10 Minutes to Midnight: 9 Quirky Plays for the Holidays at Cleveland Public Theatre
Assuring a concoction of hilarity, humanity, communion, loneliness, hope and disaster, Cleveland Public Theatre’s latest collection of work probably sums itself up with the word “quirky.” The variety show turned cabaret turned play festival is a way to celebrate all that can happen — or what we hope will happen — during the holidays. Be advised, this show includes language, violence and drug use. Pay as you can, Dec. 2-18, Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m., 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-2727, cptonline.org
A Christmas Carol at Mimi Ohio Theatre
If you have never heard of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, you’re either living under a snowbank or before 1843. While considered as a story about generosity during the holidays, human redemption is painted with a broader stroke. Scrooge’s compliance with a corrupt system in which selfishness is an engine drives the story’s theme into a realm of timelessness for all ages. $30-$80, Nov. 26- Dec. 23, various times, 1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, greatlakestheater.org
Amahl and the Night Visitors at Cleveland Opera Theater
As always, Cleveland Opera Theater seeks to bring the art of dramatic singing to all, in this free showing of Gian Carlo Menotti’s retelling of the Magi, told from the perspective of a shepherd. All donations go toward The City Mission’s Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Free, Dec. 17-19, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m., various locations, 216-512-0268, clevelandoperatheater.org
Art Treasures 2021 at Beck Center for the Arts
Fall in love with the work of local artists, such as Julie Schabel of the Screw Factory and Watercolor Society 2005 North Coast Award winner Patricia Sigmier. Pottery and illustration are just two mediums that are celebrated in this exhibit by our creative neighbors, additionally open during performance nights at the Beck Center for the Arts. Free, Nov. 30-Jan. 2, Mon.-Thur. noon-8 p.m., Fri. noon-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. noon-4 p.m., 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium
This Saturday is the first of three weeks the Browns will be in the NFL limelight. As the prologue to a Christmas Day game against the Green Bay Packers and face-off with the Steelers on Jan. 3, 2022, this first half of a tripleheader may very well set their stride into the new year. $31-$1,173, Dec. 18, 4:30 p.m., 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, 440-824-3434, clevelandbrowns.com
Death By Fruitcake: A Murder Mystery Brunch at Music Box Supper Club
Tickets always seem to sell out fast at the Music Box’s Murder Mystery dinners, unlike Fruitcake left on shelves long past the holidays. The most infamous and hardy of holiday foods will create a stir at this brunch. $39.50, Dec. 18, noon, 1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
Holiday Lantern Tours 2021 at Hale Farm & Village
Some traditions are imbedded in the blizzard banks of myth. Hale Farm & Village invites visitors to shovel some snow off these stories, as they take a tour back in time and discover the holiday’s transformation through the 19th century. These tours are available during weekends and the days leading up to Christmas Eve. A delicious treat is promised at the end. $15-$20, Dec. 4-23, 5:20 p.m.–9 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity at Karamu House
From the York Theatre to President Kennedy’s International Jazz Festival, to an enthusiastic reception at Spoleto, Italy’s Festival of Two Worlds, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity continues to circle stages across the country and Cleveland — where the prominent poet previously lived— is no exception. With one step in the direction of blues, the other in gospel, the play is sure to course electricity through one’s soul. $20-$45, Dec. 2- Dec. 24, various times, 2355 East 89th St., Cleveland, 216-795-7070, karamuhouse.org
Light It Up! at Cleveland Play House
A musical for Cleveland set in Cleveland performed in Cleveland for Clevelanders, Light It Up! is a gift that couldn’t get more personal—or meta—for the city. When the downtown Christmas tree lighting takes a turn, the characters must improvise a way to work together carry the holiday spirit. $25-$75, Nov. 27-Dec. 22, various times, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, clevelandplayhouse.com
Scuba Claus Meet & Greet Days at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Everyone knows Santa drops down the chimney, but this year he’s also diving into the tank. In addition to exploring the rest of the aquarium, Scuba Claus will casually be immersed with underwater creatures to answer Christmas questions, proof flying deer are not the only friends dear to him (pun intended). $18.95-$24.95, Dec. 18-22, Sat. & Sun. 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m., Mon.- Wed. 4:30 p.m.- 7 p.m., 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
The Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts at Mandel Concert Hall
There’s something about stepping foot into Severance Hall that makes a holiday concert all the more classic, calling back romanticized by-gone days of Christmas splendor that makes anyone feel like a kid again. This year features the guest choruses of Cleveland State University Chorale, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble and the College of Wooster Chorus. Plus, the talent of Capathia Jenkins. $49-$129, Dec. 9-Sun. 19, Thur.-Sun. 7:30 p.m. & Sat.-Sun. 2:30 p.m., 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 16-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com