Whether you’re a staunch “Christmas Carol” traditionalist or looking for off-color holiday humor, our guide has concerts and shows that’ll appeal to all stripes.

“A Christmas Carol”: Christian Lucas makes his Goodman Theatre debut as the newest young actor to tackle Tiny Tim in this beloved production, which has gracefully stood the test of time. Larry Yando and Austin Tichenor return, rotating the lead role as Ebenezer Scrooge, as directed by Jessica Thebus for the fourth year in a row. Goodman Theatre, Nov. 18-Dec. 31. For a twist, try Manual Cinema’s one-of-a-kind shadow puppet adaptation. Writers Theatre, Glencoe, Nov. 16-Dec. 24. More “Christmas Carols”: Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace, Nov. 24-Dec. 30; Milwaukee Rep, Associated Bank Theater Center, Milwaukee, Nov. 28-Dec. 24.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: While not a holiday show, per se, this staged musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story about Charlie, Grandpa Joe and dreams coming true might be just the thing to put you in the spirit. Paramount Theatre, Aurora, though Jan. 14, 2024.

“Cinderella”: You can package this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical with a wintry afternoon tea or brunch with Santa to give it a sprinkle of holiday magic. Drury Lane, through Jan. 7, 2024.

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Strawdog Theatre presents Michael Dailey’s adaptation of the Caldecott-winning book. This charming (and free!) play follows troubadours who save Hanukkah for a town overrun by goblins. Chicago Loop Synagogue, Dec. 3-23.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”: This annual radio-play adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film is lead by American Blues artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside. American Blues Theater, Dec. 8-31.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”: Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic is adapted to the stage, complete with the Grinch singing and dancing through Whoville. Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dec. 19-31.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble tackles one of Lauren Gunderson’s three charming holiday fanfics after Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” McAninch Arts Center, Nov. 16-Dec. 17.

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party: Recommended for kids under 8, Chicago Children’s Theatre pros act out The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and more followed by a fancy party (with cheesecake!) for the littlest theatergoers around — with sensory-friendly options and “no shushing allowed.” Chicago Children’s Theatre, through Dec. 24.

Cirque du Soleil: The company synonymous with circus arts visits Chicago with their first-ever holiday show. Based on Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” a young girl rediscovers the holiday spirit via cheery acrobats, aerialists, trick roller skaters and clowns — to name a few. Chicago Theatre, Dec. 7-28.

“Who’s Holiday!”: Veronica Garza plays an R-rated, fresh-mouthed, chain-smoking Cindy Lou Who in this brilliantly sarcastic recounting of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Theater Wit, Nov. 24-Dec. 30.

“The Golden Girls Save Xmas — The Lost Episode Parody Series”: An all-new production refreshes Hell in a Handbag Productions’ drag tribute to TV’s fab foursome. The latest “episode” finds Blanche inadvertently incapacitating her man du jour, Nick, in a hilarious romp that’s part “Miracle on 34th Street,” part “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Center on Halsted, Nov. 26-Dec. 30.

“The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque”: If you couldn’t tell from the title, hire a babysitter before heading to this risqué parody. Clara’s trip to the Land of the Sweets features a rotation of alternative circus artists — think contortionists, beds of nails and strip tease in place of gingerbread and marzipan. Get tickets early for this fun and flirty show, which has upped the ante every year since launching in 2016 and will very likely sell out. Greenhouse Theater Center, Nov. 30-Dec. 30.

Jefferey Cooke’s “Christmas Spectacular 2023”: Tacky in the very best way, this one-man cabaret boasts even more props, prizes, games, songs and quick changes than last year. Venus Cabaret Theater at Mercury Theater, Dec. 1.

“What the Elf?”: Rather than chestnuts, the expert improv comedians from The Second City roast all the things that make the holidays wonderful and awkward: family parties, office mixers, Mariah Carey’s claim to holiday fame and more. Paramount Theatre, Nov. 17-Dec. 23.

“Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night”: Practicing, lapsed and non-Catholics can all find something to laugh at spending an evening with fictional former nun Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien. She now spends her days as a bingo caller in this hilarious, interactive trivia night from “Late Nite Catechism’s” Vicki Quade. Greenhouse Theater Center, Nov. 24-Dec. 30.

Practical Theater Company’s “Ho-Ho-Holiday Revue”: Cap the end of the year with sketch comedy, improv, stand up and music formatted after midcentury television variety shows. Studio5, Evanston, Dec. 28-31 and Jan. 4-6, 2024.

“The Nutcracker”: A snowy Chicago skyline and 1893 World’s Fair theme are some of the personal touches infused in Joffrey Ballet’s take on the seasonal classic ballet, updated in 2016. Lyric Opera House, Dec. 2-27. For something new, venture north for a shiny, brand-new production at the Milwaukee Ballet. Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, Dec. 8-26. More “Nutcrackers”: A&A Ballet, Athenaeum Theatre, Dec. 2; “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, Dec. 3; Chicago Ballet, Athenaeum Theatre, Dec. 8-10; Hyde Park School of Dance, Mandel Hall, Dec. 8-10; Ruth Page Civic Ballet, Northeastern Illinois University, Dec. 2-3 and College of Lake County, Dec. 16-17.

“Beyond the Nutcracker”: Christian-leaning Ballet 5:8 transforms the classic story of Clara and the Kingdom of the Sweets into a search for the real meaning of Christmas. Athenaeum Theatre, Nov. 25-26; Lincoln-Way East High School, Frankfort, Dec. 16-17.

The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s groundbreaking 1960 arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” provides the backdrop for two productions this season. An all-star team including tap dancer Caleb Teicher and popping phenom Jon Boogz (of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame) worked on “Sugar Hill,” a brand-new production set in 1930s New York. Auditorium Theatre, Dec. 19-30. And the long-running, hourlong “Duke it Out” is more of a plotless exhibition, with local dancers and musicians performing selections of Ellington/Strayhorn and the original. Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston, Dec. 9.

Lindsey Stirling’s “Snow Waltz Tour”: Ring in the new year with the country-leaning rock and EDM artist who’s somehow made dancing with a violin cool. Auditorium Theatre, Dec. 31.

“Holiday Rhythms”: Celebrated vocalist Diva Dee Alexander joins the Eric Hochberg Trio and hoofer Jumaane Taylor for a double dose of jazzy holiday vibe at a legendary venue. Jazz Showcase, Dec. 4 and 18.

Chicago Tap Allstars’ “Winter Wonderland”: Chicago Tap Theatre let its beloved holiday-themed revue go a few years ago. Now, they team up with M.A.D.D. Rhythms for a double dose of Christmas, Hanukkah and wintry tap dances in an all-new production in Bronzeville. Harold Washington Cultural Center, Dec. 9.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”: Hip hop pioneer Kurtis “The Breaks” Blow emcees this “Nutcracker” mash up transporting the ballet’s protagonist Maria-Clara from a 19th century German bourgeois living room to the streets of New York on New Year’s Eve. An onstage DJ mixes using Tchaikovsky’s score as break dancers throw down — perfect for celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dec. 12-17.

“Holiday Baroque”: Rembrandt Chamber Musicians — comprised of Lyric Opera Orchestra members — play a variety of seasonal pieces by Handel, Vivaldi, Corbett and Bach with traditional instrumentation. Church of the Atonement, Dec. 1, Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University, Evanston, Dec. 3.

“Candlelight Carols”: Millar Brass Ensemble joins for a first-ever collaboration with the St. Charles Singers, performing a world premiere arrangement of an early Canadian Christmas hymn written expressly for the group by award-winning composer Andrew Wainwright. St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheaton, Dec. 1; Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Charles, Dec. 2-3.

“Gezelligheid”: Chicagoland native Andrew Bird started making an annual pilgrimage in 2009, playing a stripped-down devotional to stave off winter’s cold and darkness. Bird’s offering is Christmas carol-free: his is a secular, soul-warming set with just a violin and his signature Victrola horn. Fourth Presbyterian Church, Dec. 7-15.

“A Latin American Christmas”: The Newberry Consort has previously performed Renaissance-era carols from Mexico; this year they expand their borders to include sacred, secular and Indigenous songs from Peru, Spain, Guatemala and Panama. St. Luke’s Church, Evanston, Dec. 15; Mother of the Americas Catholic Church, Dec. 16; St. Mary of the Lake, Dec. 17.

Straight No Chaser’s “Sleighin’ It Tour”: What began as an Indiana University glee club in the ‘90s became a progenitor of the modern movement making a cappella cool. Clearly, it’s caught on. Straight No Chaser has sold millions of albums, with more than a billion clicks on streaming platforms — but their charisma is best experienced live. Chicago Theatre, Dec. 3.

Pentatonix’s “Most Wonderful Tour of the Year”: The inimitable Grammy-winning quintet dominating the pop/rock a cappella scene for the last decade have a new wintry spectacular on the road promoting their latest holiday album. Allstate Arena, Nov. 29.

Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas One and All!”: The self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas returns to Chicago for a one night only holiday extravaganza. United Center, Dec. 3.

Dave Koz & Friends “Christmas Ballads”: Chart-topping jazz saxophonist Dave Koz has visited Chicago at holiday time for the last 25 years. Make that 26 — he’s bringing vocalist Rebecca Jade, guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler, Marcus Anderson on reeds and 16-year-old jazz prodigy Justin Lee Schultz this year. Auditorium Theatre, Dec. 9.

“Elf in Concert”: Chicago Federation musicians play John Debney’s heartwarming score live alongside a screening of the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell as an elf-raised boy trying to connect with his family. Auditorium Theatre, Nov. 25.

“Hollyy-Days”: Local up-and-comers Hollyy is an old-soul soul band with a hipster vibe — giving something Boomers, Gen X-ers and Gen Z can all get behind. For the third year, they’re throwing a big holiday bash with special guests still to be announced. Lincoln Hall, Dec. 15.

“Tammy McCann: A Jazz Christmas”: Tammy McCann is about as good as it gets for local jazz vocalists. A compelling collaboration pairs her sultry, refreshingly honest tone with inimitable, genre-bending guitarist Fareed Haque. They’ll be joined by strings for a holiday-themed evening of jazz and rhythm and blues. Nichols Concert Hall, Dec. 16.

Delmark Records’ Holiday Concert: The oldest continuously operating jazz and blues label present a star-studded next gen family affair honoring Chicago blues history. Sheryl Youngblood, Carlise and Greg Guy (children of Buddy Guy), Demetria Taylor and Jimmy Burns (sister and uncle to Eddie Taylor Jr.) plus Muddy Waters’ guitarist Rick Kreher and oldest son Mud Morganfield will be there. You should be too. Thalia Hall, Dec. 20.

Lauren Warnecke is a freelance critic.