The big day is almost here. See what fun awaits before and after Christmas in this week’s The 10 for Dec. 19-25
Governor’s Mansion open for candlelight tours
Make some “Christmas Memories” in Montgomery with a special night of candlelight tours at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday. The free self-guided tours are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The “Christmas Memories” theme designs and decorations are courtesy of Jerry Thrash of Rosemont Gardens. Live music will be provided by pianist Frank Jones. Tickets are required, and are available at the Alabama Tourism Department gift shop in the Center for Commerce from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Governor’s Mansion is a 1907 Colonial Revival house located at 1142 South Perry St. in Montgomery. It has served as the official residence for governors of Alabama since 1951.
Stand Up Comedy Night at The Statesman
The Statesman, 107 Court St., Montgomery, is known for its craft mocktails, cocktails, beer and wine. Well, be careful taking a sip of any of those on Tuesday. You’re likely to spray them out in laughter. Yes, it’s Stand Up Comedy Night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., hosted by Michael Fritz. Think you’ve got what it takes to make a room full of people laugh? Come out and try during this open mic event.
Messiah Sing Along with the Montgomery Chorale
Part of going to many churches is listening to the choir. But on Tuesday at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Ave., Montgomery, everyone in attendance will be the choir for the annual Messiah Sing Along. You’ll join voices in singing Handel’s Messiah part 1. They’ll have music scores available. It’s free to attend. Guests are asked to bring a canned food donation for the Montgomery Area Food Bank, and a love offering will be collected for the food bank as well. It starts at 7 p.m., and after the singing, guests are invited to stay for a free reception.
Leroy Pub Run on Wednesday evening
Bring your running shoes to Leroy, 2752 Boultier St., Montgomery, on Wednesday for their Leroy Pub Run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Runners of all level are welcome. They’ll have 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-mile route options with turn-by-turn suggested routes provided. The run starts at 6 p.m. Sign up on Fitvil.com for free, and register with the groups to earn goodies while getting your miles and pints in. After you do it once, keep coming back. They’re offering rewards to repeat runners: Every 5th run gets a $5 tab credit for draft beer; 10th run gets you a free pint glass; and 25 run is a free Leroy Pub Run shirt.
Soft launch for The Living Room
You’re invited to as special soft launch Thursday at 6 p.m. for The Living Room, 5770 Carmichael Parkway, Montgomery. It’s the new, second office for the Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center (CAARAC). Their mission is to serve, empower, and become an ally to people and communities in Alabama through education, advocacy, and grassroots programs related to chronic health disparities and HIV. Admission is free, but tickets are required and can be reserved online at https://www.caarac.org/event-details/soft-launch-the-living-room. Guests can come by, get some food and have a cocktail. https://www.caarac.org/
Christmas Organ Recital at St. John’s Episcopal Church
Celebrate the season on Thursday at 7 p.m. with a Christmas Organ Recital featuring Joel Gregory. It’ll include music by Vivaldi, Pietro Yon, Tchaikovsky, D’Aquin, Sumsion, Buxtehude, and Johnathon Scott. It’s happening at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Ave., Montgomery.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters at GTSouth
Do you have a Christmas sweater so ugly that it’s awesome? Get it out, put it on, and come to GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern, 2015 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, on Friday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Of course, the sweater style is optional, but why would you not want to wear them? If you’re 21 and up, come dance the night away with DJ Abuniverse.
Christmas Mixer at The Sanctuary
Make the holidays even happier in Montgomery on Friday with a special Christmas Mixer at The Sanctuary, 432 N. Goldthwaite St. It’s being presented from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. by Southern Ladies and Gentlemen United, in partnership with The Academic Society MMPAC Montgomery Chapter. Entertainment provided by Guaranteed Entertainment. There’s a $15 cover charge, cash or cash app at the door. Must be 21 to drink. Security is strictly enforced.
X-Mas Party at the Velvet Room
By Sunday night, Santa’s long gone and all the gifts have been open. It’s time to party, and maybe be a little naughty. The Velvet Room Bistro, 3526 Eastdale Circle Annex, is hosting an all-night X-Mas Party from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. They’ll have cash giveaways every hour.
Christmas Lights Festival at Montgomery Zoo
You still have time to see the all the beautiful twinkling lights, even on Christmas Eve. Yes, the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum will be open Dec. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., full of lights you can see during a walk, a train ride, or even from high above on the Zoofari Skylift.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
