Theater

"All About Christmas Eve," by the Gold Dust Orphans, stars (from left) Oliver Another and Ryan Landry. (Jen Bradley)

ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS EVE Ryan Landry's Gold Dust Orphans present their twisted take on what happens when an aging star crosses paths with an ambitious, backstabbing young actress named Eve. With a cast including Afrodite, Penny Champagne, Olive Another, and Orphan-in-chief Ryan Landry. Dec. 5-Jan. 3. Machine Theater. 617-265-6222, www.golddustorphans.com

BLACK NATIVITY Ushering in its 39th year in Boston, this is the longest-running production of Langston Hughes's work in the world, an account of the Nativity using verse, music, and dance. Presented by the National Center of Afro-American Artists. Dec. 5-21. Tremont Temple. 800-514-3849 or 617-585-6366, www.blacknativity.org

CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL Rick Lombardo directs this timeless drama about humbug, the holidays, and a profound experience of redemption. The production features dancing, singing (actors accompany themselves on instruments), and spirits flying through the air. Dec. 14-28. New Repertory Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487, www.newrep.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Celebrating its 32d year with Dickens's ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, Trinity Repertory Company presents company members Mauro Hantman and Joe Wilson Jr. sharing the lead role; director Liesl Tommy says they're bringing extra edge to the curmudgeonly Scrooge. Through Dec. 31. Trinity Repertory Company, Providence. 401-351-4242, www.trinityrep.com

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS The 38th annual production of the Christmas Revels travels to Thomas Hardy's Wessex in celebration of the winter solstice. Dec. 12-30. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge. 617-496-2222, www.revels.org

A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION Tina Landau directs this world premiere by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel, a musical about Christmas in 1864 and the intertwining of many lives, including those of President Lincoln, a rebel, and an escaped slave. Nov. 26-Dec. 21. Long Wharf Theatre , New Haven. 203-787-4282, www.longwharf.org

DISNEY ON ICE: MICKEY & MINNIE'S MAGICAL JOURNEY Disney favorites take the ice and journey into the worlds of "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Peter Pan," and "Lilo & Stitch." Dec. 26-30. TD Banknorth Garden. 617-931-2000, www.tdbanknorthgarden.com

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Chris Jorie directs this staged version of Frank Capra's beloved film about a man whose imminent suicide gains the attention of his guardian angel. Nov. 28-Dec.21. Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Bedford Falls pulls together and Clarence gets his wings again in a 1940s radio play-style performance. Adapted for the stage by Joe Landry, this show by Theater in the Open is complete with Foley sound-effect artists and singing sponsors. Dec. 18-21. The Firehouse Center, Market Square, Newburyport. 978-462-7336, www.firehouse.org

IT'S CHRISTMASTIME Part of an annual yuletide tradition, the 26th edition of this production features a live Nativity and a parade of wooden soldiers. Dec. 5-14. Reagle Players, Waltham. 781-891-5600, www.reagleplayers.com

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Christopher Webb directs this adaptation of David Sedaris's tale, a humorous account of working as an elf in Santaland at Macy's department store. Featuring Kraig Swartz as Crumpet. Dec. 17-Jan. 4. New Repertory Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487 www.newrep.org

SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD Nonie Newton-Breen stars as the title nun in this comic mystery by the author of "Late Nite Catechism," tackling the question: Whatever happened to the Magi's gold? Dec. 2-21. Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven. 203-787-4282, www.longwharf.org

THE WINTER SOLSTICE IN LEGEND AND SONG Storyteller Diane Edgecomb explores the legends behind holiday traditions, with music performed by Celtic harpist Margot Chamberlain and multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan. Dec. 19-21. Charlestown Working Theater, Charlestown. 866-811-4111, www.charlestownworkingtheater.org

Dance

A CHRISTMAS TOY STORY Contrapose Dance and Green Street Studios team up to present a fable of elves, broken toys, and friendship. Dec 12-14, 19-21. Green Street Studios, Cambridge. 617-864-3191, www.contraposedance.com

A DANCER'S CHRISTMAS In his final year of this production, the Rev. Robert VerEecke presents a whirlwind celebration of the holiday spirit featuring the Nativity, crucifixion, jesters, and dancing children. Dec. 13-14, 20-21. Robsham Theater Arts Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill. 617-552-4002, www.adancerschristmas.com

NEWPORT NUTCRACKER AT ROSECLIFF Island Moving Company presents the holiday ballet classic at one of Newport's most popular mansions. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres are included. Nov. 28-Dec. 5. Rosecliff mansion, Newport, R.I., 401-847-4470, www.islandmovingco.org

THE NUTCRACKER Clara, Drosselmeier, and the Sugar Plum Fairy are back, along with more than 250 dancing children and a live orchestral performance that highlights Boston Ballet's glittery production. Nov. 28-Dec. 28. Opera House. 617-931-2787, www.bostonballet.org, www.ticketmaster.com

THE NUTCRACKER José Mateo Ballet Theatre takes its playful, intimate "Nutcracker" on the road. Dec. 5-14. Spingold Theater, Brandeis University, Waltham. 781-736-3400. Dec. 19-21. Duxbury Performing Arts Center, Duxbury. 617-354-7467, www.ballettheatre.org

URBAN NUTCRACKER BalletRox presents a fresh approach to the holiday classic fusing ballet with hip-hop, swing, and urban tap. Dec. 5-21. John Hancock Hall. 877-548-3237, www.balletrox.org

MEGAN TENCH