Holiday events

Holiday Concert Series 2010

West Park Mall will host a plethora of holiday-themed concerts and choral performances by area musicians. South Elementary students perform today. Other school choirs and community musicians from Southeast Missouri will play throughout the month. Visit semoevents.com for specific times and dates of performances.

10:30 a.m. today

'From Humbug to Hallelujah'

Bethel Assembly of God Church presents a musical comedy surrounding the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Cape Girardeau Central Junior High auditorium. Admission is free with donation of a canned good to FISH Food Pantry. Tickets are needed due to limited seating and can be reserved by calling 335-5531.

7 p.m. today; 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Breakfast with Santa

Santa Claus will share breakfast with families at the Osage Community Centre and raise money for the Parks and Recreation Foundation. Parents are welcome to take pictures of their children with Santa. Tickets are $5 per child, $5 per adult, $8 for two children and $11 for three children, and can be purchased by calling 339-6340.

9 to 11 a.m. Saturday

Family Holiday Concert

Musical holiday favorites abound in a family holiday concert at the River Campus with performances by the Southeast Missouri State University Percussion Ensemble, music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Stage Show and the Jackson Middle School fifth- and sixth-grade choir. Children can color holiday scenes before the concert and enjoy milk and cookies afterward. Admission is free.

10:30 a.m. Saturday

Christmas at the Museum

Christmas crafts, treats and animated shows will be accompanied by photo opportunities with Santa at the Bollinger County Museum. Two nonperishable food items can be substituted for a $2 adult admission or one food item in place of $1 admission for ages 18 and younger. Ages 12 and younger will receive a goody bag. Food items will be donated to the local food pantry.

1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Santa Express at the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway

Santa comes aboard to read "The Polar Express" and welcomes visits from children during a two-hour trip on the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway in Jackson. Snacks are available for purchase. The train will make two trips. Tickets are free for children 2 and younger, $9 for ages 3 to 12 and $16 for ages 13 and up. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 243-1688.

1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 18

Glenn House Holiday Tours

Cape Girardeau's historic home on Spanish Street kicks off the holiday tour season with a performance by the Westminster Church Choir at the holiday open house. On Dec. 18, the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau gives holiday tours by candlelight with music by the Jerry Ford Combo. Refreshments will be provided during a reception in the Carriage House. Tickets are available in advance for $4 by calling 335-8533, or cost $5 for adults and $2 for children at the door. Visit semoevents.com for more times and dates of special events.

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday

Oliver House Museum Christmas Tours

Jackson's historical mansion is decorated for Christmas. Docents will welcome visitors for tours and an afternoon dedicated to storytelling.

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday

Old-Fashioned Christmas Service

Hanover Lutheran Church presents a service with a reading of the Christmas Story and a special performance by Saxony Lutheran High School Choir followed by a reception with refreshments. Admission is free.

4 p.m. Sunday

'A Christmas Carol'

A staged reading of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" will be performed in the Bedell Performance Hall. This production will be both performed and directed by Dr. Robert Dillon Jr., professor of theater and dance. The event is a benefit for the Department of Theatre and Dance. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

SALT Senior Christmas Party

Seniors and Lawmen Together holds a Christmas party at the Cape Girardeau Eagles Club providing seniors ages 55 and up with entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. A shuttle will provide transportation from overflow parking at the Cape Senior Center. Last shuttle leaves at 4:15 p.m.

4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16

Christmas Country Church Tour

The annual tour of churches in Southeast Missouri takes viewers through 24 beautiful churches, most of which will be decorated for the season and have Christmas music and refreshments. A host greets visitors at each church. The self-guided tour is free and involves historic churches in Cape Girardeau and Perry counties. Donations are not required, but are accepted at each church.

3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16, 17

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

Cape Girardeau will hold a flashlight candy cane hunt inside the 4-H exhibit hall at Arena Park followed by cookies and hot chocolate. Participants will be given bags to decorate before hunting for candy canes. Preregistration is required. Call 339-6340. Admission is $3 per person.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 17

Live nativity scene

Members of First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau will display a live scene in front of the church to honor the Christmas holiday. Chili, cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the church fellowship hall. The church is at 235 Broadway.

6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18

The Doug Gabriel Show

Branson entertainer Doug Gabriel presents a dinner theater experience at Notre Dame Regional High School. Gabriel, an award-winning musician, is known for oldies and gospel as well as playing a guitar made from a car muffler. Revenue from ticket sales will benefit the high school. Tickets are $40 each or may be purchased in groups of 10. VIP tables are also available. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 335-6772. Doors open a half-hour before dinner.

5:30 p.m. Dec. 18

'The Not So Silent Night' Christmas pageant

Sedgewickville Baptist Church presents "The Not So Silent Night" musical Christmas show at the church. There is no cost for admission, but donations of canned goods will be accepted to benefit the Bollinger County Food Pantry.

2 p.m. Dec. 19

Festival of Lessons and Carols

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson will present a worship service depicting the events leading up to the birth of Christ. The adult choir and Joyful Sound Ringers will perform.

7 p.m. Dec. 22

Make a Joyful Noise

The Jackson Park Board sponsors an evening of musical and family entertainment just in time for Christmas in Jackson City Park. There will be live caroling, performances by Jackson school choirs and a performance by the Southern Brothers. There will also be a live Nativity scene and Santa Claus.

6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23

Community Christmas Eve Extravaganza

First United Methodist Church in Sikeston will host a new Christmas Eve event at the Miner Convention Center featuring music from Neal Boyd, Dub Pierce, Maggie Thorn and The Traditions choir. There is no admission fee and no tickets are necessary. Doors will open at 5:30.

6 p.m. Dec. 24

Ongoing events

* Drive-through light display, Cape County Park, through Dec. 31

* Drive-through light display, Jackson City Park, through Dec. 31

* Old-fashioned Christmas display at Bollinger County Museum, through Jan. 8.

* Christmas activities and tree harvesting at Meier Horse Shoe Pines in Jackson.

* Luther's Indoor Walk in the Woods at The Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg through Jan. 15