Stage
The Baltimore Christmas Special’s Comedy Nutcracker. The creator and cast of the Hack and Slash Christmas Special Spencer “Slash” Humm presents a show of live comedy and music to benefit local and global charities. Dec. 11-20, Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, (410) 636-6597, chesapeakearts.org, $35-$55.
“A Christmas Carol.” The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performs Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “with a Charm City twist.” Dec. 4-25, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., (410) 244-8570, chesapeakeshakespeare.com, $24-$59.
Happy Buddah and BIG’s Toys for Tots Fundraiser. The Baltimore Improv Group joins Happy Buddha’s fourth annual fundraiser comedy and improv show, also featuring Magnet Theater’s Louis Kornfield and Rick Andrews. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, and audience members are encouraged to bring small, unwrapped toys to be donated as well. 8 p.m., Dec. 5, Baltimore Improv Group, 1823 N. Charles St., (888) 745-8393, bigimprov.org, $10.
“A John Waters Christmas: Holier and Dirtier.” Baltimore’s own Pope of Trash returns with his annual holiday monologue exploring his off-kilter passion for Christmas. 8 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, (410) 244-0057, baltimoresoundstage.com, $40-$45.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” The family-friendly musical recreates the the classic stop-motion television special with nostalgic puppets, costumes, sets, and music. 5 p.m. Dec. 26, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 27, Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave., (410) 900-1150, lyricoperahouse.com, $29-$59.
“The Santa Closet” and “The Seven Poor Travelers.” A special holiday double bill features two solo performances: Jeffrey Solomon’s “The Santa Closet,” about a child with a gender role-defying gift request for Santa; and “The Seven Poor Travelers,” adapted and performed by Charlie Bethel. Dec. 10-20, Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., (410) 752-8558, theatreproject.org, $12-$22.
Trixie & Monkey’s 11th Annual Holiday Spectac-u-thon. Monkey rejoins burlesque star Trixie Little in their annual holiday variety show featuring acrobatics, striptease, live music, and comedy. 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19, Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, $22-$25.
“A Tuna Christmas.” The people of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas, run into all kinds of trouble as they begin to celebrate the holidays. Through Dec. 20, Spotlighter’s Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $16-$20.
Youtheatre Christmas Production. The young members of the Arena Players’ Youtheatre program put on their holiday show. Dec. 18-20, Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St., (410) 728-6500, arenaplayersinc.com.
Dance
The Nutcracker Ballet. Boston Ballet Director Barry Hughson directs young dancers in a performance of “The Nutcracker.” 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 12, 1 p.m. Dec. 19, Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St., (443) 642-5165, bsfa.org, $15-$20.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. The wold-class Moscow ballet performs a holiday classic with exquisite sets, costumes, and puppets. 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Hippodrome Theater at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St., (410) 837-7400, france-merrickpac.com, $46-$198.50.
Charm City Ballet: A Christmas Carol. The Baltimore County-based company performs a full-length ballet based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” 1:30 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, (443) 290-8806, artbma.org, $17-$25.
Music
Merriment & Melodies in Harbor East. Every Wednesday in December, choral groups perform amidst street entertainment and shopping events with complimentary sweets to benefit the Maryland Food Bank. 5:30-9 p.m., Harbor East, harboreast.com, free.
Midweek Concert: The Polar Express. Ken Lam leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in performances of works from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” Prokofiev’s “Troika,” and Robert Kapilow’s score for Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” alongside projections of images and words from the children’s book. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 and 4, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $6.50.
Robin Bullock Christmas Concert. Celtic guitar virtuoso and composer Robin Bullock performs a festive concert. 8 p.m., An die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles St., (410) 385-2638, andiemusiklive.com, $10-$18.
Polka Christmas party with the Alex Meixner Band. Grammy nominee Alex Meixner performs a lively set of accordion-driven holiday tunes. Polka dance lesson 7:30 p.m., music 8 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, $9-$15.
Handel’s Messiah. Conductor and harpsichordist Edward Polochick performs and leads the Concert Artists of Baltimore Symphonic Chorale and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a joint performance of the holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $22-$71.
93.1 WPOC’s Jingle Y’all. Nashville country duo Brothers Osbourne perform a special holiday show with Lauren Alaina and Striking Matches. 8 p.m., Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, (410) 244-1131, ramsheadlive.com, $18-$22.
SOOHAN’s Holiday Party. Don your ugliest sweater for a show featuring DJs Soohan and Dripping Wet spinning remixed Christmas songs and more. 9 p.m., Red Maple, 930 N. Charles St., (410) 547-0149, 930redmaple.com, $10.
The Baltimore Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert. Baltimore’s oldest gay chorus performs holiday music by Arthur Sullivan, Georges Bizet, Craig Courtney, and more, followed by the St. Vincent de Paul Choir’s “Lessons and Carols.” 5 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 120 N. Front St., tonyjbianca.wix.com/baltimoremenschorus, free.
DigiTour Slaybells Ice. Viral video stars like Rebecca Black, BruhItsZach, Nick Bean, Timmy Connors, Rudan C, Edwin Burgos, Dylan Dauzat, and more perform. 4 p.m., Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, (410) 244-1131, ramsheadlive.com, $25-$30.
‘Tis the Season with Brian Stokes Mitchell. The BSO SuperPops are joined by Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell in performances of holiday favorites. 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12, 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $25-$99.
Holiday Swing with Michael Mwenso, Brianna Thomas, Charenee Wade, and The Shakes. Joined by vocalists Charnee Wade and Brianna Thomas, jazz singer Michael Mwenso performs festive swing tunes with his big band, The Shakes. 8 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, $15-$21.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis directs a performance of Mannheim Steamroller’s first Christmas album with multimedia effects. 7:30 p.m., Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave., (410) 900-1150, lyricoperahouse.com, $49.50-$69.50.
Big Band Christmas. The Brooklyn Park Middle School ensemble and the Annapolis Junction Big Band plays a family-friendly show of festive big band music. 5:30 p.m., $10 general admission, Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, (410) 636-6597, chesapeakearts.org, free for members and kids 12 and under.
A Gospel Christmas with the Morgan State University Choir. The Morgan State University Choir sings holiday classics with a gospel cantata. 7:30 P.M. Dec. 17 and 18, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $19-$57.
Sing-Along Messiah. Join the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and Orchestra in singing Handel’s “Messiah.” 7:30 p.m., Kraushaar Auditorium, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, (410) 523-7070, baltimorechoralarts.org, $25.
“Home Alone”: Movie and Music. The BSO performs the John Williams’ score alongside the holiday comedy starring Macaulay Culkin. 3 and 7 p.m., the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $19-$62.
Kix Mas. The Hagerstown hair metal band plays a special holiday show. 9 p.m., Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, (410) 244-1131, ramsheadlive.com, $27.50.
Llamadon 12 Slices: A Holiday Party. Blacksage, Butch Dawson, Joy Postell, Beya Likhari, DaikonDaikon, and Dylijens perform. 9 p.m., Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St., themetrogallery.net, $7-$10.
Music Box Series: Sleigh Ride. Shannan E. Johnson hosts a baby and toddler-friendly program with wintry tunes performed by the BSO String Quartet. 9, 10, and 11:30 a.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $10.
31st annual Tuba Christmas. Tuba players gather to perform Christmas favorites. 3:30 p.m., Baltimore Inner Harbor Amphitheater, 201 E. Pratt St., (812) 824-8833, tubachristmas.com, free.
Charm City Klezmer Holiday Dance Party. Judith Geller, Michael Raitzyk, their children, and other Baltimore musicians perform Jewish East European-influenced music. 8 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealiance.org, $15-$21.
Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas. Baltimore rapper Eze Jackson hosts a festive holiday show featuring special guests, an Ugly Sweater Contest, and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. 9 p.m., Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St., themetrogallery.net, $5-$15.
Special Events
Christmas Village in Baltimore. Explore a German-style holiday market featuring wine-tasting events, performances, and vendors in more than 60 booths. Through Dec. 27, West Shore Park, 501 Light St., baltimore-christmas.com, free admission weekdays and opening weekend, festival tent areas $3-$5 weekends only.
Holiday Delights Pop Up Shop. The Women’s Exchange and Industrial Arts Collective present a pop up shop featuring the wares of mostly women artists and craftspeople. Through Dec. 27, The Women’s Exchange, 333 N. Charles St., (410) 685-4388, womansindustrialexchange.org.
Miracle on 34th Street. Enjoy the impressive decorations and festive light displays, on view in Hampden for the 69th year. Through January 1, 700 block of 34th St., christmasstreet.com, free.
Monument Lighting. Celebrate the 44th annual lighting of the Washington Monument with live music, food and craft vebdors, a laser show, and a fireworks display. 5-8 p.m., Mount Vernon Place, (410) 244-1030, godowntownbaltimore.com, free.
Monument Lighting Family Festival. Escape the cold during the Washington Monument Lighting and enjoy performances, music, refreshments, and festive art activities. 5-8 p.m., Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., (410)547-9000, thewalters.org, free.
Baltimore Krampuslauf II. Dress up as Krampus, a Christmas demon from German alpine folklore, and walk through Hampden, singing carols and spooking onlookers. Participants can also try a special Krampus ice cream flavor from The Charmery. 4 p.m., De Kleine Duivel, 3602 Hickory Ave., dekleineduivel.com, free.
Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas. Celebrate the holidays with live music and vendors in Broadway Square, breakfast with St. Nick at Bar Cocina, the Annual Parade of Lighted Boats, the Reindeer Run Pub Crawl, an eggnog contest, and more. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fells Point Main Street, (410) 675-8900, fellspointmainstreet.org, free.
Kick it with Santa Kickball Tournament. Dress up in your best North Pole gear and play kickball alongside Christmas music, “reindeer games,” drinks, and costume contests. Bar crawl 5 p.m., Federal Hil, baltimoresocial.com, $30 per person, register ahead.
Kwanzaa Family Day: Umoja. Celebrate Kwanzaa with live performances by Urban Foli, Sheena Black, Eboni Evans, and Nicoletta de la Brown, plus dance and drum workshops, storytelling, art making activities, and more. Noon-3 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, free.
Santa Con Baltimore. Dress up like Mr. or Mrs. Claus and embark on a Christmas bar crawl through Federal Hill with drink specials and a costume contest. 5 p.m., check-in at Mother’s Bar and Grille, 1113 S. Charles St., baltimoresocial.com, $10 advance, $20 day of event.
Winter Craft Fair. Sip on cocktails and warm yourself by a wood stove while shopping crafts from over 20 vendors. 4-7 p.m., Baltimore Free Farm, 3510 Ash St., (410) 575-4233, baltimorefreefarm.org, free.
Baltimore Chanukah Festival. Watch the Menorah Car Parade, Grand Menorah Lighting, and Fireworks Extravaganza alongside a live performance by Yoel Sharabi and Chanukah activities for all ages. 3 p.m., McKeldin Square, Inner Harbor, baltimorechanukahfestival.com, free.
A Family Chanukah Celebration with Joanie Leeds. Children’s musical artist Joanie Leeds performs a special Chanukah concert with her band the Nightlights. 2 p.m., Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., (410) 732-6400, jewishmuseummd.org, $1.
Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake celebrates her final parade as mayor of Baltimore. Watch festive floats, motorcycles, marching bands, and Santa Claus trek a 2.5 mile route through Medfield-Hampden. 1 p.m., begins at Poly/Western High Schools through Falls Road and 36th to end at Chestnut and 37th St., mayorschristmasparade.com, free.
Merry MArt. Shop gifts at the Creative Alliance’s annual juried craft market, featuring creations by the Charm City Craft Mafia, the Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST), and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., (410) 276-1651, creativealliance.org, free.
MICA Art Market. Shop jewelry, illustrations, paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, book arts, toys, wrapping paper, and more handmade and specialty designed goods. 11.a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 12, Maryland Insitute College of Art, Brown Center, 1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave., (410) 669-9200, mica.edu, free admission.
Milk & Cookies Social. Kids can enjoy face painting, cookie decorating, and more, plus wine and cheese for parents. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Maryland Athletic Club, 655 S. President St. #200, (667) 219-2002, harboreast.com.
Catholic Charities 2015 Christmas Festival. Support Gallagher Services, a program that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, while enjoying a performance by the Concert Artists of Baltimore, soloist Lara Bruckmann, and special guest Justin Tucker. 7:30 pm., The Baltimore Basilica, 409 Cathedral St., (410) 547-5591, catholiccharities-md.org, $125 general admission, $50 ages 35 and under.
Under $500. Browse and purchase original artwork by local artists all priced under $500 while enjoying an open bar and light tastings. 6 p.m., Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St., (410) 962-8565, mdartplace.org, $20 advance, $30 doors.
Charm City Craft Mafia presents Holiday Heap. Over 50 crafters gather to sell their creations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Space 2640, 2640 St. Paul St., charmcitycraftmafia.com, free.
Jingle Fells. Bar-hop through Fells Point. 1 p.m.-midnight, Fells Point, lindypromotions.com, $10.
Rock the Dock Family Holiday Bash. Enjoy live music, photos with Santa, food, drinks, arts and crafts, giveaways, and more. 3-6 p.m., Power Plant, itsawaterfrontlife.org, free.
Brunch with Santa. Kids (and adults) can enjoy a meal with Santa and share their Christmas wishes. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Rusty Scupper, 402 Key Highway, (410) 727-3678, rusty-scupper.com, reservations required.
The Ugly Sweater Run. Run a 5k in your ugliest holiday sweater to benefit Save the Children. 9 a.m., Rash Field, 201 Key Highway, theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/baltimore-maryland, $40-$50, free for kids ages 5 and under.
12 Days of Science. Featuring a different theme every day through Dec. 31, 12 Days of Science offers family activities like igloo-building, dry ice demonstrations, hot chocolate experiments, and more, culminating with the Midnight Noon celebration on Dec. 31 with a performance by Grammy-nominated band Milkshake. Through Dec. 31, Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., (410) 685-2370, mdsci.org, free with paid admission.
Comedy Cantonese. When all else is closed and quiet on Christmas Eve, comedian Liam McEneaney headlines a night of Jewish humor, booze, and a Chinese buffet. 7 p.m., Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium, (410) 252-2727, magoobys.com, $25-$40.
Celebrating Jewish Folk. The Jewish Museum offers “a ‘carol-free’ zone” on Christmas Day with the museum’s executive director Marvin Pinkert, who will lecture on the influence of people of Jewish heritage on the American folk revival. 1 p.m., Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., 410) 732-6400, jewishmuseummd.org.
Kwanzaa Celebration 2015. Celebrate Kwanzaa and African heritage with traditional musical performances, storytelling with Maria Broom and Jali D, crafts, and an African Marketplace. 1 p.m., Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St., (443) 263-1800, lewismuseum.org, $5 special admission.
WWE Live Holiday Tour. Professional wrestlers beat each other up in holiday spirit. 7:30 p.m., Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., (410) 347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com, $20-$105.
New Year's Eve
The Baltimore Comedy Lab’s New Year’s Eve Rock-n-Roll Time Machine. Spencer “Slash” Humm and Jimmy Meritt host a night of live comedy, music, dancing, and drinks to ring in 2016. 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, (410) 636-6597, chesapeakearts.org, $48.77.
Cirque de la Symphonie. Jack Everly conducts a BSO performance featuring world-class acrobats, gymnasts, contortionists, and jugglers. 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 3 p.m. Jan. 2, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., (410) 783-8000, bsomusic.org, $19-$99.
Crawl Till the Ball Falls. Hop from one Federal Hill bar to the next to celebrate the new year. Registration 5-10 p.m., Mother’s Bar and Grille, 1113 S. Charles St., lindypromo.com, $10.
Magooby’s NYE Party with Jason Weems. Native Baltimorean Jason Weems headlines two shows featuring Tommy Sinbazo, with an open bar, complimentary champagne toast, DJ, and midnight buffet (late show only). 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium, (410) 252-2727, magoobys.com, $45-$195.
Metro New Year’s Eve Karaoke Blowout. Sing your way into 2016 with “Diva,” “Prince vs. Bowie,” new wave, ‘90s, and randomly selected karaoke songs. 9 p.m., Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St., (410) 244-0899, themetrogallery.net, $5.
Midnight Noon. Kids can celebrate the New Year way before their bedtime with a noontime ball drop, arts and crafts, and a performance by Milkshake. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., (410) 685-2370, mdsci.org, free with paid admission.
New Year’s Eve at Power Plant Live. Enjoy a top shelf open bar, gourmet food, DJs, party favors, and all access to every Power Plant bar and nightclub, culminating in a midnight celebration featuring a live screening of the Times Square Ball Drop. 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., Power Plant Live, 34 Market Place, powerplantlive.com, $95, price increases as event approaches.
New Year’s Eve Spectacular. Baltimore rings in the new year with music and a fireworks display over the Inner Harbor at midnight. 9 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Inner Harbor, (410) 752-8632, promotionandarts.org, free.
New Year’s 3084: Stardust Lazerdong’s Big Ball. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society celebrates the new year in retro-futuristic style with a Daft Punk cover band, classic BROS songs performed by the BROS House Band, new tunes from the upcoming rock opera “Chronoshred” performed by the Chronicshredders, and a robot DJ spinning ‘80s dance hits. 9 p.m., Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., (410) 662-0069, baltimorerockopera.org, $15.
Spirit of Baltimore New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner. Watch the Inner Harbor fireworks from a cruise ship while enjoying a dinner buffet, party favors, open bar, DJ entertainment, and a champagne toast. Boarding 9 p.m., Spirit of Baltimore, Inner Harbor, (866) 312-2469, spiritcruises.com, $169.90.
The Wonderland Ball. Cris Jacobs Band and Friends, Bawdy Shop Burlesque, and Brooks Long & The Mad Dog No Good perform amidst a New Year’s celebration with a Union Cask Ale Bar, a food truck court, Pixelated Photobooth, and free champagne and balloon drop at midnight. 3 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, (410) 244-0057, baltimoresoundstage.com, $27.50-$110.