![\"play\"](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/appservices\/universal-web\/universal\/icons\/icon-play-alt-white.svg\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nUpper Arlington Christmas light display<\/p>\n
Upper Arlington Christmas light display<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It’s tiiiime (in Mariah Carey’s voice).<\/p>\n The final stretch before Christmas is packed with music, theater and festive performances across central Ohio. Don’t believe me?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019d like these and other events delivered to your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.<\/a><\/p>\n A powerful reimagining of the holiday classic, The Ebony Nutcracker celebrates African American culture, storytelling and community through dance and music.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tickets are $40 general admission and $85 VIP, which includes preferred seating and a brunch-and-tea event Dec. 21 (danceeleitecolumbus.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ticket prices start at $43.35. Student rush tickets for $20 will be available at the door two hours before showtime. (shortnorthstage.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n Speak Easy is inviting audiences to gather for an evening of live, personal storytelling at Wild Goose Creative, 188 McDowell St.<\/p>\n The open-mic event begins at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18\u2014 doors open at 7 p.m.\u2014 and celebrates stories that explore the strangeness and commonness of being human.<\/p>\n This month’s theme is “Reunion.” Tickets are sold at the door. There is a suggested donation of $10 (wildgoosecreative.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tickets are going fast with only a limited number of tickets remaining. Cost for tickets is $31 (nataliesgrandview.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The group’s annual holiday concert follows at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Rd.<\/p>\n Game tickets are required for the arena performance (columbusrings.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n CAPA\u2019s “Mr. Scrooge” is in its final stretch, offering a lively, kid-friendly take on “A Christmas Carol” before the production wraps up Dec. 23.<\/p>\n 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\u201312.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $26 (capa.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Expect pyrotechnics, lasers and a theatrical blend of rock and classical music. Tickets are available through official ticket outlets.<\/p>\n Buy tickets to Trans-Siberian Orchestra<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tickets range from $24.20 to $41.60, fees included. (newalbanysymphony.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The 90-minute comedy show is available in person or via livestream for $10. (madlab.net<\/a>).<\/p>\n The popular Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings concerts feature a local string quartet performing by candlelight.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n‘The Ebony Nutcracker’ returns to the Lincoln Theatre<\/h2>\n
‘The Wiz’ keeps shining at Short North Stage<\/h2>\n
Speak Easy brings storytelling to Wild Goose Creative<\/h2>\n
MojoFlo’s Jingle Jam returns to Natalie’s<\/h2>\n
Columbus Rings performs at CBJ and holiday concert<\/h2>\n
‘Mr. Scrooge’ continues with holiday cheer<\/h2>\n
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings holiday rock spectacle<\/h2>\n
New Albany Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular<\/h2>\n
It’s All Been Done Radio Hour holiday special<\/h2>\n
Candlelight Christmas Carols glow across Columbus<\/h2>\n