Shell It Out! Mural Restoration Benefit TONIGHT 
Please join us tonight,Thursday, December 2 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Horace Williams House, to SAVE THE SEA TURTLES! The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill is teaming up with the Framer's Market and Gallery, The Downtown Partnership, and local merchants to raise money to restore The Sea Turtles mural located at the corner of Columbia and Rosemary Streets.  Enjoy a silent auction and an evening of Turtle-themed desserts, coffee and wine.  The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill is located in the Horace Williams House at 610 East Rosemary Street.  For more information contact (919) 942-7818 or chpreservation@mindspring.com. To learn more about supporting the mural restoration and donate online -CLICK HERE.

Warhol on Film: 4 Snapshots 
In conjunction with the Big Shots: Andy Warhol Polaroids exhibit, the Ackland Art Museum presents a series of films by Andy Warhol and others evoking his New York City scene, at the Varsity Theatre and curated by Richard C. Cante, Associate Professor, Media and Cultural Studies, UNC Department of Communication Studies. For information visit www.ackland.org.

Basquiat (1996)

Thursday, December 2, 7PM at Varsity Theatre, FREE
Basquiat tells the story of the meteoric rise to fame of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a teenage graffiti artist who lived in cardboard box in NYC's Lower East Side. At 19, Jean-Michel was "discovered" and embraced by Andy Warhol's crowd, and eight years later he was a world-renowned painter. The film will be preceded by a 6:00 PM talk related to the film at the Ackland Art Museum.

Empire (1964)

Saturday, December 4, 2PM to 10PM at Varsity Theatre, FREE
Andy Warhol's "portrait" of the Empire State Building consists of a single shot of the iconic building filmed one summer evening from dusk until after its trademark lights were turned off. Eight hours and five minutes of slow-motion, silent, stationary footage encourages viewers to think about the art of looking, as the passage from daylight to darkness becomes the film's narrative.

Community Open House at Carolina Inn

The Carolina Inn will once again celebrate the season with enchanting decorations inspired by the traditional holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Join in the celebration as they kick-off the month of festivities with a FREE Community Open House on Saturday, December 4 from 12PM to 5PM. Enjoy performances by local musicians, lots of Carolina Inn treats and fun for the whole family. To see the list of exciting events - download the holiday brochure or visit www.carolinainn.com.  For more information, call 918-2718 or email 12days@carolinainn.com.

Kids' Art Show at Chapel Hill Comics  

Chapel Hill Comics proudly hosts their 5th Kids' Art Show - now open for submissions from December 1 to December 8.  An opening reception for the show will be Friday, December 10 from 6PM to 9PM.  At the opening reception you'll be able to meet the artists & talk to them about their art as well as purchase certain pieces.  The show will be on view from Friday, December 10, until approximately Sunday, January 1. For details and submission guidelines visit www.chapelhillcomics.com.  

Holiday Hours & Wish Lists at Somethin' Else  
Somethin' Else has extended holiday hours beginning Wednesday, December 1st from 11AM to 7PM through Christmas; and Saturdays from 11AM to 7PM. Let Somethin' Else help you organize your shopping list and accomplish the difficult task of finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones.  Where every gift is a work of art -Somethin' Else offers handmade American crafts, jewelry, and more.  And enjoy complimentary holiday gift wrapping! Visit www.somethinelsenc.com.

NOW SHOWING at the Varsity

The Varsity on Franklin brings us Frank Capra's holiday favorite It's a Wonderful Life (1946)  now showing from December 3 to December 9. Get in the holiday spirit and cheer on George Bailey and his family! Also showing are the Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (PG) and The Town (R).

 
2011 Varsity Theatre Annual Passes Now Available 
Available starting on December 1st, the Varsity Annual Pass allows you to see as many movies as you want as many times as you want! Passes valid for all Varsity scheduled show times and include a free small popcorn with each visit.  Passes will be valid from December 1, 2010 to January 1, 2012 and cost only $100.00 - Pay once and enjoy the whole year!. Passes are available at the Varsity Theatre box office. Passes are not valid for red carpet events, private screenings or non-Varsity hosted events. For information visit www.varsityonfranklin.com  and become a fan at the Varsity's Facebook page!

Crafts & Cocktails at Nightlight
The Nighlight Club is partnering with the Scrap Exchange to bring you some good old fashion crafting fun and cocktails on Friday, December 10 from 6PM to 9PM! Scrap Exchange will bring the materials and tools to help you make ornaments, holiday cards and wreaths! So come out, make some crafts, have some cocktails and make beautiful gifts from the heart! There is a suggested donation of $5.00 and a cash bar.

Holiday Craft Fair & Party
Presents are always more special when they are home-made and thoughtful. Come to the Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair on December 18 from 2PM to 6PM to find a special something for everyone on your list. Previous year's work includes homemade candles,plants, screen print shirts, posters, jewelry, lamps and holiday treats! Then stay late for the Nightlight Holiday Party! Nightlight is located at 405 1/2 West Rosemary Street. For more information visit www.nightlightclub.com.

The Holiday Spirit of Giving

Carolina Brewery Partners with Toys for Tots The Carolina Brewery is proud to partner with the United States Marine Corps for another campaign for Toys for Tots. You can drop off an unwrapped toy at either of the Carolina Brewery locations throughout the holidays. Donations to Toys for Tots help to support the Orange County Toy Chest, a holiday program that expects to serve more than 5,500 low-income children.  Due to the current economic climate, more families than ever are in need of help and support during the holiday season. For information visit www.carolinabrewery.com.

Book Fairy Book Drive for Pediatric Patients at UNC
Children undergoing cancer treatment will find comfort in books thanks to a book drive on the UNC campus that runs until Friday, December 10th. Several UNC departments and organizations are sponsoring the drive on behalf of the Book Fairy, an organization that donates the books to the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at UNC Hospitals. All new or gently-used books for ages one through mid-teen are welcome. For complete details - click here.

Share Your Holiday Meal with Someone in Need 

This Thanksgiving season the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) aims to raise $21,000 to provide 840 Holiday meals to local households who are struggling in this economy. For only $25 you can provide a turkey or ham, stuffing, vegetables, bread and dessert to a local family in need. For more information visit www.ifcweb.org.

Blanket Orange County Drive
In its 7th year, Blanket Orange County has a goal to collect 400 new or gently used blankets for The Interfaith Council (IFC), The Neighborhood House of Hillsborough and The Maggie Alvis Halfway House. The blanket drive will run from November 15 through December 3, 2010. There are convenient drop off locations throughout Chapel Hill - including downtown at the Visitor's Bureau at 501 West Franklin Street. For information visit www.blanketorangecounty.com.

FREE Valet Parking Downtown!

Participating Businesses: 411 West Italian Cafe, Bonne Soiree,Carolina Brewery, Elaine's on Franklin, Mediterranean Deli & Catering, La Residence Restaurant & Bar, Lantern Restaurant, Talulla's Restaurant, Vespa Restaurant, West End Wine Bar, Cypress on the Hill , Mint Restaurant, FRANK: Franklin Street Arts Collective, Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta, R&R Grill, Salon 135, SANDWHICH, Spanky's Restaurant, Top of the Hill Brewery & Restaurant.