There is always something to do in Middle Georgia, especially for the holidays!

Macon harpist Betsy Fitzgerald and Huffington Post film critic Jackie K. Cooper have some ideas for you.

Here are Betsy’s items:
Handel’s Messiah
Presented by the Choral Society of Middle Georgia

A staple in the classical music repertoire, not many people know that this Christmas holiday favorite was actually written for Easter. This full-length concert work features soloists and choir accompanied by chamber orchestra. It’s most notable movement is the famed “Hallelujah” Chorus, In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. The tradition is said to have originated with the first London performance of Messiah, which was attended by King George the Second. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king was so moved that he rose to his feet and remained standing until the end of the chorus. Royal protocol has always dictated that when the monarch stands, everyone in the monarch's presence is also required to stand. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood when the king stood during the performance, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries.

Handel’s Messiah

December 11 and 12, 2016
7:30 PM
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar Street, Macon
$10

Grand Holiday Tea

I love all of the new events popping up at the historic Cannonball House in Macon. The holiday tea is just one of many programs they are presenting, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful property while sampling teas and delectable bites. The home is perfectly decorated for the holidays and the perfect backdrop for an afternoon out with friends and family. Proceeds from this event will support their education programs.

Grand Holiday Tea

December 12, 2015
4:00-6:00 pm
Cannonball House, 856 Mulberry Street, Macon
$25
Call 478-745-5982 to purchase tickets or if you would like more information.

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Here are Jackie’s ideas:
1. “Saving Christmas” A Christmas Play plus traditional Christmas Story. presented by Warner Robins Little Theater and Fine Art Society of Middle Georgia. December 12 at 5PM, doors open at 4:15. Warner Robins Civic Center. Children $5,Adults $10 at the door. $1 off ticket with donation of new toy to “Kids Yule Love”. Kids encouraged to come as Princesses and superheroes.

(2) The Palace of the South Christmas Gala
Wednesday, December 16th
7-9 PM
Come delight in the season at the ever festive Hay House. Enjoy a self-guided tour featuring numerous Macon interior and floral designers as they compete in a room design challenge with a theme from the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. This magical evening will be highlighted with Theatre Macon’s performance of scenes from “A Christmas Story” and songs from their Christmas Cabaret. Hor d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Which room will be your favorite?
Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Tel: 478-742-8155

3. “A Christmas Story: The Musical” When: 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12;
Where: Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry St.
Cost: $25 adults, $20 seniors (60+), $15 students (through age 22)
Information: 478-746-9485; www.theatremacon.com

Directed by Jim Crisp, Musical Director Jim Pendorf.
James Rigsby as Ralphie and Patrick Cheek as “the old Man”

4. John Berry: The Christmas Concert – The Grand Opera House December 18, 7:30 – all seats $37 at all levels. (478) 301-5470

5. Lights Display – home of Frank and Gayle Borah - 1255 John E Sullivan RdByron, GA 31008-5601

NEW YEAR'S EVE!
(6) Thursday, December 31st, 2015 ~ 9:00 PM
Dance the night away in your best party attire while balloons rain down at the stroke of midnight! Complimentary champagne toast during Ball-Drop and hors d'oeuvres available throughout the night. It's going to be a night to remember so get your tickets today!

$20 - Tickets available now!
(Tables are also available for purchase please contact Kaylee Smith at
478-957-7728 or TheLibraryBallroom@gmail.com for more details.)

(7) Buzzard Drop New Year's Eve December 31
The idea of the Perry Buzzard Drop was formed from a group sitting around drinking coffee, lamenting there was no local New Year’s Eve party to go to, said Mary Beth Bass, economic development director for the city of Perry.
Because there were buzzards in the area roosting at the city’s water tower, someone jokingly suggested dropping a buzzard.
“From that sort of tongue in cheek idea,” Bass said, the Downtown Development Authority decided to create a mechanical buzzard to coincide with the countdown to midnight.
Aside from the buzzard drop, there will be live entertainment from the Celebration Band from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Perry will use its recreation department vans to take city residents home at the end of the night, said Mayor Jimmy Faircloth.
Food and alcohol are available during the street party, which will take place downtown. Rusty’s, a downtown restaurant, will create a signature buzzard drink for the occasion.
The New Perry Hotel will sell breakfast after the event and will also have rooms available.

Tags: Leah Fleming, Jackie K. Cooper. Betsy Fitzgerald, Your Middle Georgia Weekend