BY: Truliant Credit Union
December offers a variety of interesting, exciting and one-of-a-kind events for families to experience in and around the Triad. Here are some of the top offerings to consider:
“Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival,” Greensboro Coliseum, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, tickets $8: The 46th annual art festival features original works from hundreds of artists and craftspeople from across the country. Many exhibitors will be demonstrating their crafts. For more information, see https://www.festivals.com/craftsmens-christmas-classic-art-craft-festival-greensboro-nc-nov-29-dec1st-2019-3969.
“A Carolina Christmas: The Gathering,” Winston-Salem Symphony, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 1, 2 p.m., R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium, tickets start at $24: The Winston-Salem Symphony begins the holiday festivities with a celebration that blends Appalachian harmonies and the sounds of the season. The concert features Laurelyn Dossett, Joe Newberry, Mike Compton and April Verch. For more information, see https://www.wssymphony.org/events.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Triad Stage, Pyrle Theater, Greensboro, Dec. 1-22, tickets start at $25: A 1940s live radio broadcast re-imagines the classic story of George Bailey, a man ready to throw it all away before a stranger shows him how important he is to his family, friends and community. For more information, see https://triadstage.org/performance/308/its-a-wonderful-life-a-live-radio-play.
“The Gypsy Soul,” Faculty Artist Series at UNC School of the Arts, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. at Watson Hall, 1533 South Main St., Winston-Salem, tickets $20: The concert features works rooted in folk traditions that span from Hungarian gypsy dances to fiery Scottish pub fiddling. For more information, see https://www.uncsa.edu/performances/events/20191203-gypsy-soul.aspx.
“Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures,” Greensboro Coliseum, Dec. 4-8, tickets start at $25: Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they embark on a wild ride to favorite Disney destinations: sun-soaked Motunui, Pride Lands, Aladdin’s princely parade and a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. For more information, see http://www.greensborocoliseum.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-presents-road-trip-adventures.
“Deck the Halls 2019,” Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem, Dec. 6-22, free: Regional artists offer their works for sale at one of the longest-running artisan holiday shopping events in the region. For more information, see https://www.sawtooth.org/events/event/deck-the-halls-2019.
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical,” Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance, Dec. 6-22, tickets $18: It’s holiday time at Armadillo Acres – north Florida’s premier mobile-living community – and everyone is filled with holiday cheer and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the park, neighborly love is put to the test. For more information, see https://www.theatrealliance.ws.
“Winter Show 2019,” GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art in Greensboro, Dec. 8-Jan. 17, $6: The Winter Show brings together more than 100 artists in a comprehensive survey of art from across the state of North Carolina. Painting, sculpture, photography, ceramic, jewelry, woodwork, fabric and fiber works will all be displayed in a harmonious installation. All will be work available for purchase. For more information, see http://www.greenhillnc.org/winter-show-2019.
“Trans-Siberian Orchestra,” Greensboro Coliseum, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $49.50: Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Greensboro with new staging and special effects, featuring the show that started it all in 1999, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” In the story, a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity. For more information, see http://www.greensborocoliseum.com/events/detail/trans-siberian-orchestra.
Handel’s Messiah,” Winston-Salem Symphony, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, tickets start at $20: Handel’s oratorio is widely regarded as one of music’s most affecting messages of faith. The Winston-Salem Symphony Chamber Chorus will perform with guest soloists. For more information, see https://www.wssymphony.org/events.
“Photona,” UNC School of the Arts, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Freedman Theatre, 1533 South Main St., Winston-Salem, free: UNCSA’s senior lighting students put on an interactive showcase highlighting their talent and imagination. Each senior will put a on a dazzling multimedia light production. There will be an opportunity for Q&A and a vote at the end of the night for the audience to choose their favorite piece. For more information, see https://www.uncsa.edu/performances/events/20191220-photona.aspx.
“The Avett Brothers,” Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., Greensboro Coliseum, tickets start at $49.50: For the third year in a row The Avett Brothers will be ringing in the new year with their fellow North Carolinians. Last year the New Year’s Eve concert was in Charlotte, and in 2017 they performed in Raleigh. For more information, see http://www.greensborocoliseum.com/events/detail/the-avett-brothers.
