Get Your Holly Jolly On

Trinity Repertory Company's A Christmas Carol Now through Dec. 27, Chace Theater Tickets $10 - $65 http://www.trinityrep.com.

The renowned Trinity Repertory Company's annual staging of A Christmas Carol is a Providence tradition 33 years in the making. Each year promises a new twist on the classic tale, which brings audiences back again and again. Last year's show gave viewers a fright with the eerie music and flying ghosts. This year's new director, Birgitta Victorson, emphasized in the show's press release that, "there's so much about the story that people need to see, especially in these economic times, so as to just be reminded that life isn't about having money or not having money. At the end of the day, it's just about being the most loving, caring, compassionate person that you can be." If you have never seen a Trinity Rep show, don't miss the consistently exceptional performance of this Christmas tale of hope and forgiveness. Festival Ballet Providence's The Nutcracker Dec. 11-13, Providence Performing Arts Center Tickets $18-83 http://www.ppacri.org.

Even non-aficionados of dance can appreciate ballet at Christmastime. The Nutcracker is a tried-and-true story that brings together fantasy, art, and sugar plums, appealing to the dreamer in all of us. Festival Ballet Providence puts on a show that is lavish in set design and costuming, and features flawless dance and music that remain true to the classic ballet, but never fail to excite and enchant the audience. The company features dancers who have come from all over the world to dance with Festival Ballet, and has also toured internationally. And guys, just a hint-dinner and surprise tickets to the ballet make a fabulous Christmas gift for a special someone. Christmas at the Shrine Now through Jan. 3, National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, MA Free admission, but donations welcome Directions and more information http://www.lasalette-shrine.org/Christmas.html.

This 10-acre majestic display of over 300,000 lights is sure to get visitors in the festive spirit. The Shrine's decorated grounds remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, with angels, nativity scenes, and more proclaiming the birth of Jesus. It might be a drive, but a walk through this illuminative land is worth the trip. The lights come on every evening through early January from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Bundle up and bring some thermoses of hot cocoa; you won't want the cold air to shorten your stroll. Christmas Strolls on Hope Street and Federal Hill Hope Street-Dec. 5, 11:00 to 5:00 Federal Hill-Dec. 6, 2:00 to 5:00 Free, but bring money for goodies and gifts!

Explore these two favorite Providence areas at the jolliest time of year. Each event will feature free seasonal food and drinks from participating vendors, and special sales at a variety of stores, all beneath the festive glow of Christmas lights. The Hope Street event also promises carolers and a cameo made by S. Claus himself, while Federal Hill will be visited by horse-and-buggy rides and will host a tree lighting at 4:00 p.m. Hey, it's the holidays-go all out and hit up both festivals for the ultimate wintry weekend.