Brooklyn Park: Arts center offers variety this holiday season

The Chesapeake Arts Center has a little something for everyone this holiday season with shows, ballet, humor and a murder mystery. From classic holiday tales to warm the heart to musical performances to lift the spirit, the arts center is spreading cheer.

The following are list of activities for the Holiday Season for the entire family:

Celtic Christmas - Theatergoers can get a taste of Celtic Yuletide celebrations through music and dance Saturday. The presentation of Celtic Christmas Suites will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.

Hack & Slash - Break out the Christmas cheer, flannel PJs and fluffy slippers as the stars of the Maryland Renaissance festival Hack & Slash have added a show date for the seventh annual Christmas Special. The comedic duo will perform at the arts center at 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 9. Regular seating is $25; preferred seating is $30; VIP seating is $40; VIP Gold seating is $50. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

A Christmas Carol - A musical version of the Charles Dickens classic will take stage from Friday through Dec. 16. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets for this family favorite are $12 for arts center members, $15 for nonmembers and $8 for children ages 12 and younger.

The Nutcracker - The Chesapeake Ballet Company will perform the classic Nutcracker ballet on the main stage at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 16. Tickets prices are $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers and $8 for children ages 12 or younger.

Dead Ringer - For a slightly different take on holiday entertainment, Do or Die Productions will bring the interactive murder mystery Dead Ringer to the studio theater at 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 22. Tickets are $14 for arts center members and $16 for nonmembers. The audience may participate as much or as little as they like.

The center is located at 196 Hammonds Lane.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 410-636-6597 or visit www.chesapeakearts.org.

Polar Express

All aboard the Polar Express when it pulls into the Brooklyn Park library for holiday fun at 4 p.m. Thursday. Children of all ages can enjoy crafts, cookies and hot cocoa.

The library is located at 1 E. 11th Ave.

For additional information, call 410-222-6260

Celebrating Kwanzaa

Baltimore city school teacher Charles Dugger will give a presentation on the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Brooklyn branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

The library is located at 300 E. Patapsco Ave. For more information, call 410-396-1120

Seeking alumni

The St. Rose of Lima School Class of 1958 is seeking alumni for is 50th reunion celebration.

Alumni should contact Tom Fischer at 410-793-0424

Christmas countdown

Brooklyn Heights United Methodist Church will host a "Countdown to Christmas" from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today in the church hall, 110 Townsend Ave.

Participants can create home decorations from fresh evergreens, dried materials for wreaths, door swags, baskets, pine cone bird feeders, place mats, and ornaments. A potluck dinner will be served afterward along with wassail, punch and snacks.

The church will restart its Sunday school program for all ages at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The countdown will be the first lesson in a series leading up to Christmas.

For more information, call 410-789-3688

Toy collection

Heroes-At-Home is a local group that distributes gifts for families and children in need throughout the community. The yearly toy drive Simonaire Santas has set up a collection center at Greenberg Jewelers at 5618 Ritchie Highway in the Ritchie Highway Shopping Center. The toys should be new and unwrapped.

For additional information send e-mail to simonaire@heroesathome.com or visit www.heroesathome.com.

Holiday bazaar

The American Heart Association of Glen Burnie will sponsor a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Roland Terrace Democratic Club hall, 619 Matthews Ave.

This event features holiday crafts, gifts, home decorations, pictures with Santa and refreshments.

All children attending the event will receive a Christmas stocking.

Spaces for vendors are available for the bazaar. Vendor spaces are $20 each and include a table. Electrical hookups cost an additional $5. Vendors may begin setting up at 7:30 a.m. Vendors and crafters are asked to donate an item for door prizes.

For additional information or to rent a space, call 410-916-1449

Lunch with Santa

The jolly guy in the red suit will visit Resurrection Lutheran Church for "Lunch With Santa" from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the church hall, 601 Hammonds Lane.

The event costs $4 and includes a choice of hot dog or sloppy Joe sandwich, chips and a soft drink.

Take the camera for a picture with Santa. Every child will receive a Christmas activity pack.

For more information, call 410-789-0415