With the holidays upon us, it’s hitting crunch time for gift buying, party planning and travel preparation. If you’re looking for a break from your hectic schedule, here are a few options — from plays and parties to crafts and yoga — to keep you relaxed and in the spirit.
Today
— “A Charlie Brown Christmas” — presented by WVPT, at 7:30 p.m. today-Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Tickets cost $15-$25 at ticketmaster. com, 304-293-SHOW (7469) or the CAC box office from 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
— Harry Potter Yule Tea Party — The Tea Shoppe, at 709 Beechurst Ave., will host two seatings at 7 p.m. today and Friday. The party is appropriate for those 16 and older. This Hogwarts-themed tea service includes sandwiches, scones, pastries, tea and a complimentary wizarding-wine beverage. A wine menu will be available and there will be games, activities and prizes. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest Hogwarts attire. Pre-registration required. Cost is $25. Info: face book.com/events/541834663316990/
Friday
— “Bobby Nicholas Soul Christmas” — Vocalist Bobby Nicholas will perform a Motown, soul, R&B and jazz tribute to the great American Christmas songbook at 7:30 p.m. at Clarksburg’s Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, 444 W. Pike St. Tickets are $25 and $40, plus fees, and are available at tickets.therobin songrand.com. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit Mission for Miracles.
Saturday
— Kids Christmas Party — Buffalo Wild Wings, at 8735 University Town Centre, will host the festivities at 11 a.m. There will be crafts, including snowflake and Christmas tree making, gingerbread man decorating and reindeer hand ornaments. There will also be a photo opportunity with Santa.
— “A Manger in Bethlehem” — Written by Matt Marino and Janel Nye, directed by Marino and Monica Kramer, this production depicts the nativity through Marino’s eyes, at 7:30 p.m. at Monongalia Arts Center, 107 High St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and are available at the lobby desk, by phone at 304-292-3325 or at monartscen ter.com/shop.
— Holiday Pop-up Party — Hoot and Howl, at 245 Walnut St., will host the party from
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hannah’s Clay Creations will be on hand and there will be samplings of Black Jar coffee and The Skirted Soldier artisan tea.
— “Tinsel and Tutus” — Artistry House will present this holiday dance production Saturday and Sunday at the Metropolitan Theatre, 371 High St. With excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” the show will include pieces set in various genres. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door on the day of the show. Tickets can be bought in advance at artistryhouse.com or in person at the studio at 135 Green Bag Road. Tickets purchased online can be picked up at the studio in advance or picked up at the ticket table on the day of the show.
— “A White Christmas” — The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, 444 W. Pike St. in Clarksburg, will present the classic Bing Crosby film on the big screen. Doors open at 6 p.m. The movie begins at 7 p.m. Concessions will be open. Tickets cost $7 and available at therobin songrand.com and at the door.
Morgantown Yule Ball — The festivities, set for 7 p.m.-midnight at Retrotique, 218 Walnut St., will feature music, dancing, photos with Krampus, tarot card readings, vendor pop-up market, refreshments, drawings and DIY craft activtities. Costumes encouraged. Cost is $12 at the door, free admission for children. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Morgantown Art Party.
— Pajama Party with Santa — Set for 5 p.m., Atria’s, at 1188 Pineview Drive, will host the party featuring Santa, snacks, crafts, dancing and photo opportunities. Cost is $10.
Breakfast with Santa — Alpine Lake Resort will host the breakfast from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Alpine Lodge, 700 W. Alpine Drive, Terra Alta. A buffet will include eggs, home fries, sausage, French toast and juice cups. The buffet is free for children 12 and younger and is $5 for teens and adults. Activities include a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with an opportunity for a picture. Santa will hand out Christmas stockings, while supplies last, and there will be a station for children to pick out a small present for their parents.
Sunday
— Yoga Yule Celebration — Yule is a celebration on the longest, darkest night of the year, welcoming the return of the sun. At 11:30 a.m., Kindred Spirits Yoga and Wellness, at 3403 University Ave., will pay tribute with restorative yoga flow and seasonal essential oils, as well as guided meditation. Cost is $22.
— Winterfest 2019 — PopShop presents the final performance of its fall semester, session two, beginning at 1 p.m. at 123 Pleasant Street. Seventeen bands, with musicians of all ages, will play. There is a suggested donation of $5 and a non-perishable item to be donated to The Pantry Plus More.
Dec. 27
— A Very Townie Christmas at Gene’s — The Border States, Haley Slagle and 85 Flood will perform at the annual Christmas celebration at Gene’s Beer Garden, at 461 Wilson Ave. No cover.
