carlton. Tea sandwiches, warm scones, children's menu and holiday cookies and treats. Call for reservations. 11 a.m. $30 adults, $10 children under 12. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 201 East Trade Street. 704-547-2244. www.ritzcarlton.com

Dec. 5

Free Caregiving Help During The Holidays:

The Ivey adult day care center near SouthPark is offering a free four-hour visit for any senior with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or other chronic condition. To arrange your visit, call 704-909-2070. The Ivey Adult Day Services, 6030 Park S Dr., Charlotte. 704-909-2070. www.theivey.com

Christmas at the Billy Graham Library.org:

Christmas at the Library: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Holiday activities start at 5 p.m. each night. Free. Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte. 704-401-3200. BillyGrahamLibrary.org.

Dec. 6

Merry Mingle:

The design organization AIGA and the advertising group AAF host a holiday party in partnership to benefit the Urban Ministry Center. Its program, ArtWorks 945, is a gallery and studio for Charlotte artists who struggle with homelessness and poverty. Suggested donation: $5 at the door, with donations going toward ArtWorks 945 and other Urban Ministry programs. Heavy hors d'oeuvres. 5:30 p.m. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Dr. Details: www.aigacharlotte.org.

World Affairs Council of Charlotte:

Michael Collins, ambassador of Ireland to the United States, will speak on "Chartering a Course in Challenging Times." Noon. $50 (WACC members) and $65 (nonmembers). 704-687-7722. Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St., Charlotte. 704-335-2064. www.worldaffairscharlotte.org.

The Magellan Society:

The Magellan Society-Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte presents Rye Barcott, former marine and author of "It Happened on the Way to War," and co-founder of the nonprofit Carolina for Kibera. 6 p.m. $8 for society members and $12 for nonmembers. CPCC Central Campus, Health Careers Building, 1335 Elizabeth Ave. 704-687-7762. www.worldaffairscharlotte.org.

Dec. 7

World War II Christmas:

Experience Christmas On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Students can see what life was like for soldiers away at war, what Christmases at home were like without them, what kind of sacrifices were made, and more. Noon. $6 per person, ages 4 and under free. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville. 704-875-2312. www.lattaplantation.org.

Carolina Christmas Light Show:

The Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms into one of the largest drive-through holiday light parks in the country with more than a million LED lights in nearly 500 displays. 6 p.m.; see website for later dates. Admission is $20 per car, minivan or SUV. Group discounts available. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Dec. 8

University City Women's Group Monthly Meeting:

Meeting begins at 9:45 a.m. with social time followed by business meeting, program and lunch. Cost for lunch is $12. Contact Susan Zongker for reservations at luncheon.ucwg@gmail.com. Newcomers welcome. 9:45 a.m. Oasis Shrine Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place.

Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt):

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery holds its second German-style Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt), continuing through Dec. 10. Baked goods, crafts and gifts in the parking lot from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 215 Southside Drive 704-525-5644. www.oldemeckbrew.com..

Second String Santa Holiday Party:

This local charity will host its 23rd annual Christmas party at The Fillmore. General admission will be available at the event: Admission includes complimentary wine, beer and light appetizers. 7 p.m. $20 per person with donation of unwrapped toy/gift ($40 without gift). 704-688-0631. Fillmore, 1000 Seaboard St. 704-987-0612. ncmusicfactory.com.

Dec. 9

Charlotte Fine Art Show:

Fourth annual Charlotte Fine Art Show, with juried fine art and fine crafts from about 125 artists in paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, wood, jewelry, photography and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. $8, with children 12 and younger free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. hotworks.org.

Festival of Trees Prevue Party:

Festival of Trees Preview Party supports The Arc of Mecklenburg County. Live music, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and silent auction. All proceeds benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. 6 p.m. Harvey B Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-332-4535. www.arcmeck.org.

A Christmas Carol:

"A Christmas Carol," adapted by John Jakes from the novel by Charles Dickens, at Theatre Charlotte. 7 p.m. with later performances through Dec. 18. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. $8 - $24. 704-376-3777.

Dec. 10

Speed for Children in Need 5K:

Speed for Children in Need 5K at Charlotte Motor Speedway, benefiting the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities and the Hendrick Marrow Program. 3 p.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pky S, Concord. 704-455-3267. www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org.

Poetry Slam and Workshop:

Free writing workshop at noon, teen poetry showcase at 1 p.m., adult poetry slam at 2 p.m. at cost of $5. Harvey B Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. 704-517-6333. www.respectdamic.org.