A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Taft Theatre — Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents this play, based on Charles M. Schulz’s characters and the classic TV special. Through Dec. 16. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.
Awaited at the Aronoff Center — Awaited is a “creative retelling of the Christmas story” featuring original choreography and music from more than 80 performers. 8 p.m. Dec. 20; 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 21, 22 and 23. $25-$100. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Black Nativity with the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company — Originating in 1961 and performed Off Broadway, Black Nativity is a joyous retelling of the birth of Christ with Gospel music, costuming, prophetic storytelling and dance. Presented by the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. $25; $20 students/seniors. Word of Deliverance Family Life Center, 693 Fresno Road, Forest Park, cincinnatiblacktheatre.org.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company — A silly spin on all things Christmas. This play pokes fun at holiday classics like Rudolph, Frosty and A Christmas Carol, all lampooned with the help of three high-octane actors and tipsy Santa. Dec. 13-29. $40-$60. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.
A Christmas Carol at the Playhouse in the Park — The tradition returns. Watch as the miserly Scrooge miraculously transforms his view of humanity (just in time for Christmas), realizing it’s never too late to change your ways. Through Dec. 29. $30-$108. Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.
Miracle on 34th Street at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts — Doris Walker suspects the Santa at the Macy’s where she works might be the real Kris Kringle. Enjoy this humorous and heartwarming holiday classic with songs including “Pinecones and Hollyberries” and “It’s Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas.” Through Dec. 29. $29 adults; $26 seniors/students/children. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
The Naughty List with OTRImprov — Using audience suggestions, OTRImprov comedians/performers skewer the holidays in cheerful and cheeky ways. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-19; arrive by 6 p.m. if you want to order dinner. $20 (dinner not included). Arnold’s Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, otrimprov.com.
The Nutcracker with the Cincinnati Ballet — This favorite Cincinnati holiday tradition returns as the ballet’s professional dancers perform sparkling choreography to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, played live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 19-29. $29-$125. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cballet.org.
