Holiday Kick-Off

November 3, 2016 Currents No comments

Warming up for the Holidays!

STORY BY: LISA P. STITES

December is full of holiday events and you’ll want to pace yourself to fit in as much holiday cheer as you possibly can. We are here to help. This month, we have just a brief holiday teaser showcasing a few Christmas events. Sort of a holiday appetizer to ease you into full holiday cheer.

Check out these festivities to get the season started right. Next month we’ll highlight even more of our favorite things to do during this most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas Gift Show – St. James Community Center (4140 N.C. 211) – November 20 from 1-5 p.m. This is a new event added to our holiday repertoire. The Christmas Gift Show will be a chance for our area retailers and restaurateurs to show you how to add some local flair to your holiday giving list. All you’ll need to add is the ribbons and wrappings. Admission is free, and attendees will have the chance to win a $300 gift card for local businesses just for registering during the event.

The Christmas Gift Show is brought to us by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber is partnering with The Brunswick County Literacy Council (BCLC) to help raise awareness, funding, and resources to the BCLC organization. Holiday wreaths and centerpieces will be available through a silent auction and a portion of the proceeds will benefit BCLC. There will also be a book drive, and donations will automatically earn one additional raffle ticket toward the $300 gift card. Books should be suitable for children from birth to 12 years of age or word searches for senior citizens. Santa will be on hand to read his favorite stories to the children while parents shop for the perfect holiday gift. Gift cards will also be available for purchase. For more information, contact Sarah E. Meyers at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce at (910) 457-6964 or email at events@southport-oakisland.com

Southport Christmas Tour of Homes – Fort Johnston Southport Museum – 111 South Davis Street. Southport’s charm delights year-round, but the twinkling of Christmas lights and the classic look of greenery make the City even more picturesque. This year’s event takes you into several beautiful homes during the Southport Historical Society’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes. The Tour is Saturday, December 10th from 2-7 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the Southport Historical Society Museum Store, at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum Visitor’s Center beginning Monday, November 21st. Ticket prices are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of tour. There will be a limited number of tickets sold. Tickets may also be ordered via phone by calling (910) 457-7927. The Historical Society uses the Tour to raise funds for scholarships for local high school students and other Southport Historical Society activities.

Christmas Choir Concert – Ocean View Unit- ed Methodist Church – 8400 E. Oak Island Drive. This year’s Christmas Choir Concert features old familiar favorites, some done with a new twist, and stirring religious music to bring to life the tale of the birth of Christ. The concert includes music from the OVUMC Concert Choir, soloists, visual effects and pianist and music director Greg Walker. All are invited to come for a fun-filled evening celebrating the birth of Jesus. Admission is free, though a love offering will be taken to help support the church’s music ministry. Song choices include “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Fantasia Noel Medley” and more. There are three chances to see the concert – Friday, December 9th at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 10th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11th at 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Tree Lighting – Town of Oak Is- land – Middleton park (Oak Island Drive next to the Police Department). The Town of Oak Island’s annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at Middleton Park. Live entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m. The Tree Lighting is organized by the Town’s Parks and recreation Department. They have scheduled special guests, crafts, and much more for all ages. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the season, cookies and a hot beverage. It’s all that a small-town event should be – a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the holidays. The man in the big red suit usually makes an appearance too!