Plenty to do around town if you're full of holiday spirit
Step to it
You can tell we have good taste in Greater Boston: We've actually made a ballet a hit. Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker " has become an institution, THE way to celebrate the holidays. This is Boston Ballet's 40<sup>th</sup> consecutive year of presenting "The Nutcracker," which runs Nov. 29 to Dec. 29, at the Opera House, Boston. Tickets start at $30. Call: 617-931-2787.
Hail "The Messiah"
Welcome to the 152<sup>nd</sup> consecutive year that the Handel and Haydn Society is presenting "The Messiah ." H&H gave the first American performance of the complete "Messiah" in 1818, so, at this point, they probably know what they're doing. Visit Symphony Hall for this esteemed and elegant annual production, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Tickets: $25 to $83. Call: 617-266-3605.
"Revels" without a Claus
Christmas and The Revels have become synonymous. This is the 38<sup>th</sup> year of the Christmas Revels, and this year's cast includes more than 80 performers all set to celebrate the solstice. Each year, the Revels takes patrons on a trip to a different part of the world - usually with the help of time travel, of course - to see the differing traditions, and, in many cases, the way those traditions have impacted our own celebration of the holidays. This year, Revels goes to the Balkans. The show, filled with singing, dancing and folk traditions, runs Dec. 14-30, at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge. Call <span style="color: black">617-496-2222.</span>
'Life'-time achievement
If you're a fan of "It's a Wonderful Life" (and who isn't?), then you'll want to check out this re-imagining of the classic and beloved tale. In the stage show " This Wonderful Life ," talented local actor Neil A. Casey portrays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter, and 20 more of Bedford Falls' finest citizens. George comes to realize that life really is … whoops, we're ruining it for you. It's a heartwarming way for your family to celebrate the holidays. It plays <span>Nov. 23 to Dec. 22, at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. Call </span>617-585-5678.
'Land' of the loonies
If you like your Christmas stories with an offbeat edge, then David Sedaris is your man. You know him: He's the wacky short story writer whose work appears often on WBUR and in "The New Yorker." He takes an unusual slant on everything, so you know he's going to have a humorous take on Christmas. His one-man play " The Santaland Diaries " returns to the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, with actor Guy Oliveritackling the role of Crumpet, the Macy's elf who has to deal with the holiday madness. It plays Dec. 19-30. Call 617-923-8487.
<p style="text-indent: 0in">Chanticleer voices
<p style="text-indent: 0in">The holiday season and a capella singing are a good match - makes you feel like you're hearing carolers. The 12 members of Chanticleer will enchant listeners with a musical power, spirit and unity that lead some people to dub them "an orchestra of voices." " A Chanticleer Christmas " celebrates the mystery and wonder of Christmas with an elegant blend of traditional carols, Medieval and Renaissance sacred works, and moving spirituals. They perform Nov. 25, at Jordan Hall in Boston. Tickets: $35-$55 (discounts for Celebrity Series members). Call 617-482-6661.
'Carol'-ers
<p style="text-indent: 0in">OK, we know: Beverly isn't right next door. But this annual production of " A Christmas Carol " just may be worth the trip. Executive producer Jon Kimball is in the process of saying good-bye to the theater he's guided for decades, and part of his legacy will certainly be this dependable, thoroughly entertaining production of "A Christmas Carol." He helped adapt this lively production that's the perfect blend of heart-warming story, songs and special effects. It's a North Shore Music Theatre tradition, and it's worth the trip up Rt. 128. It runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 23. <span style="font-weight: normal">Call:</span> 978-232-7200
'Carol'-ers, II
If you just can't stand Rt. 128, we feel your pain - the insane highway could turn Tiny Tim into Scrooge. We have another " A Christmas Carol " that's playing much closer. The New Rep Theatre in Watertown seems to be building its own holiday tradition with the wonderful Charles Dickens tale. You can catch the show at the New Rep's state-of-the-art theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. It runs Dec. 9-23, at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. Call 617-923-8487.