ADVENTURE THEATRE, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. www.adventuretheatre.org. 301-320-5331. Group Rates Available. Visa/MasterCard Accepted. Sign language is available. Call 301-320-5331 to make arrangements. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 children 12 and under. Frosty the Snowman, Fri., Dec. 5-Jan. 4, Sat., 11 a.m. & 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. and Sundays, 1:30 p.m.; In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty comes to life one day and makes plenty of mischief. Come sing the classic song as you laugh along with everyone's favorite snowman. All ages.

ALDEN THEATRE, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA. 703-790-9223. www.mcleancenter.org. A Christmas Carol, Dec. 12-20. Thurs., Fri., & Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Special matinee performance Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. $19/$17 for MCC district residents, seniors, students/$13 for groups of 10 or more; The Season of Joy: Family Concert, Dec. 21, 3 p.m. Annual audience sing-along.

ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POP SERIES, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD. www.annapolissymphony.org. Box office: 410-263-0907. Tickets: $34-$44. Students $10.The ASO presents Holiday Pops: Home for the Holidays IIon Dec 19, 8 p.m. This special evening features orchestral holiday favorites, surprise guest, and solos by the 'hometown' professional musicians of the ASO, plus a new multimedia tribute to local heroes by Annapolis youth through photography. Embrace the holiday spirit once again in an encore presentation of another unforgettable evening celebrating Annapolis and the heroes of our capital city!

ARABESQUE DANCE COMPANY, Jime Rouse Theatre, Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, 410-318-0017, www.livetodance.com. Nutcracker Ballet, especially adapted for the younger child's attention span. Saturday, December 20 at 1pm and 3:15pm and Sunday, December 21 at 2pm. Tickets are $14 for orchestra seats and $12 for the balcony. Calll 410-381-0017 to reserve tickets.

ARTS ON STAGE, Goucher College, Kraushaar Auditorium, Towson. 410-252-8717. www.artsonstage.org. Tickets are $6.50. Holiday Tales, Dec. 17 & 18, 10:15 a.m. & 12 noon. A heart-warming production for young and family audiences. The performance lasts approximately one hour and is appropriate for grades pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Adapted by Ruth Fost with music composed and arranged by Larry Hochman, Holiday Tales, by Pushcart Players, is a collection of holiday stories from different cultures including Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. Tales included within the play are O Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," E. T. A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker," "The Menorah From Heaven," adapted from a story by Eric Kimmel and an original story, "The Kwanzaa Kite," set in Nigeria. Crafted and set to music with the timeless tone of each classic piece, this magical presentation is designed to warm the hearts and perhaps change the perspective of young audiences as they think about the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season. At the heart of each story are the gifts of love, kindness, caring and sharing.

ARTS ON STAGE, Goucher College, Kraushaar Auditorium, Towson. 410-252-8717. www.artsonstage.org. Tickets are $6.50. A Christmas Carol, Fri., Dec. 19, 10:15 a.m. & noon. Perhaps the best-loved holiday story of all time, our adaptation of Dickens’ classic is particularly suited to children. The performance lasts approximately one hour and is appropriate for grades kindergarten to eighth grade. Sundog Theatre brings you Scrooge, the three Ghosts of Christmas, Tiny Tim, and a host of other characters in this beloved tale of redemption and enchantment. Since Dickens first told his tale in the mid 1600s, it has remained a favorite holiday story and continues to delight people of all ages. Reservations required.

ARTS ON STAGE, Chesapeake Center for the Arts, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn MD. 410-252-8717. www.artsonstage.org. Tickets are $6.50. Reservations required. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Dec. 16, 10:15 a.m. & noon. Clement Moore’s ever popular and beloved poem is brought to life with music, dance, lots of good cheer and excitement. The performance lasts approximately one hour and is appropriate for grades pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Inspired by the timeless poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light. The poem is brought to life with music, dance, lots of good cheer and excitement. This production is a touching story of love, family and creativity. This classic from Theatre IV has been charming audiences nationwide for 13 years.

BALTIMORE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY, 1316 Park Ave., Baltimore. 410-523-7070. www.baltimorechoralarts.org. Christmas with Choral Arts, Tues., Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., The Basilica of the Assumption. Tickets are $25-$75. Tom Hall and Choral Arts return to the beautifully restored Basilica for this popular concert. The Full Chorus and Orchestra perform classical holiday favorites and are joined by renowned soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme who also performs spirituals of the season. This concert always sells out months in advance so subscribe now to reserve your seats! Sing-Along Messiah, Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. at Goucher College in the Kraushaar Auditorium. General admission is $25. Back by popular demand! Music Director Tom Hall leads teh Chorus, Orchestra and You the audience in the magnificent choruses of Handel’s Messiah. Enjoy the surround-sound of the exhilarating experience. No experience is necessary. Bring your own musical score or purchase one at the concert; Christmas for Kids, Sat., Dec. 20, 11 a.m. at Goucher College in the Kraushaar Auditorium. General Admission is $13. An annual family favorite. This fun-filled Holiday program for the young and the young-at-heart features ever-popular Ronnie the Reindeer and a special visit from Santa!

BALTIMORESCHOOL FOR THE ARTS, 712 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD. Schaefer Ballroom. www.bsfa.org. presents The Nutcracker, Fri., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 6 & Sun., Dec. 7, 3 & 7 p.m., Fri., Dec. 12, Sat., Dec. 13 & Sun., Dec. 14, 3 p.m. $ Adults $15, Students $10; Orchestra/Chorus Concert, Thurs., Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Vocal and instrumental students from the school’s music department will perform.

BALTIMORESYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Box office: 410-783-8000. . www.bsomusic.org. Holiday Spectacular Concert, Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30, Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., Wed., Dec. 17, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 19 & Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. Dec. 21, 2 p.m. and Tues., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Dances include "Dancing Carol of the Bells," choreographed by BSA alumnus Keith Thomas and "Tap Dancing Santas" choreographed by Jennifer Ladner.

BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Box office: 410-783-8000. www.bsomusic.org BSO Family Fun Zone, features attractions for the whole family beginning at 10 a.m. before each concert. Classically Kids, Saturdays at 11 a.m. Designed for children ages 7-12 and their families. Too Hot to Handel, Sat., Dec. 6, 11 a.m. Groove your way into the holidays this year! Explore jazz improvisation and compare the sounds of Handel's classic Messiah to Too Hot to Handel, a fresh interpretation of Handel's masterpiece. $12-$20.

BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. www.bsomusic.org. Box office: 410-783-8000. BSO: Super Pops, Fri., Nov. 28, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 29, 8 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 30, 3 p.m. Tickets are $25-$75. American pop and jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen brings his “rhythm of Life” band to the Meyerhoff. A unique combination of classical Spanish melodies with a jazz flair features gorgeous Latin ballads and great movie music. Please note that the BSO does not perform on this program; Symphony With a Twist: Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah, Thurs., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Handel’s Messiah, Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. The BSO Concert Artists of Baltimore Symphonic Chorale present tier 27th Annual performance of this perennial favorite. $25-$75; BSO Holiday Spectacular, Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., Wed., Dec. 17, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 19 & Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & Tues., Dec. 23, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Baltimore’s newest holiday tradition! Audience favorite Sandi Patty returns to host the BSO Holiday Spectacular, featuring Broadway vocalists, tap dancing Santas, flying reindeer and more. The African Children’s Choir, made famous on American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” and The Tonight Show, will join this year’s spectacular cast. Tickets range from $30-$75.

CAPITAL CITY SYMPHONY, Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333H Street, NE, Washington, DC. www.capitalcitysymphony.org. or call 202-399-7993 x120. Annual Community Carol Sing, Dec. 14, 3:30 & 7 p.m. Presented by the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Capital City Symphony and Congressional Chorus. Advance tickets $16 adults, $12 Seniors/Students; At the door, $20 Adults, $16 Seniors/Students.

CARROLL COUNTY BALLLET, Gordon Cenetr for the Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave, Owings Mills, MD, 21117. www.carrollcountydancecenter.com. The Nutcracker, Sat., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Tickets: Adults $20, Children (12 and under) are $15. Join Clara and her friends at The Nutcracker Tea, Sun., Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. at the Carroll County Dance Center and Ballet Conservatory, 6933 Warfield Avenue, Sykesville, MD 21784. The Tea will feature excerpts from the Nutcracker performance. Tickets are $10. Call 410-795-3255 to order tickets

CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, MD. For more information and to purchase tickets please call 410 646 6544. Thurs., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Catholic Charities’ Christmas Festival at the Basilica, presented by PNC Bank, will bring together many friends for a festive occasion to benefit The Jenkins Senior Living Community and once again fill the Baltimore Basilica with music of the season. This year Concert Artists of Baltimore, under the direction of Edward Polochick, and The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen Choir under the direction of Daniel Sansone will perform a lively holiday concert of traditional Christmas music and carols. A coffee, wine and dessert reception will follow at the Catholic Center. All tickets are $125 and include entrance to the reception following the concert.

CENTRAL MARYLAND YOUTH BALLET, Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Center, Columbia MD, 443-472-7772, www.centralmarylandyouthballet.com. presents The Nutcracker, "A Petite Version", December 13 and 14 at 3pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission. For tickets call 443-472-7772.

CHESAPEAKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn MD 410-636-6597. www.chesapeakearts.org. Hack and Slash Christmas Special, the Musical! Fri., Dec. 12, 8 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$50. The raucous and very popular version of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.” A musical comedy of sword fighting, swashbuckling action, and non-stop, steel-ringing, joke-cracking, hand-kissing, projectile-dodging, ale-swilling, collect-calling, sister-kissing extravaganza of raucous jackenapery!

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND FINE ARTS CENTER, 8370 Mitchell Rd., La Plata, MD. Box Office: 301-934-7828. www.csmd.edu/finearts. Frosty the Snowman, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (special shows for schools) & 7:30 p.m.

COLUMBIA CHAMBER BALLET, the performing company of Ballet With Cindee Velle, from Long Reach, Columbia, MD. 410-465-7674. www.cindeevelleballet.com. The Columbia Chamber Ballet, the resident company of Ballet with Cindee Velle is pleased to announce seven performances of selections from The Nutcracker. The show runs approximately one hour and features a variety of Nutcracker favorites, including dances by Clara, Dolls, the Snow Queen and Snow Flakes, Angels, Candy Canes, Chinese, Arabian, Spanish, Russian, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Merlitons, the Dew Drop Fairy with waltzing Flowers, the Children’s March, the Battle Scene and more! The Nutcracker will take to the road on Sun. Nov. 30, at 5p.m. at The Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees, in the Cow Palace at the MD State Fair Ground, Timonium, MD, 21093. Fair admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, seniors and children under 4 are free; Sun. Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at The Beasman Center at Fairhaven Retirement Community, 7200 3rd Ave. in Sykesville, MD 21784. The show is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are not required; Sun. Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. at The Stonehouse, Long Reach Community Association, 8775 Cloudleap Ct. Columbia, MD 21045. Advanced reservations are required; Sun. Dec. 13, 2 & 4 p.m. will be at Claret Hall, at the Riverhill Community Association, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029. To reserve seats, free of charge, call in advance to 410-531-1749; Sat. Dec. 20, 4 p.m. at the Muriel Culfield Auditorium at Charlestown Retirement Community, 707 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228. A $3 admission will be charged at the door; The Great Room at the Historic Savage Mill on Fair St. in Savage, MD 20763 on Tues., Dec. 23 at 7:30 pm. Admission is $4.00 at the door. No reservations will be taken in advance. Hope to see you at one of our performances for a festive holiday dance tradition that is a sure favorite for all ages!

THE COLUMBIA FIGURE SKATING CLUB, Columbia Ice Rink, 5876 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia, MD 21045. 410-730-0322. Presents The Nutcracker on Ice,Sat., Dec. 20th, at 5:30 & 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 21st, at 4:30 & 6 p.m. Tickets: $10.00/under 3 free. Group discounts available. For more info, call 410-813-4026. Advance ticket reservations recommended. “The Nutcracker on Ice” is the only ice skating show of its kind in the Baltimore-Washington area, and is a special event for families and people of all ages. This performance features over 100 performers ranging in age from 4 thru adult and includes many high-level skaters. For more than thirty-five years the Columbia Figure Skating Club (CFSC) has provided area skaters with opportunities to pursue recreational and competitive skating. CFSC is a non-profit member club of United States Figure Skating (USFS) and the Capital Regional Council of Figure Skating Clubs.  The home rink of the Columbia Figure Skating Club is the Columbia Ice Rink, located in the Oakland Mills Village Center in Columbia, MD. Skating membership in the CFSC includes membership in the USFS, offering members the opportunity to participate in USFS sanctioned achievement tests and enter competitions that are qualifying events for the National Championships. Members include competitive and recreational skaters, elementary school children and adults, and skill levels range from skaters who are participating in the USFS basic skills program up through competitors at the national level.

DISCOVERY THEATER, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr., S.W., Washington, D.C. www.discoverytheater.org. Box office: 202-633-8700. Seasons of the Light, Mon.-Fri., Dec. 1-23, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Ages 5-10. Annual multicultural celebration of global winter holidays: Book fast- this show sells out Single tickets can be purchased online through the website www.residentassociates.org. Reg. Single tickets are: Resident Members $4 (Adult & Children), General admission $6 Adult, General admission $5 child. Family Special performances (select Saturdays at noon). Resident Members are $9 (Adults and children), General admission, $10, adult, General admission, $9 children. Patrons should make every effort to arrive 15 minutes before the show begins to allow time for seating. Any tickets at will call that are not picked up 5 minutes before the start of the show may be released. Seating is by general admission and is done on a first come, first served basis. Children can sit on the carpeted floor space. Adults wishing to sit on the floor with their child must sit on the side so children behind you can see. There are also risers and the back that allow our families to sit together. Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the house manager and at a time when it will be least disruptive to other patrons. Please keep in mind that due to stage configurations, late seating is not always possible. There will be absolutely no late seating 15 minutes after the show has started. Every attempt will be made to reschedule latecomers.All ticket sales are final. There are No Refunds on tickets. In case of poor weather conditions or other last-minute cancellations on your part, we will attempt to reschedule your visit for a later date in our current season. Discovery Theater will only issue a refund if the federal government is closed and our shows will be cancelled for that day.

FIRST MARINER ARENA, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD. 410-347-2020. www.1stmarinerarena.com. Ticketmaster: 410-547-SEAT. Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes! Tues., Dec. 2-Thurs., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 5, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 6, 4 & 8 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 7, 3:30 & 7 p.m. Tickets are $79, $59 & $29.

FORD’S THEATRE, www.fordstheatre.org. A Christmas Carol, Dec. 2-28. Performances to be held at the Lansburgh Theatre. Tickets are $33-65. A Washington favorite holiday tradition, Charles Dickens’s magical story of Christmas is brought to delightful life in this exciting and imaginative retelling. Age-appropriate ness: Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children under 5 not permitted. 1 hour and 30 minutes without an intermission.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Fairfax, VA. www.gmu.edu/cfa Chanticleer-A Chanticleer Christmas, Nov. 29, 8 p.m. & Nov. 30, 2 p.m. This spectacular and elegant holiday concert is a beloved tradition at the Center for the Arts. Chanticleer is renowned for its flawless technique, featuring a pure, radiant sound that fills the concert hall. This enchanting performance of holiday music includes a program that mingles Medieval and Renaissance music with American Spirituals, 13th century motets and favorite Christmas carols. Tickets are $48, $40 & $24.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Fairfax, VA. www.gmu.edu/cfa The Christmas Revels, Sat., Dec. 6, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 7, 1 & 5 p.m., Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. (Family Friday), Sat., Dec. 13, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. The 26th Annual Christmas Revels tunes up to celebrate in French-Canadian style with Québécois singing, dancing, music and tales. The acclaimed Revels Company has over 75 performers ages 8-10. Purchase tickets online at washingtonrevels.tix.com, by phone 1-800-595-4849 (24hrs, 7 days). Family Friday night, 25% off Youth (18 and under) on Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Holiday Concert, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall. Tickets are Adults $20. Seniors and Students $15; New Orleans Jazz Orchestra-Home for the Holidays, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall. A festive holiday program that evokes the wonderful sounds and celebratory joie de vivre of their beloved city. The program includes blues, swing, spirituals and a crowd-pleasing Ellington arrangement of the Nutcracker Suite. Tickets are $44, $36, $22; Leahy-A Celtic Christmas, Dec. 13, 8 p.m., in the Concert Hall. Get into the Christmas Spirit with this spellbinding Canadian octet of brothers and sisters. $46, $38, $23; Fairfax Symphony Orchestra-Holiday Pops, Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Revel in this heart-warming and uplifting evening of joyous music as the massed chorus and orchestra play favorite carols and popular holiday songs. At the concert, books, scarves, hats and gloves or mittens will be collected for needy children. Tickets are $45, $35 & $25; Vienna Boys Choir-Christmas in Vienna, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. For more than five centuries, the Vienna Boys Choir has been synonymous with choral music. In a program of holiday music from Gregorian chant through modern Christmas carols, this charming ensemble presents an evening of exceptionally beautiful singing that best exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $46, $38, & $23.

KENNEDY CENTER, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. The Choral Arts Society of Washington: Christmas Music, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 20, 1 p.m. & Wed., Dec. 24, 1 p.m. Experience the warmth of the season, from the opening process to the final notes of this cherished concert. On Dec. 20 & 24, the program runs 20 hours with one 15 minute intermission. Dec. 15 the program runs 85 minutes, without an intermission.

KENNEDY CENTER, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. The Washington Chorus: Music for Christmas, Dec. 20, 4 p.m., Dec. 22, 5 p.m. $15-$60. Year after year, the Annual Music for Christmas Concerts proves to be one of Washington’s most beloved events! The massed choruses with brass, organ and all manner of percussion instruments present a celebration of class Christmas favorites along with exciting new arrangements. The performance runs two hours, including one 15 minute intermission.

KENNEDY CENTER, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. Master Chorale of Washington: Christmas Candlelight Concert, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. and Dec. 22, 8 p.m. $25-80. Brass, harp, percussion, and the filene organ join forces with the Master Chorale of Washington in a holiday concert that will warm your spirit with the glow of candlelight and the sounds of the season.

KENNEDY CENTER, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. Washington Performing Arts Society: Canadian Brass Holiday Concert, Dec. 1, 7 p.m. $35-$60. Join the Canadian Brass for a sizzling holiday program for all ages, full of seasonal favorites with a new twist.

KINETICS DANCE THEATRE, Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High ridge Road, Ellicott City. 410-480-1686. www.kineticsdance.org. Kinetics Dance Theatre’s Students and Senior Companies Presents The Cracked Nut! Sat., Dec. 6, 1:30 & 3 p.m. A fun and original take on the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”. Please join us for a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family! A bit of ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop, a sprinkling of swing, a splash of synchronized swimming and a bit of humor- it will “crack” you up! Tickets are $5. Reservations are recommended.

LORENZO’S TIMONIUM DINNER THEATRE, 9603 Deereco Rd, Timonium, MD. 410-560-1113 or 1-887-560-1113 (toll free). www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com. Scrooge, The Musical, Nov. 8-Dec. 28. A musical re-telling of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is forced to face his unpleasant past, present and future via three ghosts.

THE LYRIC OPERA HOUSE, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore. 410-685-5086. www.lyricoperahouse.com. Lyric Box Office and at Ticketmaster, 410-547-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Christmas Music of the Manheim Steamroller, Thurs., Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Over his 28-year career, Chip Davis has sold more than 36 million albums. Of those, more than 20 million albums have been the Christmas music of Davis' group; A Christmas Carol, Wed., Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s production of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol returns to the Lyric this holiday season. A Christmas Carol is packed with laughter, pageantry and gorgeous costumes. Every memorable detail of the Dickens classic springs to life; The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30, Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 5 p.m. Acclaimed for exquisite dancing and spectacular sets and costumes. Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical dance to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for all.

MARYLAND HALL FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis. www.marylandhall.org. Box office: 410-280-5640. Box office hours are Mondays–Fridays from noon–5 p.m. 24-hour ticketing is available seven days a week online. An Annapolis Family Holiday Concert, Sat., Nov. 29, 3 p.m. The whole family will be in the holiday spirit at this enjoyable afternoon of holiday music, song and family fun. Annapolis Family Holiday Concert will feature a line-up of talented local musicians who will perform a concert of holiday music just for kids and their families. Concert-goers will enjoy an array of music–ranging from classic, sing-along carols to original holiday tunes. The show is headlined by Baltimore School of Rock All-Stars and also includes performances by Annapolis-based musicians Doug Segree, Dan Haas, Angie Miller, The Remnants and Matt MConville, with more acts to be added. Family Series; Tickets: $18 adults/$13 children (no member discount available); Christmas from Dublin Starring the Three Irish Tenors, Sun., Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Christmas from Dublin Starring the Three Irish Tenors is full of warmth, charm and music from the Emerald Isle that has enchanted audiences throughout the world. Celebrate the holidays with a genuine Irish Christmas, filled with songs of the season. Performers Series; Tickets: $36/$31 members; Rob Levit and Friends’ Holiday Showcase, Wed., Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Maryland Hall artist-in-residence and renowned guitarist Rob Levit presents a holiday and seasonal concert of standards, world music and some surprises with an all-star roster of area musical talent. Join us for an evening of music that honors and transcends holiday traditions. Showcase Artist Series; Tickets: $15/$10 members.

MISAKO BALLET STUDIO, Harper's Choice Village Center, Columbia. 410-884-9640. www.misakoballet.com. Holiday Studio Concert on Fri., Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Tickets are $3.

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO, Kennedy Center, Terrace Theatre, Washington, DC. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600 Presents A Jazz Piano Christmas, Dec. 4, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $35. Join the Kennedy Center and National Public Radio when top jazz pianists and other artists perform their favorite holiday songs.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, The Kennedy Center, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. Tickets are $20-$80. Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Dec. 19 & 20, 8 p.m. and Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with Handel’s epic masterpiece, performed each year with a fresh perspective by the NSO and acclaimed guest artists.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POPS, The Kennedy Center, Concert Hall, Washington, D.C. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. Tickets are $20-$85. Happy Holidays, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 12 & 13, 8 p.m. and Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Step out of the cold and let time-honored holiday classics warm your heart for the holidays! Capture the spirit of the season with an evening of joyful song, featuring a visit from Santa Claus and other special guests.

OLNEY BALLET THEATRE, Olney Theatre Center. 301-774-9850. www.olneyballet.org. Adults $35, Students $15. Presents The Nutcracker, Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.-Girl Scout Night, Sat., Dec. 13 & 20, 2 & 7 pm., Sun., Dec. 14, 1 p.m. Nutcracker Tea, Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 20, 2 & 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 21, 1 & 6 p.m., Tues., Dec. 24, 1 p.m.-Christmas Matinee, Fri., Dec. 26, 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 27, 2 & 7 p.m. Special Tea performance, get dancer autographs and your picture with the Sugar Plum Fairy following the Dec. 14th Matinee. Sponsored by the Inn at Brookeville Farms. Performance and Tea $45 per seat.

THE OTHER BARN, Oakland Mills Village Center, Columbia, MD. Box Office: 410-730-4610. www.oaklandmills.columbiavillages.org. “The Polar Express”, Thurs., Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 5, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Put on your pajamas, board the train and experience the magic of “The Poplar Express”. The classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg comes to life in The Loft of The Other Barn. Enjoy refreshments while listening to the magical story during the journey to the North Pole, where Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas. As the train travels back to Columbia, sing Christmas carols and be filled with the joy of the upcoming season. For anyone age 1 and up. Infants below the age of 1 year must sit on adult’s lap. Tickets must be purchased in advance at The Other Barn. Tickets go on sale for Nov. 3rd. OM Residents Ticket Price $4 and Non Residents Ticket prices: $4.25.

PHOENIX RISING DANCE, will present the Nutcracker on December 19 and 20. For more information see their web site www.phoenixrisingdance.com. Tickets go on sale November 15. Call 410-290-6611.

PUBLICK PLAYHOUSE, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 301-277-1710. Mooseltoe! A Holiday Moosical, Tues., Dec. 2 & Wed., Dec. 3, 10:15 & noon. The new holiday classic is back by popular demand. What do you do when you face the impossible? It’s all about gaining self-confidence, and friends. Loveable 12-foot-tall costumed character sings and dances through the story of Mooseltoe’s plan to fly with Santa’s reindeer. Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $5; Babes in Toyland, Fri. Dec. 5, 10:15 & noon. Broadway for Kids by American Family Theatre presents the ageless Victor Herbert musical about toys coming to life. Period costumes, beautiful music and dance production numbers set for this holiday classic of musical theatre. Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $5; ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Wed., Dec. 17 & Thurs., Dec. 18, 10:15 & noon. Theatre IV of Richmond presents its own hilarious musical version of everybody’s favorite Christmas Poem. Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $5; A Kwanzaa Celebration, Sat., Dec. 27, 8 p.m. African performance troupes present traditional music and storytelling Tickets are $10.

THE PUPPET CO. PLAYHOUSE, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 20812. www.thepuppetco.org. Box office: 301-320-6668. Show dates are Wed., Thurs & Fri, 10 & 11:30 a.m., Sat. & Sun., 11:30 & 1 p.m. The Nutcracker, Nov. 28-Dec. 31. Due to the popularity of The Nutcracker, we strongly urge you to make reservations as far in advance as possible. Individual tickets $8 each for everyone 2 and older. Group sales are available. Reservations are advisable.

THE RESTON CHORALE, Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston VA. www.restonchorale.org. Box office: 703-476-1111. Carol Sing-Along, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. at The Reston Town Center, in front of the tree on Market Street. Bring in the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony followed by a sing-along of holiday favorites led by members of The Reston Chorale with a brass quintet. Great fun for the whole family; A Seasonal Celebration, Dec. 6, 6 & 8 p.m. The Chorale’s 2008 Holiday Concert will include many styles, familiar classic to jazz including works from composers Benjamin Britten, John Rutter, and Felix Mendelssohn. The concert takes place at the Reston Community Center. Tickets are $20 Adults, $15 Seniors and Youth.

THE ROBERT E. PARILLA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, MD. 20850. www.montgomerycollege.edu/PAC. Box office: 301-279-5301. The Nutcracker, Fri., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 20 & Sun., Dec. 21, 1& 7 p.m., Tues., Dec. 23, 7 p.m., Fri., Dec. 26, Sat., Dec, 27 and Sun., Dec. 28, 1 & 7 p.m. Performed by the Maryland Youth Ballet.

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ROSE HILL MANOR PARK, 1611 North Market Street, Frederick. 301-600-1650 www.rosehillmuseum.com. Holiday Magic, Sat., Dec. 6, 10a.m.-3p.m. Magic shows at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. Featuring hands-on crafts and a visit with Santa in the carriage museum. Admission is $5 for children, $3 for adults.

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE NATIONAL, National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC. 20004. Helen Hayes Gallery. Free Performances! 9:30 & 11 a.m. Seating is limited!! Tickets are required, and are distributed without charge one half-hour prior to performance, on a first-come first-served policy. Children must be accompanied by an adult who remains present for the entire performance. Shows are best appreciated by children four years old and older. Dec. 13, The Kingdom Of Sweets: A Christmas Treat, get in the Christmas Spirit as Debra and Benn Savage and the Ballet Arts Ensemble Of Fairfax present their “Nutcracker in a Nutshell.” From Act II of Tchaikovsky’s classic, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Chinese Dancers, and the other celebrated characters bring you elegant and amusing holiday cheer.

STRATHMORE HALL, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. www.strathmore.org. 301-582-5100. Music Center at Strathmore. National Philharmonic Choral Masterworks Handel’s Messiah, Sat., Dec.6, 8 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Kids ages 7-17 are free. Please call the Strathmore Ticket Office directly to purchase kids free tickets. Kids free tickets are not available for online purchase; A Rockapella Holiday, Tues., Dec. 9, 8 p.m. There will be two 45 minute sets with an intermission. Close your eyes and this five-man ensemble sounds like a rock band, an orchestra of sounds made with human instruments; BSO: Super Pops, Thurs., Nov. 13, 8 p.m. American pop and jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen brings his “rhythm of Life” band to heat up Strathmore. A unique combination of classical Spanish melodies with a jazz flair features gorgeous Latin ballads and great movie music. Please note that the BSO does not perform at this program. Tickets are $25-$80; Washington Symphonic Brass Holiday Celebration, Mon., Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. National Philharmonic Music Director & Conductor Piotr Gajewski conducts the critically-acclaimed 17-member Washington Symphonic Brass as they ring in the holidays with majestic arrangements of your holiday favorites, including Greensleeves, Twelve Days of Christmas, selections from Bach's Christmas Oratorio, and a very special Hanukkah Medley. Kids ages 7-17 are free. Please call the Strathmore Ticket Office directly to purchase Kids free tickets. Kids free tickets are not available for online purchase; Chanukah Fest in Concert, Sat., Dec. 27, 8 p.m. A Strathmore-produced stage version of the hugely popular CD, this concert presents some of the most illustrious names in Jewish music in the Washington area. The Alexandria Kleztet, Robyn Helzner Trio, The Sinai Mountain Boys, Grown Men with Mikhail Horowitz and Gilles Malkine, Klezcentricity and Marc Glickman provide musically superb, irresistibly merry renditions of centuries of celebration songs-a wonderful Chanukah party to share with the whole family. There will be two 50-minute sets with an intermission. Tickets are $21.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MUSIC, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center of Maryland, Dekelboum Concert Hall, College Park. 301-405-2787. The Maryland Chorus-Annual Holiday Concerts, Sat., Dec. 6, 8 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Tickets are $25/$7 for students.

THE WASHINGTON BALLET, at The Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater, Washington, DC. www.kennedy-center.org. 202-467-4600. Family Series: The Nutcracker, Dec. 11-28, at The Warner Theatre. An instant classic when it premiered five years ago, Septime Webre's The Nutcracker is a thrilling tribute to our nation's capital starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England's King George II as the villainous Rat King. Complete with dazzling costumes and sets dripping with cherry blossoms, this fresh take on a timeless ballet has become Washington, DC's newest holiday tradition.

THE WASHINGTON CHORUS, Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. www.strathmore.org. 301-582-5100. Music for Christmas, Sun., Dec. 21, 5 p.m. Year after year, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Washington Chorus' annual Music for Christmas concerts prove to be one of Washington’s most beloved events! Glorious holiday classics along with exciting new arrangements of your favorites, plus a heart-warming candlelight processional and audience sing-along. Capture the warmth and magic of the holidays and bring the entire family. The Washington Chorus is joined by Coral Cantigas, Washington’s only Latin American chorus, and the Annandale High School Chamber Singers. The massed choruses with brass, organ, and all manner of percussion instruments present a celebration for the season! Performance is sign-interpreted.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL, 3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC. 202-537-2228. www.cathedralchoralsociety.org. The Joy of Christmas, Sat., Dec. 13, at noon & 4 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 14, 4 p.m. Featuring the Madrigal singers of St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools and the world premiere of a carol by renowned American composer Alice Parker. A perennial holiday favorite, from the opening procession accompanied by the Great Organ to the Cathedral carillon and the beloved carols, old and new, this festive concert has long been a Washington family tradition and one that is often sold out. A special Family Matinee on Sat., Dec. 13 at noon. Bring the whole family for this hour-long presentation of The Joy of Christmas especially designed for the younger ones. Seating is general admission and all tickets are $25.

WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 20 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD. 301-228-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org. Weinberg Winterfest, Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Join us for holiday fun with a sign-along, the mighty Wurlitzer and Mr. & Mrs. Claus!-Free; Maryland Regional Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Dec. 13, 2 & 8 p.m. and Dec. 14, 2 p.m. A Frederick holiday tradition in its 29th year featuring guest artists from the New York City and Suzanne Farrell Ballets. Tickets are $25 Adults, $23 Seniors/Students & $11 Children; A Christmas Carol, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 21, 2 p.m. Presented by the Maryland Ensemble Theater/The Fun Company. Dickens’s heartwarming holiday classic for all ages. Tickets are $22 Adults, $20 Seniors/Students and $12 Children; Messiah Sing-Along, Dec. 23, 8 p.m. A treasured Frederick tradition for more than 10 years. $18 Adults, $12 Seniors/Students, $10 Children.