From 'Nutcracker' to Trans-Siberian Orchestra: A list of holiday theater, music in Cincy

'Tis the season for merrymaking and joy, and there's really no better way to experience the magic of the holidays than to take in one of the city's excellent holiday shows. From classics like "The Nutcracker" to exciting new shows like "Fiona: The Musical," there are plenty of opportunities to get you into the holiday spirit.

Here's a look at all the season's offerings in dance, theater and music.

Dance

Dec. 1-9: David Choate’s Hot Chocolate, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theatre, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Cincinnati’s largest African-American Nutcracker experience, brought to life by Revolution Dance Theatre, Cincinnati’s Black ballet company. $35-up. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 14-24: Cincinnati Ballet: 'The Nutcracker,' Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. With spectacular choreography by Victoria Morgan, grand sets and costumes, and a remarkable cast of characters, the narrative follows Clara, who receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Her dreams take her on a great adventure to the amazing Land of Sweets. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 16: Hollapalooza, 5 and 8 p.m., Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Musical revue celebrating the holidays with music and dance. Directed and choreographed by Missy Lay Zimmer and Andrew Hubbard, with additional choreography by Carlos Neto. Exhaledancetribe.com.

Theater

Nov. 24-Dec. 30: 'A Christmas Carol,' Playhouse in the Park, Rouse Theatre, 962 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. This holiday story unfolds in spectacular fashion in a brand-new production featuring a dazzling new set, costumes and lighting designs. Preview performances Nov. 24-26, opening night Nov. 30. Cincyplay.com.

Nov. 29-Dec. 29: 'Fiona: The Musical,' Ensemble Theatre, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Based on the true story of the hippo that captured the world’s heart, this story follows Fiona’s journey from a premature baby to a larger-than-life heroine. Ensemblecincinnati.org.

Nov. 30-Dec. 23: 'White Christmas,' Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill. Veterans Bob and Phil have a successful song-and-dance act after WWII. With romance in mind, the pair follow a duo of singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. 513-241-6550; cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Nov. 30-Dec. 3: 'All Wrapped up for Christmas,' 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Parrish Auditorium, Miami University, 1600 University Blvd., Hamilton. Greater Hamilton Civic Theater presents this original musical featuring favorite Christmas songs. $18. ghctplay.com.

Dec. 1: River City Puppets present Gingerbread Jamboree, 7:30 p.m., Fitton Center for the Arts, 101 S. Monument St., Hamilton. Ralphie the elf has a dangerous job. He has to feed the Gingerbread Beast! fittoncenter.org.

Dec. 1-9: 'Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical,' 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Lyric Theatre, 1530 Central Ave., Middletown. Filled with humor and some of your favorite Christmas carols, this story finds the sisters filming their first “TV special.” $20. Middletownlyric.org.

Dec. 1-17: 'Winter Wonderettes,' The Drama Workshop, 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot. This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper's Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, they use their creativity to save the party. Featuring '60s holiday classics like "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Winter Wonderland." Thedramaworkshop.org.

Dec. 1-10: 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,' Village Players, 8 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. Hilarious Christmas classic finds a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant with the most awful kids in history. $20. Villageplayers.org.

Dec. 3: 'A Suessified Christmas Carol,' 1 p.m., Carnegie Center, 3738 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati performs Dickens' most beloved story, in wacky rhyming word, at the Carnegie's community holiday party. Thecarnegiecenter.org.

Dec. 5-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 19-21: The Naughty List, 7:30 p.m., Arnold's Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. OTR Improv transport you to magical lands with scenes you aren't likely to forget. It's everything you love, and love to hate, about the holidays. Dinner and drinks are not included in the price. $20. otrimprov.com.

Dec. 7-30: 'Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some),' Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. What starts as another annual production of "A Christmas Carol" devolves into a slightly irreverent look at our favorite holiday classics, including pop culture favorites like "It's a Wonderful Life," "Rudolph" and "Charlie Brown," plus topical references that keep it fresh and real. Cincyshakes.com.

Dec. 7-10: Rise Up presents Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas,' 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown. $15. sorgoperahouse.org.

Dec. 9-18: Narnia: The Musical, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Based on C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," this play tells of four English schoolchildren who stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land, so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.” In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children face temptation and fear, but learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness, and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world. Part of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati MainStage productions. Runs Dec. 9-17. Thechildrenstheatre.com.

Dec. 14: A John Waters Christmas, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. Filmmaker, actor and artist John Waters' original, 70-minute monologue brings comedic Christmas themes to crime, religion, politics, fashion and music. Performance is followed by an audience Q&A. $55-$70. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.

Dec. 14-17: A Christmas Carol: The Musical, 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Parrish Auditorium, Miami University, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton. Alan Meken's musical adaptation of the classic Victorian tale. $18. inspiringartsproductions.com.

Dec. 15-17: All That Holiday Stuff, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Murphy Theatre, 50 W. Main St., Wilmington. This traditional Christmas variety show features dancing, singing, carols, kids and more. $15, $8 ages 12-under, ages 65-up and military with ID.

Dec. 20-23: Christmas with C.S. Lewis, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jarson-Kaplan Theater at Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. In his early life, C.S. Lewis felt the story of Christ's birth was a feel-good myth. That changed after an encounter with his good friend J.R.R. Tolkien. Starring David Payne. $64. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 22: A Magical Cirque Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. This variety show is filled with holiday nostalgia, charm and dazzling performances suited to all ages. $49.50-up. cincinnatiarts.org.

Music

Nov. 17: A Motown Christmas, 8 p.m., Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown. Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours. $49-up. sorgoperahouse.org.

Nov. 17: Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Popular sibling trio of Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty made history as the only group to ever win NBC's The Voice. tafttheatre.org.

Nov. 20: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon – the "Queens of Christmas" – bring whip-smart comedy, brand-new songs and annual favorites to town. Ages 18-up. tafttheatre.org.

Nov. 27: Phil DeGreg Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Local jazz trio performs Vince Guaraldi's iconic soundtrack to the beloved television cartoon. $6-$8. memorialhallotr.com.

Nov. 30: K-Love's Celebrate Christmas Tour, 7 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey and Mae Powell perform timeless Christmas classics. tafttheatre.org.

Nov. 30: Christmas Memories, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney began their singing careers in Cincinnati. Enjoy 12 Christmas songs made memorable by them, plus photographs of memorable Cincinnati Christmas traditions. $15-$20. cincymuseum.org.

Dec 1: This is Jesus: A Christmas Worship Concert, 7:30 p.m., Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Ring in the season with soul-stirring live music and worship with Tauren Wells, Katy Nichole and Jordan Smith. $25-up. cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 1: Straight No Chaser: Sleighin' It Tour, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. This a cappella group performs holiday classics. tafttheatre.org.

Dec. 1: Christmas with The Petersens, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. This American roots band is touring in support of its second Christmas album, "We Don't Need Anything This Year." $35-$50, $25 students. Free ages under 3 on lap. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 1: Isaiah J. Thompson: A Guaraldi Holiday, 7 and 9 p.m., Caffe Vivace. This rising star in the jazz world brings his exceptional talent to the stage, infusing Vince Guaraldi's beloved compositions with his own unique style and energy. $20. caffe-vivace.com.

Dec. 3: Norman Chapel Holiday Concert, 2 p.m., Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village. Enjoy beloved holiday classics with the Fillmore Philharmonic Brass Band. Springgrove.org.

Dec. 3: Holiday Family Funday: German Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown. Explore the museum all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy free music, art-making and more. Free. Registration encouraged. taftmuseum.org.

Dec. 4: Queen City Cabaret performs Rosemary Clooney's White Christmas, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Sarah Folsom and Matthew Umphreys of QCC celebrate the season with a tribute to Irving Berlin's beloved soundtrack, as recorded by Cincinnati's legendary songstress. $6-$8. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 4: Peter Mayer: A Stars & Promises Christmas Tour, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary. Acclaimed singer-songwriter, who has been lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer band for three decades, brings his Christmas tour to town. $25-$35. southgatehouse.com.

Dec. 6: Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas, 8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. The band performs New Orleans classics and some of our best-loved holiday selections with a twist. $46-$86. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 6: Christmas with No Promises, 7:30 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 2409 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell. This Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble embarks on its annual holiday tour. Free. nopromisesvocalband.com.

Dec. 7: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder: Christmas with Special Guests, 8 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Country Music Hall of Fame member and his band play Christmas favorites with a few of their special friends. $43-$68. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 7: Steel Panther: On the Prowl Winter Holidaze Tour, 7 p.m., Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. This comedic glam-rock band, known for its profane and humorous lyrics, parodies the stereotypical metal lifestyle. Their Winter Holidaze Tour pokes fun at the most wonderful time of the year with original, seasonal sendups. $29-up.

Dec. 8: Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer, 7 p.m., Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Program of holiday classics played by renowned theater organist Jelani Eddington, with vocal performances by Cincinnati Boychoir and performance excerpts from Hot Chocolate by Revolution Dance Theater. $34-up. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 8: Christmas with the Celts, 8:30 p.m., Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. Enjoy a combination of ancient Irish Christmas carols, modern Christmas classics and lively Irish dance. $340-$50. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.

Dec. 8: Jazz Under the Mistletoe, 6 p.m., The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout.

Dec. 8-10: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. John Morris Russell and the Pops bring festive favorites and holiday classics to life. A limited run of the Cincinnati Pops “Joy” vinyl LPs will be sold exclusively at these performances. Cincinnatisymphony.org.

Dec. 9: A Motown & More Christmas, Fitton Center for the Arts, 101 S. Monument St., Hamilton. Just Vince and the Fellas perform deeper cuts from the Motown Christmas catalog. fittoncenter.org.

Dec. 9-10: Cincinnati Men's Chorus: Silver and Gold, 2 p.m. both days, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Enjoy beloved holiday classics and contemporary delights of the season. $20-$25. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 9: Cincinnati Camerata Winter Concert: Carols and Barrels, 3-5 p.m., Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside. Enjoy choir and harp music, anchored by Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," plus a focus on living women composers. Free.

Dec. 9-10: Southern Gateway Chorus: A Cincinnati Christmas Sharing the Light, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Landmark Church, 1600 Glendale Milford Road, Evendale. Nancy James shares her experiences with Ruth Lyons. She then narrates Sharing the Light, featuring the hymns of Christmas and Hanakkah. $20-$25, $15 students. southerngateway.org.

Dec. 10: Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii, 7:30 p.m., Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. This master of the ukulele brings his holiday tour to town. $35-$50. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.

Dec. 10: Holiday Family Funday: Bluegrass Holiday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown. Explore the museum all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy free music, art-making and more. Free. Registration encouraged. taftmuseum.org.

Dec. 10: Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra: Charlie Brown Christmas, 2-4:30 p.m., First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, 536 Linton St., Avondale. Enjoy music from the TV special. Includes complimentary wine and cheese intermission. $10-$20. cincinnatijazz.org.

Dec. 11: Pamela Mallory Quartet plays Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $6-$8. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 12-13: Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and more, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. Performed by StringSource String Quartet. $25-up. Feverup.com.

Dec. 13: Home Free for the Holidays, 8 p.m., Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown. All-vocal country entertainers host an evening of upbeat, Nashville-tinged holiday hits, country and western standards, and quick-witted humor. $29-up. bradymusiccenter.com.

Dec. 14: Christmas with No Promises, 7:30 p.m., The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. This Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble embarks on its annual holiday tour. Two sets. $25. 859-957-1940; thecarnegie.com.

Dec. 14: Highwaymen Christmas Special, Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com.

Dec. 14-15: Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra Jingle Mingle, 6 p.m., The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout.

Dec. 15: An Olde English Christmas with Herman's Hermits featuring Peter Noone, 8:30 p.m., Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave, Clifton. Enjoy Christmas classics. $40-$75. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.

Dec. 15: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Holiday Show, 7 p.m., MegaCorp. Pavilion, 101 W. Fourth St., Newport. Iconic Cleveland group brings the holiday spirit to town in this celebration of 50 years of hip-hop. $35-$75. promowestlive.com.

Dec. 15: Island Christmas Holiday, 6 p.m., The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout.

Dec. 15-16: Kentucky Symphony Orchestra: Merry Christmas, Darling, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. Music inspired by The Carpenters’ Christmas Portrait album. Features vocalist Denise Parroco. $19-$35. 859-431-6216; kyso.org.

Dec. 15-17: An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Beloved local band performs a mix of their original holiday songs and seasonal classics. $44-$74. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 16: 'Happy Holidays,' 5, 6 and 7:30 p.m., Loveland Stage Co., 111 S. Second St., Loveland. Special holiday show directed by Pat Furterer and choreographed by Marjory Clegg. Free. Lovelandstagecompany.org.

Dec. 16: Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour, 9 p.m., Lawrenceburg Event Center, 91 Walnut St., Lawrenceburg. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist performs his hits and holiday classics. $34-up. thelawrenceburgeventcenter.com.

Dec. 16: An Intimate Christmas with Vocal Arts Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, Fourth St., Downtown. Featuring VAE and Queen City Cabaret. Vaecinci.com.

Dec. 16: A Very Motherfolk Xmas with Foxing, 6:30 p.m., Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. Cincinnati band hosts its annual holiday concert, and this year they've invited friends Foxing and All Get Out. $20-up. bogarts.com.

Dec. 16: Sweater Weather: A Christmas Event, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. southgatehouse.com.

Dec. 16: Fas & Las, 3-5:30 p.m., St. Francis Seraph, 1615 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Enjoy music from Young Professionals Choral Collective and the Cincinnati Boychoir, plus crafts, holiday treats and photos with Santa. $20, free ages under 12. simpletix.com.

Dec. 17: Holiday Family Funday: Jazzy Holiday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown. Explore the museum all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy free music, art-making and more. Free. Registration encouraged. taftmuseum.org.

Dec. 18: A Merry Christmas Big Band Evening, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Enjoy 17-piece Cincinnati All-Star Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Carmon DeLeone recreating the sounds of the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Free, tickets required. memorialhallotr.com.

Dec. 19: Christmas with No Promises, 7:30 p.m., St. Columban Parish, 894 Oakland Road, Loveland. 60-minute program. This Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble embarks on its annual holiday tour. Free. nopromisesvocalband.com.

Dec. 19: Candelight: Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and more, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m., Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $28-up. feverup.com.

Dec. 20: Rock 'n Roll Christmas with Lita Ford, The Belle and the Bear, 8512 Market Place Lane, Montgomery. cincyticket.com.

Dec. 20: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. This swing band brings its fun, high-energy holiday show to town. tafttheatre.org.

Dec. 21: Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and more, 6 and 8:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Performed by StringSource String Quartet. $25-up. Feverup.com.

Dec. 21: Christmas with No Promises, 7:30 p.m., Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery. 60-minute program. This Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble embarks on its annual holiday tour. Free. nopromisesvocalband.com.

Dec. 22: Christmas with No Promises, 7:30 p.m., Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, 801 Matson Place, Price Hill. Two sets. This Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble embarks on its annual holiday tour. $25. 513-241-6550; cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Dec. 22: Honky Tonk Holidaze featuring Dallas Moore Band, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport. With Alex Williams Band. southgatehouse.com.

Dec. 22: A Very Metal Christmas, Legends, 3801 Harrison Ave., Cheviot. cincyticket.com.

Dec. 22: HaHa Holiday Comedy Jam, Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. cincyticket.com.

Dec. 23: Kenny Lattimore's Christmas & Love, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. Grammy-nominated artist performs his catalog and Christmas standards. $40-$65. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.

Dec. 23: Afroman's Merry Spliffmas, Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., East End. riverfrontlivecincy.com.

Dec. 29: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. This spectacular holiday show from the multi-platinum rock group promises a new and larger presentation. $49-up. heritagebankcenter.com.

Dec. 29: The Wonderlands Holiday Hangover Fest, 8 p.m., Top Cats, 2820 Vine St., Corryville. With Jady, Saving Escape. topcatscincy.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Holiday theater, dance and music traditions in Cincinnati