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Steeple to Steeple Walking Tour of Historic Churches in Olde Towne - Steeple to Steeple is a walking tour of seven historic churches in Olde Towne Portsmouth dating back to pre-American Revolution. Col. Crawford, the founding father of Portsmouth, will lead you on a tour where you will hear stories from yesteryear. Come see a portion of the Underground Railroad, touch pews made by slaves, marvel at Tiffany stained glass windows, see a colonial church dating back to the Church of England and admire the unique architecture at all of the churches. Proceeds from the tour go towards the restoration of St. Paul's, primarily the repair of the steeple and bell tower.9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., St. Paul's Catholic Church, 518 High St. Admission: $20 in advance with reservations highly recommended, $25 at the door. Call 757-483-4608 for information.

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From These Hills: New Works by Southwest Virginia - A collaborative exhibition with the William Regional King Arts Center in Abingdon, Va. Courthouse Galleries, High and Court streets. Admission. 757-393-8543.

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Presented by Ismael Entertainment & Records, in association with Cherry Promotions. 4 to 8 p.m. All seats $20. General admission. Willett Hall, 3701 Willett Drive. 757-393-5460. For talent search auditions, call 757-857-1103.

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Olde Towne Fall Crawl - Participating businesses include Amorys Wharf, Barons Pub, Bier Garden, Bowmans Garden Center, Olde Towne Bakery, Paddy O'Briens, and Thumpers. Free continuous hay ride donated by John Round Landscaping. $10.00 ticket covers a "Fall Taste" from each participating business. Must be 21 to participate. Tickets on sale at all locations.8 to 11 p.m. Call 757-332-0991 for details.

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Olde Towne Arts and Antiques Open House - Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping at this 8th annual event. Art, antique, specialty shops, and restaurants in the historic High Street Shopping District participate in this event, which kicks off the winter holiday season. Opening shows and receptions featured at local art galleries. Also includes free horse-drawn wagon rides; complimentary refreshments at many of the shops; and an antique car show in the 500 block of High Street. 5 to10 p.m. 757-398-0990. Free.

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Annual Portfolio Exhibit: Tidewater Artists' Association - This annual juried multi-media exhibit offers member artists an opportunity to exhibit a body of work, which represent a developed theme, style or vision. Courthouse Galleries, High & Court streets. Admission. 757-393-8543.

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Coleman's Christmas Wonderland – In its final year of business, Coleman Nursery will close its doors forever after 60 years in business and 39 years of "Winter Wonderland." This may be the last time visitors will be able to see the annual holiday display, which is filled with an assortment of mechanical marionettes and puppets that move within numerous electronic displays and exhibits, setting the nursery aglow with Christmas cheer during the holiday season. Visit the "Snow Babies," walk through the "Snow Palace," and be delighted by "Christmas Town 1890." See "Santa's Workshop," "Teddy Bear Land," "Santa's Train" and "Santa's Circus." Miniature puppet shows will amaze and delight young and old alike. A life-sized Nativity scene in the garden contains 100,000 miniature lights. Through the first week of the New Year. Located at 4934 High St., West, in the Churchland area of Portsmouth. 757-484-3426.

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Holiday Wine & Dine Progressive Dinners - Ever wish you could be three places at once during the holidays? For the second year the Downtown Norfolk Council "Holiday Wine & Dine Progressive Dinners" will offer just such an opportunity. Diners will be able to sample delicious food & wine at three separate, trendy restaurants. Holiday Wine & Dines will be offered on Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15 in Olde Towne Portsmouth and Downtown Norfolk. MacArthur Center will offer them on Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Choose from four separate dinner packages at $45 per person. The OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH package begins with free parking at the Renaissance Hotel, then a trolley will take you to China Garden for appetizers and wine. Next you'll be transported to Thumpers Olde Towne Cajun Grille for a sumptuous entree with wine, and finish off your evening back at the Renaissance for a dessert and cordial at the Foggy Bottom Bar & Grill. Offered each of the three Mondays in December before Christmas (Dec. 1, 8, 15). Call 757-623-1757 or 757-393-5111 for additional information.

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Portsmouth City Park Holidays – Celebrate the holiday spirit at Portsmouth City Park with free rides on the Pokey Smokey, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments, give-aways, and visits with Santa. Noon to 8 p.m. Portsmouth City Park, 140 City Park Ave. 757-465-2937 or 757-393-8481.

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Christmas in Cradock - An annual event of the Cradock Civic League. Includes arts & crafts, pictures with Santa, caroling, hot apple cider, muffins, coffee, cookies, brownies, and a Winter Wonderland. 5-8 p.m. Afton Square. 757-558-1481.

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Olde Towne Flea Market – Includes nearly 100 vendors from the Hampton Roads area, who will be selling antiques, jewelry, collectibles, sports cards, framed pictures, floral arrangements, vintage clothing, furniture, home accessories, rugs, candles, toys, crafts, concrete statues, and more. Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association. Held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Middle Street Parking Garage, Middle and London streets. Free admission and free parking on the upper floors or on the street. 757-393-1622

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Holiday Floral Arranging Demonstration - In the spirit of the season, Richard Phillips will provide a holiday floral arranging demonstration. Phillips is part owner of Bowman's Garden Center in Olde Towne Portsmouth. He will demonstrate his creative skills in floral arranging and present ideas to audience members for holiday decorating. Phillips has presented arrangements and given demonstrations for special events at the Courthouse Galleries in the past. 2 p.m. Courthouse Galleries, High and Court streets. 757-393-8543. www.courthousegalleries.com. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

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Holiday Wine & Dine Progressive Dinners - Ever wish you could be three places at once during the holidays? For the second year the Downtown Norfolk Council "Holiday Wine & Dine Progressive Dinners" will offer just such an opportunity. Diners will be able to sample delicious food & wine at three separate, trendy restaurants. Holiday Wine & Dines will be offered on Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15 in Olde Towne Portsmouth and Downtown Norfolk. MacArthur Center will offer them on Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Choose from four separate dinner packages at $45 per person. The OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH package begins with free parking at the Renaissance Hotel, then a trolley will take you to China Garden for appetizers and wine. Next you'll be transported to Thumpers Olde Towne Cajun Grille for a sumptuous entree with wine, and finish off your evening back at the Renaissance for a dessert and cordial at the Foggy Bottom Bar & Grill. Offered each of the three Mondays in December before Christmas (Dec. 1

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Free Holiday Concert - An annual holiday tradition, performed free for the public by the U.S. Air Force Band. 7:30 p.m. Willett Hall, 3701 Willett Drive. Free; however, a ticket may be required. Call 757-393-5460 for details. www.willetthall.com.

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Opening Reception for Cross-Currents at the Courthouse Galleries - Curated by Gayle Paul of the Courthouse Galleries, this exhibit offers a variety of cultural stories that include such distant locales as the Brazilian rainforest and encompasses the United States, Asia, and Africa. The exhibit, featuring artwork by contemporary artists, will offer installations, sculpture, fiber arts, paintings and poetry.Exhibit on display in the main gallery of the Courthouse Galleries through Feb. 9, 2004. Reception held from 6 to 8 p.m. Courthouse Galleries, Court and High streets. 757-393-8543. www.courthousegalleries.com