TONIGHT-DEC. 23
Ballet
"The Nutcracker"
What: Little Clara is having the most amazing dream, and the Sacramento Ballet is helping her tell the story. On this wondrous journey, the audience will meet mice and reindeer and spend a little time in the Kingdom of Sweets.
When: 7 p.m. today; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Thursday and Dec. 23; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St., Sacramento
Cost: $15-$69
Information: (916) 808-5181, www.sacballet.org
SATURDAY
Brewery tour
Holiday in the Hills
What: Discover fermenters with a passion for their craft in this tour of Loomis Basin Brewing Co., Crispin and Fox Barrel Ciders in Colfax and Lincoln's Knee Deep Brewing Co. You'll receive four tastes at each brewer and snacks on the bus and, of course, view some of the prettiest country in Placer County.
When and where: Meet at noon at 10th and K streets in downtown Sacramento or at 12:40 p.m. at the Fountains at Roseville. Reserve your seat and get more information on pick-up.
Cost: $90
Information: (916) 335-4472, brewyourownadventures.com
SATURDAY
Holiday tradition
Dreidel tournament
What: Go ahead! Spin that dreidel (a four-sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter on each side). You just might be the top spinne at The World Series of Dreidel and take home the coveted world championship trophy.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Social Hall at Congregation Beth Shalom, 4746 El Camino Ave., Carmichael
Cost: $18 (pre-registration), $25 at the door (If you reserve a table of 10, you'll receive special recognition. Sponsorships are available.)
Information: Register at (916) 485-4478, www.worldseriesofdreidel.com
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Living history
A Miner's Christmas
What: The campfire will be going, and the miners will be roasting chestnuts. Sit down for a spell, have some hot cider or coffee and trade tales with them. Children can make favorite crafts of the 1850s and keep a lookout for Father Christmas.
When: Noon - 3 p.m. (There are usually hourlong tours of the town at 11 a.m.)
Where: Columbia State Historic Park, 11255 Jackson St., Columbia (three miles north of Sonora off Highway 49
Cost: Free
Information: (209) 588-9128, www.columbiacalifornia.com
SUNDAY
Holiday music
American Bach Soloists
What: Noted countertenor Ian Howell and soprano Mary Wilson are among the soloists who will sing Handel's perennial holiday masterwork, "Messiah," under the baton of UC Davis Choral director Jeffrey Thomas.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center, One Shields Ave., UC Davis
Cost: $17.50-$55
Information: (866) 754-2787, www.mondaviarts.org
SUNDAY
Folk rock
Al Stewart
What: When this Scottish rocker (Al is short for Alastair) teamed up with producer Alan Parsons, he hit paydirt with two singles that would become classic rock anthems: "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages." This show will also be a homecoming for Stewart sideman and Davis singer-songwriter, Dave Nachmanoff.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Harlow's, 2708 J St., Sacramento
Cost: $25
Information: (916) 441-4693, harlows.com
THURSDAY-DEC. 24
Film
"It's a Wonderful Life"
What: There are simple joys in life, and seeing a classic movie in a classic theater is one of them. Although considered a box office flop when it was released in 1946, Frank Capra's film has endured. Perhaps that is because, as George Bailey re-examines what matters in life, he helps the audience do the same. And, doggone it, we tear up every time.
When: 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K St., Sacramento
Cost: $9.50 general admission; $6 for senior citizens, students and matinee
Information: (916) 442-7378, www.thecrest.com, tickets.com
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