Advent celebration: A larger-than-life gingerbread Advent calendar is currently on display at the the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, and in keeping with the holiday tradition, St. Nick will arrive at the hotel at 2 p.m. each day now through Christmas. Upon arrival, he will select a young guest from the Lobby Lounge, who will assist him in opening the day's Advent calendar door. Behind each door will be a unique handmade holiday treat, which changes daily. The Advent calendar will be on display until Jan. 1. Free and open to all. Information: 3434 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-237-2700, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/georgia/buckhead.
Sounds of the season: A holiday performance featuring modern gospel and classical music, spirituals, spoken word, Christmas carols and more will be presented from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Aptly called "Lessons and Carols: A Christmas Celebration," the event will feature St. Paul's Choir, directed by Will Buthod; other local choirs and musicians; and community leaders including the first lady of Atlanta, Sarah-Elizabeth Reed; founder and CEO of the Trumpet Awards, Xernona Clayton; and anchor at Channel 2 Action News WSB-TV, Jovita Moore. Free and open to all. Information: 306 Peyton Road S.W., Atlanta. 404-696-3620, www.stpaulsatl.org.
Christmas Eve worship: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer will offer the following special services on Dec. 24: 11 a.m. in German; 1 p.m., traditional Christmas worship; 3 p.m. for families, which includes lessons and carols for children; 6 p.m., contemporary worship with jazz music; and 8 and 11 p.m., candlelight worship inclusive of traditional service plus instrumental and choir music. Open to all. Information: 731 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-874-8664, www.redeemer.org.
Special service: A candlelight service will be held at 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at Mount Paran Church. Information: 2055 Mount Paran Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-923-8700, www.mountparan.com.
Get fit: Kick off the new year with a fitness plan. Adults will be able to choose from a variety of group exercises like core motion, Zumba, body sculpting, tai chi plus indoor swimming and tennis classes for free Jan. 8-14 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Information: 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002, www.atlantajcc.org.
Torah study: A women's Torah study class titled "Fascinating Stories of Biblical Characters and Their Life Changing Lessons" will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 4 and run for eight weeks at Chabad of Cobb. Each class is $10, or it's $48 for all sessions. Information: 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-565-4412, www.chabadofcobb.com.
Have an event you’d like to publicize? Send an email with all event details, a contact phone number and photo (if available) in the body to: ajcfaithcalendar@gmail.com. You can also post your event at www.ajc.com/calendars.
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