Handbells, choirs, Sugar Plum Fairies – it’s time to drop the shopping and think about celebrating this season with music, dance, art or theater. It doesn’t have to cost a lot – some events are free – or you can buy a ticket for someone else as a gift. Here’s what local arts groups are putting under your tree for the holidays.

MUSIC

South Sound Classical Choir, free Christmas concerts: This choir puts on annual free holiday programs in acoustic churches, featuring “Messiah” excerpts, carols and more.

When: 7 p.m. tonight (Puyallup), 7 p.m. Saturday(Milton), 3 p.m. Sunday (Tacoma)

Where: Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 W. Pioneer Ave., Puyallup; Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2306 Milton Way, Milton; Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St., Tacoma.

Tickets: free.

Information: sscc.valleyartssociety.org.

Bells of the Sound, “A Jazzy Little Christmas”: This premier Seattle handbell choir brings their Chrismas concert to T-town with swinging takes on familiar carols, “Three King Swing,” “Steppin’ Out with Rudolph” and more.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday.

Where: First United Methodist Church, 621 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma.

Tickets: suggested donation $10 adult, $8 youth and free for seniors and 7 and younger.

Information: 253-627-0129, www.bellsofthesound.org.

The Esoterics, “Carter and Messiaen”: OK, so it’s not technically holiday fare. But if you’re looking for heavenly a cappella choral music that has nothing to do with jingling bells, this concert’s for you: a 100th anniversary celebration for two of modern music’s most ethereal, subtle composers.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 12115 Park Ave. S., Tacoma.

Admission: $20 at door, $18 in advance, $15 students, seniors.

Reservations: 206-935-7779, www.theesoterics.org.

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, “Sounds of the Season”: The annual holiday concert this year features vocalist James Caddell and the Tacoma Youth Chorus, playing favorite carols and two audience singalongs.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma.

Tickets: $10-$75.

Reservations: 253-272-7264, www.tacomasymphony.org.

Choral Union, “Wondrous Child: A PLU Christmas Celebration”: Three directors, choirs and soloists present this Christmas choral program.

When: 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Olson Hall, Pacific Lutheran University, Garfield Street South and Park Avenue South, Tacoma.

Tickets: $15-$20, free for 11 and younger.

Information: www.plu.edu.

Adelphian Concert Choir, Seasonal Concert: This chamber choir from University of Puget Sound, along with vocal group Voci d’Amici, sings seasonal favorites.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Kilworth Memorial Chapel, UPS, North 17th and North Warner streets, Tacoma.

Tickets: $8.50 general, $4.50 seniors, students and UPS faculty and staff.

Reservations: 253-879-3419, www.ups.edu.

University Choral and Dorian Singers, Seasonal Concert: the annual concert from the University of Puget Sound’s large choirs.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Kilworth Memorial Chapel, UPS, North 17th and North Warner streets, Tacoma.

Tickets: free.

Information: 253-879-3419, www.ups.edu.

Northwest Chamber Chorus: Explore Christmas carols and motets from Norway, Sweden, Latvia and England, including Benjamin Britten’s famous “A Ceremony of Carols” with Alexis Odell on harp.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

Where: Christ Church Episcopal, 310 N. K St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $20 general; $16 seniors, students; $12 active choir singers; free for 6-12 with adult.

Reservations: 206-523-1196, www.northwestchamberchorus.org, www.brownpapertickets.com.

Seattle Men’s Chorus, “Fruitcake”: Take the title to mean what you will, this annual Tacoma concert features the usual holiday songs plus a newly commissioned work by composer Robert Seeley.

When: 2 p.m. Dec. 13.

Where: Temple Theater, 47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma.

Tickets: $38-$48.

Reservations: 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org.

Christ Church Episcopal, “Advent Lessons and Carols”: The choir, organ and soloists of Christ Church present the Anglican tradition of a service mingling choir carols, congregation carols and Christmas Bible readings.

When: 5 p.m. Dec. 14.

Where: 310 N. K St., Tacoma.

Admission: by donation.

Information: 253-383-1569, www.ccptacoma.org.

Tacoma Art Museum, “Sounds of the Holidays”: Tahoma Girls’ Choir performs a selection of holiday-inspired choral works for the museum’s monthly free third Thursday.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 18.

Where: 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Admission: free.

Information: 253-272-4258, www.tacomaartmuseum.org.

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Handel’s “Messiah”: The TSO’s “Messiah” is the only one in town, and the beloved work that includes “The Trumpet Shall Sound” and the “Hallelujah” chorus is usually sold out. Book early, and arrive early for good parking and seats.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

Where: St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7112 S. 12th St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $20.

Reservations: 253-272-7264, www.tacomasymphony.org.

Magical Strings, Celtic Yuletide Concert: The Boulding family and fellow string players are joined by the Raney Irish Dancers, the Scottish harp and fiddle duo the McKassons, vocalists, a juggler and more for this annual musical, storytelling performance.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

Where: Urban Grace Church, 902 Market St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $28 reserved, $18 adults, $12 children (add $2 for tickets at the door).

Reservations: 1-800-838-3006, www.magicalstrings.com, www.brownpapertickets.com.

Tacoma Philharmonic, “Straight No Chaser”: This hip group from Indiana University is riding high on the latest fad for men’s a cappella groups. Think “The Twelve Days of Christmas” meets “The Dreidel Song” with doo-wops on the side.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

Where: Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $25-$30, $5 discount for children, seniors and groups.

Reservations: 253-272-0809, www.tacomaphilharmonic.org.

Northwest Repertory Singers, “The Bells of Christmas”: This premier local choir teams up with the 14-member Gig Harbor handbell choir the Chapel Ringers for their holiday concert. The program includes favorite carols, plus solo cello, brass quartet and four-hands piano.

When: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Dec. 21.

Where: Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $18 general; $15 seniors, students; free 11 and younger.

Reservations: 253-572-4831, www.nwrs.org.

ART

Tacoma Art Museum, Enameled Projects for the Holidays: Learn basic enameling, stenciling and glazing skills on copper, and create a handmade pendant gift at the same time. No prior metalwork experience necessary.

When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Cost: $40-$50 TAM members, includes admission for one child 9 and older with one adult companion. Prior registration required.

Registration: 253-722-2455, education@TacomaArtMuseum.org.

Tacoma Art Museum, “Snowbound”: Celebrate winter at TAM with a free community festival, including snow-themed art installations by Marc Dombrosky and Shannon Eakins (think snowstorm made of recycled paper,) activities, food and more.

When: noon-5 p.m. Dec. 14; 12:15 p.m., Rainier Ringers handbell choir; 1 p.m., making snow crowns in classroom; 2:30 p.m., singalong in lobby; ongoing knitting, installations, snowflake making, store sale.

Where: 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Admission: free.

Also: TAM admission is free for 17 and younger during December.

Information: 253-272-4258, www.tacomaartmuseum.org.

Museum of Glass, Illuminated Traditions: Create a holiday keepsake from traditions around the world, to the music of Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana.

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 20.

Also: Fab5 break-dancing performance, 1 p.m. Dec. 26.

Where: 1801 Dock St., Tacoma.

Admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors, students, military; $4 children 6-12; free for 5 and younger.

Information: 866-4-MUSEUM, www.museumofglass.org.

DANCE

Ballet Northwest, “The Nutcracker”: The Olympia-based ballet company draws local dancers ages 8 to 69 for its version of this annual traditional holiday ballet.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21.

Where: Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.

Tickets: $23 to $30 adults, $19-$26 students, seniors, groups.

Reservations: 360-753-8586, www.washingtoncenter.org.

Information: www.balletnorthwest.org.

Dance Theatre Northwest, “The Nutcracker”: This “Nutcracker” has a few cuts, meaning more dance per show. “You really feel like you’re at an actual Christmas party,” said director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer.

When: 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium, 4634 S. 74th St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $21-$26 adults, $11-$13 seniors, students, children.

Also: free performance 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Patriot’s Landing, 1600 Marshall Circle, DuPont.

Reservations: 253-565-5149.

Information: www.dancetheatrenorthwest.org.

Pacific Northwest Ballet, “The Nutcracker”: The most spectacular sets, costumes and enormous stage Christmas tree in the Northwest, plus live orchestra – if you can handle the traffic and parking. This is the 25th anniversary of this beloved production, with sets by children’s author Maurice Sendak and special guest appearances.

When: 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Thursday, Dec. 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27; noon Dec. 24; 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21, 28, 29, 30; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21, 28, 29.

Where: Marion Oliver McCall Hall, Seattle Center.

Tickets: from $24.

Box office: 206-441-2424, 206-292-ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com or www.pnb.org.

Tacoma City Ballet, “The Nutcracker”: Tacoma’s biggest production, with the Northwest Sinfonietta playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, and original 19th-century Petipa choreography.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21

Where: Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma.

Tickets: $28-$60.

Reservations: 253-272-4219, 253-591-5894.

Information: www.tacomacityballet.com.

Washington Contemporary Ballet, “The Nutcracker”: Traditionally the most family-oriented production in town, with brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts taking the stage together.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 4 p.m. Dec. 14.

Where: Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium, 4634 S. 74th St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $18 adults, $15 children, students, seniors, military.

Reservations: 253-474-4312, www.wcbdance.org.

Tacoma Performing Dance Company, “The Nutcracker”: Over 30 years old, the TPDC uses young talent destined for high places: TPDC alums go on to institutions like the Joffrey, Hartford and San Francisco ballets. Catch them while they’re here.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 21.

Where: Stadium High School Theater, 111 N. E St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $15-$22.

Reservations: 253-752-8530, www.tacomaperformingdance.org.

THEATER

Broadway Center/Centerstage Theatre, “Aladdin”: A holiday pantomime in the most hilarious English tradition with guys in drag, audience participation, slapstick and more.

When: 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 12, 13 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 13, 14 at Centerstage; then 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Pantages

Where: Centerstage Theatre, 3200 S.W. Dash Point Road, Federal Way; Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma.

Tickets: $8-$25 at Centerstage; $22-$34 at Pantages.

Reservations: 253-661-1444, www.centerstagetheatre.com; 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org.

Harlequin Productions, “Stardust for Christmas”: This annual Olympia theater event combines a live jazz band, swing dancers and singers to tell the story of how the gangster-threatened Manhattan Stardust Club was saved at Christmas, 1941.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21, 24, 28; 3 p.m. Dec. 13, 20; 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27.

Where: The State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia.

Tickets: $34-$38; $12-$20 rush (half-hour before curtain)

Reservations: 360-786-0151, www.harlequinproductions.org.

ManeStage Theatre, “It’s a Wonderful Life”: This original musical adaptation of the Frank Capra movie classic is pure warm-fuzzy-holiday stuff.

When: 7 p.m. today, Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday

Where: Sumner Performing Arts Center, 1707 Main St., Sumner.

Tickets: $14 adults; $12 seniors, students, military; $10 ages 3-11.

Reservations: 253-447-7645, www.manestagetheatre.com.

Tacoma Little Theatre, “Dear Santa”: The comedy by Canadian Norm Foster sets up Santa as the CEO of a North Pole-based business team.

When: 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21.

Where: 210 N. I St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $20 adults; $18 seniors, military, students; $16 for 11 and younger.

Reservations: 253-272-2281, www.tacomalittletheatre.com.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse, “The Slipper and the Rose”: This British adaptation of the story of Cinderella features an award-winning score by Richard and Robert Sherman (“Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”).

When: 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21

Where: 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma.

Tickets: $25 adults; $23 senior, students, military; $18 for 11 and younger.

Reservations: 253-565-6867, www.tmp.org.

Lakewood Playhouse, “A Christmas Carol”: The Charles Dickens classic, full of ye olde Englishe merriment, Christmas ghosts and feel-good humbug.

When: 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21, 28.

Where: 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd S.W., Lakewood.

Tickets: $24 adults; $21 seniors, military; $18 for 24 and younger; $16 for 14 and younger.

Reservations: 253-588-0042, lptheater.qwestoffice.net.

Encore! Theater/Gig Harbor Danse Ensemble, “The Nutcracker: Beyond the Dream”: This annual production features a cast of 50 in a ballet with an original musical theater prologue and epilogue telling the story of how the Nutcracker became a toy in the first place, and what happens after.

When: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21.

Where: the Milton S. Boyd Performing Arts Center, Peninsula High School, 14105 Purdy Drive N.W., Gig Harbor.

Tickets: $15-$20 adults; $10-$15 seniors, students; $7-$12 for 11 and younger.

Reservations: 253-858-2282.

Information: www.encoretheater.org.

The Christmas Revels: “In Celebration of the Winter Solstice”: Puget Sound Revels takes you this year to 18th-century Scotland for their community-based song, dance and folktale show: lots of highland and lowland fiddling, dancing and stories.

When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 (evening show ASL-interpreted), 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17.

Where: Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma.

Tickets: $9.50-$26.

Reservations: 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org.

Information: www.pugetsoundrevels.org.

OTHER

Stadium District, Dickens Festival: Dickensian entertainment, from singers to magicians, jugglers to barbershop choruses and local actors playing Victorian characters amid carriage rides.

When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 13.

Where: Stadium District, Tacoma (near Division and Tacoma Avenue).

Admission: free.

Information: www.dickensfestival.net.

Foss Waterway, Winterfest: Live entertainment, local gifts and foods, kids’ activities and Captain Claus make up this inaugural event on the waterfront.

When: noon-10 p.m. Dec. 13, noon-8 p.m. 14.

Where: Foss Waterway Seaport Building, 705 Dock St., Tacoma.

Admission: $5 adults, free for 11 and younger.

Information: www.fosswaterwayseaport.org.

Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568