Arts

December 9: Second Saturday at AMoA, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-4:00pm. Free admission every second Saturday! Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.

Music

December 8: Red River Dulcimer Group and Choir, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium, 10:30am. The Red River Dulcimer Ensemble along with the Arc Angel choir from John Eskew Training Center will present a concert of holiday music. Cost: Free.

December 8: A-Town Jazz, Hurst Loft (1611 Washington Street in Alexandria), 7:00pm-9:00pm. Join the Arts Council of Central Louisiana a great evening of jazz featuring Tiffany Pollack & Co. The evening will also feature the beautiful Hurst Loft decorated for the holidays, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvre! Cost: $25.00 advance; $30.00 door. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.

December 12: Christmas Through the Ages, 626 Fourth Street, 7:30pm. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. The Red River Chorale presents a concert in the form of the English Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring a variety of classical Christmas music. The concert is the 9th Night of Christmas. Cost: Adults $15.00; Students $5.00. Call Tina Smith: 318-613-3088.

December 14: Alexandria Middle Magnet Choir Holiday Concert, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium, 10:30am. The choir from Alexandria Middle Magnet School will present a concert of holiday music. Cost: Free.

December 14: AMoA Holiday Acoustic Concert, 933 Second Street, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Join us for an evening of holiday favorites and refreshments in our Third Floor Gallery. Featuring Ellene Owens, family and friends, with vocalist Jane Albright and other surprise guests. Featuring original compositions and classic holiday favorites. The concert is the 10th Night of Christmas. Cost: Members Free; Non-members $5.00. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.

December 16: Rascal Flatts, Paragon Casino Resort, 8:00pm.  With 10 albums, 16 number-one hits and over 23 million records sold, Rascal Flatts has become synonymous with modern country music.  In addition to fan favorites, the band will perform songs from “Back to Us”, their tenth LP.  Cost: $80-$150. Call: 318-253-1946.

December 17: Red River Jazz Band Christmas Concert, Pineville Community Center, 2:00pm.  It’s a Christmas treat for the whole family! Hear all of your holiday favorites with vocals by Matt Henry and Frances Johanson. Cost: Free.

Theatre

December 15-17: Heart of Christmas, 4510 3rd Street, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Calvary Tabernacle of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.thecalvarytabernacle.org. Cost: Free. Call Paula Johnson: 318715-8470 or Rolanda Russell: 318-443-5959.

Events

Ongoing-December 31: Adopt a Family, Hope House. Sponsored by Hope House of Central Louisiana. Help brighten a homeless mother and child for Christmas. Call Crystal Guillory: 318-487-2061 x 202.

Ongoing-December: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church in Alexandria, 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

December 7: Celebrate Christmas, 5011 Jackson Street, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church. Celebrate the joy of the season with 5-time female vocalist of the year Natalie Grant along with Dove award winner Danny Gokey. Tickets are available at www.calvarynet.net. The 7th is the 5th Night of Christmas. Cost: $25.00. Call Jeremy Christ: 318-445-1426.

December 7: Holiday High Tea, The Home of Frances Hurst, 10:30am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Call YWCA: 318-442-3397.

December 8: Lecompte Senior Christmas Activity, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. We bring library crafts to seniors and create striking ornaments from penne, rotini, spaghetti and shell pastas. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

December 8: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Better Half’s Point of View, 135 Riverfront Street, Pineville. Listen to the sweet Christmas sounds of the bagpipes and dulcimers and watch interpretations of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” from the point of view of the ladies in the original story. Also, taste traditional beverages of the Civil War era. The 6th Night of Christmas. Cost: $4.00. Call Richard Holloway: 318-484-2390.

December 8: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main Street in Pineville, 7:00pm. Sponsored by City of Pineville. Line up starts at Fort Randolph at 5:00pm and parade begins under flag on Main Street at 7:00pm. Cost: Free. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 318-449-5660.

December 8-9: Gem and Mineral Show, 276 HM Steven Blvd., Leesville, 9:00am-5:00pm. Saturday and 10:00am-4:00pm on Sunday. Cost: Adults $2.00. Children 12 and under Free. Call Adam Valin: 337-585-3693 or Bridget and Jim Marler: 318-443-5184.

December 9: Movie Matinee-Polar Express, Robertson Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

December 9: Santa Visits Martin, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. It’s an extra special time as Santa Claus makes a visit at the Martin Library. We’ll enjoy some Yuletide fun and get into the holiday season. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

December 9: An Old Fashioned Christmas, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Sponsored by Kent House. Enjoy Christmas arts & crafts, decorate the Kent House tree, visit with Papa Noel, music, refreshments and more! The 7th Night of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Alice Scarborough: 318-487-5998.

December 9: Christmas Science, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Cost: $5.00; Children under 2 Free. Call TREE House: 318-619-9394.

December 9: Main Movie Mania Presents “Prancer”, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Refusing to give up her belief in Santa Claus, Jessica Riggs discovers a hurt reindeer in the woods, which she believes to be Prancer. With the help of a sympathetic veterinarian, Jessica takes care of the wounded creature. It’s supposed to be a secret, but eventually a store Santa Claus, Jessica’s dad, and the entire town find out about Prancer, leading to big problems for Jessica and her family. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

December 10: Christmas at Auburn Antebellum Home, 400 Duncan Ave in Natchez, 1:30pm-4:00pm.  The open house will feature tours, 1812 era refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Cost: Free.

December 10: Christmas is…An Evening of Stories and Songs, 2817 Rapides Avenue, 6:00pm. Sponsored by The Pentecostals of Alexandria. Featuring special guest Matthew West, doors open at 5:00pm. The 8th Night of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Genevieve Ryder: 318-427-6608.

December 10: City of Alexandria Christmas Parade: Metro Drive, 2:00pm. Visit www.alexmardigras.com for entry form and additional information. Cost: Free; $100 for floats. Call Chris Chelette: 318-623-7359.

December 11: Art of Life Series, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. We explore our creativity in this series, where we create, imagine, and transform ourselves through art. Registration is required, space is limited. Sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

December 11: DIY Easy Christmas Coasters, Libuse Branch Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Join Melissa as she shows us how to create holiday coasters using Modge Podge, Christmas wrapping paper, pretty paper napkins or fabric. Keep for yourself or give as a gift! We’ll have all the supplies available. Pre-registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

December 11: Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:00pm.  This is an ongoing support group for men and women whose spouse has died.  There will be group sharing time and this group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to those who are newly grieving. The Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month.  Check our Face Book page: Widows and Widowers of Central La.  Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 11: Polar Express Pajama Party, Westside Regional Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Tickets! Tickets! Do you have your ticket? Come dressed in your pajamas and snuggle down with a mug of hot cocoa, story time, and watch the classic Polar Express movie! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

December 11: Lecompte United Methodist Christmas Program, 1504 Weems Ave in Lecompte, 6:00pm.  Enjoy a Holiday Sing-a-Long with special guest artists.  Cost: Free.

December 11: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8pm. This class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3 to 10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

December 12: Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses, King Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us for some sweet and yummy construction. Registration is encouraged to ensure there are plenty of supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 12: Teen Craft Project-Decked in Cinnamon, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:30pm. Let’s make something special with all the aromas of the holidays. With cinnamon and applesauce we’ll create Christmas ornaments. Space is limited and registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

December 12: National Gingerbread House Day, McDonald Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm. We’re taking candies of all kinds, icing, and gingerbread cookies to build our sweet confection houses. Join us with all the supplies to build your own mini winter wonderland. Registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

December 12: Kids Craft Night Making Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:30pm. Join us for some sweet and yummy construction. Registration is encouraged to ensure there are plenty of supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

December 13: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm.  Angelina Cortello will present “How I Was Rescued from Myself”. Admission includes a delicious lunch and an inspirational message.  Please RSVP by Friday, December 8th.  Call: 318-481-7880.

December 13: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.

December 14: Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, Rapides Regional Medical Center South Tower Lobby, 10:00am. Rapides Regional departments will display their creativity during RRMC’s first Gingerbread Decorating Contest. The Gingerbread Houses will remain on display in the South Tower Lobby for a week.

December 14: Crayons Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. We’re having an adult social gathering where we’ll do some coloring, listen to some music and have a light snack. Unwind after a long day or join us for the fun of it. Stop by and create! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

December 14: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Quarterly meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Cost: Free. Call: 337-234-0088.

December 15: Gardening Q&A, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:30am. The Good Food Project is back in the MakerSpace lab. From Aphids to Zinnias, we’ll answer your gardening questions! You won’t want to miss it.  Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

December 15: National Everything Covered in Chocolate Day, McDonald Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Everything tastes terrific covered in chocolate – from sweet to savory it’s even more delicious dipped in chocolate. Come celebrate with us we’ll be sampling and creating hot chocolate mixes and Christmas cards to give as gifts. Registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

December 16: King Kids Saturday Toons and Jammies, King Branch Library, 9:00am-10:00am. Wake up! It’s time for Saturday Toons!  Come straight to the library and enjoy a little breakfast, some morning cartoons, a story book, or maybe breakfast and a movie! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 16: Santa Comes to King, King Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm.  Santa will taking time out from his busy schedule to visit the King Branch! Grab your kids and your cameras for a chance to meet the jolly old elf and take a few pictures! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 16: Garden District Holiday Tour of Homes, Garden District, 4:00pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by Garden District Neighborhood Foundation. Five homes will be open for the tour in the historic Garden District. The tour is the 11th Night of Christmas. Cost: $25.00. Call Matt Nowlin: 318-619-7755.

December 16: Santa’s Workshop and Toy Sale, 2109 Lee Street, 9:30am-3:00pm. Sponsored by Junior League of Alexandria. Crafts for kids while parents shop! All toys 50% off! Cost: Free. Call Marilyn Stallings: 318-443-3381.

December 16: Christmas at Inglewood, Inglewood Farm, 8:00am-12:00pm. Featuring live music, Creel family horse rides, farm wagon tours and kids craft table. Cost: Free. Call Beth Hebert: 310-717-5792.

December 16: The Boston Tea Party, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Cost: $5.00; Children under 2 Free. Call TREE House: 318-619-9394.

December 16: Civil War Artillery Presentation, Mansfield State Historic Site, 2:00pm. Known as the “King of Battle,” the artillery arm played an important role at the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill.  By the time of the American Civil War, the types of projectiles and explosive shells fired by field cannon were diverse and surprisingly advanced. Visitors will get a chance to see and hold various types of Civil War artillery projectiles from the museum’s collection and learn how they functioned. Cost: $4.00.  Call: 318-872-1474 or 888-677-6267.

December 18: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-1:00pm. Annual Christmas Party!  Bring a dessert or appetizer to share! This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia.  We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 18: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease.  This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month in conjunction with the Caregivers Support Group.  The caregiver must attend the Caregivers Group and stay on campus during this group time.  Lunch is provided. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 19: Christmas Paper Cone Wreath Master Craft Series, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. We take Holiday wrapping paper and create a paper cone wreath for our home. Get your glue guns ready! Space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

December 20: Anita Watson and Poncinella the Storyteller, King Branch Library, 4:30pm-5:45pm. Anita Watson, professional storyteller will be telling a variety of holiday stories to celebrate the season. Her programs engage children and foster the love of learning, reading, and self-expression. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 21: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. Annual Christmas Party!  Bring a dessert or appetizer to share! This group meets monthly and is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family/caregiver. We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 24: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, St. James Episcopal Church, 11:30pm.  Celebrate the arrival of Christmas with candlelight service featuring the St. James Choir and musicians with Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, Bishop of Western Louisiana. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 29: Cookie Creations with Alyssa, King Branch Library, 2:30pm-3:30pm. Come and have a scrum-dilly-umptious time decorating sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles and more! We’ll also have holiday stories too!  Come create and then enjoy fun holiday stories! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 30: New Year’s Eve Party Hat Making, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Cost: $5.00; Children under 2 Free. Call TREE House: 318-619-9394.

December 31: Illume-A New Year’s Celebration, Downtown Holiday Inn Louisiana Ballroom, 7:30pm.  Illume: A New Year’s Celebration was established as Alexandria Museum of Art’s vogue signature event. AMoA wanted to bring Alexandria a reason to stay in town on New Year’s Eve. The evening will feature cocktails and jazz, dinner, live music by Stormy and a countdown at midnight. Special room rates available for event attendees.  Cost: $150.  Call: 318-443-3458.

Sports

Ongoing-December: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.  Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga!  Classes are on-going and meet every Monday, Wednesday or Thursday.  Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 7: LSUA Men’s Basketball, The Fort, 7:00pm. LSUA vs. Langston. Call Larry Cordero: 318-619-2968.

December 9: Jingle All the Way 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, England Air Park, 8:00am. Phoenix Magnet Elementary is hosting its first 5K and 1 mile fun run. Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire and participate in the costume contest following the races. Registration is available online at www.active.com. Race-day registration is also available from 6:30am-7:30am.

December 9: College Basketball Doubleheader, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 2:00pm & 4:00pm.  Northwestern State Unviersity Women’s Basketball team takes the court vs. Texas Southern.  The second game will feature the NSU Men’s team vs. Louisiana College.  Cost: $10.00 General Admission; $15.00 Reserved. Call: 318-442-9581.

December 9: LSUA Men’s Basketball, The Fort, 4:00pm. LSUA vs. Southwest. Call Larry Cordero: 318-619-2968.

December 14: Louisiana College Basketball vs. Sul Ross, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 5:30pm. The Lady Wildcats will take the court at 5:30pm with the men’s game beginning at 7:30pm. Rapides Parish Students in Elementary to High School get in free with a valid school ID and the purchase of an adult ticket Cost: $10.00 General Admission. Call: 318-442-9581.

December 16: Louisiana College Basketball vs. Howard Payne, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 2:00pm. The Lady Wildcats will take the court at 2:00pm with the men’s game beginning at 4:00pm. Rapides Parish Students in Elementary to High School get in free with a valid school ID and the purchase of an adult ticket Cost: $10.00 General Admission. Call: 318-442-9581.

December 22-23: Red River Classic Basketball Tournament, Rapides Parish Coliseum. Call: 318-442-9581.

December 22: Ugly Sweater Rock N’ Bowl, 3510 North Blvd., 9:00pm Sponsored by Four Seasons Bowling Alley. Rock the night away with DJ Voodoo and make sure to dress in style! The 22nd is the 12th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $20 for all you can bowl. Call Brandy Wills: 445-2695.

December 15: LSUA Men’s Basketball, The Fort, 7:00pm. LSUA vs. Paul Quinn. Call Larry Cordero: 318-619-2968.

December 18: LSUA Men’s Basketball, The Fort, 12:00pm. LSUA vs. SAGU. Call Larry Cordero: 318-619-2968.

December 21: LSUA Men’s Basketball, The Fort, 7:00pm. LSUA vs. William Carey. Call Larry Cordero: 318-619-2968.

December 29: Friday Night Championship Boxing, Rapides Parish Coliseum.  Featuring Justin “Jawbreaker” Jones and Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios.  Reserved tables and sponsorships are available. Cost: $10.00+. Call: 318-442-9581.