Upper Arlington Christmas light display
Upper Arlington Christmas light display
It’s tiiiime (in Mariah Carey’s voice).
The final stretch before Christmas is packed with music, theater and festive performances across central Ohio. Don’t believe me?
While you’re on the hunt for something to do this week you’ll find many holiday specials from a reimagining of The Nutcracker, Broadway classics, sensory-friendly symphony concerts and late-night funk shows.
There aren’t many ways you can go wrong in celebrating the holidays but if you’re looking to do things right, here’s your best bet for events this week.
And if you’d like these and other events delivered to your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
‘The Ebony Nutcracker’ returns to the Lincoln Theatre
A powerful reimagining of the holiday classic, The Ebony Nutcracker celebrates African American culture, storytelling and community through dance and music.
Presented by Dance Elite Performance Academy, the production features more than 150 young dancers from across central Ohio and blends tradition with rhythm and purpose.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, and 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
Tickets are $40 general admission and $85 VIP, which includes preferred seating and a brunch-and-tea event Dec. 21 (danceeleitecolumbus.com).
‘The Wiz’ keeps shining at Short North Stage
Come on and “Ease on Down the Road” with Short North Stage as the company continues its run of “The Wiz” on the Garden Theatre Main Stage, 1187 N High St. An early example of mainstream Broadway’s acceptance of a show with an all-Black cast, the musical won seven Tony Awards.
Infusing “The Wizard of Oz” with rock, gospel and soul music, “The Wiz” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 26-27, with matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 20-21 and Dec. 26-28.
Ticket prices start at $43.35. Student rush tickets for $20 will be available at the door two hours before showtime. (shortnorthstage.org).
Speak Easy brings storytelling to Wild Goose Creative
Speak Easy is inviting audiences to gather for an evening of live, personal storytelling at Wild Goose Creative, 188 McDowell St.
The open-mic event begins at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18— doors open at 7 p.m.— and celebrates stories that explore the strangeness and commonness of being human.
This month’s theme is “Reunion.” Tickets are sold at the door. There is a suggested donation of $10 (wildgoosecreative.com).
MojoFlo’s Jingle Jam returns to Natalie’s
Known for blazing horns, infectious grooves and an electrifying stage show led by vocalist Amber Knicole, the seven-piece band promises a high-energy holiday party.
These Columbus funk favorites MojoFlo bring their fourth annual Jingle Jam to Natalie’s Grandview, 945 King Ave., at 9 p.m. Dec. 20. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are going fast with only a limited number of tickets remaining. Cost for tickets is $31 (nataliesgrandview.com).
Columbus Rings performs at CBJ and holiday concert
The auditioned community handbell ensemble Columbus rings will perform the national anthem at the Columbus Blue Jackets game at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Nationwide Arena.
The group’s annual holiday concert follows at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Rd.
Game tickets are required for the arena performance (columbusrings.org).
‘Mr. Scrooge’ continues with holiday cheer
CAPA’s “Mr. Scrooge” is in its final stretch, offering a lively, kid-friendly take on “A Christmas Carol” before the production wraps up Dec. 23.
The fast-paced, 60-minute musical follows grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the true meaning of Christmas through magical visits from three spirited ghosts. With catchy songs, colorful characters and plenty of holiday cheer, the show is designed especially for families with children ages 4–12.
Upcoming performances are at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Riffe Center Studio One Theatre, 77 S. High St.
Tickets start at $26 (capa.com).
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings holiday rock spectacle
The multi-platinum Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with its winter tour featuring “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” and a 25th-anniversary salute to Beethoven’s Last Night.
Expect pyrotechnics, lasers and a theatrical blend of rock and classical music. Tickets are available through official ticket outlets.
Buy tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra
New Albany Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra, joined by its chorus and acclaimed Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, presents its Holiday Spectacular at 3 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the McCoy Center.
Tickets range from $24.20 to $41.60, fees included. (newalbanysymphony.com).
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra will present Santa and the Symphony at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 20 as part of their sensory-friendly series. Tickets are sold out.
It’s All Been Done Radio Hour holiday special
It’s All Been Done Before Radio Hour will host a live scripted podcast holiday special at 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at MadLab, 227 N. Third St.
The 90-minute comedy show is available in person or via livestream for $10. (madlab.net).
Candlelight Christmas Carols glow across Columbus
The popular Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings concerts feature a local string quartet performing by candlelight.
An added performance on Dec. 21 at the Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., will take place after the first show on Dec. 19 at Short North Church sold out.
Tickets start at $42 (feverup.com).
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone.
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.dispatch.com ’
