ART

December 4 - 6
   Works in Clay Holiday Show & Pottery Sale  at Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Rd., Roswell.
   Show features work of over 45 ceramic artists and highlights collectible wheel-thrown functional pottery, figurative sculpture and affordable gift items.
   Show times are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and NOON - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
   For information:  770-641-3990 or www.roswellclaycollective.com

COMMUNITY

November 30
   Founders Day:  Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Johns Creek City Hall parking lot, 12000 Findley Rd.
   Everyone is invited to come watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and dreidel while enjoying the sounds of traditional holiday music performed by the Barnwell Elementary School chorus.  Food will also be available for purchase.
   For information:  678-512-3200.

December 5
   Lighting of Roswell Town Square beginning at 5:15 p.m.
   A fun-filled evening with activities for the entire family to enjoy, including carolers, a special reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and a special visit from Santa Claus.
   For information:  770-641-3950.

December 5
   Christmas in Crabapple from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
   Celebrate the season of giving with a traditional outdoor celebration.  Santa will be on hand, complete with live reindeer, for children to share their secret wishes and to get their picture taken.
   Everyone can enjoy hot chocolate, cider and s’mores while listening to carols sung by the Milton High School choir.
   Admission is free and children will get a special gift from Santa.
   For information:  www.cityofmiltonga.us

December 5
   “An Evening in Bethlehem”  free community-wide Christmas Event for all ages at Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd.  Reserve your time at either 5, 6, or 7 p.m.
   Witness firsthand the joy of Christmas by spending an evening immersed in the sights, sounds, smells and even tastes of the ancient city.  Become a part of the Christmas story this year.  Roam through authentic, 1st Century marketplace, brought to life by costumed characters and real stable animals.  Share the excitement of shepherds, Roman soldiers, shopkeepers, and artisans, and witness the live production that tells the story of the very first Christmas.
   For reservations:  www.rumc.com

December 6
   32nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. at 2 South Main Street at Milton Avenue.
   Traditional lighting of Alpharetta’s 45-foot live tree with 10,000 lights, arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by city fire truck.  Visits and photos with Santa, free children’s crafts, horse-drawn trolley rides through downtown.
   Reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Arthur and Sally Letchas, live holiday music, caroling and children’s performances.
   FREE to the public, free refreshments.
   For information:  678-297-6078 or www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Through December 30
   I Collect Christmas at Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell.
   Fascinating and whimsical Christmas collectibles are featured.  Whether an extensive collection of 19th century antique ornaments, or vintage nutcrackers, there is something to thrill the collector in each of us.
   The historic home will be beautifully decorated in traditional Southern style.      
   Tours on the hour from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. on Sundays.
   For information:  770-640-3855.

Through January 3
   The 12 Days of Christmas at historic Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell.
   Visitors will go from room to room experiencing the many delightful interpretations of those melodious 12 days.    
   Self-guided tours from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Sundays.
   For information:  770-992-1731.

Through January 10
   Winter Wonderland on the Plantation at Smith Plantation Home, 935 Alpharetta St.
   Heritage Flora and Fauna native to Smith Plantation is this year’s theme, featuring antebellum plants, birds and wildlife as the Roswell Garden Club takes Smith Plantation to new heights and seasonal decor.
   Tours on the hour from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon. - Sat. and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. on Sundays.
   For information:  770-641-3978.

DRAMA

Through December 19
   “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”  presented by Act 1 Theater located inside the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St.
   The play by Pat Cook is based on the true story of eight year old Virginia O’Hanlon’s famous letter to The New York Sun which was written one hundred and twelve years ago, “Dear Editor, please tell me the truth.  Is there a Santa Claus?”
   Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens age 60 and over and children age 12 and under.
   The heartwarming Christmas tale runs every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 6th and 13th at 2 p.m.
   For tickets & information:  770-663-8989 or www.act1theater.com

Through December 19
   “A Christmas Carol”  presented by Rosewater Theatre, 633 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell.
   A unique perspective on this classic tale full of drama, laughter and music with special effects and lighting.

MUSIC

December 5
   Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert at 8 p.m. at St. Benedict Church, 11045 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek.
   Start the holiday season off with a supercharged Boston Pops-style concert performed by the JCSO, adult & children’s choirs, soloists and some special musical guests. 
   Featured selections from the Nutcracker and sacred favorites such as White Christmas and Sleigh Ride.
   A Champagne Dessert Reception immediately follows the concert.
   Special guest performance by Atlanta’s own Banks & Shane.
   Tickets are $28 adult, $22 senior, $18 student and may be purchased by going to the website.  All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.
   For tickets & information:  www.johnscreeksymphony.org.

December 6
   Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park.
   This is a free musical presentation by the city’s all-volunteer band.  Light refreshments will be available.
   For information:  678-297-6140 or email activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us