Holiday arts preview: 50+ concerts, shows and performances coming to Columbus this season

Holiday entertainment: music, dance, comedy, theater, family fun

The holiday season will soon be upon us — and that means the holiday performing arts season will soon be upon us, too.

Soon, Greater Columbus stages will be brimming with gifted local artists and ensembles and impressive out-of-town guests.

In this package, Dispatch contributors offer a preview of the crème de la crème of performing arts events in the coming months. From Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing at Nationwide Arena to the national tour of “Hairspray” in the Ohio Theatre and saxophonist Dave Koz taking the stage at the Palace Theatre, numerous top-flight entertainers will pass through town.

More entertainment news:Opera Columbus offers updated take on family-friendly 'Cinderella' tale

Meanwhile, BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony and Shadowbox Live are among the numerous local professional ensembles to present annual favorites. Many smaller Greater Columbus groups will make music or present theater, too.

As you make your holiday plans, consult this guide for an abundance of entertainment options.

— Peter Tonguette

POP MUSIC

The James Gang, Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, Black Keys to ride into town

Joe Walsh will reunite with the other members of the James Gang — Jimmy Fox and Dale Peters — for a concert at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd. All proceeds from the VetsAid 2022 concert will benefit veterans' aid organizations with ties to Ohio. Joining Walsh and the others on stage will be Dave Grohl, Nine Inch Nails, the Black Keys and the Breeders – all musicians and bands with ties to Ohio. Tickets available on secondary markets. (nationwidearena.com)

Five Finger Death Punch and Brantley Gilbert at Value City Arena

Co-headliners Five Finger Death Punch and Brantley Gilbert will raise a ruckus at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Value City Arena, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. Heavy metal quintet Five Finger Death Punch has been touring with a rotating cast of musicians for the past 15 years, and recently released another heavy selling album, “Afterlife.” Gilbert slants toward the hard-rocking edge of country. Tickets start at $59.50. (schottensteincenter.com)

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Over the Rhine to perform Christmas show

Cincinnati-based folk duo Over the Rhine will perform their traditional Christmas acoustic show at 8 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Married and performing together for more than 20 years, Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler will highlight folk-pop songs from their many albums, accompanying themselves on guitar and keyboards. Tickets: $39 (capa.com)

Straight No Chaser celebrating 25th anniversary

The nine-member male a cappella group, which got its start at Indiana University, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, and will be returning to the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. at 8 p.m. Dec. 9 for what has become an annual visit. The group is known for its quirky revisions of Christmas standards and original songs, as well as touching covers of old favorites. Tickets start at $25.50 (capa.com)

Dave Koz and his mellow sax hit the Palace

Saxophonist Koz, a frequent visitor to Columbus in December, will appear once again at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. at 8 p.m. Dec. 10. His 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour will include performances by trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, keyboardist Keiko Matsui and singer-songwriter Rebecca Jade. Tickets start at $49. (capa.com)

Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Nationwide Arena

Celebrate the holidays with a bang when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra strikes up the band at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd. The family-friendly and enthusiastically loud rock experience returns in its first act to TSO's classic “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” in which an angel descends to Earth to help out, and in its second act to some other favorite TSO songs, including “Christmas Canon” and “Wizards in Winter.” Tickets start at $52.50. (nationwidearena.com)

Classical music:At 75, Chamber Music Columbus one of the city's longest-lived arts organizations

CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENTS

‘Requiem’ to be performed by Trinity Seminary Choir

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem” mass will be performed by the Trinity Seminary Choir, soprano Sadiyah Babatunde, mezzo-soprano Susan Wisniewski, tenor Ryan Jenkins and bass William Scott in a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Capital University’s Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2199 E. Main St. The concert is free. (www.capital.edu/trinity)

Chamber Music Columbus presentation

Harpist Bridget Kibbey and violinist Alexi Kenney will be featured in the latest concert presented by Chamber Music Columbus, which is in the midst of its 75th season. The performance will take place at 4 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $19.05. (www.chambermusiccolumbus.org)

BalletMet:BalletMet new season to include 'Nutcracker,' 'Dracula' and 'Dorothy and the Prince of Oz'

Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra production

The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra — one of Greater Columbus’ longest-running community orchestra ensembles — will perform ahead-of-their-time works by Gioacchino Rossini, Antonin Dvorak and others in a concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Road. Donations are accepted. (www.metropolitanchamberorchestra.com)

ProMusica to offer ‘Messiah’ performance

The ProMusica Chamber Orchestra’s beloved audience-participatory “Messiah Side-by-Side Sing-Along” won’t be back this year, but the orchestra, joined by four guest vocal soloists and the LancasterChorale, will perform Handel’s masterpiece at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-13 from the stage of the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $18. (www.promusicacolumbus.org)

Worthington Chamber Orchestra to perform

The Worthington Chamber Orchestra will perform “Beauty and Beethoven” at 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at the McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington. One work by Ludwig van Beethoven will be featured, but all of the pieces — including area composer Linda Kernohan’s world premiere, “A World In Which Such Beauty Exists,” and Felix Mendelssohn’s “The Hebrides” — promise to be beautiful. Tickets cost $25, or $30 at the door. (www.mcconnellarts.org)

Musical journey to Cuba

Columbus pianist Orlay Alonso, who was born in Cuba and resides in Columbus, will team with his brother, Miami pianist Orlando, in tribute to the musical heritage of the country of their birth in “Havanesque” at 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 684 S. 3rd St. Tickets cost $25. (southcolscatholic.org/musicseries)

LancasterChorale to sing music of Christmas

Under the direction of Artistic Director Stephen Caracciolo, the LancasterChorale will travel from its home base in Fairfield County to perform in Columbus. The program “Christmas in Germany: Carols and Sacred Works for the Season” will be performed at 8 p.m. Nov. 26 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 684 S. 3rd St. Tickets cost $30, or $25 for senior citizens, free for students and active-duty military personnel. (The same program will be performed at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta on Nov. 27.) (southcolscatholic.org/musicseries)

Cabot Rea to perform with Westerville Symphony

The Westerville Symphony will summon the “Sounds of the Season” in its annual Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Otterbein University’s Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Former Columbus news anchor Cabot Rea will sing and narrate the program. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students and senior citizens. (www.westervillesymphony.org)

Columbus Jazz Orchestra to put spin on holidays

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra can always be counted on to add some swing to your holidays. CJO Artistic Director Byron Stripling will team with vocalist Stacie Boord, also the CEO of Shadowbox Live, for the latest edition of “Home for the Holidays.” Concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $14.70. (www.jazzartsgroup.org)

Theater:Broadway in Columbus 2022-23 season will include 5 shows new to Columbus

A Capital University Christmas

The beautiful sounds made by the choirs of Capital University always leave audiences full of wonder, so it’s not surprising that the school’s latest Christmas festival is called just that. “Full of Wonder,” including members of the Chapel Choir, Choral Union, Cantabile and Consort choirs, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Capital University, College Avenue at East Main Street, Bexley. Tickets cost $35, or $20 for students and senior citizens. (www.capital.edu/news-and-events/annual-events/capital-university-christmas-festival-2022/)

‘Holiday Pops’ to feature jazz singer and children’s choir

The Columbus Symphony aims to begin the season on a merry note with “Holiday Pops,” its much-loved annual concert of seasonal favorites. Joining the symphony for shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 3-4 in the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., will be jazz singer Tony DeSare and the Columbus Children’s Choir. Tickets start at $18.70. (www.columbussymphony.com)

A children’s version of ‘The Nutcracker’

Gifted dance students will fill the stages of the McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, as the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre performs its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9, noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10, and 2 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets start at $26.50. (www.newalbanyballet.com/performances/the-nutcracker/)

Christmas celebration in Marion

“Christmas at the Palace,” an annual event boasting a multitude of performers celebrating the season, will return to the Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets cost $25, or $15 for children. (www.marionpalace.org)

Columbus Dance Theatre's ‘Wonderment’ returns

The Columbus Dance Theatre’s Hans Christian Andersen-inspired “Wonderment” — a holiday ballet that debuted in 2021 to replace the company’s long-running “Matchgirl” production — will be performed at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. Tickets start at $14. (www.columbusdancetheatre.com)

‘Lessons and Carols’ at St. Joseph

At St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., “Lessons and Carols” will return at 3 p.m. Dec. 4. The service will feature the Cathedral Choir and Brass performing choral works and carols. A donation of $10 is suggested. (www.cathedralmusic.org)

A hip-hop spin on ‘The Nutcracker’

For 10 years and counting, the touring show “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” has proven that hip hop music and dance lends itself perfectly to the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” The show, featuring 12 hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist and rap artist Kurtis Blow, will return to the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets start at $34. (www.capa.com)

Merry music to be made in Newark

The Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra will team with the choirs of Denison University to offer “A Very Merry Holiday Pops” at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Place, Newark. Tickets start at $15. (www.ngsymphony.org)

BalletMet brings back ‘The Nutcracker’

Perhaps the signature dance event of the season, BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” will again be performed throughout December in the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Expect dancing sugar plums, fierce battles between mice and soldiers and plenty of lovely dancing. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9; noon and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; noon and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-22; noon and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; and noon Dec. 24. Tickets start at $38.70. A sensory-friendly “My First Nutcracker” will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.) (www.balletmet.org)

Bocelli and family to perform

Perhaps the most beloved of all modern singers, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will take the stage of Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., at 8 p.m. Dec. 8. The concert is something of a family affair: Bocelli’s own children, Matteo, Amos and Virginia, will perform with him — as will the Columbus Symphony, which is sure to provide orchestral support beyond compare. Tickets start at $83. (www.ticketmaster.com)

Dublin Wind Symphony to offer holiday show

The Dublin Wind Symphony will present its annual holiday concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Dublin Scioto High School, 4000 Hard Road, Dublin. Admission is free. (www.dublinbands.com)

Central Ohio Symphony to present new and old holiday music

Traditional music of the season will be performed in the Central Ohio Symphony’s holiday programs at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Gray Chapel, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, but the shows will also include something new: the world premiere of composer Ken McCaw’s “Highland Holiday.” The piece calls for a part on Irish Uilleann pipes played by Columbus musician Brian McCoy. Tickets cost $29, or $24 for senior citizens, $6 for students. (www.centralohiosymphony.org)

Columbus Gay Men's Chorus to sing seasonal favorites

“Beaus and Belles” will feature the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus performing sacred and popular holiday music at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. Tickets start at $27. (www.columbusgaymenschorus.com)

Holiday concerts in New Albany

The New Albany Symphony Orchestra, joined by its chorus and vocalist Kim Hopcraft, will present its annual “Holiday Spectacular” at 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at the McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany. A sensory-friendly version of the same program will take place at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 17. Tickets start at $20 for Dec. 18, or $9 for Dec. 17. (newalbanysymphony.com)

‘Lessons and Carols’ at First Congregational

The First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., will present “A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols” at 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Donations are accepted. (www.concertsatfirstchurch.org)

Christmas music from Capriccio

Capriccio Columbus will bring its majestic choral sounds to its annual holiday program “Christmas with Capriccio!” at 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at Beechwold Christian Church, 280 Morse Road. The work will have an accent on new and surprising works, including fresh arrangements of music of the season by chorus accompanist Nate Terry and a seldom-performed cantata by Margaret Bonds and Langston Hughes, “The Ballad of the Brown King.” Tickets cost $20, or $5 for children. (www.capricciocolumbus.org)

Music of the 17th century by Early Interval

What would the New Year be without a performance by the Early Interval? The noted early-music ensemble is back with “Ecstasy and Devotion: Twelfth Night from the Convents of Italy,” featuring music written by 17th-century nuns. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St. Tickets cost $35, or $28 for senior citizens, $15 for students. (www.earlymusicincolumbus.org)

COMEDY

Kevin Hart to perform Nov. 5 at Nationwide Arena

Comedian-actor Kevin Hart will bring his Reality Check Tour Nov. 5 to Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd. One of the highest-earning standup comedians, Hart previously sold out more than 100 arenas around the world. His film comedies include “Get Hard,” “Little Fockers,” “Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man” and the “Jumanji” and “The Secret Life of Pets” franchises. Tickets start at $79.50. (www.nationwidearena.com)

New sketches enliven Shadowbox’s 31st 'Holiday Hoopla'

Shadowbox Live will present a new production of “Holiday Hoopla” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-19 and various times through Dec. 23 at 503 S. Front St. The 31st edition of the troupe’s annual sketch comedy and live music production will offer new company-created sketches about the season. Tickets cost $40 to $240 per table. (614-416-7625, www.shadowboxlive.org)

Comic Becky Robinson to blend characters, improv

Comedian-writer-actor Becky Robinson will bring her Heavy Pour Tour at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 to the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. The Los-Angeles-based performer and voice-over star, who blends characters and improv into her standup act, is known for her alter egos and wide range of physical characters on stage and screen (ABC’s “The Bachelor,” MTV’s “Acting Out,” Kevin Hart’s “Writer’s Room). Tickets start at $35.50. (cbusarts.com)

Jeff Dunham to return with Walter, other puppet pals

Jeff Dunham will perform his comedy-ventriloquist show at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Schottenstein Center, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. Dunham, who previously performed at the center in 2018, will bring his ill-tempered and politically incorrect puppet pals with him, including hyperactive Peanut, the curmudgeonly senior citizen Walter and notorious Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Tickets start at $52.50. (schottensteincenter.com)

Dave Chappelle performing New Year's Eve at Value City Arena

Comedian Dave Chappelle will ring in the new year with his standup act at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Value City Arena, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. The 2019 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the comedian-writer is known for his groundbreaking sketch-comedy TV series “Chappelle’s Show,” Emmy-winning Netflix comedy specials and “Saturday Night Live” hosting stints and three consecutive Grammy-winning Best Comedy Albums from 2018 to 2020. Tickets start at $109.50. (schottensteincenter.com)

THEATER

CATCO launches season with ‘Indecent’ drama

CATCO will launch its 2022-23 season Nov. 3-20 in the Riffe Center’s Studio One Theatre, 77 S. High St., with “Indecent.” Pulitzer-winning playwright Paula Vogel (“How I Learned to Drive”) explores love, art, censorship and anti-Semitism in her 90-minute one-act Broadway drama with music, recommended for ages 12 and older. The production was inspired by events surrounding the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s Yiddish play “God of Vengeance,” as the cast is arrested for obscenity after the first lesbian kiss on the American stage. Tickets start at $45.24. (614-469-0939, cbusarts.com, catco.org)

Fangs for the memories: Actors’ Theatre stages rare fall horror-comedy play

Actors’ Theatre of Columbus will present “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy...” at 8 p.m. Nov. 4-6, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-19 at MadLab Theatre, 227 N. 3rd St. In its area premiere, Kate Hamill’s darkly comic but disquieting 2020 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s vampire-horror novel offers a gender-bending reinterpretation exploring the nature of predators from a feminist perspective. Tickets cost $27 in advance or Pay What You Will at the door. (614-444-6888, www.theactorstheatre.org)

More: Actors' TheatreActors' Theatre announces a special fall show, plus its 2023 summer schedule

Columbus performer Nina West stars in 'Hairspray' tour

Broadway in Columbus and the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) will present the national tour of “Hairspray” Nov. 8-13 in the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Columbus-based performer Andrew Levitt, best-known as drag queen Nina West, stars as plus-sized mom Edna Turnblad in the original creative team’s revival of the 2005 Tony winner for best musical about a plus-sized 1962 Baltimore teenager who helps smash barriers as she dances her way into a local TV teen-dance show. Tickets start at $39. (cbusarts.com)

Abbey Theater offers new social-politics drama

The Abbey Theater of Dublin will present the world premiere of “City Jail” at 7 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. The realistic social-politics drama, by Greater Columbus author and trial lawyer Catherine Adams, explores what happens when a woman advances a false claim of sexual harassment, why she does it and the horrible consequences. Tickets cost $20. (DublinOhioUSA.gov/abbey-theater)

Charlie Brown Christmas tour brings back singing, dancing Peanuts gang

“A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage” will tour here at 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. The new 90-minute two-act touring production, suggested for families and targeted at children ages 4 to 12 with an interactive post-show Christmas-tune concert, tells cartoonist Charles M. Schultz’s music-enhanced story about Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they sing, dance and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets start at $29. (cbusarts.com)

Shadowbox encore musical revolves around radio-station DJ

Shadowbox Live will present an encore run of “Not So Silent Night” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27, and 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 18 at 503 S. Front St. The company-created musical, which premiered last year, revolves around a radio station disc jockey playing favorite holiday music and taking phone dedications on Christmas Eve, while worrying about his traveling wife and son during a terrible snowstorm. Tickets cost $40 to $240 per table. (614-416-7625, shadowboxlive.org)

Cirque Dreams aerialists, acrobats tour with whimsical spectacular

Cirque Dreams Holidaze will bring a new production of its whimsical holiday spectacular to town at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. The annual production blends Broadway glitz and contemporary circus arts with aerialists, acrobats, sleight-of-hand jugglers, an original music score, new sets and storylines and twists on holiday classics. Tickets start at $33. (cbusarts.com)

Short North Stage reimagines Irving Berlin holiday musical

Short North Stage will present a reimagined “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 in the Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St. Incorporating Berlin classics such as “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?,” “I Love a Piano,” “Sisters” and the title song, the family-friendly Broadway holiday musical is based on the 1954 Paramount film about a pair of former Army veterans with a successful song-and-dance act who try to help their former commander by performing with a sister act at his Vermont lodge. Tickets start at $45.71. (cbusarts.com)

Vaud-Villities to celebrate holidays with original 1940s-era musical

Vaud-Villities Productions will present “Holiday Road” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Ohio Dominican University’s Matesich Theatre, 1216 Sunbury Road. The original musical, set in the 1940s, frames an impromptu revue performed by a troupe when its bus breaks down in a small town just before the holidays. Tickets: $15 to $25, free for children. (614-262-7469, www.vvshows.org

More:Vaud-VillitiesVaud-Villities: Musical-variety troupe celebrating its 80th anniversary with spring show

Gallery Players to present 'The Secret Garden'

Gallery Players will present “The Secret Garden” Dec. 3-18 at the Jewish Community Center’s Roth/Resler Theatre, 1125 College Ave. The Broadway musical, adapted by composer Lucy Simon and author-lyricist Marsha Norman from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel, focuses on an 11-year-old orphan girl sent from India to a British countryside estate to live with her reclusive uncle and his disabled son. Tickets start at $20. (614-614-559-6238, www.jccgalleryplayers.org)

Hilliard council returns with annual Dickens classic

Hilliard Arts Council will present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 9-11 at the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center, 5425 Center St., Hilliard. An intergenerational cast will bring to life the troupe’s traditional annual retelling of Charles Dickens' classic, with a focus on the spiritual transformation of a stingy man haunted by ghosts. Donations requested of $5 or five food items for Hilliard Food Pantry or unwrapped toys for Firefighters for Kids. (614-527-4407, www.hilliardartscouncil.org)

CCT to stage Harry Connick Jr. musical 'The Happy Elf'

CCT (Columbus Children’s Theatre) will present “The Happy Elf” Dec. 10-23 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. The jazzy musical comedy, adapted by composer-lyricist Harry Connick Jr. and author Andrew Fishman from the 2005 animated film inspired by Connick’s song, offers a holiday tale of friendship and overcoming adversity as a North Pole elf spreads Christmas cheer to the not-nice residents of Bluesville. Tickets start at $19. (614-224-6672, www.columbuschildrenstheatre.org, www.cbusarts.com)

Broadway tour of 'Elf the Musical' to visit for holidays

Broadway in Columbus and CAPA will present the national tour of “Elf the Musical” Dec. 13-18 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. The holiday musical, adapted from the popular 2003 film by composer-lyricists Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and authors Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, focuses on an orphaned child who grows up with Santa’s elves at the North Pole and journeys to New York City to discover his true identity and find his birth father. Tickets start at $31. (cbusarts.com)

Abbey Theatre’s 'Christmas Carol' comes with Dr. Seuss twist

Abbey Theatre of Dublin will present “A Seussified Christmas Carol” Dec. 15-18 at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. Suggested for ages 5 and older, Peter Bloedel’s whimsical reinvention of Dickens' most beloved Christmas story is told in wacky rhymed couplets, similar to what Dr. Seuss might have come up with if he’d adapted the classic tale. Tickets cost $12. (DublinOhioUSA.gov/Abbey-Theater)

Weathervane Playhouse offers 'Forever Plaid' holiday sequel

Weathervane Playhouse will present “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-22; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26-28; and 2 p.m. Dec. 29 at 100 Price Road, Newark. The musical comedy, a sequel to the off-Broadway hit “Forever Plaid,” revolves around a 1950s-era male vocal quartet who return from heaven to perform a holiday concert, including a condensed three-minute-plus version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir. Tickets start at $15. (740-366-4616, www.weathervaneplayhouse.org)

FAMILY

Baby Shark to swim into the Palace Theatre

The tuneful shark, a hit with kids if not always with their parents, will take center stage at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. "Baby Shark Live: The Christmas Show" transports the very young to a world where Baby Shark and alien fox Pinkfong journey to the jungle and under the sea to learn about colors, numbers and more. Expect Baby Shark's theme song as well as other familiar numbers, including “Wheels on the Bus” and “Five Little Monkeys.” Tickets start at $29. (capa.com)

Watch a free showing of 'The Santa Clause'

Enjoy a free screening of the 1994 film favorite “The Santa Clause” at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at the McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany. Tim Allen stars as a divorced dad who must take the place of Santa Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or cash donations for the Thanksforgiving 4 Miler charity run in New Albany on Thanksgiving. (capa.com)

The world of CoComelon to come alive at the Palace

CoComelon Live: JJ's Journey will be presented at 6 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. This show for the very young follows JJ and his family and friends as they prepare to put on a show. Twenty songs and dances will get toes tapping. Tickets start at $36. Kids younger than 1 are free if seated in caregiver's lap. (capa.com)

Disney princesses to be in fine voice

Four Disney princesses and one prince will burst into song at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Disney Princess — the Concert features Broadway actors singing the songs of multiple Disney heroines. (Note to parents: The singers will not be costumed as the princesses.) The show, which is recommended for ages 6 and older, runs two hours with an intermission. Tickets start at $31.50 (capa.com)

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Christmas in Columbus 2022: 50+ don't-miss events this holiday season