THEATER A Christmas Carol/ The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge’s Revenge Both plays — one a faithful production of the holiday classic and the other a dark farce — run on alternating nights through Dec. 20 at the Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; (215) 295-3694.
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon The classic children’s book comes to life through Jan. 3 at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; (215) 893-1999.
Babes in Toyland The traditional holiday musical is performed at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 11 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
The Eight: Reindeer Monologues BCKSEET Productions presents the return of this holiday black comedy in which eight reindeer vent about Santa and Rudolph, through Dec. 23 at the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. Eighth St.; (215) 923-0210.
The :nv:s:ble Play Philadelphia Theatre Workshop presents the world premiere of the story of people trying to hang on in the workplace, through Dec. 13 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Devon Theatre presents a rainbow ride through biblical Egypt, through Dec. 13, 6319 Frankford Ave.; (215) 338-6300.
The Light in the Piazza Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the love story set in Italy, through Dec. 13 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.
Oliver! Walnut Street Theatre presents one of the world’s most beloved musicals, through Jan. 10, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
On Golden Pond Act II Playhouse presents the now-classic drama, through Dec. 13, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 654-1011.
Rabbit Hole The Arden Theatre presents the story of a family in crisis, facing the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains, through Dec. 20, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.
Red, White & Tuna Walnut Street Theatre presents two comic masters bringing to life 24 characters from Tuna, Texas, through Jan. 3 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
The Santaland Diaries Flashpoint Theatre Company presents the holiday comedy based on the bestselling book by out humorist David Sedaris, through Dec. 20 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 665-9720.
Scapin Lantern Theater Company presents Molière’s classic farce, through Jan. 3 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 829-0395.
This Is the Week that Is 1812 Productions presents its signature take on political satire, through Jan. 3 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (215) 592-9560.
MUSIC classical Holiday POPS! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform a series of holiday-themed shows, through Dec. 20 at Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
The Ring-Orchestral Adventure The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the world premiere of the Violin Concerto by George Walker, 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Messiah The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Handel’s holiday classic, 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
The Glorious Sounds of Christmas The Philadelphia Orchestra performs timeless holiday classics at 7 p.m. Dec. 17-19 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
MUSIC other Get the Led Out The Led Zeppelin tribute band performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 627-1332.
Fourth-annual Lizanne Knott and Friends Philabundance Benefit Beaucoup Blue, John Conahan and Lizanne Knott Band team up for a benefit show at 9 p.m. Dec. 11 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
Anne McCue The out singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the PSALM Salon, 5841 Overbrook Ave.; (215) 477-7578.
Drivetime with Justin Guarini The jazz group and the “American Idol” runnerup perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
EXHIBITS Agulhas Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of works by Edward Dimsdale, through Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.
Annual Holiday Show ArtStar Gallery hosts an exhibition of handmade ornaments and holiday cards by select artists, through Dec. 31, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 238-1557.
Body Worlds 2 & The Brain The Franklin Institute presents an eye-opening journey through the inner workings of the human body through a broad collection of authentic human specimens, through Feb. 20, 222 N. 20th St.; (215) 448-1200.
Clublife The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts an exhibition by photographer Kalina Isato featuring transgender women, through Dec. 31, 1315 Spruce St.; www.transvamp.com/gallery.
Diana: A Celebration The National Constitution Center presents an exhibition exploring Diana’s childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, their royal wedding and Diana’s life and work as a global humanitarian, through Dec. 31, 525 Arch St.; (866) 917-1787.
8×10 and Under: Small Landscapes Gallery 339 presents a new photography exhibition through Jan. 23, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.
Lace in Translation The Design Center at Philadelphia University presents a new exhibition of contemporary work inspired by historic lace, through April 3, 4200 Henry Ave.; (215) 951-2860.
Ragas and Rajas: Musical Imagery of Courtly India The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a diverse selection of paintings and sculptures from across the subcontinent, through Feb. 28, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.
Rockwell’s America The largest 3-D Norman Rockwell exhibit in the world takes visitors on a unique journey that includes segments from the Academy Award-winning film “Norman Rockwell’s World,” 20 theatrical environments, 35 three-dimensional life-sized depictions of Rockwell’s characters and dozens of interactive educational experiences, through March 14 at King of Prussia Mall’s Lower Level Plaza, 256 Mall Blvd.; (610) 768-0710.
Step Right Up Bahdeebahdu presents the talented mixed-media work of Ryan Wilson Kelly, Melissa Stern and Ricky Boscarino, each bound by a circle of light to produce a single circus theme, through Jan. 30, 1522 N. American St.; (215) 627-5002.
DANCE The Nutcracker The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the holiday classic Dec. 12-31 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
FILM White Christmas This 1954 holiday musical is screened at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 917-0223.
A Christmas Carol: A Unique Take on a Holiday Classic Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents Drexel professor Ian Abrams for a screening and discussion of a very special version of the Dickens classic starring Alastair Sim, Michael Caine, George C. Scott, Bill Murray, Patrick Stewart and Mr. Magoo — all playing Scrooge — at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.
BOOKS Santa Day Out sci-fi author Samuel R. Delaney dresses up as Ol’ St. Nick for a family event and raffle, 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
Julie Powell The author of “Julie and Julia” and “Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat and Obsession” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Trudy Rubin and Aldo Magazzeni The journalist and the Pennsylvania businessman who builds water systems for poor Afghan communities host a discussion on the state of affairs in Afghanistan, 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 at Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th St.; (215) 735-9600.
Robert Gabrick The author of “Going the Greyhound Way: The Romance of the Road” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
CABARET Mel & El: Gay Married The comedic cabaret duo performs at 9 p.m. Dec. 12 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Andy Prescott The local piano-bar entertainer performs from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 21 and 28 at Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Road, New Hope; (215) 862-2972.
Jon and Kate plus HATE in Outer Space The Dumpsta Players take out this year’s trash with another outrageous show, from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 16 at Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St.; (215) 545-4511.
AUDITIONS Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions for the 2009-10 concert season will be held for singers of all skill levels and voice parts by appointment only, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 16 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 731-9230 or [email protected].
ETC Protecting LGBT Youth Lambda Legal hosts an update and discussion on its work in Philadelphia and the importance of institutions supporting youth in the community, 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
Jackie Mason The comedian performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze The holiday spectacular, in which performers pull off astonishing feats, runs through Dec. 13 at Xanadu Theater at Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk Ave., Atlantic City; (609) 449-5150.
Latkepalooza Philadelphia’s biggest Hanukkah celebration, serving over 3,000 latkes to over 500 adults and kids, will take place from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13 at The Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.; (215) 545-4400.
Open Mic Sign up at 6:30 p.m. to read or perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.