DEC. 5 -- And you thought your Christmas was crazy? Ring in the holiday season with the zany and hilarious A Tuna Christmas. This is the second installment in the trilogy of plays by Williams, Sears and Howard, which focus on the citizens of the tiny, fictional town of Tuna, Texas. As the happiest time of the year descends on Tuna, chaos breaks loose. Comedy ensues as the mysterious Christmas Phantom wreaks havoc on neighbor's yard decorations and as two actors attempt to portray a slew of different characters. A commentary on small town life and the South, this winning play might be just the ticket to make you forget about your own holiday chaos. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-333-4686. www.performingartsctr.org. (Meredith Kanitra)
DEC. 7 -- For the 30th year in a row, the less-fortunate are invited to see how the other half decks the halls. Maybe the last time you were up-close and personal with a three-story condominium was watching a rerun of The Cosby Show. Don't fret. The 30th Annual Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour will show you the ins and outs of nine private Uptown homes in the grand Victorian style that this section is known for. Also featured are free horse and carriage rides and performances by hand bell choirs and carolers. This tour only last for three days. Don't miss you chance to peek inside luxury at its best. Noon-4 p.m. $20. Historic Fourth Ward, 9th & Poplar Streets. 704-651-4183. www.fofw.com. (Branna Calloway)
DEC. 8 -- Trying to think of something other than fruitcake to give good old Aunt Edna? How about a unique and heartfelt gift from the Eclectic Christmas Shopping Tour? At the first stop, visitors will enjoy hot cider and treats while browsing through the home and garden wares by local artisans. The next stop is an 1890 farmhouse with two antique stores and a special catered lunch. The day will end at Historic Gold Hill Village, which features a number of specialty and antique stores for you to peruse. This trip is a great way to shop for all those picky friends and family members, or even yourself. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $69. Leaving from Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3003 Dale Earnhardt Blvd, Kannapolis. 704-463-0768. www.uwharrietours.com. (Kanitra)
DEC. 9 -- You've waited all year to hear Christmas music, and now that the season is finally here, you can't get enough. So why not add a little class to your musical selections this year? Lead by Alan Yamamoto, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and the Oratorio Singers present Magic of Christmas. This musical yuletide spectacular features caroling choirs, sing alongs, and special guest performers. This Queen City tradition is sure to please kids from 1 to 92. 2:30 pm. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.performingartsctr.org. (Kanitra)
DEC. 11 -- Take a whiff. You smell that? The sweet smell is coming from the burning flowers over at the Holiday Lights at the Garden. "Horse-drawn carriage rides and a 30-foot 'Tree of Light' on the Four Seasons lawn will add dimension to the other visitor favorites including the Orchid Tree and miniature mule team cart rides." Add a bit of Kahlúa to that hot chocolate while watching a singing Ol' Saint Nick strum some holiday favorites on his guitar. Festivities will conclude on Dec. 30. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Closed Mondays. $5-$10. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd, Belmont, N.C. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 12 -- Did you ever wish you could turn your college hobby into a career? Although it's just a dream for most of us, that's exactly what the men of Rockapella did. Currently a quintet, the four original members were Brown University alumni who just liked to sing. Now this famous group is bringing their exciting sound to Charlotte for a unique holiday show. With old-time favorites and new, original music, these vocal powerhouses will make sure that you celebrate the season in style. 8 p.m. $30 - $35. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N College St. 704-333-4686. www.performingartsctr.org. (Kanitra)
DEC. 14 -- You remember how exciting it was to go to see The Nutcracker every year when you were little. Well, who says you have to stop? The North Carolina Dance Theater presents Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux's new take on the time-honored Christmas tradition. In The Nutcracker, Clara's new gift turns into a handsome prince just in time for a journey through the land of Sweets ruled by the evil Rat King. And in case you feel like you were just fed a sugar cube laced with acid, then everything is just as it should be. Trip lasting through Dec. 23. 7:30 p.m. $20-$69. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 15 -- Chris Daughtry will be coming home be-for-e Christmas. The talented young ex-American Idol hopeful is among the most successful in the franchise's history. Already, Daughtry has racked up back-to-back hits with "It's Not Over" and "Home." The self-titled album became the fastest-selling debut rock album in Soundscan history. Check out their latest single "Crashed" on rock stations and "Over You" is still in heavy rotation on TRL. 8 p.m. $30.50. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500. www.ticketmaster.com. (Calloway)
DEC. 15 -- The cute little kids over at The Choir School at St. Peter's are giving a concert. Their annual Christmas Concert will feature both sacred and secular holiday music. Boys and girls singing together in harmony is really the greatest achievement of this program. Seriously, with all the strife between and among the sexes in the presidential race and every other sector of society, it's a wonder. But, it's the holiday season and "goodwill to all men." 7:30 p.m. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746. www.stpeterschoirs.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 19 -- It's been two years since the Charlotte Symphony and the Oratorio Singers graced BPAC with their first performance of Handel's Messiah. This annual event gets better every year. The 300(plus)-year-old composition still has the power to conjure the strongest emotions -- even from the most stoic. Experience this spiritual moment yourself and bring the kids. 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 20 -- Wonders never cease. This time they come in the general direction of the Far East. Holiday Wonders is billed as "A Chinese Cultural Event." Dramas, epic tales, myths, and legends have been visualized in large-scale dance sequences. The drums tell the story as they pound out a beat of celestial melodies. Get swept away into an enchanted realm of sight, sound and dance 5000 years in the making. The highlight are the handmade costumes and digital three-dimensional backdrops. 7:30 p.m. $38-$78. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500. www.ticketmaster.com. (Calloway)
DEC. 21 -- A unique collective, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra weaves hybrid forms of music that ranges from classical and rock to Broadway and R&B -- brought to life by singers and musicians of each genre. Formed in 1996 by Paul O'Neill, the group will be hitting the road for Winter Tour 2007. 8 p.m. $45/$35. Cricket Arena, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500. www.ticketmaster.com. (Calloway)
DEC. 22 -- Scandal! That's the name of the game when Santa goes on trial for sexually harassing one of his antlered "friends" in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. But, of course, that's not the end of it. As this hiccup in the normally, smooth-run Christmas machine gets bigger, each reindeer must have his/her turn in the spotlight. No one's safe from the finger-pointing, not even Mrs. Claus. 10 p.m. $10 ADV; $15. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 23 -- The Tarradiddle Players perform the beloved holiday favorite. CTC's production of the The Littlest Angel tells the story of Heaven's newest arrival's troubles in adjusting to the way of things beyond those "pearly gates." All it takes is a little "understanding" and mementos of a life gone by to get the little fellow in line. For ages 3 and up. Last night to catch the show. Times vary. $14/$18. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704-973-2828. www.ctcharlotte.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 24 -- It's Christmas Eve. Don't look for anything even remotely fun to do today. Why? Well, let's see: 1) IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE!; 2) Are you working?; 3) Then, why would you expect somebody else wants to work today? Stay at home with your family and spend some quality time with the people you love, simultaneously letting others do the same. Some people can be so selfish. Sheesh. (Calloway)
DEC. 26 -- The Charlotte Bobcats are hitting their stride. Tonight, they take on Providence grad Antwain Jamison and the Washington Wizards. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 704-262-2287. www.charlottebobcats.com. (Calloway)
DEC. 27 -- Maybe you've caught one of his shows or seen the DVDs. In any case, Jeff Dunham is a funny dude. Spreading the yucks through his "Suitcase Posse," an arsenal of diverse personalities including: Achmed the Dead Terrorist; Melvin, a mild-mannered, un-powered superhero; and Walter, the out-spoken grumpy old guy. 8 p.m. $31-$36. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Calloway)
DEC. 29 -- Charlotte-based Raycom Sports operates the Meineke Car Care Bowl. This game is a rivalry between the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East Conference. If you can't watch it in person, this bowl will be telecast on ESPN. 1 p.m. $30/$55. Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St. www.meinekecarcarebowl.com. (Calloway)
DEC. 30 -- Ice skating is really harder than it looks. Not everyone can aspire to be Michelle Kwan. But of course, you're going to be stubborn and try to do it anyway. In that case, check out WBT Holiday on Ice at the Green Uptown, Charlotte's only outdoor ice-skating rink. January 6 is the last day it's open this season, so don't put off the opportunity to slip and fall on your bum. Wed-Fri, 5-10 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. ADM - $7; Skate rental - $3. The Green, 425 S. Tryon St. www.wbtholidayonice.com. (Kim Lawson)
DEC. 31 -- American roots music seems to be the best categorization for the sound the Avett Brothers put out. The guys have shot to the top of the game in a relatively short period of time, gracing the pages of every major music magazine and appearing on Conan O'Brien. This is the Concord natives' first show since they dropped Emotionalism. 9 p.m. SOLD OUT. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Calloway)