Thursday Dec. 19
A Christmas Carol at the Mimi Ohio Theatre
Great Lakes Theatre revives its rendition of the Charles Dickens classic about an ornery miser named Scrooge. Today's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, and the play runs through Dec. 22. 1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
A Christmas Story at the Allen Theatre
The Cleveland Play House’s production of A Christmas Story rides a two-hour wave of intricate details to unerringly establish the period and to help even the youngest patrons make the leap back to a time before televisions were omnipresent and cowboy hero Red Ryder was king of the wireless. Today's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen Theatre. Performances continue through Dec. 22. 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Christmas with C.S. Lewis at the Hanna Theatre
Based on a true story, this play recreates a Christmas that writer C.S. Lewis spent near Oxford hosting a group of Americans who were Christmassing in England. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night at the Hanna Theatre. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Holiday Show at the Beachland Tavern
Expect to hear under-appreciated holiday classics such as "Silent Surfin' Night," "Truckin' Trees for Christmas," "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin" when singer-songwriter Bill Kirchen brings his holiday show to the Beachland Tavern tonight at 8 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Monsters vs. Utica Comets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Tonight at 7 p.m., the Monsters take on the Utica Comets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It's Sustainability Night, so you can expect some related giveaways. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Mandel Concert Hall
Tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, the Cleveland Orchestra presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert. The event will feature a screening of the classic film that retells the Dickens classic. The orchestra will perform the score live to picture. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
The Nutcracker at Connor Palace
Today at 7 p.m. at Connor Palace, Cleveland Ballet presents its rendition of the classic ballet that features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Performances continue through Dec. 22. 1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Friday Dec. 20
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at House of Blues
The pioneering hip-hop group that emerged out of Cleveland in the early '90s when N.W.A.'s Easy-Z signed them to his Ruthless Records plays a rare hometown show tonight at 7 p.m. at House of Blues. Their debut EP, Creepin on ah Come Up, delivered the hit "Thuggish Ruggish Bone," a track that established the sing-song style that would become their trademark. 308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com
Cocoa Brown at the Funny Bone
If you've seen any of Progressive Insurance's "Name Your Price" commercials, then you've seen comic Cocoa Brown. In the commercial, this vivacious comedian and actress plays the angered wife whose husband decides he wants to juggle chain saws. Tyler Perry has even taken her on as a vital character in his TV shows and films. She performs tonight at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com
Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Last month, the Cavs beat the Milwaukee Bucks in two very close games. Expect tonight's game against the Bucks to be another nailbiter. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavs stay home to face the floundering Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow night at 8 p.m. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Chamber Music in the Atrium: Holiday Brass with Gabrieli’s Horns at Cleveland Museum of Art
Gabrieli’s Horns, a classical brass quintet, will play arrangements of holiday favorites. The concert begins tonight at 6 p.m. at Cleveland Museum of Art. Admission is free. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Christmas Around the World at Crushers Stadium
This special event that takes place from today through Jan. 4 will feature a tubing hill, a miniature golf course, entertainment, a 52-foot Christmas tree, and a special Glockenspiel adapted for the holiday season. Today's hours are noon to 9 p.m. Check the website for additional hours and more information. 2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, 440-934-3636, christmasatw.com/
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts at Mandel Concert Hall
Sarah Hicks conducts the Cleveland Orchestra for this special holiday concert. Singer Jimmie Herrod, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and the Blossom Festival Chorus will perform as well. Tonight's concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Dec. 22. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
The Daze at CODA
The grunge-y up-and-coming local group that's just released a new Dinosaur Jr.-inspired single headlines this show that also features Casket Splinter, Echoes on Water and the Brakes. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. at CODA. 2247 Professor Ave., 216-274-1200, danteboccuzzi.com/coda/
Greyt Big Talk at the CMA Community Arts Center
Ariel Vergez, aka BlackBrain, is a pop-noir artist interested in beauty and thought. "His gifted art psyche develops stories that bring color to the mundane, dialogue to the mute, and personality to the dull," reads a press release about the dynamic artists who comes to the CMA Community Arts Center today at 8 a.m. to participate in a special Greyt Big Talk. 2937 West 25th St., thatsgreyt.com
The Little Match Girl Passion at Cleveland School of the Arts
Today and tomorrow at the Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland Chamber Choir will present David Lang’s Pulitzer-Prize Winning The Little Match Girl Passion, a modern-day retelling of the 1845 Hans Christian Andersen story influenced by Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. The program will feature award-winning local composer Tom Lopez and a visual arts collaboration with the students of the Cleveland School of the Arts. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. 2064 Stearns Road, 216-838-9000, clevelandchamberchoir.org
Sean Patton at Hilarities
We’re surprised that scruffy Sean Patton, a New York-based actor and comedian who was born and raised in New Orleans, has the nerve to come to town. In one skit he performed at the Laugh Factory, he revealed that he thinks of Cleveland as “a piece of shit city” before he led the audience through a “Fuck Cleveland” chant. Patton fared better when he turned his attention to his sexual interests. He performs tonight at 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. and tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Third Friday at 78th Street Studios
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free. 1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com
Saturday Dec. 21
Artist in the Atrium at Cleveland Museum of Art
Every third Saturday of each month, stop by the Ames Family Atrium between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get a firsthand look at the art-making process. Each session provides the opportunity to engage and interact with a different Northeast Ohio maker during pop-up demonstrations and activities. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Jim Brickman's Comfort and Joy at the Hanna Theatre
This year's tour featuring the veteran singer-pianist promises to be "a spectacular celebration of all things Christmas." Expect to hear Brickman's original holiday classics along with some seasonal favorites. Brickman performs today at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Hanna Theatre. He also performs at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the venue. 2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Holiday Mike Polk Jr. Show at Hilarities
Tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Frolic Cabaret room at Hilarities, comedian-turned-local newscaster Mike Polk Jr. hosts a special holiday show featuring James Earl Brassfield, Jimmie Graham and Michael Strenk. 2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Plush Party at Cleveland Museum of Art
Every third Saturday of each month between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Cleveland Museum of Art hosts this event that offers a firsthand look at the art-making process. Each session provides the opportunity to "engage and interact" with a different Northeast Ohio maker during pop-up demonstrations and activities. Admission is free. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Scuba Claus Meet & Greets continue today at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The event includes full aquarium access, a winter-themed activity sheet, a candy cane and a commemorative digital photo. The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. today and tomorrow. 2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Sensory-Friendly Saturday at Cleveland Museum of Art
Sensory-Friendly Saturday events at the Cleveland Museum of Art offer "adaptations" to meet diverse sensory-processing needs every third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Guests on the autism spectrum, people experiencing dementia and those of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities are invited to participate in a calming museum experience with less stimulation in a section of the museum’s galleries before they open to the public. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Straight No Chaser at the State Theatre
The nine-man vocal group that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary brings its annual holiday show to the State Theatre. It recently released a new holiday version of Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go” that finds them enthusiastically clapping, singing and humming their alternative version of the catchy tune. The concert begins at 8 p.m. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
A Very Countess Christmas at the Agora Theatre
The reality TV star's show promises to deliver "plenty of music, mischief, laughter, and fun." The concert begins tonight at 7 p.m. at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Window Dogs at the Roxy at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
The local indie rock act that cites Nathaniel Rateliff, Manchester Orchestra, Led Zeppelin and Susto as influences headlines its biggest show to date. It hand-picked local acts Front Porch Lights, Who Saved Who, and Frida and the Mann to open. The music begins at 7 p.m. at the Roxy at Mahall's 20 Lanes in Lakewood. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com
Sunday Dec. 22
Beachland Holiday Flea at the Beachland Ballroom
The Beachland Ballroom hosts a holiday flea for all those last-minute shoppers. The event begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Jolly Holiday Show with Jesse Jukebox at the Grog Shop
Local singer-songwriter Jesse Jukebox and his musical sidekick, DJ Terkey Sandwich, team up for this special holiday show for both kids and parents. The celebration gets going at 10 a.m. at the Grog Shop. Tickets cost $10. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs
Monsters vs. Rochester Americans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Today at 3 p.m. at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Monsters take on the Rochester Americans. It's Family Day and Blues Jackets night, and the game will feature a special Teddy Bear Toss promotion. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Winterloo on Waterloo 2024 at Waterloo Arts District
Local acts Martini Five-O, the Super Babes, Hubb's Groove and the Ohio City Singers perform at this special holiday event that takes place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at venues on Waterloo Road. clevelandrocksppf.org/winterloo
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