Family classics

NEVADA BALLET THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 15 & 21, 7:30p; Dec. 16, 1p; Dec. 22, 2p & 7:30p; Dec. 23, 1p & 5p.

Choreographed by Artistic Director James Canfield, this highly anticipated rendition features live music and is a brand-new, original production featuring new sets, costumes and surprises, yet to be revealed! $45-$158. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center

THE NATIVITY

Dec. 5, 6p; Dec. 6, 6p & 7p; Dec. 7 & 8, 6p,7p & 8p; Spanish version Dec. 5, 7p.

This 25-minute production of the Biblical account of Jesus Christ’s birth features 100-plus cast members and more than a dozen animals depicting various scenes. Live music precedes each show and dozens of nativities from around the world will be displayed. Presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Free. Opportunity Village, 6050 S. Buffalo Drive. thenativitylv.com

MADRIGAL DINNER

Dec. 7-8, 7p.

Celebrate the Holidays with Kings, Queens, Knights & Jesters as the regal pageantry and ceremonial pomp of Merrie Olde England is brought to life at medieval “Castle Horn,” complete with a three-course meal, dancing, serenading, carols and more by the CSN College Singers and Chamber Chorale. $30, with advance reservations are required and Renaissance costumes are encouraged. Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at CSN. csn.edu/pac

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR AT SPRINGS PRESERVE

Dec. 8-9 & 15-23, 5-9p.

A family-friendly winter wonderland bathed in thousands of eco-friendly LEDs, with carolers and madrigal singers, snow flurries, cookie decorating, face painting, holiday bingo, reindeer (pony) rides, a Santa photo station, snow maze and more! A Posada (Mexican Christmas celebration) of music, dance, piñatas, unique decorations, authentic food and hot drinks concluding with the tradition of Three Wise Men Day (Día de Reyes) will be presented on Dec. 16. $5-$8, free for children 4 and under, with half-off for members. Springs Preserve

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: POLAR EXPRESS

Dec. 14, 5- 9p.

Drop off the kids at the Springs Preserve for a safe night of entertainment, with holiday craft-making, Origen Museum exploring, pizza eating and movie watching (the holiday film “The Polar Express”). $26 for ages 5-12, with $5 off for members. Reservations must be made by Dec. 12 and only 125 spots are available! Springs Preserve

Sounds of the season

DANNY WRIGHT: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dec. 2, 2p.

Ring in the holiday season with favorites from this pianist’s broad repertoire of traditional Christmas songs, classical works, and music from Broadway and film combined with inspirational stories of life and love in a heartwarming show for all ages. With special guest ventriloquist Terry Fator, Strip headliner and winner of America’s Got Talent. $18-$78. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS’ ADVENT-CHRISTMAS RECITAL

Dec. 2, 4p.

This year’s traditional recital will again be performed by members of the Southern Nevada Chapter. The program will include music by J.S. Bach, Josef Rheinberger, Johannes Brahms, J. Wayne Kerr, Robert Manookin, Edward Broughten and more. The recital will showcase the church’s 4-manual and pedal, 54-rank Schantz pipe organ. Free. Christ Church Episcopal, 2000 S. Maryland Parkway, 898-5455

CITY OF LIGHTS BARBERSHOP CHORUS: CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN’

Dec. 7, 7p.

A delightful collection of traditional Christmas songs performed in the unique four-part acapella harmony style by the City of Lights Chorus and its quartets, with special guests from the Sweet Adelines and Cheyenne High School. Fun for the whole family! $24. Troesh Studio Theater at The Smith Center

THE GAMBLE-AIRES CHRISTMAS SHOW

Dec. 8, 2p.

The original Las Vegas barbershop harmony group, with its large chorus and quartets, celebrates the season with traditional favorites and the hysterical quiz show, “Are You Smarter Than an Elf?” $10 in advance, $12 day of show. Winchester Cultural Center Theater

THE DEANA MARTIN CHRISTMAS SHOW

Dec. 14-15, 7p; Dec. 16, 2p.

Dean Martin’s daughter combines the coolness of The Rat Pack with vocal sophistication, intertwining classic Yuletide tunes and songs honoring her legendary father, Uncle Frank (Sinatra), Uncle Sammy (Davis Jr.) and more with personal recollections, anecdotes and never-before-seen home movie footage of her family’s Christmas celebrations. $37-$59. Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center

DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2012

Dec. 18, 7:30p.

Get into the holiday spirit as David Benoit, NBC’s “The Voice” winner Javier Colon, Sheila E. and Margo Rey jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites led by multi-Grammy nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz. $29-$89. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center

LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC - POPS II - A VERY VEGAS HOLIDAY

Dec. 8, 2p & 8p.

A perfect outing for the entire family, this holiday program is filled with musical joys of the season. Special guests Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and Former Mayor Oscar B. Goodman will narrate “A Night Before Christmas,” percussionists from Foothill High School will put a unique twist on “Little Drummer Boy” and the North Pole’s most famous resident might even make a special appearance. $46-$94. Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center

DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS PRESENT HOLIDAZE IN HICKSVILLE

Dec. 22, 7p.

This show will feature a live performance of songs from the acclaimed album “Crazy for Christmas,” as well as several Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks classics. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Historic Fifth Street School, danhicks.net

[Hear about funny and crazy family holiday traditions on “Tinsel Tales: NPR Christmas Stories”]

The season unwrapped: unique events

CLINT HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dec. 7-8, 8:30p; Dec. 9, 2p.

This legendary performer brings a warm holiday celebration to ignite the holiday spirit, along with his wife Kelly Clinton and granddaughter Asia. $35-$45. Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center

KWANZAA 2012

Dec. 22, 3p.

Share the meaning of Kwanzaa by embracing and celebrating the accomplishments of youth graduate participants of the annual Rites of Passage mentoring workshops in a “Crossing Over” ceremony. Free (with required tickets that may be picked up in advance at the W. Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.). West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 229-4800

CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY ARMENCHIK

Dec. 22, 8p.

Armenian singing sensation Armen Gondrachyan has been performing since he was seven years old, releasing his first album at 15. Inheriting his talent from his father Harpet, Armen would sing whenever and wherever he could. Now internationally known, he performs around the world to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences. $65-$175. Pearl Concert Theater at Palms

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES’ 19th ANNUAL HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN

Through Jan. 1, 5-10p nightly.

An illuminated winter wonderland featuring more than 600,000 sparkling lights displayed throughout the 3-acre Botanical Cactus Garden. The holiday hot spot also boasts live entertainment Fri.-Sat., photos with Santa Fri.-Sun. and a display of “meteor lights” that look like falling snowflakes when seen through 3D glasses (available for $3). Free. Ethel M Chocolates, 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson, ethelm.com