Local churches plan special holiday services and events

Choir presentations, a live nativity, Chanukah on Ice and a number of special services highlight the holiday observances being planned this week by local churches and religious groups.

Choir presentations

Cathedral of the Madeleine: The Cathedral Choir offers three opportunities for community members to enjoy the annual Christmas Carol Service at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The service features music of the Advent and Christmas seasons presented in the unique and inspiring setting of the cathedral. The service will be presented Monday, Dec. 19, and Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. The Cathedral is located at 205 First Ave. in Salt Lake City. To get free seating passes for the Monday and Tuesday performances, or for more information, call 801-994-4663.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's weekly "Music and the Spoken Word" program will be pre-recorded at the LDS Conference Center on Thursday, Dec. 22. The program will feature special Christmas music from the choir's annual Christmas Concert. The recording session is free, and the auditorium will open to the public at 8 p.m.

Live nativity

Orem Community Church: A tradition spanning several decades will return on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 22 and 23, when the Orem Community Church presents its outdoor live nativity featring live animals. The nativity is presented as a Christmas gift to the community by the church, with an assist this year from the Assembly of God Church. It will be held on the OCC property at 130 N. 400 East in Orem from 7-9 p.m. each night. For more information call 801-224-1760.

Chanukah on Ice

Gallivan Center: With the eight days of Chanukah (Hanukkah) set to begin on Dec. 20, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah will celebrate Chanukah on ice at the Gallivan Center (between Main and State streets on 200 South in downtown Salt Lake City) on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature free ice skating, live Jewish music and, at 6:15 p.m., the lighting of Utah's largest Menorah. There will also be the traditional potato Latkes, jelly donuts, draydels and more. For more information call 801-467-7777.

Special services