The holiday spirit is in the air. This weekend, there’s a candlelight service paying tribute to the former St. Nicholas Church in Troy Hill with the Preserve Croatian Heritage Foundation, Craft Night at Commonplace Coffee Co., the Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour and the 8th Annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along Concert.

Photo by Clifton Loosier

Thursday, Dec. 6

Candlelight Prayer Service at St. Nicholas Church Historic Site

Celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas and pay tribute to the former St. Nicholas Church in Troy Hill with the Preserve Croatian Heritage Foundation at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. St. Nicholas will be represented in costume to participate in the service and to wave to passing motorists traveling on Rt. 28. Call Bernice with questions at 412-335-2780.

Board Game Night at Threadbare

Pittsburgh Casual Games hosts this event the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A large selection of board and card games will be available, but feel free to bring your own. R.S.V.P.s are requested. Find out more on the Facebook event page.

Friday, Dec. 7

Printwork Exhibition Opening Reception at AIR

Thirty-three works by 21 artists from 12 states: This national juried exhibition is a way to make the best of contemporary printmaking visible to a large audience in the Pittsburgh region. Free and open to the public, from 6 to 9 p.m. For a full list of featured artists and more information, visit the Artist Image Resource (AIR) website.

Craft Night at Commonplace Coffee Co. – Mexican War Streets

Craft Nights are held on the first Friday of the month from December 2018 through May 2019, each with a different theme. Belle will be kicking off the first event this Friday on garland making, utilizing everything from popcorn to felt to muffin cups. $5 at the door. Includes craft supplies, instructions, snacks and wine. Coffee bar will also be open for the first half hour for those who would like to purchase drinks. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour

Most homes in Allegheny West are more than 100 years old and Victorian in architectural style. Lavishly decorated for the holidays, they recall the late 19th Century birth of the traditional American Christmas: elaborately decorated mantels, towering Christmas tress and pine, holly and mistletoe on stairs and chandeliers. House and train tours available today and Saturday, Dec. 8. For more information, including tour times and ticket prices, click here.

Saturday, Dec. 8

Sensory Sensitive Screening of The Polar Express

The Rangos Giant Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center will show a special, sensory sensitive screening of The Polar Express at 12:30 p.m. The film will be shown in 2D, with theater lighting adjusted to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities. For more information, including ticket prices, visit the Carnegie Science Center’s website.

Sahaja Meditation at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Allegheny

Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon, learn to reduce stress and balance your health. Everyone is welcome. Learn more via the Pittsburgh Sahaja Meditation Meetup group.  Visit the Carnegie Library event listing for more details.

Sunday, Dec. 9

8th Annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along Concert

Hear Handel’s masterpiece performed at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue, by chamber orchestra and Messiah Choir in the company of Tiffany stained-glass windows, cookies and candlelight. Show is from 4 to 5:15 p.m. For more information, including ticket prices, visit the Calvary United Methodist Church website.

Sikes and The New Violence: Album Release Number Two and Pizza Party at Get Hip Recordings

Celebrate the release of the Modern Modesty album by Sikes and The New Violence, with special guest Swampwalk, from 7 to 10 p.m. All show attendees will be treated to a 10 percent discount on everything at the Get Hip Record Store. Sponsored by Rock Bottom Brewery and Apizza Badamo. Beer and pizza will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Show is all ages. Tickets are $7 at the door. For more information, check out the Facebook event page, call 412-231-2007 or email calvarypgh@gmail.com.

Have an event you’d like us to feature online in the Northside Happenings? Every week on our website, we announce free or almost-free events happening in the Northside on Thursdays through Sundays. Email a paragraph detailing the name of the event, location, specifics and a website or contact information to editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com. Deadline is 4 p.m. on the Wednesday before the weekend.