All aboard! The Polar Express pulls into the Museum of the Albemarle Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as part of a fun-filled holiday open house. View the Polar Express O-scale train village, courtesy of the Albemarle Railroad Club, and watch the locomotive as it climbs to the North Pole. Visit the newly-renovated Children's Discovery Room, featuring interactive exhibits with a railroad theme. Enjoy American Heritage Historic Chocolate demonstrations and tastings, sponsored by the Heritage Division of Mars, Inc., and share your holiday wishes with Santa. A highlight of the day will be three showings of "The Polar Express" film (10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.), based on the popular children's book by author Chris Van Allsburg. On the museum grounds, a "Jingle Bell" carriage ride ($5 per person, with Carolina Carriages) and pony rides ($3 per child, with Circle S Stables) will be available. Also on site will be the 3rd Annual Holiday on the Harbor, with arts, crafts and baked good for purchase. Wrap up your visit at the Museum Gift Shop for the perfect holiday treasure, such as hand-crafted pottery, textiles, baskets and more. The exhibit and museum entrance are free. Grab a ticket, step up to the turnstile-but don't wait! The Polar Express exhibit will leave the tracks Dec. 19.

Celebrating creativity and a brilliant harvest moon over the Pasquotank River, accomplished artists from the south and beyond are visiting Elizabeth City this week to take part in the Moon Splash Artist Studio, a destination retreat for painters who wish to connect to their art and fellow artists in a scenic coastal setting. Carolyn Peel, an Elizabeth City resident and artist, came up with the idea for the retreat which she says "is all about the spirit of making art and learning from each other." Much of the week's activities will take place in a communal downtown studio space where participants can let their creative spirit soar. Workshops, demos and community events are underway. For information and a full listing of events, visit www.artsaoa.com.

Elizabeth City's shopping scene is a dream-come true for those who seek unique and one-of-a-kind gifts, thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of the area's independent business owners. From original artwork and eclectic home décor and furnishings, to jewelry, apparel and artisan-made wares, treasures are to be found in the "Harbor of Hospitality." And the hard-working merchants who own these stores are hoping to see you on Nov. 29 for Small Business Saturday. Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving-between Black Friday and Cyber Monday-the shopping holiday encourages seasonal shoppers to patronize businesses that are small and local. And while you are downtown, be sure to try one of the area's great independently-owned restaurants when you're ready to grab a tasty bite to eat. Supporting local businesses is a great way to embrace the spirit of the season! Downtown businesses look forward to seeing you Nov. 29!

Our holiday event lineup is as long as Santa's list! Check your schedule and plan to join us for one, two or three of these seasonal shows, events and workshops. Visit our online calendar for details and late-breaking event additions! 

• Nov. 8-9 | Mistletoe Show
  This festival craft show marks its 37th year at the Knobb's Creek Recreation Center. Save the date for great holiday shopping!

• Nov. 11 | Victory Belles Veterans Day Show 
  "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and more, sung in rich, three-part harmony by this talented trio. 7:00 p.m. at COA Performing Arts Center.

• Nov. 28 | Elizabeth City's Downtown Holiday Celebration
  Ring in the holidays with the downtown lighting ceremony, caroling, hay/sleigh rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and more. 6:00-8:00 p.m. in downtown Elizabeth City.

• Dec. 3 | Virginia Symphony Brass Concert
  Don't miss this holiday concert by the talented Virginia Symphony Brass Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. at Arts of the Albemarle's Maguire Theatre.

• Dec. 6 | Elizabeth City Christmas Parade
  Enjoy parade floats, marching bands and Santa! Starts at 5:30 p.m.on Main Street.

• Dec. 12 | Gingerbread Workshop
  Kids of all ages can learn the history of gingerbread and decorate a gingerbread house from the Lovin' Oven. 3:30-5:00 p.m. at Museum of the Albemarle.

• Dec. 21 | Christmas on Main
  Elizabeth City's most talented thespians perform in this spirited holiday program. Shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Arts of the Albemarle's Maguire Theatre.

If your sights are set on an out-of-this-world experience, reserve seats for one of the star and laser presentations at the Khan Planetarium at Elizabeth City State University. Housed in a 30-foot hemispherical dome with comfortable seating, the planetarium's star theater features a Spitz 512 star projector that can depict the sky as seen from anywhere on earth. Depending on the time of year, visitors can choose from laser shows featuring holidays and the seasons, such as the Thanksgiving-themed show coming up Nov. 24 and holiday show Dec. 13. All of the scheduled programs are free and open to the public by reservation. Groups of 20 or more may schedule their own show, and those with less than 20 may join a group that is already schedule. Call for details at (252) 335-3SKY.