Performances

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES

Many people’s favorite Christmas story springs to life at Wallingford’s Stone Soup Theatre, enacted by a mix of professional and youth actors. 4035 Stone Way N., 206-325-6500, www.stonesouptheatre.com. $12 ($8 per person for families of four or more). 7:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; 3 p.m. matinees Sat.–Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 17.

MAGICAL STRINGS

This Celtic yuletide series is back for its 27th year with harp music, Irish dancing, and energetic songs and storytelling. Locations in Shoreline, Kent, Seattle, and Bellevue. For more information, visit www.magicalstrings.com. Through Mon., Dec. 19.

FORBIDDEN XMAS

The snarky holiday revue takes on local celebs like Steve Pool, Dale Chihuly, and Sue Bird in a Seattle-ized production at Empty Space. 3509 Fremont Ave. N., 206-547-7500, www.emptyspace.org. $30 Fri.–Sat. and opening night; $25 other nights and matinees. 7:30 p.m. Wed.–Thurs.; 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Also: 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Through Fri., Dec. 23.

BLACK NATIVITY

The annual “gospel song play” at Intiman includes euphoric voices (belonging to local pastor Patrinell Wright, the Black Nativity Gospel Choir, et al.), a live band, and modern dance. Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center, 206-269-1900, www.intiman.org. $10–$42. See Web site for times. Through Sat., Dec. 24.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The annual staging of the Dickens story that started the whole Victorian Christmas hoo-hah in the first place. This year, R. Hamilton Wright and Sean Griffin alternate in the role of Scrooge. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 206-292-7676, www.acttheatre.org. $24–$29. Days and times vary. Through Sat., Dec. 24.

EVERYXMASSTORYEVERTOLD

Well, maybe not every one, but certainly a lot of them. Frequent Seattle Public Theater director Carol Roscoe joins with three local actors (and Wing-It Productions) to present a fast-forwarded rendition of Christmastime’s many traditional tales. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., 206-352-8291, www.wingitpresents.org. $15 ($10 students/seniors). 8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri.; 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 24.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES/THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Seattle Public Theater’s gruesome twosome returns. The former show, based on David Sedaris’ hilarious long essay of the same name, dramatizes the agony and ecstasy of working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland display. The latter chronicles the misadventures of the horrible Herdman family, who somehow manage to learn the meaning of Christmas even as they desecrate creches. 7312 W. Greenlake Dr. N., 206-524-1300, www.seattlepublictheater.org. $12–$20. Santaland: 9 p.m. Thurs.–Sat.; 7:30 p.m. Sun. (and Sat., Dec. 24). Pageant: 7 p.m. Thurs.–Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. (2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tues., Dec. 20–Fri., Dec. 23). Through Sat., Dec. 24.

VOICES OF CHRISTMAS

ArtsWest’s Christmas revue returns, promising to deliver “myth, merriment, music,” and a generous helping of holiday cheer. 4711 California Ave. S.W., 206-938-0339, www.artswest.org. $28 ($24 seniors/students, $12 youth under 18). Days and times vary. Through Mon., Dec. 26.

NUTCRACKER

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual bonbon is back, wrapped in its Maurice Sendak–designed packaging. Pacific Northwest Ballet, McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 206-441-2424, www.pnb.org. $18–$102. Days and times vary. Through Wed., Dec. 28.

THE TRIAL OF EBENEZER SCROOGE

Everyone’s favorite holiday miser gets his courtroom comeuppance in playwright Mark Brown’s new riff on A Christmas Carol. Taproot Theater, 204 N. 85th St., 206-781-9707, www.taproottheatre.org. $23–$25 Tues.–Thurs. (7:30 p.m.) and Sat. matinees (2 p.m.); $27–$30 Fri.–Sat. evenings (8 p.m.). Through Fri., Dec. 30.

DINA MARTINA CHRISTMAS SHOW

Seattle’s own Divine Miss M. spikes your eggnog with drag whimsy and absurdist humor at a holiday reworking of her tried-and-true diva shtick. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St., 206-448-8464. www.rebarseattle.com. $18. 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 31.

THE KLEZ KATZ

The local klezmer artistes come through with a righteous Hanukkah hookup, performing Jewish folk tunes in Yiddish—perhaps including genre favorites “Azoy Fayft Men a Shviger” and “Freylekhs Nokh Der Khupe.” City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., 206-684-7171. Free. Noon–1 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15.

BOB RIVERS’ TWISTED CHRISTMAS PARTY

The KZOK-FM host assembles high-school rockers Capitol Basement, cover band Spike and the Impalers, and charming comedienne Caroline Rhea for an irreverent holiday show at the Moore Theatre. 1932 Second Ave., 206-467-5510, www.themoore.com. $25–$30. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

The Seattle Symphony’s yearly holiday centerpiece rides again, featuring soloists Cyndia Sieden, Brian Asawa, Stanford Olsen, and Jan Opalach. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-215-4747, www.seattlesymphony.org. $16–$55. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

NORTHWEST FILM FORUM HOLIDAY BASH

NWFF head Michael Seiwerath will provide the eggnog, local actor-playwright Jonah Von Spreecken will provide the world-premiere play (The Snowflake Factory, a Roald Dahl–esque fable in which the concept of cold has become passé), and DJ Mat and Comb Band will provide the tunes. All you need to do is show up. 1515 12th Ave., 206-329-2629, www.nwfilmforum.org. $13 ($10 NWFF members, $7 children). 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15–Sun., Dec. 18; Wed., Dec. 21–Fri., Dec. 23.

YIDDISH EROTIKA

Local singer Sheila Fox headlines this “Jewish burlesque show,” powered by jazz at Cafe Paloma (where there’s a 75 percent chance of latkes) and klezmer at Chop Suey. Presumably, naughty dreidel jokes will abound at both venues. Cafe Paloma, 93 Yesler Way, 206-409-1920, www.sheilajfox.com. $10. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15, and Sat., Dec. 17. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 206-324-8000, www.chopsuey.com. $10. 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 24.

WINTER WARMTH CONCERT

Veteran folkie Susan Tedeschi and rising local twang-popper Brandi Carlile co-headline this show sponsored by the Mountain (103.7 FM). Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., 206-467-5510, www.themoore.com. $32–$60. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16.

SACRED MUSIC CHORALE

The local ensemble performs, um, sacred music (from the 16th century onward), including Norwegian and Mexican carols, “I Wonder as I Wander,” and Mendelssohn’s “Watching Over Israel.” Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. (Mercer Island), 206-783-7108, www.sacredmusicchorale.org. $5–$10 (suggested). 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16.

MEDIEVAL WOMEN’S CHOIR

The Medieval Women’s Choir performs “The Miracles of Notre Dame,” a program of 12th- and 13th-century French vocal music. Suzzallo Library, University of Washington, 206-264-4822. $17 ($10 students/seniors). 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16, and Sun., Dec. 18.

LIFT EVERY VOICE

Sponsored by Town Hall, this musical melting pot stars the choir of the First Samoan Congregational Church, a Balkan-American doo-wop quartet, and gospel singers from Martin Luther King Jr. Baptist Church in Renton. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. www.townhallseattle.org. Free. 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Not the 1946 Capra classic but a radio version of the film, broadcast live on KPLU-FM, in which Evening Magazine host John Curley plays George Bailey. Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., 206-324-1126, www.seattlehistory.org. $15 ($10 MOHAI members; $12.50 nonmembers in advance). 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.

SEATTLE REPERTORY JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Duke Ellington’s sacred music gets its 17th annual Christmastime workout in the capable hands of the SRJO, led by UW sax professor Michael Brockman and Garfield High band director Clarence Acox. University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E., 206-547-6763, www.earshot.org. $21 ($26 preferred seating). 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.

CHRISTMAS TREASURES

Pacific Lutheran University organ professor Paul Tegels tickles the ivories (or whatever organ keys are made of these days) at Choral Arts’ yuletide show, which includes Scandinavian and French carols as well as English-language favorites. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 500 Greenwood Ave. N., 877-404-2269, www.choralartsnorthwest.org. $20 ($18 advance; $16/$14 seniors, $10 students). 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.

TUDOR CHOIR

Anglophiles, unite! The Tudors transport you back to Olde England via antique carols, with help from special guest harpist Naomi Kato. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-9415, www.saintmarks.org. $25 ($20 seniors, $15 students). 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.

BACH CHRISTMAS

Seattle Baroque Orchestra takes a Bach-to-basics approach to the holidays, performing the composer’s Christmas Oratorio and various cantatas, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring among them. Benaroya Hall (Nordstrom Recital Hall), 200 University St., 206-322-3118, www.seattlebaroque.org. $34 ($30 seniors, $10 students). 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR

The all-male choral group performs a program modeled after Christmas Eve at England’s King’s College, including festive readings and traditional carols. Sat., Dec. 17; Sun., Dec. 18; Mon., Dec. 19; Wed., Dec. 21. (Visit www.northwestchoirs.org for locations, prices, times, and other information.)

The Christmas Revels

Puget Sound Revels’ yearly holiday festival at Tacoma’s Rialto Theater includes dance, music, and drama from the Elizabethan tradition. 310 S. Ninth St. (Tacoma), 253-591-5894. $10–$24.50. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 20–Wed., Dec. 21.

BELLEVUE CHAMBER CHORUS

Gerald Finzi’s Magnificat, Palestrina motets, and music by Poulenc and Britten (among other selections) comprise “Nowell Sing We,” a program celebrating yuletides of yesteryear. Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. S.W. (Lynnwood), 425-881-0445, www.bellevuechamberchorus.net. $15 ($11 seniors/students; $8.50 children under 12). 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 4228 Factoria Blvd. S.E. (Bellevue). See phone number, Web site, and prices above. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

EASTSIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sweetmeats from The Nutcracker, some Haydn (from the Oboe Concerto in C Major, to be precise), and “Santa Wants a Tuba for Christmas,” with Shon Katzenberger on tuba. Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E. (Redmond), 425-462-5231. Free. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

SEATTLE GIRLS’ CHOIR

All six divisions of SGC present sacred and secular Christmas songs in a sing-along format. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-526-1900, www.townhallseattle.org. $15 ($10 students/seniors). 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

EVERETT SYMPHONY

The orchestra performs a version of Handel’s Messiah that you’re encouraged (but certainly not required) to sing along to. Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave. (Everett), 425-258-1605, www.everettsymphony.org. $10. 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18.

NOVI ANTIQUARII

The new early-music ensemble performs works by Biber, Merula, Strozzi, et al., to create a musical mosaic of the Christmas story. Queen Anne Christian Church, 1316 Third Ave. W., 206-725-8170. $20 ($15 seniors, $10 students). 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 21.

SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS

The exuberant boys of the SMC wish you and yours a “Holly Jolly Holiday” in song, with special guest Ann Wilson (from Heart) at the season’s first two shows. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-388-1400, www.flyinghouse.org/smc. $15.50–$65. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 22; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23.

BALTIMORE CONSORT

In a family-friendly afternoon concert, the early-music ensemble revives French, English, and Spanish holiday tunes for lute, viola da gamba, and cittern. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-325-7066, www.townhallseattle.org. $10 ($5 students/seniors). 1 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23. Then, during its evening performance, the group focuses on Renaissance music. $15–$34 ($5 discount for Town Hall members). 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT AND GALA

God bless Americana: Gerard Schwartz leads the Seattle Symphony in a performance of Gershwin’s Concerto in F and selections from Bernstein’s West Side Story. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-215-4747, www.seattlesymphony.org. $65–$150 (includes dinner, cocktails, and postconcert dance). 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 31.

Community Events

CELEBRITY CHESTNUT ROASTING

It ain’t Dancing With the Stars, but the Fairmont Olympic’s annual roundup of local celebs is always good fun. This year’s gang includes KING-TV’s Jean Enersen, KMTT (“The Mountain”) DJs Fisher & West, the Sea Gals (the Seahawks cheerleading squad), and the Mariner Moose. 411 University St., 206-621-1700. $3/cone of chestnuts. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. weekdays. Through Fri., Dec. 23.

ISSAQUAH REINDEER FESTIVAL

Did you know that Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoo has the largest Siberian reindeer herd of any U.S. zoo? Now that you do, take a trip to the Eastside to get chummy with the antlered, shaggy creatures of Christmas Eve lore. 19525 S.E. 54th St. (Issaquah), 425-391-5508, www.cougarmountainzoo.org. $9.50 ($8 seniors, $6.50 children 2 to 12). 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily. Through Fri., Dec. 23.

DUNSHEE HOUSE TREE LOT

Buy a fine-looking pine to support Capitol Hill’s non-profit HIV/AIDS support center. 303 17th Ave. E., 206-322-2437, www.dunsheehouse.org. Tree prices vary. Noon–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Through Sat., Dec. 24.

TEDDY BEAR SUITE

Created by local interior decorator Kevin Bradford, the Fairmont Olympic’s gathering of stuffed bears large and small will eventually be donated to Children’s Hospital, as will any cash you care to give. (Also on display: a gingerbread castle.) 411 University St., 206-621-1700. Free. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Through Sun., Dec. 25.

WINTERFEST

This annual Seattle Center festival features an ice rink, a “holiday train,” dozens of free performances, and, more than likely, a giant snow globe. Seattle Center, 206-684-7200, www.seattlecenter.com. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily (10 a.m.–4 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day). Through Mon., Jan. 2.

GINGERBREAD VILLAGE AT CITY CENTRE

1,200 pounds of dough, 500 pounds of candy, and heaven knows how many nuts take over the downtown mall, formed into structural marvels by Sheraton Hotel chefs and reps from local architecture firms. Donations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will be accepted daily. 1420 Fifth Ave., 206-624-8800. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; noon–5 p.m. Sun. Through Tues., Jan. 3.

NUTCRACKER MARCH

Don’t do a macchiato spit-take when you see 50 “decorated nutcrackers” occupying Seattle’s downtown this holiday season. The giant intruders are part of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual promotion for Nutcracker; when 2006 arrives, they’ll be auctioned off online to benefit Northwest Center, a local nonprofit that supports the disabled. Throughout downtown Seattle, from Seattle Center to Pioneer Square. Visit www.nutcrackermarch.com for more information. Through Thurs., Jan. 5.

HOLIDAY HAYRIDES

Put on your mittens and hat as a horse-drawn wagon carries you over the river and through the woods (actually, through Seward Park and around part of Lake Washington). Wagons depart from the entrance to Seward Park, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., 206-684-7434. $10 ($5 children 4 to 12). 4:30–9:30 p.m. (rides begin every 45 minutes). Fri., Dec. 16–Sun., Dec. 18; Wed., Dec. 21–Thurs., Dec. 22.