It is time to celebrate the Christmas holiday and there are plenty of activities to get even the most die-hard “Bah-Humbug” into the spirit of the season. The Big Lake Friends of the Library will sponsor a library holiday open house Monday (Dec. 10) from 3-7 p.m. There will be holiday music by Heather Cornelius (funded by the Legacy grant), make-it and take-it crafts, door prizes and refreshments. There may also be a visit from a very important seasonal visitor. RiverWood Bank is hosting a holiday open house Thursday and Friday at their Big Lake and Monticello locations. Sip hot apple cider or coffee, munch on cookies and sign up for door prizes. Thursday is also the day the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce has their annual Christmas party. This year it is at The Friendly Buffalo. Social hour starts at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. There will be auctions, games, fun and prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Stand-up comedian El Arntson will provide the entertainment. Nationally known, Arntson will start at 8 p.m. The cost for this party is $15 each and includes dinner. You do not have to be a chamber member to attend. Contact Tricia Skodje at (763) 263-7800 for more details and to purchase tickets. The Big Lake Middle School choir presents their concert Thursday, with the sixth graders singing at 6 p.m., the seventh graders at 7 p.m. and the eighth graders at 8 p.m. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Big Lake is hosting a children’s Christmas party Saturday (Dec. 15), from 1-3 p.m. All children are welcome to attend. New River Medical Center and Heartland Hospice will hold their annual tree-lighting ceremony in the solarium lobby Sunday (Dec. 16), from 1-3 p.m. The hospice provides care and comfort for terminally ill patients and family members in the community or in the hospital and supports survivors through their loss. For more information, call (763) 271-2485. Big Lake High School students have their holiday concert Monday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Saron Lutheran Church is having their Longest Night service Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. This year, a choir from Minnesota Teen Challenge will bring contemporary gospel music and inspiring stories of hope and forgiveness. Visit with choir members to hear about their personal experiences and how their lives have been changed by God. Everyone is welcome. Call (763) 263-2209 for more information.