HANCOCK COUNTY — Those looking for sacred celebrations of Christmas have plenty of local options. Here’s your go-to guide for finding plays and pageants, comforting and concerts.
Dec. 1
Community Sing of Handel’s “Messiah,” 2 p.m. at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. County Road 600W, New Palestine. Sing along or just listen to the music featuring an orchestra and some solos. Refreshments follow.Information: crossofgrace.org, 317-861-0977
Women are invited to Advent by Candlelight from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Palestine United Methodist Church, 3565 S. County Road 500W, New Palestine. It includes food and entertainment by musicians including a New Palestine High School show choir. Bring an appetizer to share. Information: npumc.com, 317-861-4390
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Dec. 7
Christmas Sing at 2:30 p.m. at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1202 E. Fifth St., Greenfield. Information: 317-462-3597, apcgi.org
Dec. 8
A choir concert starts at 10:45 a.m. at Fortville Nazarene Church, 701 S. Maple St., Fortville. Information: 317-485-6443, fortvillenazarene.org
Candlelight serve of remembrance, Angels Among Us, at 5 p.m. at Greenfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 23 N. East St. The service will honor the lives and memories of those who have passed away recently or longer ago. Light refreshments will follow. Information: 317-529-2115
Greenfield Community Choir presents “Christmas Time Is Here” at 6 p.m. at Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 W. Main St. Purchase tickets at www.greenfieldcommunitychoir.com/purchase-tickets.html
Children at Park Chapel Christian Church present “Miracle on Bethlehem Street” at 6 p.m. at the church, 1176 E. McKenzie Road. Information: parkchapel.org, 317-462-4513
Dec. 12
St. Michael Catholic School’s Advent/Christmas program starts at 6:30 p.m. at 515 Jefferson Blvd., Greenfield. Information: 317-462-6380, school-stmichaelsgrfld.org
Join Greenfield Faith United Methodist Church to go Christmas caroling. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 328 N. Swope St.
Dec. 13-14
Adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Burge Terrace Baptist Church, 9345 Brookville Road, Indianapolis (just west of New Palestine). Information: (317) 862-6109, burgeterrace.org
Dec. 15
Young people present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. County Road 600W, New Palestine. Information: 317-861-0977, crossofgrace.org
A Christmas cantata is performed in 8:30 and 11 a.m. services at Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 W. Main St. Information: 317-462-2662, bradleyumc.org
The choir presents “Christmas Is Calling” at 9 a.m. at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie Road. Information: parkchapel.org, 317-462-4513
The Generations Christmas show starts at 10:45 a.m. at Fortville Nazarene Church, 701 S. Maple St., Fortville. Information: 317-485-6443, fortvillenazarene.org
Children present a Christmas program at 11 a.m. at Heather Hills Baptist Church, 1421 N. German Church Road, Indianapolis (Cumberland). Information: 317-894-7474, heatherhills.org
The 15th annual Handbell Ring and Share takes place at 2 p.m. at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. County Road 600W, New Palestine. Several local handbell choirs gather to share their holiday special music. Refreshments are part of this event. Information: 317-861-0977, crossofgrace.org
Mt. Comfort Church has a Christmas dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a carol sing at 5:45 and a concert at 6 p.m. at the church, 3179 N. County Road 600W, Greenfield. Information: mtcomfortchurch.com, 317-894-8965
-Night in Bethlehem lets visitors travel to scenes of Bethlehem in the days of Jesus’ birth. Visit the marketplace with interactive activities and crafts. See angry King Herod’s throne room and the manger. Tours begin every 15 minutes from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Road, Greenfield. Information: 317-462-4777, brandywinechurch.org
-The cantata “A Child, a King” is set for 6:30 p.m. at McCordsville United Methodist Church, 6247 W. Broadway.
A Christmas party follows in the fellowship hall. Those who go can bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share; they can also bring their children to meet a special guest. Information: 317-335-3705, mccordsvilleumc.org
Dec. 16-17
-Night in Bethlehem lets visitors travel to scenes of Bethlehem in the days of Jesus’ birth. Visit the marketplace with interactive activities and crafts. See angry King Herod’s throne room and the manger. Tours begin every 15 minutes from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Road, Greenfield. Information: 317-462-4777, brandywinechurch.org
Dec. 18
-Cross of Grace Lutheran Church’s annual Blue Christmas service takes place at 7 p.m. at 3519 S. County Road 600W, New Palestine. A meal beforehand begins at 6 p.m. This worship service is for anyone, but it is especially designed for those who struggle with grief and anxiety around the holidays.
Dec. 20
-A Christmas concert and carol singalong take place at 7 p.m. under the direction of Dr. R. Ryan Endris, director of music, at Greenfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 23 N. East St. The church’s Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir will perform music of the Christmas season. The concert will also include a number of beloved Christmas carols for the audience to join in singing, as well as instrumental music performed by members of the congregation. A cookies and punch reception follows. Concertgoers of all ages are welcome, and the concert is open to the public and free of charge. (A freewill offering will be accepted from those who wish to support the church’s ministries). Information: 317-462-6348 or greenfieldchristian.org
-A Blue Christmas service — a service of remembrance, hope, comfort and inspiration for those who find this season difficult — is set for 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Mt. Comfort Church, 3179 N. County Road 600W, Greenfield. Information: mtcomfortchurch.com, 317-894-8965
Dec. 22
-Youth of Greenfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 3 p.m. at 23 N. East St., followed by refreshments. Information: 317-462-6348 or greenfieldchristian.org
Jan. 3
-St. Michael Catholic Church will have a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at 519 Jefferson Blvd., Greenfield. Information: 317-462-4240, stmichaelsgrfld.org
