December

A week-by-week look at what's going on

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Submit events to Carla Jean Whitley at 241-8119
at least eight weeks in advance of the issue in which the event should appear.

Week 1: 12/01/08 - 12/07/08

Handel’s Messiah
(Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.) The concert will feature the University Chorus, the Concert Choir, the Chamber Choir and the Montevallo Chorale. The performance will also feature soloists Melanie Williams, soprano, Roderick George, tenor, and Charles Wood, baritone, all University of Montevallo faculty, as well as Glinda Blackshear, alto, a UM alumna. The orchestra also will consist of members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. University of Montevallo. Free. 665-6663.

Wilderness
(Dec. 1, 8 p.m.) That Wilderness have seemed to eschew the more standard paths to releasing and promoting music is beside the point, as their focus has always been on the creation and performance of their musical works. More than most, Wilderness hold true to the idealistic notion that sometimes music and art can stand for itself. Bottletree. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Winter Wonderettes
(Dec. 1-20) The Marvelous Wonderettes (Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy) are entertaining at the 1968 holiday party for the employees of Harper’s Hardware, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. As is annual tradition, Mr. Harper is scheduled to appear as Santa Claus and pass out the much anticipated bonus envelopes. But, when he doesn’t show up, Betty Jean passes out the envelopes ... only to discover that they’re actually pink slips. Harper’s Hardware is closing! With wonderful memories of Christmases past and a musical tribute to Christmas ’Round the World, rest assured that all ends happily and joyously at this merry time of year. Terrific New Theatre. 328-0868. terrificnewtheatre.com

UAB BookTalk
(Dec. 2, 6-7 p.m.) Discussing Bombay Time by Thrity Umrigar. UAB Mervyn H. Sterne Library. 934-4250.

Sidewalk Salon
(Every first Tuesday, 7 p.m.) An opportunity for Birmingham’s filmmaking community to meet. Free, at Rojo. 324-0888. sidewalkfilm.org

Christmas Choral Program by Colla Voce
(Dec. 2, 7 p.m.) A service of Christmas Choral music centered on the theme of joy. Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Free. 879-1909. withthevoice.org

Shiny Toy Guns
(Dec. 2, 8 p.m.) Embracing every neutral genre of music, Shiny Toy Guns create enveloping, inviting soundscapes best described as future-forward rock. While they manipulate the latest technology with ease, theirs is not a quest to be hipper. Shiny Toy Guns are far more driven by the need to open doors and create new songs and sounds that resonate through their listener’s minds long after the latest trends in music have faded away. WorkPlay. $15 advance; $17 day of show. 380-4082. workplay.com

John Morgan
(Dec. 2-4 and 7, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) Kicking off the Comedy Club Stardome’s holiday season and back by popular demand is the Ragin’ Cajun, John Morgan. From children to marriage to carpools, this man brings hilarious insights and observations. Part of the Clean Comedy Series. Comedy Club Stardome. $12. 444-0008. stardome.com

Greenery Sale
(Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Red Mountain Garden Club offers a variety of wreaths, garlands, pre-made mailbox decorations or kits to make your own centerpieces using all fresh greenery, fruits and flowers and handmade boxwood topiaries and kissing balls. Pre-order available via telephone or form, available at the gardens. Proceeds benefit the group’s civic projects, including the Birmingham Museum of Art Sculpture Garden. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 879-8499.

Alabama School of Fine Arts Presents
(Dec. 3, noon-1 p.m.) Brown Bag Lunch Program at the Birmingham Public Library. Take this wonderful opportunity to hear the Alabama School of Fine Arts Music Department present a musical delight. The department is under the direction of Kim Scott. Central Library. 226-3600. bplonline.org

Graham Colton
(Dec. 3, 8 p.m.) Don't call it a simple return. Call it a metamorphosis, a deep progression, an inspired evolution or--perhaps most fitting--a rewarding exercise in self-actualization. Stepping into his own in order to connect to his heart and artistic vision, Graham Colton has emerged with a stunning collection of pop-rock melodies, lyrics and emotions that swing between love and heartbreak, trials and relief. With Michael Tolcher and Tim Brantley. WorkPlay. $12 advance; $15 day of show. 380-4082. workplay.com

Craven Studios
(Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.) Personal appearance by Ian and Jo Lydia Craven, who are world-renowned for their hand crafted porcelain dinnerware, wall sculptures, bowl and vases. Table Matters. 879-0125. table-matters.com

Amahl and the Night Visitors
(Dec. 4, 10 a.m.) Presented by Samford School of the Arts. Samford. $12; $9 seniors; $6 students and children. 726-2851. samfordartstickets.com

Studio by the Tracks Open House
(Dec. 4, 5:30-8 p.m.) Enjoy a night of shopping, food and fun with friends. There will be many one-of-a-kind pieces created by the adults and children who attend Studio By The Tracks, as well as numerous great works from local artists as well. Sixty percent of the proceeds of each sale goes to the artist. Studio by the Tracks. 951-3317. studiobythetracks.org

Signature Series
(Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.) Our three 2008 Signature Series Events feature America’s most fascinating authors at private cocktail receptions in Birmingham’s finest homes. Meet Kim Sunee, author of Trail of Crumbs. Location to be announced upon ticket purchase. $100. 326-1925. literacy-council.org

Bedtime Stories at the Zoo
(Dec. 4, 7-8 p.m.) Bring your family for a fun bedtime story at the zoo. Come in your pajamas to hear a story, make a craft, enjoy a special bedtime snack and meet some special animal guests. Birmingham Zoo. $7 per child for members; $10 per child for non-members. 879-0409. birminghamzoo.com

Polvo
(Dec. 4, 8 p.m.) Both alarming and charming, Polvo’s eclectic sound and style is absolutely unmistakable. It could be said that Polvo was the guitar band of the nineties, and that sentiment still holds true today. Bottletree. $12 advance; $14 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

HollyDay Magic 2008
(Dec. 4-5, 3:30-5:30 p.m.) The holidays will be upon us in the blink of an eye! Mark your calendar so your children won’t miss this fun, creative activity. Young craftsmen ages 5 – 11 will have the opportunity to fashion their own gifts and ornaments, many from natural materials. Children will decorate cupcakes for a light snack. Wear play clothes; advance registration required. For children 5-11. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. $25 nonmembers; $20 members. 414-3958. bbgardens.org

Don’t You Just Love Christmas?
(Dec. 4-6, 7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m.) The magic and music of Christmas abound! It’s Christmas outside Nashville and all little Chelsea wants for Christmas is for her Daddy to come back from the Middle East. All Katherine wants is the benefit show to go off without a hitch, and Carl just wants a chance to get into the music business. Santa has his work cut out for him this year! Christmas finds its way into this suburb and helps dreams come true for this community. Book by Birmingham’s Roy Hudson. Pell City Center. $25; $20 seniors; $15 active military, students and groups. 205-338-1974. pellcitycenter.com

The 1940s Radio Hour
(Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 3 p.m.) A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical show about a live broadcast of The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room on Dec. 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era, when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (both in this show), is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunken lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance at the microphone, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad and the trumpet-playing sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. Virginia Samford Theatre. $24. 251-1206. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Winter Wonderland
(Dec. 4-14) Continuing the tradition of RMTC’s original holiday productions, Winter Wonderland is full of great musical moments written just for our Magic City! Performed by some of the best talent in town and featuring the RMTC Youth Programs, it’s a cheerful celebration that'll bring warmth and wonder to your holidays! (Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.) 1st Friday: Members of Birmingham’s YP organizations enjoy discounted tickets and a free drink. (Dec. 6, 1 p.m.) Snacks with Santa: Includes cookies and pictures with Santa. Thurs.-Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. $30; children 12 and younger receive half-price tickets to Dec. 6 matinee; snacks with Santa add-on, $5 per ticket. 324-2424. redmountaintheatre.org

Proof
(Dec. 4-20) Presented by Theatre Downtown. Catherine’s father was a great man and one of the greatest mathematicians that ever lived. After years of caring for him during his extreme mental illness, Catherine doesn't know what to do when he finally does pass. A young math teacher, Hal--a former student of Catherine’s father--comes to the house, looking through the 306 notebooks her father left behind, determined to find something and prove that her father’s mind didn’t shut down entirely during his mental illness. What he finds is a romance and a mystery that he never intended ... that no one believed was possible. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Playhouse. $17; $12 seniors and students; Thursdays pay what you can afford, $5 minimum. 306-1470. theatredowntown.com

The Little Dog Laughed
(Dec. 4-20) A heartthrob actor is just about to get the role of a lifetime when a juicy rumor begins to circulate about his off-screen life. His distraught agent, concerned about her percentage, begins damage control, and the laughs continue with the aid of the “rent boy” who’s looking for love and the “girlfriend” who’s looking for a home. Birmingham Festival Theatre. $20; $15 students. 933-2383. bftonline.org

Festival of Christmas Music
(Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.) Along with Amahl and the Night Visitors. Samford. $12; $9 seniors; $6 students and children. 726-2853. samfordartstickets.com

Carlos Mencia
(Dec. 5, 7:30, 9:45 and 11:55 p.m.) Carlos Mencia takes comedy further as he combines attitude and his unrelenting provocative nature with caustic, unabashed humor, all while poking at racial stereotype and other modern day absurdities. Whether it is man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies or nationwide sold-out tours, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a diverse audience. Comedy Club Stardome. 444-0008. $38. stardome.com

My Brightest Diamond
(Dec. 5, 8 p.m.) My Brightest Diamond is spearheaded by Shara Worden, granddaughter of an Epiphone-playing traveling evangelist, fathered by a National Accordion Champion and mothered by a classical organist. Having a family of musical wanderers who migrated across the United States every few years, the landscape and the musical influences were constantly changing. Spanish tangos, Sunday morning gospel, classical and jazz were the accompaniment to her home life. Her first song was recorded at age three and by age eight she was studying piano and performing in community musical productions. With Clare and The Reasons. Bottletree. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

ACME Cajun Dance
(Dec. 5, 8-11 p.m.) Concert and dance featuring the Jambalaya Cajun Band from Lafayette, La. Concordia Club. $12. 951-3463. acmedance.org

Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers
(Dec. 5, 9 p.m.) Rock ‘n’ roll needs fresh blood to thrive, and it's rarely had a more exuberant, beautifully crafted infusion than Bobby Lee Rodgers & The CodeTalkers, a fiery trio that taps into the primal mojo of '50s pioneers embellished with the captivating twists & turns of post-bop jazz, Muscle Shoals soul, fleet fingered acoustic picking, and huge scale epic rock. Founded in 1999, they make a joyous, dizzyingly engaged roar anchored to truly lethal musicianship. WorkPlay. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 380-4082. workplay.com

King Carnivore (Dec. 5, 10 p.m.) Birmingham-based band. With Henry Dunkle. The Nick. $6. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com

Wrong Way: A Tribute to Sublime
(Dec. 5, 10 p.m.) Wrong Way is a tribute to one of the greatest and most original bands to come out of the 1990s, Sublime. Their sound was a perfect blend of a variety of different musical styles ranging from reggae and dance hall beats to punk and even hip hop. To some, their music defined their generation. To others, Sublime’s sound may be totally new. One thing is certain, their music is still as fresh and original today as it was 15 years ago. Zydeco. $8. 933-1032. zydecobirmingham.com

Friday Fireworks at the Summit
(Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 7 p.m.) A festive fireworks show on Friday nights to celebrate the holiday season. Gather next to Sephora for a great view and accompanying music. The Summit. Free. 967-0111. thesummitonline.com

72nd Service of Lessons and Carols
(Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m.) Birmingham-Southern College’s Concert Choir, Southern Chorale and Alumni Choir perform this annual carol service. Canterbury United Methodist Church. 226-4921.

Tannehilll Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour (Dec. 5-6) Advance tickets only. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. 477-5711. tannehill.org

Southeastern Aviation Art Expo
(Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.) The Southeastern Aviation Art Expo will feature artists from various disciplines, including drawing and illustration, watercolor, acrylic, oil and sculpture, among many others. Jazz band with a wine and cheese party. $50. (Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Regular museum hours and admission. Southern Museum of Flight. Free with museum admission. 833-8226. southernmuseumofflight.org

A CenterStage Christmas Celebration
(Dec. 5-6 and 11-13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7 and 14, 2:30 p.m.) A blend of the secular and the sacred. Hear the story of Amahl and the Night Visitors, Menotti’s operetta about a mother and child visited by the Magi on their way to see the Christ Child. You’ll also enjoy a fun-filled romp through the holiday music we all love. Virginia Samford Theatre. $25; $15 students. 251-1206. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

By the Chimney with Care
(Dec. 5-6 and 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7 and 14, 2 p.m.) To encourage Santa and to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, the elves sponsor a Christmas Eve Radio-thon, broadcasting their favorite Christmas songs and stories. A young visitor from the South stops by to discover what Christmas is all about. ACTA Theatre. $10; $8 seniors; $6 students. 655-3902. actatheater.com

Christmas Belles
(Dec. 5-21) It’s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. South City Theatre. $15; $12 students and seniors. 621-2128. southcitytheatre.com

Birmingham Jingle Bell Run/Walk
(Dec. 6, 8 a.m.) Participants tie jingle bells to their shoes for this fun 5K event, which benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Join them as they kick off the holiday season with the 20th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for arthritis. Come enjoy food and fun activities for the entire family. This event is dog and stroller-friendly. Registration at 8 a.m., run at 9 a.m. Underwood Park. 979-5700. birminghamjinglebellrun.kintera.org

Breakfast with Santa
(Dec. 6, 8:30-10:30 a.m.) Enjoy Saturday morning breakfast with Santa--a fun meal for the whole family featuring holiday crafts, photos with Santa and more. Benefits The Bell Center. Village Tavern. $15; children 2 and younger free. 967-0111. thesummitonline.com

Holiday Greenery Sale
(Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Purchase all types of fresh greenery, wreaths, swags, arrangements and mailbox decorations already made for you. If you’re the creative type, you’ll enjoy demonstrations on how to make wreaths, swags and arrangements and be able to purchase the necessary materials as well. Aldridge Botanical Gardens. 682-8019.aldridgegardens.com

Alabama Wildlife Center Christmas Craft and Bake Sale
(Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) Gingerbread owls, handmade Christmas wreaths and ornaments and gifts with a nature theme are featured at this sale. Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Free with park admission. 663-7930. awrc.org

Christmas Parade
(Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-noon) A Hometown Christmas. Local businesses, civic groups and churches enter floats; high school bands and Shriners participate. U.S. 31 and Main Street, Alabaster. 664-6840. cityofalabaster.com

Embellishments Holiday Concert
(Dec. 6, 2 p.m.) Embellishments, Birmingham's only civic handbell ensemble, will present their annual holiday concert. The group consists of 14 auditioned musicians, directed by Phyllis Kirk. Embellishments plays six-plus octaves of Schulmerich Bells, seven octaves of Malmark Chimes, two octaves of Petit and Fritsen bells and various other instruments. Birmingham Museum of Art. Free. embellishments.org

A Harmony Hills Christmas
(Dec. 6, 2 p.m.) A holiday concert for the entire family, featuring Birmingham's only internationally ranked, award-winning a cappella women's chorus. Aldersgate United Methodist Church. $10 advance; $15 day of show. 982-6900. harmonyhillschorus.com

Meyer Planetarium Show
(Dec. 6, 2 p.m.) “Star of Wonder.” $2, $1 children. Birmingham-Southern. 226-4771. bsc.edu

Christmas Parade (Dec. 6, 3 p.m.) Enjoy the Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. There will be a photogenic contest for girls and boys of all ages. Parkway Drive, Trussville. 655-7535.

Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration
(Dec. 6, 7 p.m.) “How do you know there's peace on earth in a world that isn't very peaceful?” Casting Crowns' Mark Hall has never been one to shy away from the hard questions, even at Christmas--especially at Christmas. And this question, perhaps more than any other, turns the key to understanding the relentless hope pervading his band’s aptly titled new album, Peace on Earth--an album that, given these turbulent times, seems downright defiant. With special guests Natalie Grant, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English and pureNRG. BJCC. $28-$73. 715-6000. ticketmaster.com

Ten Minute Play Festival
(Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.) The Department of Theatre and Dance presents a collection of student productions. Samford. Free. 726-2853.

An Alabama Christmas
(Dec. 6, 8 p.m.) Internationally-acclaimed soprano Angela Brown returns to Birmingham for a special holiday treat for the entire family. Maestro Joseph Mechavich leads the Alabama Symphony, the Birmingham Children’s Choir and the Magic City Boys Choir in a festive concert of holiday favorites. Find out why this graduate of Huntsville’s Oakwood College is setting the musical world on its ear. Alabama Theater. $10 students; $15-$58 adults. 322-6737. bhammusiccoop.org

Deerhunter
(Dec. 6, 9 p.m.) Deerhunter began in 2001 with the ambition of fusing the lulling hypnotic states induced by ambient and minimalist music with the klang and propulsion of garage rock. The band has weathered chaotic line-up changes, the death of a member, and much discouragement. Their live performances almost always leave audiences polarized. They are a five-piece band based in Atlanta. With Times New Viking and Hollow Stars. Bottletree. $12 advance; $14 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Spencer Ezell
(Dec. 6, 10 p.m.) Spencer Ezell has proven his unique vocals and stage performance already in his home base of Nashville, Tenn., as a front man but has decided to take the leap forward in his career in which he believes will become the biggest success. With Halfdown Thomas. The Nick. $6. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com

Holiday Craft Bazaar (Dec. 6-7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Join Bottletree for its third annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, featuring hand-made goods by local artists. Choose from clothing, accessories, art, baked goods, jewelry and more. Bottletree. Free. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Holiday House Tour of Homes
(Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 7, 1-5 p.m.) Self-guided tour hours of four decorator showcase homes will take place both days. The IPC Te Deum Choir will perform on Saturday at 2 p.m. Ticketholders are also invited to the church for tea and refreshments. All proceeds benefit ministries of the Presbyterian Women. Independent Presbyterian Church. $20. 933-1830. ipc-usa.org

The Nutcracker
(Dec. 6, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m.) Presented by Birmingham Ballet. Birmingham’s own unique The Nutcracker features aerial ballet along with captivating illusions and masterful story telling. Audiences love this fun and breathtaking classic that includes traditional choreography and fresh surprises each year. The cast features high quality professional dancers joined by 200-plus talented youth and community dancers. BJCC. $29-$39; children half price. VIP tea package, with tea beginning at 11 a.m. at the Tutwiler Hotel and 2 p.m. Nutcracker performance: $73; $45.50 children. 715-6000. ticketmaster.com

2008 Holiday Tour of Homes
(Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 1-6 p.m.) Presented by the Mystic Krewe of Apollo Birmingham. A portion of proceeds will benefit Birmingham AIDS Outreach. Tickets available during tour hours at Crestwood Coffee. $10. birminghamaidsoutreach.org

Dear Santa
(Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. and noon) Oh, no! Santa Claus is going to retire, and he's holding auditions to find a replacement. Will it be Mrs. Claus, Prancer the Reindeer, Billy Blizzard the Dancing Snowman or an electronic Robo-Claus? With help from Dottie the Gift Wrap Girl the audience joins in a letter-writing campaign to convince Santa to stay on the job. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. $10 adults; $8 children. 458-8181. bct123.org

Best Christmas Pageant Ever
(Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. and noon) No one wants to be in the annual Christmas play at the local church except six irascible siblings who have never heard the Christmas story. Ultimately, their energy and sincerity triumphs over their confusion as they make this year’s pageant the best ever. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. $10 adults; $8 children. 458-8181. bct123.org

BMA Jazz Brunch
(Every first Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) At the Birmingham Museum of Art. Reservations recommended; call 254-2775. 2000 8th Ave. N. $17.95 for adults; $5.95 for children; children under six, free. 254-2566. artsbma.org

A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol
(Dec. 7, 1 and 3 p.m.) An original ASC theatrical production. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is brought to life in a new and unique way. Join the Cratchets, Tiny Tim, all of the Spirits and Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey toward redemption and enlightenment. Adapted and directed by the ASC’s own Jerry Sims. Alys Stephens Center. $7. 975-2787. alysstephens.org

Adele Colvin and Peyton Carmichael
(Dec. 7, 2 p.m.) Signing copies of The Donkey’s Tales. On the night of the Holy Nativity, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger, surrounded by lowly animals and humble shepherds. One such animal, the donkey, was present at the birth and had the honor and blessing to witness the beginning of what she called the Great Miracle--the life of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Scriptures themselves, Colvin presents a gentle and joyful account of the early life of Jesus from the perspective of the donkey. Alabama Booksmith. 870-4242. alabamabooksmith.com

Point of View: The Photographer as Social Activist
(Dec. 7, 2 p.m.) Tour Marion Post Wolcott: Photographing the South with Suzanne Voce Stephens, exhibition curator. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

Sunday Topic Tour
(Dec. 7, 2 p.m.) Depictions of the Holy Family at the BMA. Birmingham Museum of Art. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

Anything is Possible Living History Performance
(Dec. 7, 2 and 3 p.m.) This family-friendly drama tells the story of the people, materials and ideas that transformed Birmingham from a sleepy cornfield in Jones Valley to a dynamic city that proved to the world anything is possible. Performance lasts approximately 45 minutes and is appropriate for all ages 5 and older. Vulcan Park. Included with park admission: $6; $5 seniors; $4 children 5-12; children 4 and younger free. 933-1409. visitvulcan.com

Holiday Iron Pour/Water Tower Lighting
(Dec. 7, 2:45-4:45 p.m.) Enjoy decorating a cast iron snowman or Christmas tree, then wrap it. After that, design a sand mold for metal artists to pour molten metal into. Take a tour of the site, ending at the visitor center for hot chocolate and cookies. Stay on the site for the lighting of the water tower at 5 p.m. and a holiday movie. Reservations required for the iron pour only. Sloss Furnaces. $20. 324-1911. slossfurnaces.com

Christmas at the Alys
(Dec. 7, 3 p.m.) Join the UAB Department of Music choirs as they present this holiday favorite. Alys Stephens Center. Free. 975-2787. music.uab.edu

Second Annual Out Of The Blue Art Show and Sale
(Dec. 7, 3-8 p.m.) Members of the Irondale Art Council and supporters provide a relaxed evening to chat with the artist as you view their work. This gallery setting is held in brand new garden homes for sale in the Bainbridge Trace neighborhood of Irondale. $10. 870-1642. irondaleartcouncil.blogspot.com

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