Rexburg, Idaho: From Festivals to Dickens' Plays

Contemplating what to do this holiday season in Rexburg? It's tempting to fall into a monotonous routine every year and not inch outside your comfort zone. Although you'd be well served to know, in spite of Rexburg's small size, there are several activities to keep you and your family occupied this holiday season.

Kicking off the season is the annual Thanksgiving concert held at the Rexburg Tabernacle Event Center on Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. For additional information on this free concert, call (208) 356-3020.

Santa will make his rounds at the Hometown Festival of Lights on Friday, Nov. 24. The turkey trot (a short race) will progress down Main Street at 5 p.m. followed by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. and the caroling parade at 6:30 p.m. Attendees have the option of checking out a Christmas talent show at the tabernacle or a playing of Christmas cartoons/movies for children at the Westwood at 7 p.m. During the activities, Santa will visit and take pictures with children. Also, Santa's Workshop will begin Saturday, Nov. 25, 1-4 p.m. and run until Dec. 23.

Living in a college town like Rexburg has advantages. Brigham Young University-Idaho is hosting numerous holiday shows this season that's sure to keep your Christmas spirits bubbling. If you crave traditional Christmas music, then check out "Christmas in the Snow." Three hundred students will sing and narrate the birth of Christ with the help of the BYU-Idaho Chamber Brass. The concerts will be held Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, at both 2 and 7:30 p.m. in the Barrus Concert Hall. Tickets go on sale Nov. 13 in the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center. Cost is $6 for the general public and $3 for BYU-Idaho students. No children under six will be admitted, including babies. For more information, call the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office at (208) 496-2230.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., the western music group Bar J Wranglers will perform their Christmas show in the Hart Auditorium. The group, from Jackson Hole, will perform stand-up comedy with a mix of western Christmas music. Tickets go on sale Nov. 6. Cost is $10 for the general public and $5 for BYU-Idaho students. Children will be admitted, but not babies. A preshow dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center and is $12 extra.

If you're looking for something entertaining and educating in Rexburg, then check out the BYU-Idaho's planetarium show "The Christmas Star." The religious based show will explore theories on the star that appeared over Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. Public shows will be airing through the month of December, except for Christmas break. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at the George S. Romney Sciences Building, room 107. Tickets are $1.50 at the door, and children under five are allowed in at no cost. However, parents should be reminded that the darkness and loud noise may scare some children. For information on private viewings, call the Scheduling Office at (208) 496-2242 between 8-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

If you need a reminder of the essence of the holiday season, then check out Charles Dicken'sclassic A Christmas Carol, directed by J. Omar Hansen. The production runs Dec. 6-9 and 12-15at 7:30 pm in the Eliza R. Snow Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Nov. 20. Cost is $6 for the general public and $3 for students at the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office.

Holidays in Rexburg wouldn't be complete without a viewing of Handel's Messiah. The concert will again be performed by the University Orchestra in the Hart Main Auditorium on Dec. 10, 7 p.m. Although a ticket is required, admission is free. You can reserve a ticket at the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office by calling (208) 496-2230.

If you don't mind the thirty-minute drive, Idaho Falls has some noteworthy events in store for this holiday season. From Dec. 1-3, the Eagle Rock Art Guild will sponsor Holiday Fair, an annual fine arts and fine crafts sale. To find out more about the fair, call (208) 542-6253 or email manellpiccolo@cableone.net.

And for more information on events happening in Rexburg in the coming months, visit http://www.rexburg.org/ and/or http://www.byui.edu/CenterStage/.