The holidays are an exciting time in Danville. This weekend’s calendar is full of fun, holiday-related events and the entire city is full of the festive spirit that makes this a wonderful place. In chronological order, here is a list of some of the fun things happening.
THE ALTOS
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main St., Danville, VA
The Little Theatre of Danville will present “The Altos: Like the Sopranos, only lower.” This an interactive comic mystery stars Josh Lucia, Rikki English, David Useche, Michael Henderson, Shirley Spalding, Angela Fowler and Steve DelGiorno. Prizes will be awarded for solving the mystery and for naming the most movie titles in the play’s dialog. Cost: $20, includes dessert and beverage. Tickets available at the museum, New City Dance Space at, 616 North Main St. loft, Rippe’s at 559 Main St., and Karen’s Hallmark at Piedmont Mall and also online at danvillelittletheatre.org.
COMEDY CLUB SHOW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main St, Danville, VA
The Historic North Theatre's monthly comedy show will have a feature a special Christmas show with comedy hypnotist Gary Conrad. He has performed in 49 states and nine other countries, and he has appeared as a special guest on ABC’s ‘The View’ and wowed the audience and stunned the hosts. In this Christmas show, volunteers enter the hypnotic state on stage and then transform into a Christmas angel, sugar plum fairies, elves, Mr. Scrooge, The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, or a gingerbread man. There’s lots of caroling and dancing, and participants may even get to visit Santa Claus! The volunteers have a wonderful time entertaining with style, propriety, panache and lots of costumes, props, and holiday music! Tickets are $15 to $20. For more information, go to http://thenorththeatre.com/
POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY
When: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead St., Danville, VA
Come to the science center for a special showing of The Polar Express. Showings are 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Please arrive 30 minutes before the show for picture taking and don't forget to wear your favorite pajamas! Tickets can be purchased in person at the science center, by phone and online. Cost: $15 general admission, $12 for members. You will also receive one free souvenir picture during your visit. There will also be snacks and drinks for purchase.
HISTORY SOCIETY HOLIDAY TOUR
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: various sites, Danville, VA
Enjoy the 44th annual Danville Historical Society Steel Wheels and Rails Tour. This year’s tour goes along the old streetcar route from historic downtown to West Main Street. Four homes (Jefferson Avenue, Green Street, Holbrook Avenue, and West Main Street) will open their doors to visitors. The tour will also include a new apartment in the Dudley Building downtown and one of Danville’s jewels: St. Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church. The city’s three history museums will also be open. At various sites, enjoy refreshments and music, and at one site a mini-exhibit about the history of Danville’s streetcars. As an added attraction, the Danvillian Gallery on North Union will be open to see the exhibit entitled, "1963 Danville Civil Rights Movement: The Protests, the People, the Stories." Cost: $25. On tour days, tickets will be available at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History at 975 Main St., Langhorne House Museum at 117 Broad St. and Schoolfield Museum and Cultural Center at 917 West Main St. For more information, call 799-5150.
COMMUNITY HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
When: Opens 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 (multiple dates and times, see below)
Where: Ballou Park, 760 West Main St., Danville, VA
Danville Parks and Recreation presents the third annual Community Holiday Light Show. The show is a drive-through event that begins Saturday, Dec. 10, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 25 (closed on Christmas Eve). On Sundays through Thursdays, the event opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. On Fridays through Saturdays, the show opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Last year, more than 1,500 cars carrying an estimated 6,000 people visited the park for the light show. The show is made up entirely of displays created by the community. The event also includes the Children's Village, which is included in the price of admission, and will be open until 9 p.m. through December 23. Snacks and beverages and a visit with Santa Claus are part of the village. During the two-week event, the public will be given the opportunity to vote on their favorite display. A donation will be made to the winner’s choice of non-profit. The show itself is manned by volunteer groups, who earn a portion of the gate the night in which they work directing traffic through the park. Cost: $7 per car, $15 for buses and 15-passenger vans. Discount nights ($5 per car and $10 per bus and passenger van) will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20. For more information, call the Danville Welcome Center at 793-4636 or visit www.playdanvilleva.com.
MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS STAGE SPECTACULAR
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: The Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main St., Danville, VA
Be amazed by this live show as celebrity magician and world champion illusionist Wayne Alan presents an exciting yet heart-warming magic and illusion show themed around Christmas. This show is full of family fun, with not only amazing magic, but also great music that includes many of your favorite sacred and secular holiday songs. The show closes with the dramatic “One Solitary Man” on the big screen. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, Saturday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 23. Matinees at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and at 2 p.m. Cost: Adults $20 and $15, children 12 and under $10. For more information, call (434) 793-SHOW (7469) or visit www.TheNorthTheatre.com/
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION CONCERT
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street, Danville, VA
The Danville Symphony Orchestra continues its 25th anniversary celebration with a concert featuring music from "Home Alone" - John Williams; "Frozen" - Anderson-Lopez, Kristen; "White Christmas" - Irving Berlin; and joint selections with Danville Area Choral Arts. Cost: Free, but non-perishable canned food and monetary donations will be collected at the entrance for God’s Storehouse. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.danvillesymphony.net/
CHRISMONS TREE VIEWING
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., daily from Sunday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 24, also Sundays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., Danville, VA
Chrismons ornaments were originated and first made for use on the Christmas tree of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville in 1957 by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer, a church member. Today, the tradition continues. See the 20-foot tree and hear the story of Christ as told through the uniquely beautiful ornaments. Groups may schedule day visits by calling 792-5795. Parking is available in the lot on the left side of the church at the back. Front entrance is accessible. Cost: Free. For more information, call 792-5795 or visit http://www.chrismon.org/