Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol has always been a favorite of mine, though the new animated film version of the tale looks a little to freaky for my taste. Luckily, Theatre Charlotte is bringing the classic adapted by John Jakes to its stage for a series of performances kicking off on Dec. 3 and continuing through Dec. 13. Stop in to see the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge turn into a softie with Christmas cheer, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Tickets are $7-$20. Show dates/times: Dec. 3-5, 7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 9-12, 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 or click here.