Check out the list below for a variety of holiday events - from theater performances to parties - happening in Charlotte and the surrounding area, as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

WBT HOLIDAY ON ICE Charlotte ice skating rink. For more information, visit www.wbtholidayonice.com. Wed.-Sun., 5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 9. $7 admission; $3 skate rental. The Green, 435 S. Tryon St.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE GARDEN Event includes light displays, old-fashioned trains, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats, and other holiday activities. Dec. 7-10, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 11, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 12, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 13-17, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 18, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 19, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 20-23, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 26, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 27, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 28, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 29, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

CHRISTMAS TOWN USA: MCADENVILLE LIGHTS In its 54th year, visitors can stroll through this neighborhood where the houses are filled with lights and holiday displays. For more information, visit www.mcadenville-christmastown.com. Dec. 7-11, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Dec. 12-13, 5:30-11 p.m.; Dec. 14-18, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Dec. 19-20, 5:30-11 p.m.; Dec. 21-25, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Dec. 26, 5:30-11 p.m.

• Mary Zentmeyer as Sister in Sister's Christmas Catechism

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM In this funny, holiday-themed show Sister does the teaching while the audience (students at Catholic school) obey and listen to stories and theories, including those about what happened to the Magi’s gold. Dec. 8-10, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11-12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3 p.m.; Dec. 15-17, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18-19, 8 p.m.; Dec. 20, 3 p.m. $24.50. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

ALL ARTS MARKET An indoor marketplace featuring all hand-made goods, including jewelry, photography, clothing, paintings, bags and purses, and other artsy crafts and items. Dec. 16-17, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Free; $10-$30 sign-up for artists to participate for two nights. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 704-358-9298. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Theatre Charlotte brings Charles Dickins’ classic — adapted by John Jakes — to its stage for a series of performances. Stop in to see the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge turn into a softie with Christmas cheer, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas’ past, present, and future. Continues through Dec. 13. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 or visit www.carolinatix.org. Dec. 9-12, 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. $7-$20. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. www.theatrecharlotte.org.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS Carolina Actors Studio Theatre presents performances of this comedic play — written by Joe Sears, Jason William, and Ed Howard — set in a fictional city in Texas. Holiday chaos includes gone-wrong performances of A Christmas Carol, a sabotaged Christmas yard decorating contest, and the invasion of aliens. Two actors play 22 characters in this performance. For more information, visit www.nccast.com. Dec. 9-11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 12, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3 p.m. $22-$27. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Davidson Community Players takes on this beloved holiday classic that follows the saga of George Bailey of Bedford Falls, who sinks into despair and is visited by an angel. For more information, visit www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org. Dec. 10-11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17-19, 8 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 p.m. $15-$17. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. 704-892-7918.

SEXY SANTA CONTEST Cash prizes ($250 for first place; $150 for second place; $100 for third place) and drink specials. Free before 11:30 p.m. if you are dressed like Mr. or Mrs. Santa Claus. Dec. 8, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Whisky River. 210 E. Trade St. www.whiskyrivercharlotte.com.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Anti-holiday classic about an irritated elf who works at Macy’s chaotic Santaland. 18 and up. Dec. 10, 8 p.m.; Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Dec. 17, 8 p.m.; Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. $15-$20. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

’TIS THE SEASON Tarradiddle Players presents this holiday play about seasonal celebrations from around the world. There are plenty of opportunities to sing along too. For more information, visit www.ctcharlotte.org. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 12, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Dec. 19, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 p.m.; Dec. 22, 11 a.m.; Dec. 23, 11 a.m. $14-$18. Wachovia Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St.

15TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL BALL Includes entertainment from the New South Players, heavy hors d’oeuvres by Blue, a cash bar, two complimentary drink tickets, a silent auction, valet parking and a coat check. Benefits United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women in Charlotte. 18 and up. For more information, visit www.jinglebellball.com or www.unitedfamilyservices.org. Dec. 11, 8 p.m. $65 in advance; $75 at the door. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. 704-377-4596.

GRINCH Open Door Studios presents this performance of Grinch. The grinch sets out to destroy Christmas for the Whos of Who-Ville, but learns the importance of the holiday and gets into the spirit in the process. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Ballet will star dancers and students from Open Door Studios. For more information, visit www.opendoorstudios.com. Dec. 11, 6 p.m.; Dec. 12, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m. $10. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Holiday musical revue conceived by Robbie Jaeger and Ryan Stamey. For more information, visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 4 p.m. $5. Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-321-7275.

• Nutcracker performances continue through Dec. 20 at Belk Theater. Photo by Jeff Cravotta.

NUTCRACKER North Carolina Dance Theatre presents performances of the classic holiday tale about a young girl and her nutcracker doll who embark on an exciting journey. For more information, visit www.ncdance.org. Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $15-$69. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

A “VERY HORNY”: VIKING METAL PARTY III WITH IRON CORDOBA Holiday-themed party will feature Iron Cordoba, evil holiday music by DJ Torch, Mistress Collette’s Brutal Holiday Torture, The Gore-A-Licious Girls, strip teases, a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, giveaways prizes for a viking costume contest, and more. $2 off at the door with a coat/blanket donation. 18 and up. Dec. 12, 9 p.m. $10. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200. www.visulite.com.

COLONIAL CHRISTMAS & CANDLE LIGHTING Celebrate Christmas in the 18th-century style. Shop for unique 18th century handmade gifts at the Christmas Market. Join in the Yule log procession, the “hanging of the greens,” flaming the Christmas pudding, and take part in the Candlelight service. Dec. 12, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. www.schielemuseum.org.

HOLIDAY TEA AT THE RITZ- CARLTON Holiday Tea at the Ritz-Carlton will feature a selection of connoisseur teas served with savory finger sandwiches, delicate Ritz-Carlton pastries, and an array of special holiday sweets. A jazz-to-classics harpist will entertain amidst the warm, contemporary decor of the hotel’s 15th floor Living Room, featuring relaxed, residential-style seating and stunning panoramic views of Charlotte. Dec. 12, 19, 26. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 2. $28-$38 for Adults; $9 for children 11 and under. The Ritz-Carlton, 201 E. Trade St.

THE 55TH ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE Carolina Voices’ will perform popular Christmas songs and carols. The show will also feature special guests including The Grey Seal Puppets, New Orleans jazz virtuoso, Kevin Clark, the cast of G.R.I.T.S., Images Dance Ensemble and more. For more information, visit www.carolinavoices.org. Dec. 12, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3 p.m. $8-$21. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600. www.ovensauditorium.com.

THE BIRTH: A REFLECTIVE CELEBRATION OF THE COMING OF CHRIST Christmas production inspired by the writings of Frederick Buechner. For more information, visit www.thebirth.net. Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. $12. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

• Performances of A Rockapella Holiday start Dec. 15 and continue through Dec. 16.

A ROCKAPELLA HOLIDAY Performance features five guys with no instruments. This acapella group was previously a house band on the award-winning PBS television program Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? The evening show will include popular holiday songs. Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $34 and up. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: MESSIAH Scott Allen Jarrett will conduct this performance of Handel’s “Messiah” by the Charlotte Symphony’s Oratorio Singers. For more information, visit www.charlottesymphony.org. Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. $15-$52. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

HOLIDAY PARTY With hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. For more information, call 704-541-5440. Dec. 18, 9-11 p.m. $10. Queen City Ballroom, 10403 Park Rd., Ste. I.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY Singers of Renaissance present this Christmas concert, featuring seasonal favorites. Joined by the 2009 winners of the Renaissance Apprenticeship Program competition. For more information, visit www.singers-renaissance.org. Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $12 in advance; $15 at the door; Discounts available for seniors and students. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St.

DIXIE’S 1ST ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER PARTY & CONTEST Holiday Party where folks are invited to wear ugly holiday sweaters. Dec. 19, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dixie’s Tavern, 301 E 7th St. 704-374-1700. www.dixiescharlotte.com.

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE For more information, call 704-541-5440. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. $15. Queen City Ballroom, 10403 Park Rd., Ste. I.