Having trouble finding the holiday spirit with dreaded finals just days away? Give yourself a… Having trouble finding the holiday spirit with dreaded finals just days away? Give yourself a break from the library cram sessions and the caffeine runs to celebrate the season with some of the area’s happenings.

“The Nutcracker”

Through Dec. 28

Benedum Center, Downtown

Tickets: $10 from Pitt Arts (limited time only); $14-$65

(412) 456-6666

This holiday classic is a Pittsburgh tradition. Set in 19th century Pittsburgh, follow Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the Land of Enchantment. With Tchaikovsky’s familiar musical compositions, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents an opportunity to get lost in a magical world of rat kings and snow fairies. This timeless ballet offers a delight for all.

Winter Solstice

Dec. 9-11

Heinz Hall, Downtown

Tickets: $12 from Pitt Arts (limited time); $12.50-$69.50

(412) 392-4900

Conducted by James Conlon, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra offers another opportunity to enjoy the music of the season, but this evening of musical delights will feature the Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh. Including music from “The Nutcracker” and “The Snowman,” the program’s crowning piece will be “Christus” by Franz Liszt, which takes you on a musical journey from Christ’s birth to resurrection.

“A Musical Christmas Carol”

Dec. 10-23

Byham Theater, Downtown

Tickets: $11 from Pitt Arts (Cheap Seats); $22-$38

(412) 456-6666

Join the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera as they take you through the classic Charles Dickens tale of Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Set to the music of yuletide carols, the show will put a song in your heart as it once again reminds audiences that giving is the true meaning of Christmas.

Holiday Pops

Dec. 15-19

Heinz Hall, Downtown

Tickets: $12 from Pitt Arts (Cheap Seats); $19-$69

(412) 392-4900

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will offer a delightful evening of holiday classics, from audience singalongs to traditional carols. Conductor Daniel Meyer will lead the orchestra as it sparks warm holiday memories and the magic of Christmas.

James Joyce’s “The Dead”

Through Dec. 18

Charity Randall Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland

Tickets: $15

(412)394-3353

Though not exactly the feel-good play of the holiday season, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater presents James Joyce’s “The Dead” (adapted from the short story). As a family gathers to share warm memories at a holiday party in turn-of-the-century Dublin, Gabriel Conroy’s wife shares a secret that reminds us of the hold that the dead can have over the living.

Black Nativity

Through Dec. 19

Seventh Floor Auditorium, Alumni Hall

Tickets: $20

(412) 648-2276

Presented by the Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble, part of the Africana Studies department here at Pitt, “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes retells the birth of Christ from the Black Community’s perspective. Combining rhythmic choreography, affecting gospel music, scripture and the works of writer and poet Langston Hughes, “Black Nativity” has become a holiday tradition at the University.