<b>Marine band will </b><b>perform concert</b>

The Parris Island Marine Band Lowcountry Holiday Concert will perform on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Beaufort High School Performing Arts Auditorium.

There will be performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. They are both free and open to the public.

Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.

The Parris Island Marine Band's primary mission is to provide musical support for recruit graduations and other military ceremonies and events. In addition to playing at approximately 40 recruit graduations each year, the band also performs concerts and parades across the United States.

For more information, visit www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/band.

<b>Penn Center to have </b><b>live Nativity scene</b>

The Penn Center will showcase a live Nativity scene from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. The evening will include vocal performances by a mass church choir at the Frissell Community House.

The Penn Center is at 16 Penn Center Circle West on St. Helena Island.

For more information visit www.penncenter.com.

<b>Hallelujah Singers </b><b>to take the stage</b>

The Hallelujah Singers will present a Gullah Christmas Celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. The event will be held at Campbell Chapel AME Church at 25 Boundary St. in Bluffton.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 843-757-3652.

<b>Holiday fun planned at Bluffton Branch Library</b>

Zapper, The Elf, is back at Bluffton Branch Library through Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Whenever a child visits the library looking for Zapper, the Elf, they can find out what book he is reading to enter for a drawing for a prize. The library is at 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton.

For more information, email kbaxter@bcgov.net.

<b>Library to ring in the </b><b>new year for kids</b>

The Bluffton Branch Library will hold a Noon Year’s Eve Party at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. The library will celebrate with a party, craft and a countdown until the clock strikes noon.

The library is at 120 Palmetto Way in Bluffton. For more information, email kbaxter@bcgov.net.

<b>TLC encourages folks to attend Holiday Book Fair</b>

The Literacy Center of the Lowcountry will hold a Holiday Book Fair at Barnes &amp; Noble on Hilton Head Island. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the store, which is located at 20 Hatton Place.

Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, find that last-minute gift and help raise money for TLC. Online sales will also benefit TLC. Use the code 12046991 when ordering.

<b>Church to present </b><b>Christmas celebration</b>

Riverview Baptist Church will present its Christmas Celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

The community is invited to join the church for this event.

The children of the church will present the Christmas musical, "Alice in Bethlehem," where young Alice is transported back in time to Bethlehem to learn it is better to give than receive.

The adults will present "Scrooge and Three Wise Guys," a comedy where all discover the true meaning of Christmas. The church is at 2209 Boundary St.

<b>Santa Claus coming </b><b>to farmer’s market                     </b>

This holiday season Smile for Santa, a new event sponsored by The Beaufort Garden Club, will take two photos of kids and pets with Santa Claus during the Saturday, Dec. 17, Port Royal Farmers Market. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

Kids and pets will have two photos taken with Santa when they visit him in the gazebo. These holiday photos will then be emailed.

The suggested donation is $5, cash only.

Donations will benefit charities and/or civic beautification projects that the Beaufort Garden Club supports, such as the Coastal Conservation League, the Open Land Trust, the National Cemetery, Garden a Day and various scholarships.

<b>Unique gifts made by </b><b>local artisans for sale</b>

The Starving Artist Market near the Port Royal Farmers Market is offering one-of-a-kind gifts for the Christmas and holiday season.

The market features local artists who meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays to sell their wares on Paris Avenue in Port Royal.

Shoppers can typically find paintings, painting on wood, jewelry, glass art, photography, pottery, Christmas items and more.

<b>Trains on display </b><b>at Beaufort library               </b>

The Beaufort Railroaders Model Train Club will present its 24th annual Christmas Train Show at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott St. through Saturday, Dec. 17.

The train show is a Christmas tradition, and has been enjoyed over the years by thousands who appreciate detailed modeling, action, lights, color, fun and nostalgia.

Visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/trains.

<b>Symphony orchestra </b><b>presents show</b>

The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra will present “Seasonal Splendor: Corelli Christmas Concerto” on Thursday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 18.

The Dec. 15 show will be at 7:30 p.m., and the Dec. 18 show will be at 4 p.m. The concert will be held at Sea Island Presbyterian Church at 81 Lady’s Island Drive.

For more information, visit www.beaufortorchestra.org.