Events: Christmas Candlelight Tours Dec. 5 at Historic Brattonsville
Dec. 3
Family Campfire
Join McDowell staff enjoying s’mores and conversation under the stars. Free, but registration required. Also scheduled for Dec. 17. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
6-7:30 p.m.
Holiday Light Show
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show, the first of three 3D light shows; dates are Dec. 3, 10, and 17. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots. Each week will feature a new light show and include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday stilt walkers, elves, complimentary hot chocolate, teddy bears, caroling and goodie bags for the kids. Free parking at Morrocroft Centre parking deck, 4064 Colony Road. Free shuttles run every 15 minutes from 6 to 10 p.m. Phillips Place, Charlotte.
7-9 p.m.
Allison Creek Bluegrass
Entertainment will be J. Max McKee and Bluegrass Travelers. Admission: two cans of food to go to PATH in York. Doors open at 6 p.m. Food service begins at 6:30 p.m. Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, York.
7 p.m.
Dec. 4
Holiday Concert
Abbey chorus, instrumental ensemble and voice students. Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont. Free admission, donations accepted. bac.edu.
8 p.m.
Christmas Trees
Clemson horticulture agent Paul Thompson presents Selecting and Caring for Christmas Trees, topic for First Friday in the Garden. Glencairn Garden Learning Center, 825 Edgemont Ave., Rock Hill.
11 a.m.-noon
Dec. 5
Reindeer Romp 5K
Noncompetitive 5K run/walk Girls on the Run celebration. All runners receive a T-shirt, finishers’ medal and goody bag. Fountain Park, Rock Hill. gotrtricountysc.org.
8 a.m.
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Interpreters dressed in period clothing guide visitors on candlelit tours of Historic Brattonsville’s antebellum estate and portray how the early settlers, plantation owners and slaves celebrated the midwinter holidays. Christmas Candlelight Tours feature family friendly hands-on activities throughout the day with live music around a campfire. Gift shop features period-style holiday items, and locally made artwork and goods. Warm beverages, seasonal foods and baked goods will be available for purchase. Also on Dec. 12. Admission: adult $10; senior $8; youth 4-17 $5. Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells. 803-684-2327. chmuseums.org.
3-9 p.m.
Dec. 7
Affordable Care Act
Learn how to navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Affordable Care Act, from a certified educator. This program is for educational purposes only, and no specific benefits or details will be discussed. The open enrollment period ends Jan. 31. Registration requested. Lake Wylie Public Library, Blucher Circle. 803-831-7774.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 8
Candy Cane Wreaths
Make a candy cane wreath to decorate for the holidays. All materials are provided. For adults age 18 and older. Registration required. Lake Wylie Public Library, Blucher Circle. 803-831-7774.
1-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 10
Evergreens for Everyone
For ages 2-5 with parent participation, explore different kinds of evergreens growing in the preserve, go on an evergreen hunt and paint with pine needles. Cost: $3. Registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
10-10:45 a.m., 11-11:45 a.m.
Dec. 11
Nature Coloring and Cocoa
Stop by after school with your children ages 5 and older for a winter-themed coloring program with crayons, colored pencils and pens provided. Examples and instructions on how coloring masterpieces can be turned into a gift or home decor will be available, as well as free hot cocoa. Free but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
3-5 p.m.
Dec. 13
Fitness Hike
Get fit while enjoying the natural-side of winter during a guided, comfortable steady paced hike through the McDowell Nature Preserve. For new and skilled hikers ages 8 and older. Expect to hike on rough terrain for an extended period of time at a moderate pace. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bottled water. This hike is eligible for the 100-Mile Hike Club. Free, but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
3-4 p.m.
Dec. 15
Holiday Bash
Enjoy holiday game, snacks and a chance to win prizes. For ages 11-17. Registration required. Lake Wylie Public Library, Blucher Circle. 803-831-7774.
5-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 17
Holiday Bedtime Story Time
Children ages 11 and younger are invited to wear their pajamas for holiday stories, songs, crafts, refreshments and a visit from a special guest. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Lake Wylie Public Library, Blucher Circle. 803-831-7774.
5:45-6:45 p.m.
Dec. 18
McDowell Nature Hike
Join a naturalist for a guided, 2- to 3-mile hike while enjoying nature, getting exercise and meeting new people. For ages 16 and older. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear hiking shoes. Bring bottled water. This hike is eligible for our 100-Mile Hike Club. Free, but registration required. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 28
School’s Out Nature Days
For ages 5-7, Dec. 28-30. Each program features themes plus hikes, games, live animals and crafts. Registration required. Children will need to bring a lunch and snacks. Cost: $45, three days. McDowell Nature Preserve, Steele Creek. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Events: Christmas Candlelight Tours Dec. 5 at Historic Brattonsville."