Festival of trees

Christmas trees, artfully decorated by businesses and community members, started filling the lobby of the Village Green Community Center in mid-November. In addition to adding to the center’s holiday ambiance, the trees — which range in size from tiny tabletop to six feet tall — are up for silent auction with all proceeds going to the Village Green Foundation. The lucky winners will be announced on Dec. 13 and the trees will be available for pick up on Dec. 14, leaving plenty of time to enjoy their holiday sparkle.

Giving tree

Among the collection during the Festival of Trees will be a Giving Tree. Adorned with tags that each list information (such as ages, gender, sizes and interests) about a child, the tree presents an opportunity to give to someone who would truly benefit from extra holiday generosity. Stop by, enjoy the beauty and grab a tag or two to add to your shopping list.

Hansel and Gretel

Enjoy a family-friendly, one-hour live preview of this holiday classic by Englebert Humperdinck at the community center on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. (following the monthly community dinner) and on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. The performances are lively and engaging; although condensed into a version much shorter than the original opera, this production includes most of the elements — sets, costumes, singing, acting — found in a full-scale show. The event is offered free of charge.