Charlotte Rodecap, of Perry, puts the finishing touches on the Merry

Kykee Wiggins, left, Brooke Stillian and Ryan Elvridge wait their turn at Basket Bounce, part of the 2006 Bromelsick Christmas Party for Scouts and 4-H participants. This year's event will be Dec. 2 at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds Community Building.

Children watch as the 14th annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade passes through downtown in this 2006 file photo. This year's parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday.

A painting titled Pastoral

photo by: Submitted

Dogs Porterhouse and Moe have their photo taken with Santa as part of a previous Lawrence Humane Society's Santa Paws event, a shelter benefit.

Today

Santa Paws, pet photos taken with Santa, a benefit for the Lawrence Humane Society, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1805 E. 19th St., www.lawrencehumanesociety.org.

Santa Claus Express, Hourlong train ride with Santa, photos taken or bring your own camera, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Santa Fe Depot, 1515 High St., Baldwin City, $10 for 13 and older, $5 for children ages 1-12, (800) 651-0388.

Monday

Festival of Trees public viewing, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $2 donation.

Tuesday

Festival of Trees public viewing, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $2 donation.

Festival of Trees patron preview party, 6 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $50, 843-2085.

Festival of Trees auction, 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m., with wine and hors d’ oeuvres, Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $25, 843-2085.

Wednesday

Festival of Trees public viewing, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $2 donation.

Thursday

Festival of Trees public viewing, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass., $2 donation.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Friday

Eldridge Gingerbread Festival & Auction public viewing, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., The Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St., $2 suggested donation.

Eagles Lodge Holiday Open House, public welcome, with pierogies, salad and dessert, music by DJ John and Jerry, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., 1803 W. Sixth St., $7.

Schwegler School community service project and silent auction, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 2201 Ousdahl Road.

ART Party, for sixth- through ninth-graders, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $20.

Kansas Brass Quintet “Holiday Spectacular,” 7 p.m., Regnier Hall, KU’s Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Road, free.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 8 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Saturday

Eldridge Gingerbread Festival & Auction public viewing, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., The Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St., $2 suggested donation.

Holiday Art Fair, by the Lawrence Art Guild, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

Holly Holly Holly Days Sale, featuring Lawrence artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Westport Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, Mo.

Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Lawrence. Free.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center Jazz Nativity preview show, 4 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass.

Jewish Community Women Family Hanukkah Party, benefiting LINK, 7 p.m., Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Drive, www.lawrencejcc.org.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 8 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Dec. 2

Holly Holly Holly Days Sale, featuring Lawrence artists, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Westport Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, Mo.

Santa Paws, pet photos taken with Santa, a benefit for the Lawrence Humane Society, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1805 E. 19th St., www.lawrencehumanesociety.org.

Hanukkah Gift Shop Open House, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Drive, www.lawrencejcc.org.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Eldridge Gingerbread Festival & Auction public viewing, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., The Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St., $2 suggested donation.

Twelfth annual Organ Vespers concerts, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Bales Organ Recital Hall, KU campus, free, but seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Holiday Art Sale, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Lumberyard Arts Center, downtown Baldwin City, www.baldwinarts.org.

Holiday Homes Tour, a benefit for Health Care Access, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 the day of, purchase tickets at the agency, 1920 Moodie Road.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 2:30 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

KU Holiday Vespers, 2:30 p.m., Lied Center, KU’s West Campus, $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children, 864-2787.

Seventy-seventh annual Candlelight Vespers, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City.

Douglas County AIDS Project’s Red Ribbon Art Auction, doors open at 5 p.m., Maceli’s, 1031 N.H., $20 admission, www.douglascountyaidsproject.org.

KU Holiday Vespers (second show), 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, KU’s West Campus, $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children, 864-2787.

Dec. 3

Eldridge Gingerbread Festival & Auction public viewing, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St., $2 suggested donation.

Petite Picasso, a class for children ages 3 and under with an adult, 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m., South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Mass., $12.

Dec. 4

34th annual SuperTarget Holiday Helpers, shopping assistance and gift wrapping for seniors and shoppers with disabilities, 8 a.m.-10 a.m., 3201 Iowa.

Noonday organ recital, with Mark Stotler, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., free.

Eldridge Gingerbread Festival & Auction, 7 p.m., The Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St., $35, includes wine and hors d’ oeuvres.

World music concert with Marianne Payette Carter and Voyager, 7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

Dec. 5

Jazz at Ten Restaurant, with holiday music, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass.

Dec. 6

KU Jazz Vespers, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, KU’s West Campus, $12.50 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children, 864-2787.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Dec. 7

Children’s Holiday Shop, for 3 to 12-year-olds, (Lawrence Arts Center member night), 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m., arts center, 940 N.H., $1-$5.

“The Snow Queen,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

Hanukkah Sabbath, with menorah ceremony, 7:30 p.m., and all-musical Shabbat service with Shiray Shabbat, 7:45 p.m., Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Drive, www.lawrencejcc.org.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 8 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Lawrence Women’s Chorale: “A 20th Anniversary Christmas,” 8 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt., $6 adults, $5 seniors and students.

Dec. 8

Holiday Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 2206 E. 23rd St. Free admission.

Lawrence High School Holiday Shopping Open House, with Lions merchandise, 9 a.m.-noon, LHS cafeteria, 1901 La.

Petite Picasso, a class for children ages 3 and under with an adult, 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m., South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Mass., $12.

Children’s Holiday Shop, for 3- to 12-year-olds, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lawrence Arts center, 940 N.H., $1-$5.

Jayhawk Audubon Society Holiday Birdseed, Book & Feeder Sale, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Lawrence Senior Center, 745 Vt.

Beads to Bangles, a children’s art class, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (5- to 8-year-olds) and 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (9- to 14-year-olds), Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Miss., $12 nonmembers, $10 members.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Germanfest, with dinner, craft sale and special music, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Clearfield United Methodist Church, 2197 N. 600 Road, Eudora.

Candy Cane Hunt, for ages 6 and under, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St., $2, registration due Friday.

Holiday Light Parade, 6 p.m., downtown Baldwin City, with downtown stores open, Santa’s workshop at Stacy’s Dance Studio, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Lawrence Civic Choir holiday concert, 7:30 p.m., Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave., $10, or $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 12, www.lawrencecivicchoir.org.

Kansas University Women’s Glee Club presents music of the season, 7:30 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass.

“The Snow Queen,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 8 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Eileen Ivers, “An Nollaig” (“An Irish Christmas”), 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, KU’s West Campus, $12.50-$30, 864-2787.

Dec. 9

Joint Hanukkah family education event between the Lawrence Jewish Community Center and Temple Beth Sholom, 10 a.m., 4200 SW Munson, Topeka, www.lawrencejcc.org.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Fourth annual Drive for 500 Toy Drive, with children’s activities, Santa, Marines and a military vehicle, more, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Dole Institute of Politics, KU’s West Campus. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation.

“The Snow Queen” Crystal Iced Tea Party, 12:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $25 per adult/child duo, $10 per additional family member, 843-2787.

Holiday Table Displays/Home Tours, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Baldwin City, see www.baldwinarts.org or call Stephens Real Estate, (785) 594-2320.

Holiday Art Sale, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Lumberyard Arts Center, downtown Baldwin City, www.baldwinarts.org.

“The Snow Queen,” 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” 2:30 p.m., Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H., $18-$20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Immanuel Lutheran Church & University Student Center Jazz Nativity, 7:30 p.m., 2140 Bob Billings Parkway.

Dec. 11

Noonday organ recital, with Sharee Thompson, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., free.

Dec. 12

‘Felices Pascuas’ holiday art sale, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Celia Smith’s studio, 907 W. 27 Terrace, free, refreshments served, 843-8417.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Jazz at Ten Restaurant, with holiday music, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass.

Slick Rhodes, with creative holiday hits, Eighth Street Tap Room, 801 N.H.

Dec. 14

“The Snow Queen,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

Dec. 15

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Cookie Walk, with Santa’s workshop and games, 9 a.m.-noon, with visit from Santa, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 6001 Bob Billings Parkway.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Advent Mass, 4 p.m., and PREP Christmas program, 5 p.m., 6001 Bob Billings Parkway.

“The Snow Queen,” 7:30 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

Dec. 16

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Advent Mass, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., Vespers, 4 p.m., and wine and cheese gathering, 5 p.m., 6001 Bob Billings Parkway.

Children’s musical: “The Mystery of the Manger,” 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, First Christian Church, 1000 Ky.

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

“The Snow Queen,” 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and children, 843-2787.

Dec. 18

Noonday organ recital, with Sunny Son, 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., free.

Celtic Christmas Concert, with music by Forest Green, 8 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass., www.tuesdayfolk.org.

Dec. 20

Community Christmas Carol Sing, 7:30 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass.

Dec. 21

Festival of Lessons and Carols, with Trinity and Matins Choirs, 7 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., freewill donations benefit Turn It On.

Dec. 22

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Book-signing by Steve Faulkner, author of “Water Walk: a Passage of Ghosts,” 3 p.m., Signs of Life, 722 Mass.

Eighteen-piece jazz band performance, The Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Mass.

Holidays with Octarium, 7:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H., tickets at the door, $15 adults, $10 students/seniors.

Dec. 23

Festival of Nativities, with more than 300 unique Nativity sets, noon-4 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St., donations accepted, 843-1756.

Lawrence Chamber Orchestra Home for the Holidays concert, 2 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H., $13 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $8 for students, $25 family package, admission includes catered dinner by New Hampshire St. Bistro.

Dec. 24

Christmas Eve candlelight service, 5 p.m.-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-8 p.m., First Christian Church, 1000 Ky.

Dec. 28

Lawrence Public Library Children’s Tea Party, for ages 5-12, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., 707 Vt., free, register starting Dec. 1 at 843-3833 ext. 117.