Kick off the holidays with a show or two
Now that the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pies have been eaten, its time to ring in the holidays with some entertainment. Local venues in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are offering singing, dancing and performances for the entire family to get you into the holiday spirit. Check out what is going on in and around your area.
New Jersey
Bah Humbug! Scrooge's Christmas Carol
What: This musical portrays the Christmas Classic with various songs throughout as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Christmas spirits.
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 to 16.
Where: Cornerstone Playhouse The Crescent Theater, 74 Main Street, Sussex, N.J.
How much: $15 adults and $12 seniors and students.
For more information: 973-702-0687 or sites.google.com/site/cornerstoneplayhousenj
The Nutcracker
What: This New Jersey Ballet will perform The Nutcracker with dancing, a live orchestra, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic. Ages 4 and above.
When: Dec. 14 to 24 (times vary).
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, N.J.
How much: $59, $49, $39, $29 and $25.
For more information: 973-539-8008 or mayoarts.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What: Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to present the live debut of the band’s multi-platinum rock opera, "The Lost Christmas Eve" — the newest chapter in the TSO holiday tradition.
When: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 22.
Where: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, N.J.
How much: $73, $63, $53, $43 and $33
For more information: 973-757-6600 or prucenter.com
Winter Festival of Shows
What: The Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performers Workshop presents their Winter Festival of Shows with a week full of musical favorites. This year’s selections will include Hello Dolly, A Chorus Line and The Boy Friend.
When: Dec. 8 to 16 (times vary).
Where: The Centenary Stage, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, N.J.
How much: $12.50 adults and $10 children under 12.
For more information: 908-979-0900 or centenarystageco.org
The Wizards of Winter
What: The band will perform the Trans Siberian Orchestra's greatest hits including: Christmas Eve Sarajevo, Old City Bar, Christmas Cannon Rock, Queen of the Winter Night and many others, plus music from their album.
When: 8 p.m., Dec. 15.
Where: Newton Theatre, 234 Spring Street, Newton, N.J.
How much: $34 Premium, $29 Orchestra and $24 Balcony.
For more information: 973-383-3700 or NewtonTheatre.com
New York
Christmas Carol
What: Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will conduct one-man performances in Dickens’s Christmas Carol. This lively re-telling, complete with musical accompaniment, brings to life Charles Dickens’s classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies.
When: 4, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Where: Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
How much: $16 adults, $12 children under 18 and members of Historic Hudson Valley receive a $5 discount per ticket.
For more information: 914-366-6900 or hudsonvalley.org
Annual Pet Photos with Santa
What: Bring in your furry friend and get a photo taken by professional photographer, Chris Babicke with Santa and a new background scene. Children and dress up welcome. Free gifts for pets.
When: Noon to 3 p.m., Dec. 1 and 2.
Where: Warwick Valley Humane Society, 48 Public Works Dr., Warwick N.Y.
How much: $10 for one photo, $18 for two, $25 for three.
For more information: 845-986-2473 or wvhumane.org
Pennsylvania
Christmas Olde and New
What: The Delaware Valley Choral Society will be performing "Christmas Olde and New" this holiday season. A collection of old and new carols will also be performed featuring an instrumental surprise or two along the way.
When: 3 p.m. Dec. 2.
Where: Milford Theater, 114 E. Catherine St., Milford, Penn.
How much: $15 adults, $10 students.
For more information: 570-267-8773 or DelawareValleyChoral.org
Hawley Winterfest
What: The 14th annual festival offers wintery activities including a beer tour, family craft workshop, live musical performances, carriage rides, a holiday show and more.
When: Dec. 7 to 9.
Where: Route 6, Hawley, Penn.
How much: Prices vary depending on event.
For more information: 570-226-2141 or HawleyWinterfest.com.
Holiday Mansion Tours
What: These guided tours provide a look at all three floors of the 1886 mansion, formerly the home of Gov. Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the US Forest Service. Each floor is decorated with a different theme or era.
When: 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 to 22.
Where: Grey Towers, 151 Grey Towers, Milford, Penn.
How much: $5 per person, free children under 12.
For more information: 570-296-9630 or greytowers.org