Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Throughout the next few weeks, there is a Christmas parade or two, a Christmas Open House, some musical events and other activities going on. And at sine of the other events coming up, there are plenty of opportunities to find something for a person on your Christmas list. Here’s a look at the celebrations and other events happening throughout the region.

DECEMBER 1

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE – Residents will have a chance to experience Christmas like they did back in Revolutionary War times on Sunday, Dec. 1. Patrick Henry’s Red Hill will hold a Christmas Open House from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The event is free, with guided tours of the decorated historic buildings, including Patrick Henry’s house, law office, and other significant structures.

DECEMBER 6 – 8 

LIGHTING OF THE BRIDGE – Staunton River Battlefield State Park will hold its annual “Lighting of the Bridge” Christmas light festival from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8. The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clover Center. Visitors can take a wagon ride or walk down a lighted trail, where a multitude of holiday decorations and a fully lit Staunton River Bridge will greet you. Afterwards, you can also take part in wreath making. There will also be a children’s craft table, a Christmas photo session and refreshments, all at the Clover Center. The event is $5 per car, cash only, at the gate. Wreath making will be an additional $10. The park will also be accepting donations for the Tri-County Community Action Agency. That includes everything from non-perishable food to household products. For more information call the park at 434-454-4312 or email srbattle@dcr.virginia.gov.

DECEMBER 6 

CHRISTMAS PARADE – The annual Keysville Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 on King Street. Lineup begins at 6 p.m. and the parade itself begins at 7 p.m. 

DECEMBER 8 

CHRISTMAS STORYTIME – The Charlotte County Main Library, located at 116 LeGrande Avenue in Charlotte Court House, will hold Christmas Storytime on Sunday, Dec. 8. The story will be held at 2 p.m., with photo opportunities from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free with a canned food donation. 

DECEMBER 13 – 15

LIGHTING OF THE BRIDGE – Staunton River Battlefield State Park will hold its annual “Lighting of the Bridge” Christmas light festival from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15. The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clover Center. Visitors can take a wagon ride or walk down a lighted trail, where a multitude of holiday decorations and a fully lit Staunton River Bridge will greet you. Afterwards, you can also take part in wreath making. There will also be a children’s craft table, a Christmas photo session and refreshments, all at the Clover Center. The event is $5 per car, cash only, at the gate. Wreath making will be an additional $10. The park will also be accepting donations for the Tri-County Community Action Agency. That includes everything from non-perishable food to household products. For more information call the park at 434-454-4312 or email srbattle@dcr.virginia.gov.

DECEMBER 14 

PRAYER BREAKFAST – Shiloh Baptist Church will hold a prayer breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 8 a.m. The church is located at 125 Shiloh Church Road in Drakes Branch. There will be a home cooked meal, with a sermonette given. 

HANDBELL CONCERT – The Rustburg U.M.C. Handbell Choir will be in concert at Mt. Carmel UMC on Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 5 p.m. The church is located at 1101 Mt. Carmel Road in Brookneal. A Christmas dinner will follow the concert. 

DECEMBER 24 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – Phenix UMC, located at 225 Charlotte Street in Phenix, will hold a Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24, beginning at 5 p.m. 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – Mt. Carmel UMC, located at 1101 Mt. Carmel Road in Brookneal, will hold a Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24, beginning at 6:15 p.m. 

The Church and Community Events calendar is published each Wednesday. Items must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Monday for that Wednesday’s calendar. Email events to CommunityCalendar@TheCharlotteGazette.com.