Following are some of the Christmas events that are coming in December. To add an event, send information to editor@spiritofabilene.com

Our Savior Lutheran Church Living Nativity
Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4933 S. 7th St., will host a Living Nativity two nights, Dec. 19 and 20.

Performances will be at 7 and 7:45 p.m. each night. Each performance is about 20 minutes in length and features animals from May Farm, a recorded narration, music, and a cast of 10 to 15 characters.

Performances are staged on the west side of the church. Rustic seating will be provided, or guests can listen from their cars in the parking lot.

St. Vincent stages Las Posadas
St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Drive, will be hosting the annual Las Posadas Dec. 15-23.

The public is invited to participate in the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Las Posadas also is a beautiful call for people to “make room” for Jesus in their lives and in their hearts, especially during the Advent season. 

Posadas are widely celebrated in the Hispanic community. Each host family of the posada opens their doors to the church community and provides food and music for the reenactment. Little ones dress up as Mary and Joseph and go singing in search of a posada, or inn, to open their doors. When they arrive at the host home, they are invited in to singing and scripture.  This cultural and religious observance is a highlight for all.

This year, at least three of the observances, on Dec. 15, 18, and 22, will be held at the church. Others will either be at the church or at private homes. 

Brighten your life–make a candle
The public is invited to join with members of the Abilene Interfaith Council in an evening of making candles at Abilene Candle Company.

Admission is free to the come-and-go event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Abilene Candle Company, 4417 Loop 322.

An earlier email from the Abilene Interfaith Council mistakenly publicized this candlemaking event as December 5. The AIC issued the following correction:

“We sincerely apologize for the confusion and hope that you will make plans to join us at the Abilene Candle Co to slow down and find peace this holiday season. Make a beautiful candle and get to know the AIC board in this wonderful experience!

Abilene Community Band Christmas concert
The Abilene Community Band will present its Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. 

Traditional and contemporary Christmas music will be featured in the concert. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted for the band’s endowment fund. 

Christmas Vespers at First Baptist Church
The Abilene Christian University Department of Music will present “The Lord is With Thee,” a Christmas Vespers program at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at First Baptist Church, 1333 N. Third St.

The public is invited to the free evening of music, scripture and poetry for the season.

Experience Holidays Around the World at the Grace
The Grace Museum is hosting a fun-filled evening with Santa and glimpses at Holidays Around the World 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.

Admission is free. Santa will be available 5-8 p.m. Kids can make crafts to learn about international holiday traditions. At 6:30 p.m., Elizabeth Kahura from the African Safari Program, will present a program on Holidays Around the Word.

Kahura is a storyteller, performer, singer, and educator from Kenya. Learn about Kwanzaa, Diwali, and Hanukkah through this exciting and interactive performance for all ages!

Elizabeth Kahura

Enjoy ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at McMurry
McMurry University Theatre presents the heart-warming family friendly show, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” based on the popular comic stip series at Amy Graves Ryan Theatre.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10. Dec. 7 is a “pay what you can” performance and donations will be accepted. Click here for tickets.

See live performance of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
If you’ve never seen a live radio drama, now is your chance! KACU-FM is proud to present “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a radio play, live at the Historic Paramount Theatre. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.

Bring your family and experience a joyful evening of Christmas spirit. Some Familiar faces around town and voices of KACU are ready to transport you to Bedford Falls and the story of George Bailey.

Click here for tickets

Grace hosting gnome craft making
The Grace Museum is hosting a craft-making session to create gnomes for home decor.

The event will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Grace, 102 Cypress St. Cost is $30. Grace members get $5 off. Register here.

Each person will craft three gnomes. Draw inspiration from your favorite holiday characters or coordinate colors with the rest of your decor. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee will be served.

HSU hosting Christmas Carol sing
Hardin-Simmons University will host a public Christmas Carol Sing Thursday, Dec. 7.

Singing begins at 6 p.m. in Logsdon Chapel. The program, which is free and open to the public, will include the singing of familiar Christmas Carols, Christmas readings, and performances by HSU music ensembles. A reception will follow.

Christmas in the Garden
Grinchy Claus and friends will host the annual Christmas in the Garden celebration in downtown Abilene Friday, Dec. 1, at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. Enter the garden from the north. 

Registration is required. Tickets are $15 per family. Two sessions are available to choose from–5-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. 

The celebration will feature costumed characters, photos with the Grinch and other Seuss characters, Santy Claus, a beloved holiday book reading, plus a snow machine, crafts, refreshments and live entertainment with Abilene Chorus’ Backbeat. Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater!

Light up the holidays with Winter Lightfest
Winter Lightfest, which benefits the United Way of Abilene, opens Friday, Nov. 24, and runs through Dec. 30. You’ll have 16 chances to see the magnificent light display, which is a partnership between the United Way and Christmas Decor by Lone Star Electric. This is the fifth year for the display, which features a three-quarter mile paved walking path through almost 3 million lights. Location is at  2250 EN 10th St. Click here to purchase tickets.

Feast of Sharing
The annual HEB Feast of Sharing will be held 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Abilene Convention Center.
Individuals, families or large groups are encouraged to volunteer. To register for the 2023 HEB Feast of Sharing, just click here.

Christmas Tea at the Gap
A traditional Christmas Tea will be recreated at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3.
“Come enjoy the delicacies served at high tea while learning about the history of the cultural custom.”
The program features “English Tea Gramma” Sue Wood. Servings will be at 2 p.m. each day. Tickets are $40 per person. Click here for ticket availability. Everyone is encouraged to dress for the occasion!

Philharmonic presents ‘Irish Christmas in America’
The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra’s Christmas concert will feature traditional Irish music, song, and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and boundless energy.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St.
Originally from Sligo, Ireland, this folk ensemble showcases Irish holiday customs for an American audience. Maestro David Itkin also scored the music for this performance. Click here to purchase tickets. 

Christmas at the Zoo
Santa and his reindeer are making a special appearance at the Abilene Zoo Dec. 15-23. Visitors will enjoy seeing the Arctic Lights, making a toy at Santa’s Toy Workshop, visiting Beltway’s Walk to Bethlehem, decorating a cookie at Mrs. Claus’s Texas Bakery, and being immersed in over 500,000 lights.

You can also enjoy s’mores around the fire, hot cocoa or a hot toddy. Tickets are $16 for ages 3 years and up. Click here to purchase tickets. 

First Baptist organ recital
First Baptist Church, 1333 N. Third St., presents “An Evening in December,” featuring organist Bradley Hunter.

The public is invited to the free presentation at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Hunter is the resident organist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and is artist-in-residence at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. In 2003, he was first prize winner in the Dallas International Organ Competition. 

Wylie Baptist Living Christmas Tree
Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Road, will present its annual gift to the community, a Living Christmas Tree, Dec. 7-10.

Presentation times are:
Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. 

Admission is free but tickets are required. They are available at the church or by calling 692-3206. 

Handel’s Messiah a Christmas tradition
The Abilene Opera Association will present Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Paramount Theater.

Abilene Philharmonic director David Itkin will again be conducting the Abilene Chamber Singers, founded by Dr. Clell Wright and directed by Joshua Wright, and an orchestra comprised of some of the best musicians from West Texas and the Metroplex. 

The exquisite ensemble and intimate orchestra will emphasize the unique textures and dynamics as Handel intended in the original work. The Hallelujah Chorus is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music. Click here to purchase tickets. 

Aaron Watson Christmas concert
Abilene’s own Aaron Watson is returning home for two Christmas shows, Dec. 21 and 22, at the Paramount Theater.

Hear Christmas favorites, new and old, and some of Aaron’s biggest hits on the Paramount stage. Tickets are on sale for An Aaron Watson Family Christmas concert, which will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and Dec. 22. Tickets range from $29 to $49. Click here to order.