Bluffton has a calendar full of events taking place this weekend - everything from a visit from Santa, an art gallery opening and a performance of Handel's "Messiah."

Here's the list of events:

Santa Claus

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce brings Santa to Bluffton on Saturday. This is his third Saturday in a row, so your chances to talk with him are excellent. This week he will be at Greg's Pharmacy, 126 N. Main St., from 10 a.m. to noon. You'll also probably meet him as he walks up and down Main Street from time to time during the morning.

Gallery 323 open house

A new Bluffton business, Gallery 323, will celebrate an opening Saturday,  from 4-7 p.m.  The studio store, located at 323 N. Main St., will feature art and gifts. The varied inventory includes ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, paintings and prints by area artists.

Saturday’s opening event offers patrons an opportunity for a first look and early selection, along with holiday treats and beverages.

“Gallery 323 will be a great addition to the Village of Bluffton and its Main Street destination shopping experience,” said Gregg Luginbuhl, owner. “We will offer unique art from well-known and up-and-coming regional artists, supporting artisans and retail development in Bluffton.

They'll wrap your gifts

Bluffton High School juniors and their parents will wrap Christmas gifts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and again Dec. 20 in the Bluffton Elementary School gym to raise funds for their post prom activities. Donations will be accepted. Those wishing to have gifts wrapped may drop off and pick up their items in the gym.

Handel's "Messiah"

Bluffton University will present its 119th performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Founders Hall. The event is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken.

Dr. Mark J. Suderman, professor of music and director of choral activities at the university, will conduct the oratorio for the 13thtime at Bluffton, where he has taught since 2000. The 20-member orchestra includes faculty and community members, while students, faculty, staff and community members comprise the 66-voice chorus.

Soloists are Dr. Helen Allen, soprano; Stephanie Schoenhofer, mezzo-soprano; Justin Berkowitz, tenor; and Lance Ashmore, baritone.

University senior art exhibit

Bluffton University art majors Victoria Watkins of Mansfield, and Sarah Gilman of Knoxville, Tenn., will present their senior exhibit, “Pop Fiction,” representing artwork they have created at Bluffton, in the Grace Albrecht Gallery in Sauder Visual Arts Center. The exhibit will be open to the public from Dec. 1-19; gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. An artist reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.

Did you buy a chamber gift certificate yet?
Having problems with gift selections this holiday season? The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce has the solution.

You may purchase a chamber gift certificate to give as a gift. The certificates are available from any teller at Citizens National Bank. You may purchase certificates in any monetary amount.

Each certificate is good for 12 months after the date of purchase. Certificates may be used in any Bluffton business.

Businesses interested in purchasing large amount of certificates for employees may contact [email protected].