HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – This week is full of things to do for the holidays!
12/7 Monday: Santa’s Shoppe at Home & Company- Beginning late November through Christmas Eve, enjoy this favorite holiday tradition and visit Santa Claus in Downtown Holland! There is no charge for children to sit on Santa’s lap, but be sure to bring your own camera for photo. 190 South River Avenue, Holland; 5:30-8:30pm; Free.
12/8 Tuesday: Handel’s Messiah at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church- The Zeeland Civic Chorus will present its rendition of Handel’s Messiah under the direction of Richard Cory. This is the 76th year to perform the Messiah. The Messiah Score was written by George F. Handel in 1741 and has been universally sung since it was composed. The words of the Messiah have been lifted directly from the Bible and matched in beauty with a musical score. A beautiful blend of choruses and solos, this masterpiece depicts the Prophecy and Promise of the Redeeming Messiah (Part 1), the Suffering Lamb Who Redeems (Part 2), and Thanksgiving for the Defeat of Death (Part 3).The Chorus is accompanied by the organ for the whole concert. Each number is a treat in itself but the emotional high points are the famous “Hallelujah” chorus and the “Amen” chorus. From a Christian perspective there are no other musical works that compare to the work of The Messiah. We use the Van Camp Edition of The Messiah. 259 Central Avenue, Holland; 7:00 PM; A freewill offering will be taken.
12/9 Wednesday: Live Nativity at the Critter Barn- Spend time with your friends and family around a beautiful Live Nativity, surrounded by sheep, goats, and even angels. Listen to Christmas Carols and the Christmas story from Luke as it is read by children. Visit rooms full of wonderful animals and a display of photos from Bethlehem, Galilee, where Jesus Christ was born and where he lived. Make Christmas come alive with the telling of the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, photographs of Israel where Christ lived, inspirational music and costumed characters. 9275 Adams St, Zeeland; 11am-6pm; Donations Appreciated.
12/10 Thursday: Cappon House by Candlelight: A Christmas Carol- Discover the magic of the holiday season at the Cappon House! While strolling through at your own pace, join in singing Christmas carols, make some special treats, listen to traditional Christmas stories, and design your own holiday card or ornament. Holiday games and prizes make this a great time for the whole family! 228 West 9th Street, Holland; 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; $10/person; $8/member; children under 5 free — RSVP encouraged.
12/11 Friday: The Promise at Knickerbocker Theatre- The Promise, a holiday season tradition for 16 years in the Lakeshore area, weaves the Christmas story together using scripture and Christmas music with Classical and Contemporary Ballet. Performed by the Turning Pointe Ensemble, this year’s production features 70 dancers wearing almost 300 costumes. Come see what’s new! Experience the beauty of the true Christmas message and celebrate Christ’s birth through dance. 86 East 8th Street, Holland; 7:00pm; Advance Tickets: $15 Student/$19 Adult At The Door: $17 Student/$21 Adult.
12/12 Saturday: Shopping Jam in Downtown Holland- Shop in your pajamas and save big at Downtown Holland’s annual Shopping Jam! Participating stores open early for this special event. 78 East 8th Street, Holland; 8am-10am; Free.
12/13 Sunday: An Ornament for Wildlife at Outdoor Discovery Center- Make a pine cone ornament covered in bird seed. You can make one to take home and one to hang on the trees of the ODC Nature Preserve. Peanut butter and corn meal will be used to make the ornaments. No registration is necessary. 4214 56th Street, Holland; 1-3pm; $2 per ornament, $1 per ornament for members.
