Cleveland Ballet Nutcracker
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s score is transformed and mixed with Cleveland culture in the elegant Nutcracker Suite. Come witness beautiful plies and the cultural richness of our community in the form of interpretive dance as Cleveland Ballet reconnects to build on the artistic legacy of the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. This event continues the mission of ensuring that classical and neoclassical ballet is accessible and relevant to audiences of all ages and background as our very own resident professional ballet company. $15. Dec. 15 11 a. m. & 7 p.m. Dec 16 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. Dec 17 1 p.m. 23030 Miles Road, Cleveland, 216-640-8799, clevelandballet.org
Behind the Scenes Serial Season 3
The first podcast to win a Peabody Award, Sarah Koenig and Emmanuel Dzotsi’s Serial uses investigative journalism to document manipulations, distortions and justifications that expose inconsistencies between what people did and the crimes they were actual punished for. The third season went on a year-long, in-depth journey with the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, read more about the season in this Q&A with the duo from our November issue. Catch this behind the scenes look moderated by The City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moulthrop, including discussion and a Q&A period. $25-$65. Dec. 15 8 p.m., KeyBank State Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org
Toys for Shots Benefit
The U.S. Marines, when they aren’t busy protecting our country, are protecting the hearts of our children. The primary goal of Toys for Shots is to deliver a new toy at Christmas, and to also deliver a message of hope to less fortunate children. At this year’s 11th annual Toys for Shots benefit, our soldiers welcome you to bring one unwrapped gift in exchange for a beer and a shot. This holiday party benefits The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and includes food, a raffle, a DJ and photographers. $10. Dec. 15 7 p.m.-2 p.m., Shooters On The Water, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, toysforshots.com
Holiday Breakfast with Mr. Kringle
Get ready for an evening full of spirit perfect for Christmas with Mr. Kringle. During a buffet-style breakfast at The Burnham Restaurant, guests dine with Mr. Kringle interacting for opportunities in holiday-spirited photo shoots. Also, Kringle’s Inventionasium allows you to experience theatrics as you encounter Mr. Kringle, his family and his inventing team busy in preparation for a festive holiday season. $20-$32. Dec. 15 & 16 9 a.m.-Noon, The Burnham Restaurant, 100 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland, 216-413-5000, theburnhamrestaurant.com
Amahl and the Night of Visitors
A humbled mother and her disabled son Amahl, generously welcome three luxuriously appointed kings into their home to spend the night. After Amahl’s mother is caught pickpocketing one of the kings, she and her son offer gifts to them in exchange for their forgiveness. Mercifully, the kings agree that the Christ child would not need so many gifts. The Cleveland Opera Theater expresses the hope of forgiveness and healing in this melodic reenactment. Free. Dec. 14 & 15 7 p.m. Dec 16 3 p.m.,Various Locations, Cleveland, 216-512-0268, clevelandoperatheater.org