Capture the magic of Can’t Miss Alabama with ‘The Nutcracker’ and other holiday festivities
"George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker" will be Dec. 17-19 and 21-23 at the BJCC. (Melissa Dooley)
Safe holiday festivities for all ages throughout the state.
Alabama Ballet
The Alabama Ballet presents “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” Dec. 17-20, 22 and 23 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the Balanchine Trust to perform the holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. Audience members will be required to wear face coverings throughout the performance regardless of age. There must be at least 6 feet of distance between guests. Purchase tickets here. Prices and times are subject to change without prior notice.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted and performed by Greta Lambert, streaming digitally through Friday, Dec. 27. This production will transport audiences back to a magical evening in Victorian England to enjoy the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. While enjoyed by audiences of all ages, “A Christmas Carol” is recommended for children ages 7 and older. Tickets for “A Christmas Carol” are only available for purchase online. For more information, email info@asf.net or call 334-271-5353 on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. Over the next few months, ASF will continue to produce online and outdoor events. Those wishing to make a contribution will have the option to include an additional gift with their ticket purchase. “A Christmas Carol” will be available to stream to in-person, virtual and hybrid classrooms free of charge as part of the theater’s SchoolFest student matinee program. Educators interested in streaming the 72-minute production to their classes can request information by completing the form at asf.net/schoolfest-reservation.
Holiday show at OWA
Las Vegas’ longest-running and most-awarded tribute show is ready to celebrate the holidays. The all-new “A Merry Country Christmas” at OWA Theater will pay tribute to country music royalty, including Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Elvis Presley through Sunday, Jan. 3. For the big finale, the Legends band brings music memories to life with a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo” (“Carol of the Bells”), and the entire cast will join the band to perform “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Corrie Sachs returns to ask “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” during her portrayal of Reba McEntire and will serve as the host of the evening. Stacey Whitton is “Gonna Getcha Good” with her performance as Shania Twain and will transform to return as Martina McBride, proving that “Independence Day” is good any time of year. Garth Brooks promises that the holiday show “Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)” as Shawn Gerhard returns to the OWA Theater stage, and Elvis is back in the building, as Leo Days will have a “Blue Christmas” without you this holiday season. The theater has developed robust safety measures, focusing on the health of the audience, staff and cast. For ticket information and more, go to owa.com or visit legendsshow.com.
Rick Carter Facebook Live concert
The pandemic health crisis has not stopped writer, performer, band leader and entrepreneur Rick Carter from performing. Carter has been playing music professionally since age 12 and was a founding member of the nationally recognized band Telluride. Carter has collaborated with the Allman Brothers, John Fogerty, Jason Isbell, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, ZZ Top and others. He is best known for “Birmingham Tonight,” “Let Me In Tonight,” “Breaking Away” and “Change.” His extensive music career has earned numerous awards, honors and accolades. Follow this link to learn more about Carter’s music career. Carter performs Sundays at 6 p.m. on Facebook Live playing a variety of genres, including folk, soul and Americana. Donations are welcomed. Virtual tip information will be posted throughout the show.
‘Magical Nights: Vulcan’s Holiday Experience’
Enjoy a 15-minute, lively array of dancing lights choreographed to delightful holiday music at Birmingham’s Vulcan Park & Museum, Dec. 17-23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be games for people of all ages, special guest appearances, music and a picturesque view of the Magic City for the socially distanced event. The Anvil and Museum have extended hours until 9 p.m. Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase. This is a limited, socially distanced event with timed tickets issued in one-hour blocks. Vulcan Park & Museum recommends purchasing tickets online to ensure availability. A limited number of tickets will be available on-site.
‘Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration’
Get ready for the Birmingham Zoo’s new, larger-than-life, illuminated experience, “Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration.” The celebration is underway through Monday, Jan. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. It’s open Martin Luther King Jr. Day but closed Christmas and Christmas Eve. Guests will be captivated by visually stunning lantern creations of wildlife from around the world. Watch the zoo come alive with hundreds of animal shapes, including pandas, elephants, cheetahs and polar bears. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for health and safety protocols. Tickets are on sale at birminghamzoo/glowwild.
‘Galaxy of Lights’ in Huntsville
The “Galaxy of Lights” 25th anniversary season in Huntsville is underway through Saturday, Jan. 2, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Explore 2.5 miles of magnificent light displays weaving together holiday themes, classic characters and scenes from the natural world. Tickets for Driving Nights can be purchased in advance for any date or purchased upon arrival. For frequently asked questions about Galaxy tickets, please email info@hsvbg.org. Celebrate the anniversary by sharing your favorite memories of the event. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.
Opera Birmingham goes virtual
Because of COVID-19, Opera Birmingham takes on a virtual format through Sunday, Dec. 20. From the comfort of your home, enjoy the “Sounds of the Season,” which brings together carols and classical songs of Christmas with fun holiday tunes. The concert will feature talented singers and musicmakers from across the state ready to spread joy and put you in the holiday spirit. Connect to the biggest screen and best speakers in your home to enjoy this cinematic concert. Performance length is one hour and 15 minutes. Go here for the complete list of featured artists. Selections include “Rejoice Greatly” from Handel’s Messiah, “O Holy Night,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Santa Baby,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “My Favorite Things.” Ticket buyers may view the video here. Ticket prices start at $15 and are on the honor system based on the number of people watching the performance. Tickets can be purchased online at operabirmingham.org. You may also purchase tickets by calling the Opera Birmingham office at 205-322-6737. Although the office is closed to the public, the phone is monitored and a member of the staff will return your call to assist with your ticket order.
Holiday horse and carriage rides
Saddle up for the season by spending an evening under the moonlight in an enchanted horse-drawn carriage at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Trot along through the streets and gaze at the holiday lights and decorations with your loved ones. Have your camera ready for the ride Dec. 20 and Dec. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost is $25 per carriage ride for up to six adults; lap children are welcomed. Cash, credit card, Venmo and CashApp are accepted. Attendees are encouraged to adhere to social distancing and facial covering guidelines. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the property.
Ice skating at the Wharf
Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season. Whatever the occasion, coast on blades at the Ice Skating Rink in Orange Beach. Get under the large white tent on Main Street next to the fire station through Monday, Jan. 18. The skating rink will be closed Christmas Day. Times vary by date. Please click here to e-sign a waiver before you come. A parent or legal guardian’s e-signature is required for those younger than 19. For more information, visit the website.
