Things to do: Theater, art and tiny quilts

Community sing

The Nature Coast Festival Singers, along with members of the Tampa Bay community, will present Handel's Messiah Community Sing at 3 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4651 Little Road, New Port Richey. An offering will be taken to benefit the Vets4Warriors program.

Theater buffs

Holiday mood: A Show Palace Christmas features matinees and evening shows on select Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 25 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Adults: dinner and show, $49.50; show only, $38.45, plus tax and tip. Ages 12 and younger, $24.95 and $19.95. (727) 863-7949 or toll free, 1-888-655-7469.

Art events

Handmade treasures: Handmade Holiday Gift Gallery runs through Dec. 29 at Progress Energy Art Gallery, 6231 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Creative gifts by local artists. The artwork of Genesis Preparatory students will also be on exhibit. (727) 848-6500 or www.nprgallery.com.

Tiny quilts: Pasco Arts Council features "!Out of Bounds! Unexpected Small Art Quilts," through Dec. 21 at the gallery, 5744 Moog Road, Holiday. Each piece of work is featured on a 12-inch square. Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit www.pascoart.org or call (727) 845-7322.

A call for artists: More than 135 artists and craftsmen are expected to exhibit Jan. 19-20 at the Suncoast Arts Fest at the Shops of Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. Deadline to apply is Dec. 20. Apply at www.zapplication.org. The Fest will also feature the Suncoast Run for the Arts, a 1-mile run/walk event at 9 a.m. Jan. 20; sign up at SuncoastArtsFest.com. Proceeds help supplement funding for arts education.

Consider this

Wilderness Wonderland - Celebration of Lights: Take a leisurely drive through J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey, and catch a display of dancing lights coordinated to holiday music. Starts at 6 p.m. today and Saturday. Visitors must remain in their cars. $2 per vehicle.

Victorian Christmas: Enjoy a holiday stroll through Tarpon Springs' 1883 Safford House, beautifully decorated for the holidays in the Victorian style. Listen to live music, enjoy refreshments and unique holiday gift shop. Soprano Caroline Ogle performs holiday music accompanied by Fremont Ogle on piano from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs. $6-$10.

Think ahead

Winter's arrival: Celebrate the winter solstice and explore the rare, protected salt flats and native plants and animals on a guided tour of the Pasco Palms Preserve. Starts at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the preserve at the west end of Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. (727) 847-2411.

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A Brighter Christmas in Dade City: Historic Dade City Celebrations LLC has established its first community effort to light up 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th streets as well as Magnolia, Robinson, and Beauchamp avenues. The area will be lit from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 21-24 and will contain approximately 3,500 luminarias in the drive-through display. Drive safely and do not exceed 10 mph. Call (352) 255-7503 or (210) 381-2522.

Send events to Michele Miller, Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668 or email miller@tampabay.com. Submit items at least two weeks in advance.