• The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12 in Stuart Auditorium. On Friday evening, the group will join a regional orchestra and choir to perform “Handel's Messiah.” The performance is a baroque-era music composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741-1742. The entirety of Messiah consists of three parts that cover Christ's life from the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah to his birth, the passion and resurrection, and ascension. Notable musical selections include the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “For Unto Us A Child Born,” Glory to God” and “The Glory of the Lord.” The final performance on Saturday night will include traditional Christmas carols. The Lake Junaluska Singers are a 14-voice professional ensemble. The group began in 1954 and has performed nationally and internationally for conferences, dignitaries and major events. Their music ranges from classical choral and contemporary works to gospel, folk and musical theater styles.

• A matinee concert by The Cockman Family will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Since launching their performing career in 1988, they have developed the classic family harmonies and youthful flair that is The Cockman Family trademark. Their unique bluegrass gospel style, original songs and original arrangements of the old gospel songs have been immensely popular with their audiences. Their family ties are strong, with the warmth of that is conveyed in their performances.

• The “Appalachian Christmas Craft Show” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Harrell Center. 828.454.9474. Free to attend. 

All events are open to the public. Individual concert tickets and two- and three-night lodging packages are available. Tickets for the concerts are $22.50 for reserved seating, $17.50 for general admission seating. Children ages 18 and under may attend for free in general admission seating. Packages include lodging, meals, concert tickets and tickets to visit the Biltmore Estate. 

• A Taize worshop service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel. Taizé, named for the religious community in France where it originated, is a quiet service of candlelight, silence, prayer and repetitive chanted music. It is an introspective service that emphasizes meditation and reflection. During this busy Advent season in preparation for Christmas, the Taizé service will provide a time to quiet the mind and listen for God’s word revealed through Scripture. All are invited to come and worship. 

For more information on the event schedule or to buy concert tickets, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or call 800.222.4930.