Holiday Parades, Craft Shows, Concerts and More This Weekend

"Deck the Halls" Holiday Floral Decorating Presentation: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg. Noted floral consultant Jan Williams of downtown’s Jan Williams Florals will demonstrate how to craft unique decorations from local evergreens and flora.  Coffee, tea and seasonal pastries will be served, and participants enter a lottery to win one of Jan’s beautiful creations.  Admission is $25; $20 for Friends of the James Monroe Museum.  Proceeds benefit the museum. Advance registration is required. 

5th Annual Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show:  Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg.  Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors.  Kids 12 and under are free.  Tickets are good for both days.  See the website for information on $1 off coupons and advance discount admission tickets.  

Spotsylvania County Christmas Parade:  Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. at Spotsylvania Court House.  The Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation Department presents the 36th Annual Christmas Parade.  Free

A Monroe Christmas Holiday Open House: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 - 6 p.m., James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St. Fredericksburg.  The museum opens its doors free of charge for cookies, punch and hot cider before the annual Fredericksburg Christmas parade. Free. 

Fredericksburg Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Fredericksburg.  This year's theme is Christmas Paws.  The route begins on Caroline Street, travels to Amelia and then along Princess Anne, ending at the reviewing stand near Wolfe Street.  It is expected to last two hours  Free. 

Rappahannock Choral Society Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., Chancellor High School Auditorium, 6300 Harrison Rd. Spotsylvania.  Free. 

Breakfast with Santa at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe: Sunday, Dec. 8, seatings at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe, 1115 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  $10.99 - $14.99 Reservations required. 

27th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at Ferry Farm:  Sunday, Dec. 8 - Monday, Dec. 30 at George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg.  The 2013 theme is "Moments in U.S. History."  The exhibit opens with judging at noon on Dec. 8.  It then is open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., except for Dec. 24, 25 and 31.  Admission to Ferry Farm plus the exhibit is $8 adults;, $4 students. Admission to the exhibit only is $4 adults, $2 students.  Children under six are free.

The 12 Twisted Days of Christmas: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Mountain View High School, 2135 Mountain View Rd, Stafford.  Stafford Dance Center holiday performance.  Tickets are $10 in advance (plus a $1 fee if purchased by phone at 540-659-6044);  $15 at the door. 

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Johnston Inn, 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Stories with Santa.

Special Santa for Special Needs: Dec. 8 from 3 - 5 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 5 -  8 p.m. at the disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg.  If you have children with disabilities who can't tolerate the sounds and crowds of the mall, call the dRC and make a reservation for Santa's lap for them and their siblings. We'll have cookies and crafts for all the kids. Be sure to bring your camera and we'll be happy to take pictures of the whole family with the Jolly Old Elf!  Call 540-373-2559 or email cdepollo@cildrc.org for reservations. 

Spotsylvania Courthouse Christmas Luminary: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4:45 p.m. at the Old Courthouse, 9101 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania.  Bring a blanket to sit among the glow of candles and listen to caroling choirs at Spotslyvania County's annual holiday event.  Free.

Old Salem Church 29th Annual Candlelight Holiday Music Program: Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Old Salem Church is located at the intersection of Rt. 3 and Rt. 639, just west of Fredericksburg. Parking will be at the adjacent new Salem Baptist Church at 4044 Plank Road. Parking is only accessible via the eastbound lanes of Rt. 3. Free.

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