Ellicott City

Sing-along

A community sing-along of Handel's "Messiah" will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4100 St. John's Lane. Sheet music will be provided for choral parts, and all skill levels are welcome. Dr. Dana Rothlisberger is the conductor. All are welcome to sing along or listen. Admission is free. Information: 410-707-0692.

Concert

The Alleluias, an interfaith Christian choral group, presents the Christmas cantata, "Agnus Dei," at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Rockland United Methodist Church, 8971 Chapel Ave. in Ellicott City. The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken. Information: 443-812-1037 or 410-465-1463.

Train garden

The annual "Holiday Festival of Trains" is on display through Jan. 29 at the B&O Railroad Museum, 2711 Maryland Ave. The exhibit features custom-built model train layouts. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, (closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1). Admission is $5, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $3 for children 2-12, free for B&O members. Information: 410-461-1945.

Free parking

Metered parking in Historic Ellicott City is free through Jan. 2. There are four metered parking areas downtown, offering more than 140 spaces. Signs will be posted notifying customers of the free parking at parking lot entrances. Parking on Main Street, which is not metered, continues to be limited to two hours.

Around town

Exercise program A stroke exercise program will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road. Information: 410-313-1425.

Holiday program The Fabulous 50+ Players perform at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Concert The Bushy Park Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Lisa Boss, performs its winter holiday concert at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Genealogy class Use the Census to help trace and understand ancestors from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Table tennis Play pingpong from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Cards Play pinochle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Billiards Play pool from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Needlework club Bring knitting, sewing or needlework projects and supplies to the Ellicott City Senior Center at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Free.

Workshop Madline Taylor hosts a journaling workshop at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Shutterbugs Camera club meets at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Ellicott City Senior Center. Free.

Blood pressure screenings Stop in from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Ellicott City Senior Center for free blood pressure readings by a registered nurse. Information: 410-313-1425.

Chess The Elkridge branch of the Howard County Public Library, 6540 Washington Blvd., sponsors a chess club for ages 13 and older from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Players of all abilities are welcome. Information: 410-313-7723.

Holiday bake and gift sale Event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd. All are welcome. Information: 410-313-5192.

English conversation The Miller branch of the Howard County Public Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, offers "Let's Get Together: English Conversation Club," a chance for those for whom English is a second language to practice speaking and understanding English in a group setting. The club meets at 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Register with the library before your first meeting. Information: 410-313-1950.

Kiwanis meets The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at 3300 Norberts Way. Information: 410-418-8218 or ellicottcitykiwanis.com.