Anderson University will usher in the Christmas season at the AU centennial edition of Christmas First Night. The concert will be held Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and will feature selections performed by the major choral and instrumental ensembles of Anderson University. The evening will also include several musical theatre presentations by the school’s theatre department. David Larson, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said the event has become a staple as Anderson prepares for the holidays. The concert is free, but tickets are required. Call 864-231-2080.
Holston Creek Baptist Church, Inman, will host its ninth annual “Bethlehem Walk” nightly Dec. 10-12. It is an outdoor dramatic re-creation of first-century Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. The 30-minute walk-through production, written by pastor Reggie Parker, involves a cast of 150 actors and 18 different merchant shops. “Bethlehem Walk” is free to the public. Information: 864-472-2663 or http://holstoncreekbaptist.com.
First Baptist Church in Columbia will present its 23rd annual Columbia Christmas Pageant Dec. 9-12. Admission is free, but tickets are necessary. Call 803-217-3250 for ticket information or visit http://firstbaptistcolumbia.com. The Columbia Christmas Pageant features a cast of 400 children and adults, including the First Baptist 200-voice choir and full orchestra.
Oakdale Baptist Church, Rock Hill, will present an outdoor live nativity scene with mini-dramas, Dec. 17-19 from 6:00-9:00 nightly. Church volunteers of all ages dress in period costumes while the narrator tells the story of Jesus’ birth. There will also be special singing each evening. The event is free. Information: 803-324-1420 or 803-327-7972.
Lockhart First Baptist Church will present “A Carolina Christmas” at the following locations: Nov. 28, Woodruff First Baptist Church, 864-476-8171 or 864-476-3326; Dec. 5, New Life Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, 864-541-8877. Programs begin at 6 p.m. The program is comparable to the Carolina Opry’s Christmas program, but on a smaller scale, a church spokesperson said.