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Thursday, Dec. 12
Birding in Idaho’s Snake River Plain: 7-9 p.m., Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia. howardbirds.org. After covering the volcanic transformation that reshaped the Rocky Mountains into Idaho’s Snake River Plain created an expansive diverse sagebrush steppe, the club members presenting will visit some of the central and eastern birding destinations ending with Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and home of World Center for Birds of Prey, also known as Peregrine Fund.
Friday, Dec. 13
Smooth Jazz Fridays with Kim Maiden Music: 6-9 p.m., Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia. Doors open 6 p.m., music starts 7 p.m. Food and beverages available for purchase. Limited childcare available for ages 5-11. $35-$40.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Frozen Fest: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia. 410-313-0400. howardcountymd.gov/frozenfest. Winter walk through woods to investigate with frozen experiments. Learn about winter constellations in the planetarium, create tracks in the snow, and see outdoor puppet show. Warm up by fire with roasted marshmallows. Photo-op with Santa between 10 a.m.-noon. Preregistration recommended. $10.
Columbia Concert Band Winter Concert: 3-4:30 p.m., River Hill High School, 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville. Concert features selections in variety of styles, including seasonally-inspired pieces. Free.
Columbia Pro Cantare Chamber Singers — “A Christmas Noel”: 5-6:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia. 410-696-2888. procantare.org. Festive music from four centuries. The Chamber Singers comprise a small ensemble of the larger CPC chorus. $13-$15 in advance; $2 more at door.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Frozen Fest: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia. 410-313-0400. howardcountymd.gov/frozenfest. Winter walk through woods to investigate with frozen experiments. Learn about winter constellations in the planetarium, create tracks in the snow, and see outdoor puppet show. Warm up by fire with roasted marshmallows. Photo-op with Santa between 10 a.m.-noon. Preregistration recommended. $10.
Christmas Cantata: 9:15 a.m.-noon, Bethany United Methodist Church, 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City. 410-465-2919. bethanyum.org. Join online or in-person at the 9:15 and 11 a.m. services as the Chancel Choir performs “Love,” a full cantata with orchestration and narration. Free.
Sing We Noel! Annual Christmas Concert: 4-5:30 p.m., Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville. 301-520-8921. livingartsconcerts.com. Featuring choirs of the church with bells and organ. Concert will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person: https://www.youtube.com/live/eoNAemrzlO8. No tickets required; donations appreciated.
St. Louis Church Concert Series — Christmas at St. Louis: 4-6 p.m., St Louis Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville. 773-592-7153. stlconcertseries.org. Grammy-award winning soloist Tynan Davis and other guest vocalists join St. Louis Concert Chorus, Treble Choir, and Orchestra of St. Louis. Donations of non-perishable food and personal care items accepted to fill shelves of HCC Fueling Dragons Campus Food Pantry that supports students at Howard County Community College. Free.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Building an LGBTQIA+ Holiday Toolkit Webinar: 6-7:15 p.m., webinar. 410-313-6430. howardcountymd.gov. Howard County LGBTQIA+ Commission hosts a webinar featuring advice on navigating holidays, particularly when choosing how and if to engage with those who may not be affirming, along with tips for allies on supporting LGBTQIA+ friends and family. No registration necessary. Join live webinar at @HCOHRE on Instagram or Facebook, or watch at @HowardCountyGov on YouTube. Presenters include Shekinah F. Davis, DEI Training Specialist at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work; and Paula M. Neira, Navy veteran, nurse and lawyer.