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Snow in Love

Audiences are in for a cozy winter event when the Melbourne Community Orchestra presents “Snow in Love,” a pair of free concerts at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, December 21 and 22 at Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Boulevard.

The two evenings will glide along on a sleigh of orchestral favorites that explores the warmth and love of the holiday season, with selections that include "Merry Christmas, Darling" by Richard Carpenter and the romantic "pas de deux" from Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker.” The audience will hear additional numbers from the iconic ballet, along with the Boston Pops’ “Christmas Canticles,” an arrangement of Russian Christmas music Trans-Siberian Orchestra's “Christmas in Sarajevo,” with electric stringed instruments. Grieg's magnificent piano “Concert no. 1” will feature pianist Dylan Rhodes, while the orchestra's brass quintet will be spotlighted during a fanfare of beloved holiday tunes

The 50-member group, orchestra-in-residence for the City of Melbourne is conducted by Mark Nelson. "This concert would put a smile on the face of the Grinch himself,” said Nelson.

Nelson, a conductor, clinician and educator for over 40 years, recognized for his conducting of orchestra ensembles across the United States. He was a co-founder of the Community Band of Brevard and is a two-time recipient of the National Band Association Citation of Excellence. In 2013 he was named a Legion Laureate, one of only 100 nationally, by the John Phillip Sousa Society.

Beginning at 6:15 p.m., an octet of cellos onstage will entertain the gathering crowd during the upcoming concerts. Arrive early to enjoy the show and get the best seats. Call 321-285-6724 or visit mcorchestra.org for more information or to sign up for concert alerts.

A holiday tradition

For nearly two decades Galmont Ballet has treated Brevard to a unique version of Tchaikovsky’s legendary “Nutcracker” ballet. The magic is back Dec. 16 to 18 at Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave.

First choreographed by Galmont ballet master Frank Galvez in 1994, the production is definitely a “made in the U.S.A.” affair with a setting in 19^th. century Victorian America. The elegant production, which includes a large troupe with more than 100 elaborate costumes, balances classical dance and theatrical showmanship with the ballet’s original elements, including leaping Russians, dancing Snowflakes, exotic Arabian dancer, with the added bonuses of party guests dressed as cowboys, special effects and illusions and magic tricks.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $23, available at cocoavillageplayhouse.com. Visit galmontballet.com.

Christmas at the King Center

The King Center is at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. For tickets and additional information, visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.

• Sal Valentinetti Christmas concert: Golden voiced crooner Sal "The Voice" Valentinetti returns to the King Center on Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. He will perform holiday favorites and standards that he’s known for with the Rat-Pack style that has made him a hugely popular entertainer since he rose to fame on America's Got Talent. Tickets start at $29.50.

• A Rockapella Christmas: Rockapella brings its internationally acclaimed acapella sound to the King Center on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. For their new Christmas show, the group will perform classics like “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and "White Christmas” along with their original holiday hits. Tickets start at $50.

• The Lithium Experience: Classic Albums Live gives a concert recreating music from the ‘90s, including hits from Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Jane’s Addiction. Lead guitarist Shain Honkonen is a local Brevard resident. The show will be on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. at the King Center. Tickets start at $26.75.

• A Night to Remember: A Christmas Musical: The original musical by Heart & Soul Producers will be at the King Center on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The show is the Christmas story set to ten original songs. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Semper Fi & America’s Fund and the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Tickets start at $44.

Sing We Now

The Indialantic Chamber Singers will present their popular holiday concert, “Sing We Now of Christmas,” in two Brevard locations this year. Performances will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 300 Malabar Road SE in Palm Bay. Brevard's premier choral ensemble will reprise the performance in a second concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 18, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 N. Riverside Drive in Indialantic.

The group will perform a variety of sacred and secular choral works that span the centuries. Local soprano standout and music educator, Artistic Director Beth Green will conduct the group, with accompaniment by pianist Teresa Fleenor. The audience will have a chance to sing along to favorite carols, accompanied on the organ by founder and director emeritus, David Vogeding. Lending additional talent is bass singer Tom Glew, performing on bass guitar to "Spirit of the Season" and "Jazz Gloria."

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10. Visit IndialanticChamberSingers.org or call 321-426-0360.

Still playing

• ‘Who’s Holiday’: The show is playing at Titusville Playhouse’s Shuler Stage, 301 Julia Street, through Dec. 18. The show is a raunchy riff on Dr. Seuss’ Christmas tale, following a middle-aged Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that famous Christmas Eve when she first met the Grinch. Tickets are $30. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

• ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’: Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II in this musical at Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, through Dec. 18. Tickets start at $27. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

Candlelight shopping

December 17 wraps up Downtown Melbourne’s Candlelight Shopping Saturdays for the year.  Santa, street performers and abundant holiday cheer will be present from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit downtownmelbourne.com or call 321-724-1741.

Comfort and joy

Find great gifts, at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s 40^th. Annual Holiday Fine Craft Show. The exhibit at 1470 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District runs through the end of the year. Call 321-259-8261 or visit fifthavenueartgallery.com.

Gift from the HeART

The studios of Cocoa Beach remind the public that since art is a gift from the heart, a piece of artwork makes for a perfect gift. The 30 local artists who staff this nonprofit gallery at 159 Minutemen Causeway offer a great selection of original art and prints in every price range and every medium, from traditional paintings to repurposed surfboards and palm tree parts.  Much of the art presents images of the local area and environment.

For the holidays, the artists have created a collection of unique, handcrafted gift items including ornaments , note cards, handbags, pottery, jewelry, petite paintings and more. All are on display through December 24. Gift certificates are available and they also cover any of the art classes the studio hosts. Visit studiosofcocoabeach.org.

Santa Stumble

It’s all about the red and green at the 8^th. Annual Santa Stumble Pub Crawl, which starts at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17. Channel your inner Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, Grinch, Krampus or whatever holiday character you wish for the costume contest and other shenanigans. Food will be available at the starting location of Cocoa Elks Lodge, 315 Florida Ave., and throughout the crawl, which includes Murdock’s George & Dragon, Village Biergarten, Pub Americana and Dog ‘n Bone. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Tickets include six drinks. Visit madhatterpromotions.com or call 321- 543-1346.

Light up the Gardens

From 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, Rockledge Gardens is lit up with twinkling lights. Hunt for holiday garden gnomes, shop for gifts in the Gardens or the market, enjoy live festive music by Mira Mudd, cozy up by the fire pit and watch classic holiday movies projected on the law.  Beer, wine, and hot cocoa will be available for purchase, local food trucks, and classic holiday movies projected on the lawn.

Advance tickets are $15 for 13 and up and $8 for 12 and under. Children 3 and under are admitted free. At the door, tickets are $20 and $12. Purchase at eventbrite.com.

Ranger-led tour

Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of most months, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. The next tour will take place on Dec. 18. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Christmas concerts galore and the 'Nutcracker' ballet are on tap