Arts of the Pamlico’s annual holiday traditions continue this week at the historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is aglow with lighted Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments by local artists and art groups, which are for sale through Dec. 21.

On Friday, the stage wreaths will twinkle overhead as you sing along with the Beaufort County Choral Society during their annual Christmas concert onstage at the Turnage. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free — donations to support the Choral Society are appreciated. Concessions will be for sale.

On Saturday, the arts council’s 19^th-annual Holiday Homes Tour takes place in historic Washington. Virginia Finnerty is coordinating the event again this year. Virginia has put together an array of eight beautifully decorated homes never seen on this tour. Don’t miss the fabulous display of Nutcrackers at event sponsor The Rich Company’s headquarters near the Walmart shopping plaza, which is a highlight of this annual tradition. Docents will greet you at every stop. This year’s home docents include Liz Stallings, Gwen Edwards, David Edwards, Joe Woolard, Jayne Meisell, Brittany Lane, Brianna Dintino and Georgia Brown. Tickets are $20 cash/$22 credit card and $25 day of. Buy tickets at the theater or online at www.artsofthepamlico.org, click on events calendar date.

AOP’s Holiday Shop returns Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for youth and adults. Heather Thienpont has put together a variety of local art to buy or make on your own — paint an ornament with Liz for $5, paint a carved Santa face with Ed for $10, shop local art and books, handmade scarves, jewelry and more! All art for sale is $25 or less. Free gift wrapping included. Families can sign in and provide youth with art and crafts shopping money to participate in the event. Youth may be signed in and dropped off to shop with an AOP elf between 9 a.m. and noon. Photos with Santa by Derek Cadzow will be offered at the Turnage as a fundraiser for Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children’s teen mom program. If you’d like to volunteer to help with AOP’s holiday shop, please contact Thad at t.aleyaop@gmail.com or call AOP.

To become a member or renew your membership, purchase tickets, sponsor an event, and/or learn more about the show visit www.artsofthepamlico.org or call 252-946-2504. AOP is located in its historic Turnage Theatre at 150 W. Main St. in Washington.

Art Beat shares information about programs and efforts of your regional arts council, Arts of the Pamlico, and arts events at the historic Turnage Theatre and across the county. AOP presents and supports the provision of arts programming for the community and region.

Debra Torrence is the executive director of Arts of the Pamlico.