Family-Friendly Events at Advent ‘Christmas’ Village

Advent Christian Village at Dowling Park loves to celebrate Christmas. As the season surrounding the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it is a wonderful time of joy and anticipation. For decades, ACV has made the season as festive as possible. This year, many exciting events are planned, and you are invited to take part!

VSU Choirs & Wind Ensemble

On Saturday, Dec. 2, at 3:00 p.m., just prior to the official start of Advent “Christmas” Village, Valdosta State University will present Joy to the World — a Christmas concert featuring the VSU Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers and Concert Choir. This is a free concert — a gift to the Village from the university. They will present Christmas carols in seven different languages; many will be familiar melodies with translations for the audience. Join us at The Village Church for what is sure to be a great Christmas prelude.

Annual Village “Tree Lighting”

Join us for a fun, family-centered evening Sunday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. The young and young-at-heart really enjoy this festive event. Each year, everyone first gathers in The Village Church for a brief, informal time of music featuring the children’s choir and a carol sing-a-long. Then, it’s time to head outside to light the tree and all the Village Christmas lights. After the lights have been “magically” turned on, everyone is invited to take a short walking tour through campus to see them. Then everyone gathers at Rumph Dining Room for refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Bethlehem & Beyond

More than just a live nativity, we invite you to experience the story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension told through a live, outdoor production at Advent Christian Village. Thursday, Dec. 7, though Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:00 p.m. each night, Bethlehem & Beyond will be performed in the field next to Harmony Center on Buck Rogers Dr. in Dowling Park. This is a cooperative effort of Advent Christian Village and other churches in Dowling Park. A cast of over 120 will tell the story of the life of Christ through drama and music. There is no charge. You may want to bring your own lawn chair(s); and, as the production will take place outdoors after sunset, please dress accordingly.

Gainesville Pops Concert

The Gainesville Pops, an instrumental group modeled after the Boston Pops Orchestra, is returning to Advent Christian Village on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3:00 p.m to perform a Christmas concert. They are a delightful part of the annual Advent “Christmas” Village festivities. There is no charge to attend this matinee concert, but a $5 donation is requested from each attending adult.

Spend the day at Advent “Christmas” Village on Saturday, Dec. 9, and attend both the Gainesville Pops concert at 3:00 and the last presentation of Bethlehem & Beyond at 7:00. Browse the Village Square gift shops, Riverside Gifts and the Rustic Shop, which will be open until 5:00. Then, supper will be available at both the Village Café and at the Lopin’ Gopher Deli.

Village Church Christmas Cantata

The Village Church will present its 2017 Christmas cantata, Rejoice & Sing!, three times: Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Featuring handbells; an instrumental ensemble; adult, youth and children’s choirs; and the Garden Worship Center Flag and Dance Team, Rejoice & Sing! will be a time of worship centered around the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The final Advent “Christmas” Village event takes place Sunday, Dec. 24, at 6:00 p.m. The Village Church invites you to their annual Christmas Eve candlelight communion service. This short service will be a wonderful time of reflection and preparation for the day on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We encourage you to attend as many of these events as you can fit into your holiday schedule. The Village Church is located at 23739 Park Center Dr. Call 658-5291 for more information. From all of us at Advent Christian Village, we wish you a merry Christmas!