Community events
Holiday concerts
“The Gonzaga University Choir will perform its 121st annual Christmas Candlelight Concert at 8 p.m. today at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone Ave. Tickets are $12 at the door; children 12 and under are admitted free.
“Whitworth University will present its Christmas Festival Concert, “Journey to Bethlehem,” at 8 p.m. Friday and at 3 and 7 p.m. next Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St.
The cost is $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. For advance tickets call (800) 532-4668.
“The Spokane Area Children’s Choir and the Spokane Youth Orchestra will present free “Wassail” holiday concerts at 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave.
The Cathedral Choir also will perform. The concerts include Christmas carols and audience sing-along.
“First Church of the Nazarene will present “Sing Joy,” a Christmas musical drama with a Southern gospel feel, on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the church, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd.
Admission is free. For information, call (509) 467-8986.
Advent retreat
The Convent of the Holy Names will host an afternoon Advent retreat Thursday with Sisters Roberta Lamanna and Rosemary Thielman of Wisdomworks.
The event will include presentations, prayer, light refreshments and a Mass. It will run from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the convent at 2911 W. Fort Wright Drive.
The retreat is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Sisters of Holy Names ministries. Call (509) 328-7470, ext. 121, for reservations.
Alternative Gift Fair
The Unitarian Universalist Church will host its fifth annual Alternative Gift Fair on Sunday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 2 p.m.
The fair offers a choice among 20 local, national and international organizations to receive donations in honor of a loved one, including Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, Hospice of Spokane and Catholic Relief Services.
Hanukkah
Chabad of Spokane will host “Draidels ‘n’ Doughnuts” on Wednesday to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the center at 4116 E. 37th Ave. There will be a menorah lighting, doughnut decorating, crafts and more.
Suggested donation is $10.
Christmas pageant
The South Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church will host live outdoor performances of “Journey to Bethlehem” beginning Friday at the church, located at 57th and Freya.
The presentations, which include live animals, 40 actors and full sets, will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday through Dec. 9. Admission is free. It will take place outdoors; those attending should dress accordingly. Call (509) 448-6425.