family
Tuesday 14
PROJECT PRODIGY. Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis St., 529-5333 -- Students participating in the Young Leadership Council's Project Prodigy summer camp for Orleans Parish Schools students in grades 4-8 perform holiday concert. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday 16
HORNETS HELP KIDS. Planetarium and MegaDome Cinema, 409 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231; www.rivertownkenner.com -- Hornets players David Wesley and J.R. Smith pose for pictures and sign autographs and help provide toys for disadvantaged children at Ames Elementary and Guste Elementary. Admission to Sky Show and Laser Light Show reduced to $8, with proceeds benefiting the effort. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TEDDY BEAR BRUNCH. Private space, 283-8310 -- The Symphony Volunteers host event to benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, with pancakes for children, mimosas and quiche for adults, plus games, music, magicians, ballerinas and more. Tickets $35 adults, $15 children, $50 patrons, includes discount to LPO's The Nutcracker matinee. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. \
Friday 17
MERRILY POP CHRISTMAS. True Brew Cafe, 200 Julia St., 524-8440 -- 'Dinner Theater for Kids' with program featuring the Fairy Godmother 'Merrily Pop' and magic, comedy, music, games and puppets. Tickets $14, includes supper and show; reservations required. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 18
SNOWLAND. City Park, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 483-1700; www.nocp.org -- Annual romp through 40 tons of 'snow' that fell in City Park. Free admission, first 500 children to attend earn three free amusement rides. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MERRY FISHMAS. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St., 565-3033; www.auduboninstitute.org -- Children's activities and educational opportunities, plus music from Johnette Downing. Admission $15 adults, $8 children ages 2-12, $11 seniors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
SANTA SHOWCASE. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Magicians and performers present Santa show. Admission $3.50 children and adults. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
LATE NIGHTS AT AUDUBON NATURE CENTER. Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, 5601 Read Blvd., 246-5672 or (800) 774-7394; www.auduboninstitute.org -- The Nature Center stays open later with planned activities such as campfires, guided hikes, kid crafts, stargazing through telescopes and more. Open until 8 p.m. Saturdays, through January.
Monday 20
READ OFF FINES. All Jefferson Parish libraries, 838-1100; www.Jefferson.lib.la.us -- Library patrons 18-under can reduce and eliminate library fines by reading. Every 15 minutes spent reading in library earns $2 credit. Older children read silently, younger children read to adults, toddlers listen to stories. Deal runs Dec. 20-30.
HOLLY DAY CAMP. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488; www.longuevue.com -- Day camp for children ages 5-7 with holiday-themed crafts and activities in Discovery Garden. Tickets $40 per child Friends of Longue Vue members, $50 non-members. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 14
SCHOOL CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERTS. InterContinental Hotel, 444 St. Charles Ave., 525-5566 -- Daily 45-minute concerts with local school groups, featuring Trinity School (Tuesday), Nelson & Eisenhower schools (Wednesday), and St. Frances Cabrini School (Thursday). Free admission. Noon, Tuesday-Thursday.
GLASS-BLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS. Conti Glass, 3924 Conti St., 483-1195 -- Free glass-blowing demonstrations every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
HOLY SPIRITS. Wit's Inn, 141 N. Carrollton Ave., 888-4004 -- St. Clement of Rome/St. Anthony of Padua host social event and discussion, 'What Difference Does it Make if I'm Catholic?' with speakers Brian Credo and Wayne Vedeckis. Free admission. Christmas party 5:45 p.m., speakers 6:15 p.m.
WYNDHAM NEW ORLEANS BOWL. Louisiana Superdome, 525-5678; www.neworleansbowl.org -- The University of North Texas plays the University of Southern Mississippi in postseason college football. Tickets $10-$40. 6:30 p.m.
CRESCENT CITY. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812; www.wwno.org -- Monthly radio show highlighting local culture with host Ronnie Virgets joined by house band Astral Project, plus comedy sketches, interviews and more. Tickets $19, include one drink. 8 p.m.
Wednesday 15
YOUNG LEADERSHIP COUNCIL. House of Blues, The Parish, 225 Decatur St., 585-1500; www.youngleadershipcouncil.org -- Holiday party and membership drive with awards ceremony, hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Free admission. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Golden State Warriors. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
Thursday 16
YE OLDE MADRIGAL FEASTE. Vintage Court, 7052 Hwy. 25, Covington, (985) 792-1392; www.npas.info -- Dinner theater set in 15th century England with carols, skits and comedy. Cash bar. Seating six per table. Admission $50, includes meal. 7 p.m.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH. Orpheum Theatre, 127 University Place, 523-6530; www.lpomusic.com -- The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs holiday classic. Robert Stroup conducts. Tickets $13-$56. 7:30 p.m.
COMICS FOR CANNABIS. The Howlin' Wolf, 828 S. Peters St., 529-5844; www.comedyneworleans.com -- Five comedians including Bill Dykes and a DJ present Hempy Holi-Daze show to benefit medical marijuana initiatives. Call for cover. 9 p.m.
Friday 17
AN ADVENT JOURNEY. Holy Name of Jesus Church, Loyola University campus, 865-7430 -- Composer and conductor Virginia Donaldson Olander combines Jewish and Christian customs in concert. Free admission. 1:30 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES. Main Even Sports Bar, front parking lot, 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 885-3300 or 888-6451 -- A series that mixes boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and ultimate fighting matches every Friday night. Anyone qualified can compete. Tickets $10, beer specials and food available. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the San Antonio Spurs. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 452-1216; www.cacno.org -- Irvin Mayfield-led ensemble plays holiday music such as Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker Swing' and originals. Tickets $25. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
GOOD EVENING. True Brew Theatre, 200 Julia St., 835-6002 -- Gary Rucker and Mason Wood pay tribute to the legendary British comedy team of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore with sketches from their 1973 Broadway revue, Good Evening, as well as material from their Derek and Clive albums, and more. Tickets $10. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
SNAKE AND JAKE'S CHRISTMAS EVENT. Snake and Jakes's Christmas Club Lounge, 7612 Oak St., 861-2802; www.snakeandjakes.com -- Snake and Jake's hosts a Christmas 'Bizarre' featuring local art for sale, food, gifts, music and holiday fun. 8 p.m. to midnight.
THE BIG BANG. The Mermaid Lounge, 1100 Constance St., 524-4747 -- Series of spontaneous expressions through music, performance art, poetry, improvisation, gyration, sensation and more. Friday-Saturday.
Saturday 18
FESTIVUS. Girod Street between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets, 861-5898 -- 'The Holiday Market for the Rest of Us' as the Crescent City Farmers Market hosts local vendors selling gifts and products, offering services such as re-gift center and massage, and more. Rain location at 703 Magazine St. Free admission. 8 a.m. to noon.
BYWATER ART MARKET. Markey Park, Piety and Royal streets, 944-7900 -- Over 100 artists showcase and sell affordable artwork including paintings, textiles, sculpture, pottery, glass, metal and wood artwork, furniture, jewelry, photography and more. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE GREAT STEAMBOAT RACE. Woldenberg Park, downtown riverfront, 569-1480; www.neworleanssteamboat.com -- Riverboat race between historic 'Louisiana Legends,' the Delta Queen vs. Natchez. Event includes concert, race and awards ceremony. Tickets to racing boats $25 adults, $10 children 10 and under. 10 a.m. concert, 11 a.m. race.
LIVING HISTORY CORPS. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012, ext. 226; www.ddaymuseum.org -- Living history interpreters present depiction of Battle of the Bulge. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OPERATION PATHWAYS CONCERT. Forest Park Apartments, 3708 Garden Oaks Drive, 362-2833; www.nhpfoundation.org -- Concert supporting community residential and affordable housing services with musicians Tremendous & Rob Bust, Young Slugger, Kaetana, brass bands, DJs, children's activities and more. Noon to 4 p.m.
HOLIDAY CHEER. UNO Performing Arts Center, 245-8884; www.nogmc.com -- The New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus presents annual holiday concert. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at door. 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
DENIZEN'S LOUNGE. Z'otz Coffeshop, 8210 Oak St., 717-3106 -- Program of ethereal and Middle Eastern-influenced music with DJs and live dance performances. Free admission. 8:07 p.m.
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS. The City Club, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 304-3355; www.NewOrleansBlack.com -- Weekly 'VIP Party Experience' with comedy, live R&B and DJ dance party. 'Sexy and sophisticated' attire (doorman's discretion). Admission $15. 10 p.m.
Sunday 19
SHOPPING BY CANDLELIGHT. Royal Street between Iberville and St. Peter streets, 376-3636 -- Royal Street merchants light stores by candlelight, showcase Christmas decor, serve holiday treats and host Papa Noel for pre-Jackson Square caroling shopping. Noon to 7 p.m.
3 RING CIRCUS' ART SALE. 3 Ring Circus' The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- Holiday art sale and Christmas record party featuring works by Ann Marie Popko, Cree McCree, Eric Buchanan, Steve Williams, Tina Stanley and many more. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR. Starts in Jackson Square, 529-4954; ww.patioplanters.org -- Tour of French Quarter homes and courtyards decorated for the holidays, with proceeds benefiting that night's Caroling by Candlelight event in Jackson Square. Tickets $10 per person. Tours from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS GOSPEL CONCERT. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., 314-2770 -- Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Choir performs gospel concert. Admission $5 donation. 3 p.m.
SECULAR HUMANISTS. Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 282-5459 -- New Orleans Secular Humanists celebrates the Winter Solstice with readings on the day's history and celebrations, refreshments and outdoor candle-lighting ceremony. Free. 3:30 p.m.
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- Music director Albinas Prizgintas performs Christmas music on organ, piano and harpsichord with guest soloists. Free admission. 5 p.m.
CHORAL CONCERT. St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, 525-9585 -- The St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir performs concert. Free admission. 5:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS FLING. Boomtown Casino, 1347 Peters Ave., Harvey, 242-2400 -- Local dance club I'm A Dancer hosts dance/Christmas party with DJ, entertainment and more. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at casino. 5:30 p.m.
KERMIT RUFFINS BIRTHDAY THROWDOWN. The Wisdom, 1359 S. Bernard Ave., 237-7805 -- Beloved trumpeter performs his birthday show along with the Treme Brass Band, Ed Perkins, Mary Griffin, Shannon Powell and ReBirth Brass Band. Admission $10, includes music and Creole food. 6 p.m.
CAROLING BY CANDLELIGHT. Jackson Square -- Annual holiday tradition with thousands of carolers singing by candlelight. Free admission. 7 p.m.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Holy Name of Jesus Church, Loyola University campus, 236-7566 -- Louisiana Vocal Arts Chorale presents a holiday concert directed by Meg Frazier. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students and Loyola community with I.D./children. 8 p.m.
SOUTHERN JEZEBELLES. One Eyed Jacks, 616 Toulouse St., 606-9903; www.SouthernJezebelles.com -- Burlesque troupe presents show of international dances in 'Around the World -- Or Bust!' with MC Danny Martini and jazz from Matt Perrine and the Bumpin' Grinders. Tickets $18 advance, $20 at door. 9 p.m.
Monday 20
SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES. Irish Channel Action Foundation, 1813 Magazine St., 525-1940 -- Weekly classes teaching sign language. Come for one class or all classes, offered through Jan. 27. Fee $5 per class. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SLAVERY REPARATIONS. Community Book Center, 2523 Bayou Road, 822-2665 -- Activist, author and former Black Panther Bob Brown presents lecture based on his book, Slavery and the Slave Trade Were and Are Crimes Against Humanity. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
ongoing
CAROLING ON THE RIVER. Toulouse Street Wharf -- Choral groups and high school choirs sing holiday classics aboard the decorated Steamboat Natchez. The two-hour narrated cruise also includes a calliope concert. Food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets $18.50 adults, $9.25 children 6-12 years old. 11:30 a.m. daily, Monday through Dec. 17.
NOMA NIGHTS. New Orleans Museum of Art/ Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- Both venues remain open from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, with concerts, film screenings and other events offered periodically.
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. City Park, 483-9415; www.neworleanscitypark.com -- Annual holiday attraction with miles of lighted displays, arts and crafts, food, children's activities, special exhibits and more. Admission for driving tour $12 per vehicle; walking tour $5 per person with children ages three and under free. 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly through Jan. 2.
volunteer
AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE. 212-5377 or 378-4115; www.auduboninstitute.org -- Volunteers needed at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. Many positions available, from behind the scenes to educating visitors. Training sessions begin in January.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEED VOLUNTEERS. Hope Haven Center, 1101 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 310-6962 -- One or two volunteers needed on weekends from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to deliver boxed food from Hope Haven to Jeff Care homeless shelter across the street. Must at least have standard vehicle and be willing to load and unload food. Must be punctual and dependable. Call for more information.
CHRISTMAS FOR THE HOMELESS. Bridge House, 1160 Camp St., 522-2124, ext. 13 or 17; www.bridgehouse.org -- Volunteers needed to support with donation or time for annual holiday celebration for local homeless to be held Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
road trip
Friday 17
MARGARET MCMULLAN AND ALAN HUFFMAN. Pass Christian Books, 101 East Beach Blvd., Pass Christian, Miss., (228) 452-7399 -- The authors sign their books as part of a holiday open house. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BLUE CHRISTMAS. Paragon Casino & Resort, Mari Center, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, (800) 946-1946 -- A tribute to Elvis Presley starring Elvis Wade. Tickets $20. 9 p.m.
FORET TRADITION. Casino Rouge, Rhythms Lounge, 1717 River Road North, Baton Rouge, (225) 709-4659 -- The band performs. Tickets $5. 9 p.m.
Saturday 18
CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE. Bayou Terrebonne in Bourg, Hwy. 310, (985) 868-2732 -- Annual parade of boats decorated for Christmas. Free admission. 5:30 p.m.
3 DOORS DOWN BENEFIT CONCERT. Grand Casino, Biloxi, Miss., (228) 436-2946; www.thebetterlifefoundation.org -- A benefit for underprivileged children in Alabama and Mississippi featuring musical groups 3 Doors Down, members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lee Ann Womack, Shinedown and Tracy Lawrence. Tickets $100 for floor seating, includes dinner and auction (available only through the foundation), $50 balcony seating (open to the public). 6 p.m. dinner/auction, 9 p.m concert.
ongoing
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre's adapted performance of the holiday classic. Tickets $37-50. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Monday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Dec. 26.
CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Beau Rivage Theatre, Biloxi, Miss., (888) 567-6667; www.beaurivage.com -- Christmas show featuring chorus girls, singers and dancers performing the holiday classics and Broadway's holiday musicals. Tickets $12.95 general admission, $7.95 for kids 12 and under. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, through Jan. 2, 2005.
DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Grand Casino, Biloxi Grand Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450; www.jpas.org -- Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents the Broadway hit based on the animated feature. Kenneth Beck directs Stuart Metcalf and Savannah Wise. Tickets $19.95-$24.95. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Monday, through Dec. 29.
A GIFT FOR LYMAN BOURKE. Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 216-0660 or (225) 926-4236 -- Jamie Wax wrote and stars in this one-man show about an elderly man reliving the one magical time he ran away to the big city from the orphanage. Tickets $20. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
THE LITTLE PRINCE. Wortham Center, Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave., Houston, (800) 626-7372 or (713) 237-1439; www.houstongrandopera.org -- Houston Grand Opera presents Rachel Portman's and Nicholas Wright's adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's novel. Tickets start at $40, discounts for students/seniors day of. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866) VIEW-ART; www.msmuseumart.org -- Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition, 60 works from throughout the nation, through Jan. 9, 2005.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Royal Portraits: Manwar painting from the royal collection of the Mehrangarh Museum in Jodhpur, India, through Jan. 2, 2005; Kenneth Noland: The Nature of Color, opens Sunday, through March 6, 2005.
NORTH BEACH INTERIORS. 104 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 463-1170 -- A Diverse Selection of Work, paintings by Anthony DiFatta, through Jan. 1, 2005.
THE NUTCRACKER. Wortham Center, Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave., Houston, (800) 626-7372 or (713) 523-6300; www.houstonballet.org -- Houston Ballet presents the holiday classic. Tickets $17-$70. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Monday, through Dec. 26.
OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 N. Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991; omamuseum@aol.com -- Five of the Finest: Art of Acadiana, works by Sally Padgett, Earl Guedry, Joann Quillman, Jimmie Lafleur and Floyd Sonnier, through Saturday.
POWER & GRACE: THE CHRISTMAS STORY. Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lee Joyner Expressway, Monroe, (318) 329-2225; www.louisianadeltaballet.org -- Holiday ballet production presented by the Louisiana Delta Ballet. Tickets $75 general admission, $35 students. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
SERENITY GALLERY. 126 Main St., Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 467-3061 -- Watercolor and oil paintings by Kathryn Keller, through Dec. 27.
