The Chocolate Church Arts Center (CCAC), located at 804 Washington Ave in Bath, announces the 2017 Christmas schedule of music and theatre and community events. For the fifth consecutive year, CCAC offers diverse programs to highlight the sights, sounds and sentiment of the holiday season. 

Forget about Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen.  It’s Rocking Rudolph and old school rhythm and blues that kicks off the holiday with Motown Christmas with Pat Colwell & The Soul Sensations on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 advance and $20 at the door.

Magician Scot Grassette has developed the all ages “Christmas is Magic” show to incorporate holiday themes and music along with props to create a show chock full of Christmas laughs, wonder and excitement. There are performances at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $12 advance/$22 door. 

It is always a cozy evening of lively entertainment when the Sweetback Sisters take the stage. On Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., their honky-tonk becomes a country-sing-along. Hands will clap and toes will tap during this fun-loving evening of engaging Christmas favorites. Tickets are $18 advance/$22 at the door.

Turning of the Year on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. combines the talents of accordion player John Whelan, with American roots band Low Lily and Scottish-style fiddler Katie McNally.  This spectacular holiday mini-fest features traditional and original music from Ireland, Scotland, and America. Tickets are $18 advance/$22 at the door.

In addition to the variety of Christmas themed shows, the Chocolate Church presents community treasures such as a theatre production of “Scrooge!” and “Sing! It’s Christmas.”  SCROOGE! is a variation on the beloved Dickens classic but has added songs and choreography. This all-family show captures the essence of the season with performances Dec. 14-17. Tickets are $12 advance/$15 at door.

Immediately following is the community sing-along “Sing! It’s Christmas” on Monday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Admission is free for this evening when the community gathers to sing Christmas carols. 

The year ends with the Newfoundland-style New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. Again Pat Colwell & Soul Sensation returns to entertain the audience with classic Motown and soul music. Joining our friends in the Newfoundland time zone, we will welcome the new year at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 individual/$100 couple. 21 and over only.

Tickets for all shows/events are available through the box office at 207-442-8455 or online www.chocolatechurcharts.org.