'Nutcracker' sampler
Anchorage Ballet's "Christmas 2013" show includes selections from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet, presented by local dancers and international guest artists. Follow Marie and her Prince on a magical journey through flurrying snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets and the popular character dances. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, in the Discovery Theatre. Tickets, $29-$33, are available at centertix.net.
Christmas Carols
Anchorage Lutheran Church will hold its fourth annual Community Carol Sing at 7 p.m. Friday. The public is invited to stop by and join in on familiar songs of the season -- some religious, others not so much, like a rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" that will particularly appeal to kids. The Anchorage Lutheran Hand Bell Choir will also chime in, and a Christmas cookie reception for everyone will be held afterward. The church is located at 1420 N St. and admission is free.
Holiday Pops
If you want to hear great Christmas music but don't want to sing it yourself, make plans for the Anchorage Concert Chorus' annual Holiday Pops concert in Atwood Concert Hall at 4 p.m. Sunday. This is one of the most popular programs of the year, with the big ensemble presenting seasonal classics from the whimsical to the glorious. Remember, hearing carols sung live rather than recorded is like having a real Christmas tree instead of a plastic one. Tickets, $25-$39, are available at centertix.net.
'A Christmas Carol'
A cast of 50 will somehow manage to fit on the stage of Alaska Pacific University's Grant Hall Auditorium for a production of "A Christmas Carol" by TBA Theatre. Admission is $10 and showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
'A Wrinkle in Time'
The darkest weekend of the year seems like a particularly good time to catch Cyrano's superb production of "A Wrinkle in Time" -- the well-loved fable of light overcoming the forces of darkness. An excellent cast and script make this our top pick for holiday shows but the final performances will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
Compiled by Mike Dunham