Holiday events: concerts, parties, 'Messiah' and more

The Music Department will offer a free noontime Christmas concert at 12:15 p.m. today, Dec. 8, in Goodspeed Recital Hall. The University Flute Ensemble and Gargoyle Brass will perform music by Bach and Palestrina, as well as traditional carols.

Law School Films will present the perennial Christmas favorite It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 8, in the Law School auditorium.

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony and the Ancona School Swing Chorus will present a free holiday concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Smart Museum of Art.

The Hyde Park Art Center, 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd., will hold a free reception from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The reception, which kicks off the center's weeklong holiday art sale, will feature refreshments and craft activities for children.

The Chicago Housing Authority Choir will perform on Saturday, Dec. 10, and the Holy Vessel Church Choir will sing on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Hyde Park Shopping Center, 55th Street and Lake Park Avenue. The free afternoon concert series will continue on Saturday, Dec. 17, with the Kenwood Academy Choir and on Sunday, Dec. 18, with the Acafellas. Free horse-drawn-carriage rides will be offered, and at the Hyde Park Co-op children can pose for photos with Santa Claus; photos with Santa may be purchased for $5.

The Smart Museum of Art's free holiday party will be held at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. The party will include performances by a cappella groups, tours for adults and children and craft activities for kids.

Handel's "Messiah" will be performed at 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The concert will feature the Rockefeller Chapel Choir, the Motet Choir and Symphony of the Shores, conducted by Bruce Tammen. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased in Reynolds Club from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 9. Tickets may also be ordered by phone at 753-1191.

Internationals Together will have a Christmas party Friday evening, Dec. 16. Activities will include decorating a Christmas tree. For reservations, required by Wednesday, Dec. 14, call 324-6576.

A free holiday party for children, featuring refreshments, stories and games, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St.

The Chicago Children's Choir will present a holiday concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Rockefeller Chapel. The program will include Bach's "Magnificat," performed with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as traditional carols and holiday music from around the world. Tickets are $15, $10 for students and seniors. For more information, call 849-8300.

A traditional Christmas Eve service with a candlelight procession will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at Rockefeller Chapel.