Calendar Events

Dec. 6

Christmas Camp Open House

at Holiday Lake 4-H

The public is invited to attend a free Christmas Camp Open House at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Bring the whole family and come see the historic cabins decorated for Christmas, and support the local 4-H office in the cabin decorating contest. Enjoy a bonfire, hay rides and games. The 4-H Center will also be collecting new, unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots. For more information, call Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center at (434) 248-5444.

Renaissance Theatre presents

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!’

The Renaissance Theatre is pleased to present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” by Barbara Robinson. Show dates: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20 and 21. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, is a matinee beginning at 3 p.m. Box office opens one-half hour before show time. Snacks and a cash bar are available before performances and at intermissions. Tickets are $18 to $20 and are available online at Etix.com or by calling (434) 845-4427. Visit www.RenaissanceTheatreLynchburg.org to learn more.

Art Club Christmas Show & Sale

The Lynchburg Art Club Christmas Show and Sale opens 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and continues 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The address is 1011 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg. First Friday Dec. 6 Early Bird Special: 10 percent off any purchase of $50 or more from 4-5 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 7, is the Christmas Brunch Sale: Mimosas and Bloody Marys, free pastries courtesy of Montana Plains Bakery, fine savories, coffee, warm cider, coupons and door prizes. Art raffle: Tickets are $10 each, three for $25. Featuring artwork by Mark D. Johnson, Kelly Gravely Mattox and Virginia Klute. The rafle is available all three days. Winning numbers will be posted on the Lynchburg Art Club website on Monday, Dec. 9.

Dec. 7

Gingerbread House Competition

The Appomattox Tourism Committee, with a generous contribution from Walmart-Appomattox will be sponsoring a Gingerbread House competition for local businesses as a part of our Experience the Holidays event on Saturday, Dec. 7. Gingerbread House Kits are available on a first come-first serve basis and can be picked up at the Appomattox County Administration Building located at 153 Mortan Lane, Appomattox, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call (434) 352-2637 if interested in participating. The House must be made of edible materials such as candy, nuts, cereal, cookies, crackers pasta, icing and other edible food items. The Gingerbread House will be judged on overall appearance. originality/creativity, workmanship/technique and difficulty. Winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 7. Prizes will be given to the top three businesses. Ginger bread houses will be on display at the Appomattox Visitor Center for the public to view until Jan. 4. Houses should be picked up after this date. All entries must be delivered to the Appomattox Visitor Center at 214 Main St., Appomattox, by Wednesday, Dec. 4. Be creative — participants are not limited to what is in the kit.

Dec. 7, 8

Jefferson Choral Society presents

‘A Magnificent Season’

The Jefferson Choral Society presents a concert of classical, traditional and popular Christmas music performed by a choir of over 100 singers, accompanied by a chamber orchestra, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, and 4 p.m. Dec. 8, at Heritage United Methodist Church, 582 Leesville Road, Lynchburg. For tickets, call (434) 528-5700 or visit Aylors Farm and Garden, Givens Books, or www.jeffersonchoralsociety.org. Adult, child, and group rates are available.

Dec. 8

APX National Historical Park

Holiday Open House

The public is welcomed to join the Appomattox 1865 Foundation and the National Park Service for a Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. This is an annual tradition and holiday celebration. Walk through the historic village decorated with local greenery, then warm up in the park visitor center with cookies, holiday crafts, and a visit with Santa Claus, dressed in his Civil War Era suit. The talented Appomattox Garden Club provided this year’s greenery, and they decorate the park’s historic buildings with wreaths and greens in traditional styles. The Appomattox 1865 Foundation will provide the cookies and crafts. Santa has agreed to don his historic patriotic costume to show how he appeared as Father Christmas during the Civil War.

Dec. 9

Cookies with Santa at AES

Cookies for Santa will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at Appomattox Elementary School. $5 admission per child includes milk and cookies and one photo (additional photo packages available). Kids may wear their Christmas PJ’s. Visit the Christmas Store and purchase gifts for friends and family. See Travis the Balloon Elf, take a photo with Mr. Conductor, and a photo with Santa. Proceeds benefit the AES Scholarship Fund.

Dec. 11

Story and Craft Time

Story and Craft Time at 11 a.m. at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library on Main Street, Appomattox. A library employee will read an age-appropriate book, followed by a simple craft project. This program lasts approximately 30 minutes.

GED Outreach

GED Outreach will be held at noon at the J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library. Deborah Emmett from the Adult Learning Center will be at the Library to answer questions and help attendees sign-up for classes to earn a GED.

ACPS advisory committee meeting

The Appomattox County Public Schools Special Education, Title 1, Title III, and Remedial Education Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the school board office which is located at 316 Court Street. This committee is comprised of parents, community members, and school division staff who seek to improve educational services for special education and remedial students as well as English learners in the Appomattox County Public Schools. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Dec. 12

Lunch for Triad

Lunch for Triad will be held at Granny Bee’s at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12.

Ball Brothers Christmas Tour

The Ball Brothers Christmas Tour returns to Appomattox County High School on Thursday, Dec. 12. This upbeat Christmas concert is enhanced by special effects, holiday lighting and world-class vocal arrangements. Their hit song, “It’s About the Cross” hit No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Chart and has been seen over 50 million times online. This is a family event, suitable for all ages from “one to ninety-two.” Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased at Wilkes Jewelers and Bible Baptist Church. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are $20 at the door. Concert begins at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Appomattox chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Dec. 14

Appomattox Christmas Drive

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Appomattox Walmart, the Appomattox Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Sheriff’s Office partner with Appomattox Social Services and the Woodmen of the World for the Appomattox Christmas Drive. Monetary donations, toys and clothing will be collected to give back to the community and provide a Christmas that every child deserves.

Pack the Squad

Pack the Squad will be held at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Appomattox Walmart. This will be to collect toys and clothing to give back to the community.

Antebellum St. Nick visits Battlefield

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will host Antebellum Saint Nicholas — a genuine 19th Century Santa Claus — at the Hillsman House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Saint Nicholas will be resting up by the fireplace where he will receive children of all ages, listen to holiday wishes and pose for photographs. Pets are welcome for pictures. After photos are taken, children and adults can partake in antebellum-period holiday craft stations at the visitor center and have a cup of hot cocoa. This is a free, family-friendly event. The gift shop offers a variety of items for Civil War enthusiasts.

Dec. 26

Red Cross Blood Drive

St. John’s Lutheran Church will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Dec. 26. The drive will be held from 1-6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 1301 Milnwood Road, in Farmville.