The holiday season brings with it a plethora of performing arts offerings that warm our hearts and souls. These shows are like a cozy blanket on a cold winter's night, providing comfort and joy. From the traditional "The Nutcracker" to the classic "A Christmas Carol" and beyond, Austin has a lot to offer in the world of performing arts.

Experience the Magic of Holiday Performing Arts in Austin

A Range of Austin Takes on 'The Nutcracker'

Ballet Austin's staging of "The Nutcracker" is a true holiday treat. With the timeless music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a captivating fairy tale story, and exquisite dancing, it transports audiences to a dreamy world. Through December 23rd at Dell Hall at Long Center for the Performing Arts, balletaustin.org.Another unique take on "The Nutcracker" is by Ballet Afrique Contemporary Dance. This fusion of ballet, modern, and African traditional movement makes Duke Ellington's "The Nutcracker Suite" an essential Austin holiday destination. On December 19th at Bass Concert Hall, balletafriqueaustin.org.Ventana Ballet and Red Nightfall Dance Theatre team up for the seventh annual staging of "The Watchmaker's Song," an intimate and interactive re-imagining of the story. From December 12th to 21st at Neill-Cochran House Museum, ventanaballet.com.Metamorphosis Dance portrays young Clara as an aspiring ballerina in their version of "The Nutcracker," longing to follow in her favorite aunt Vivian's footsteps. From December 6th to 15th at locations in Round Rock and Lakeway, metamorphosisdance.And then there's "Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!)" which combines Darren Peterson's juggling, unicycle-riding, and trained pups with a piano partner playing "The Nutcracker Suite." From December 20th to January 4th at The Vortex, vortexrep.org.

A Very Austin Takes on 'A Christmas Carol'

Director Dave Steakley and Zach Theatre's version of "A Christmas Carol" is a big, full-scale period staging that stays close to the Charles Dickens novella. Along with music director Allen Robertson and their artistic team, they inject popular and sacred songs, making it wildly popular. Through December 29th at Topfer Theatre at Zach, www.zachtheatre.org.Austin Playhouse offers a minimal version of "A Christmas Carol" where actor and storyteller Bernadette Nason plays 30 characters in 60 minutes. From December 16th to 18th at Austin Playhouse West Campus, www.austinplayhouse.com.

Carols, Hymns and 'Messiah'

"Conspirare Christmas" is a singular concert in Austin that blends songs from various musical traditions. Led by Craig Hella Johnson, the city's top choral group restages their brilliant "Considering Matthew Shepherd" in an open and warm way. On December 7th to 8th at Hogg Auditorium, www.conspirare.org.George Frederic Handel's "Messiah" with its booming "Hallelujah Chorus" has been embraced by the Christmas season. Conducted by Ryan Heller, Austin Symphony Orchestra's concert with Chorus Austin is at Riverbend Centre on December 3rd, austinsymphony.org.

Extra Gifts for Your Performing Arts Christmas Stocking

"Grinches in Heels: Christmas Mayhem Cabaret" from December 6th to 7th at Sterling Stage Austin, sterlingstageaustin.com."Holiday Heroes" through December 21st at Topfer Theatre at Zach, zachtheatre.org."Irving Berlin's White Christmas" through December 29th at Georgetown Palace Playhouse, georgetownpalace.com."It's a Wonderful Life" from December 13th to 18th at Penfold Theatre in Round Rock, www.penfoldtheatre.org."La Pastorela" through December 14th at East Austin College Prep, teatrovivo.org."Reckless" through December 22nd at Genesis Creative Collective, citytheatreaustin.org."Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Holiday Radiocast" on December 22nd at Driskill Hotel, penfoldtheatre.org.