2014 Family-Friendly Holiday Performances

The holidays are a perfect time to get together with loved ones and form new memories. Start off with a holiday performance that the entire family can enjoy.

Nov. 1 through Dec. 21

The Real Christmas Story
Watch and hear your favorite Christmas songs and scenes. Guaranteed snowfall at every performance. $5-$29.95. Fri.-Sun. See website for a list of times. The NarroWay Theatre, 3327 Hwy 51, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-802-2300. narroway.net. 

Dec. 4-7

Magic of Christmas
Don’t miss this holiday tradition featuring the Oratorio Singers complete with sing-alongs and surprises. $12.50-$25. Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2:30 and 8pm; Sun., 2:30pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. charlottesymphony.org.

Dec. 5-7

Gaston Dance Theatre Presents: The Nutcracker
Watch the full-scale production of the classic holiday story. $6-$15. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1 and 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Gaston Day School, 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia. 704-865-5943. gastondancetheatre.com.

Dec. 5-14

A Christmas Carol
The classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. $27. Fri.-Sun. See website for performance schedule. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. theatrecharlotte.org.

Dec. 5-22

Scrooge!
After Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner and three Christmas spirits, he learns to change his ways just in time for Christmas Day. Ages 7+. $12. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1 and 4pm; Sun., 2pm. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org.

Dec. 6

Christmas With Santa
Watch an original family holiday production by Bright Star Theatre. Free. 2pm. Gaston County Library Auditorium, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-868-2164. gastonlibary.org.

Nutcracker Ballet
Enjoy the classic holiday performance with family and friends. $15-$17, free for children 5 and under. 10am. Elevation-Lake Norman, 8325 Copley Drive, Cornelius. adfastudio.com.

Dec. 6-7

Matthews Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
Experience an evening of the classic performance. $3-$5. Sat., 7pm; Sun., 3pm. Fullwood Theater, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-321-7275. matthewshometownholidays.com.

Dec 6-14

Into the Woods
Enjoy the crooked characters in this fractured fairy tale featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, a witch who raps and a blood-thirsty Little Red Riding hood as they embark on a quest for a few special objects. Ages 8+. $12-$15. Sat.-Sun., 2 and 7pm. Levine JCC, 5007 Providence Road. 704-366-5007. charlottejcc.org.

Dec. 7

Celtic Christmas Concert
The music of Christmas comes to life with carols and hymns. $10-$15. 7pm. St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 201 Fairview Road, Mooresville. 704-663-5659. saint-patricks.org.

Dec. 12-13

Clara’s Trip: A Nutcracker Story
Clara LeBlanc trips at a holiday party and is whisked off to the hospital to learn that her ankle is broken. That night her friends and get-well gifts swirl in her dreams. $20-45. Fri., 7pm; Sat., 2 and 7pm. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. carolinecalouche.org.

Dec. 12-14

A Classic Christmas TV Special
An evening of Christmas memories sampling musical numbers and vignettes from TV’s Christmas specials of yesteryear. $9-$10. 7-9pm. Fullwood Theater, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. matthewsplayhouse.com.

Winter Dreams 2014
Feature newly restaged classical repertory and a few new surprises for the entire family. $5-$10. Fri.-Sat.,8pm; Sun., 2:30pm. Pease Auditorium, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6868. tix.cpcc.edu.

Dec. 12-23

Charlotte Ballet Presents: Nutcracker
Celebrate and watch the sights and sounds of the holiday season. With choreography by Jean-Piere Bonnefoux and live music from the Charlotte Symphony. Tickets start at $25. See website for a list of times. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. charlotteballet.org.

Dec. 13

Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS
Enjoy this one-hour show full of sing-a-longs, holiday tunes, puppets, dancers and Santa. $18-$20. 11am and 3pm. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independnce Blvd. 704-374-1564. carolinavoices.org.

Dec. 13-14

Nutcracker: Harris YMCA School of Dance
A family-friendly, abridged version narrated for all to enjoy. $15-$20. Sat., 10:30am, 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30pm; Sun., 1 and 4pm. Queens University, Dana Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave. ymcacharlotte.org/harris.

Dec. 20

Holiday Enchantment
Enjoy a holiday performance featuring the Charlotte City Ballet Company. $10. 3 and 7pm. Fullwood Theater, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. charlottecityballet.org.