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:
AVERETT CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1
Where: Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center, 150 Mountain View Ave., Danville, VA
The Averett Music Department renews the tradition of "Averett Celebrates Christmas" with a collaboration of student and community performers in a service of readings and carols for the Advent and Christmas Season. The event is free and open to the public. Free. For more information, visit www.averett.edu
HOLIDAY MARKET
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Danville Community Market, 629 Craghead St., Danville, VA
Visit the Community Market for the seventh annual Holiday Market featuring everything you need to get ready for your holiday parties and gatherings, including handmade wreaths, centerpieces, crafts, jewelry and artwork, baked goods and locally grown Christmas trees. The event will feature more than 100 vendors inside and outside the Community Market. Breakfast with Santa again will be part of the event. The Danville Girl Scouts sponsors the breakfast. The market will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the breakfast will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission is free for both the market and the breakfast. For more information, call 797-8961.
POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY
When: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, and 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.
CHRISTMASTIME STORYTIME
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Brewed Awakening, 610 Craghead St., Danville, VA
Local children’s authors read original stories to the kids. The participating authors include Lisa Fuller (“Miss Margie and the Word Tunnel”), Jennifer Gregory (“Jeb’s Adventure on the Smith River”), Stephanie Giorgianni (“A Seed of Love”) and Melissa Rooney (“Eddie the Electron”). Children’s illustrator Adrienne Anderson (“Jeb’s Adventure on the Smith River”) will create goldfish ornaments with the children. The authors will be available to sign and sell their unique books. The event also will include giveaways of each author’s book and free hot chocolate. For more information, call 483-2138.
CHRISTMAS ON THE PLAZA
When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: JTI Fountain in the Main Street Plaza, 215 Main St., Danville, VA
Join the River District Association for an official lighting of the Christmas tree in the Main Street Plaza. Mayor John Gilstrap will welcome everyone. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for pictures. Hear the Averett Singers and watch the George Washington High School Drama Club perform. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Donate a new unwrapped toy to Alliance Human Services to receive a commemorative River District ornament and be entered into prize drawings. Cost: Free. For more information, contact the association at 791-0210.
LUMINARY TRAIL WALK
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Main Street Plaza, 215 Main St., Danville, VA
Celebrate the season with a candlelight walk along the Riverwalk Trail while listening to holiday music. Gather at the Main Street Plaza and walk along the Riverwalk Trail from the Main Street Plaza to the Community Market. Lighted luminaries will be placed on the trail and carolers will be singing Christmas tunes. Warm refreshments and snacks will be provided. This event is a favorite for all ages. Cost: Free. For more information, call 799-5150.
NINA SIMONE TRIBUTE
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main St.Main Street Plaza, 215 Main St., Danville, VA
Listen to jazz at its best with vocalist Vanessa Ferguson as she brings the legendary feminist, civil rights leader and jazz artist Nina Simone to life! This show has been all around the world Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the museum. Cost: $20 for museum members, $25 for non-members. Ticket includes hors d'oeuvres and one drink. Attire is semi-formal. For more information, contact the organizers at danvillevaevents@gmail.com.
WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL AND AUCTION
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center, 150 Mountain View Ave., Danville, VA
The Dan River Basic Association presents for the first time in this region a night of inspiration and exploration, with 12 award-winning films from around the world. These films showcase amazing and inspirational stories about people making a difference for our planet. In addition to the films, a silent/live auction will be held for one-of-a-kind pieces made by artists and craftsmen from Virginia and North Carolina. Snacks will be provided. Beer and wine sales will be made available by 2 Witches Winery and Brewery. The festival is a fundraiser for the association’s work to protect and promote the Dan River watershed. For more information, contact the association at 792-3700, ext. 233 or go to www.danriver.org/
CHRISTMAS PARADE
When: 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Main Street from Broad Street to Craghead Street
The Riverview Rotary Club presents its annual Christmas parade. This year’s theme is “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The parade route will start at Rison and Broad streets and continue downtown, ending at the intersection of Main and Craghead streets. Float traffic will continue on Craghead Street to Newton Street and end at Newton’s Landing. To get rid of the gaps, there will be no performer's area. There will be no awards ceremony after the parade. The Ugly Sweater Run will take place at 2:45 p.m. just prior to the start of the parade. Cost: Free. For more information, call the Danville Welcome Center at 793-4636.