The most wonderful time of the year is also the most wonderful time to introduce youngsters to live music, theater and dance! This holiday season, eight fantastic shows—from Ballet Arkansas' annual performance of The Nutcracker to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops—will liven up stages around central Arkansas. 

1. The Gingerbread Man at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theater: In this festive musical, Grandma Tic and Grandpa Toc couldn’t be more surprised (or pleased) when the Gingerbread Man springs to life and dances around their little clock shop. He’s a happy little cookie man made of ginger and molasses. But when the sly, hungry Fox comes along, playtime is over and the race is on! Enjoyed by all ages. $12.50; AAC members are $10. Performances are: 7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Dec. 4-20. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.

2. Ballet Arkansas Presents "The Nutcracker" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Ring in the holidays with Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed live by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a classic performance by Ballet Arkansas. With enchanting costumes and original choreography, the tradition of "The Nutcracker" will create unforgettable memories for children of every generation. $20-$52. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 & 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13. For info: (501) 666-1761, BalletArkansas.org.

3. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops at Pulaski Academy Connor Performing Arts Center: The symphony's most popular and longest-running tradition brings holiday cheer to music lovers of all ages. Families will recognize festive tunes like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Carol of the Bells," and the audience gets the chance to sing along, too. Special guests will put a spin on Christmas classics, such as Bonnie Montgomery's performance of the Johnny Cash version of "Little Drummer Boy" and a performance of "Silent Night" by a children's choir. $19-$58; kids free for Sunday matinee with paid adult admission via Entergy Kids Ticket. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 & 19; 3 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.

4. Conway Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert at UCA Reynolds Performance Hall: Celebrate the season with highlights from "The Nutcracker" performed by the Arkansas Festival Ballet plus a special performance from the Central Arkansas Children's Choir. Families with young children won't want to miss the "Nutcracker Sweets" before the the performance; the pre-show event includes stories of The Nutcracker, crafts, cookies and punch, and a chance to meet the ballerinas and the Maestro (6:15 p.m.; children $5, accompanying adults free). $20-$38; students are $6. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. For info: (501) 450-3265, ConwaySymphonyOrchestra.org.

5. Trans-Siberian Orchestra "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" at Verizon Arena: Based on TSO's DVD and long-running PBS fundraiser, the story follows the journey of a young runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on Christmas Eve to seek shelter from the cold. She experiences ghostly visions from that concert hall's past and favorite songs like "Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24," "O' Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," and "This Christmas Day." $52.50-$92. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. For info: (501) 975-9000, VerizonArena.com.

6. "A Fertle Holiday" at The Joint: A Fertle Holiday is an original two-act comedy chronicling the Fertle Family's trouble-ridden reunion in the tiny town of Dumpster, Arkansas, as they attempt to entertain their wealthy relatives from San Diego. The Main Thing comedy trio brings the quirky family to life by portraying all the relatives and townspeople needed to create the illusion of a big, bustling Christmas get-together. Suitable for all ages. 8 p.m. Fri and Sat. $22. 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. through Jan 16. For info: (501) 372-0205, TheJointArgenta.com.

7. Neil Berg's "Broadway Holiday" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Direct from New York, five of Broadway's brightest stars warm up Little Rock just before Christmas! Get in the holiday spirit with traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, along with crowd-pleasing Broadway favorites. $32-$57. 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Dec. 19; and 2 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 244-8800, CelebrityAttractions.com.

8. Christmastime in Arkansas Concert at Hot Springs Convention Center: This holiday concert features local country superstar Justin Moore, Ned Perme and the Ned Perme Band, and other great Arkansas artists who will celebrate the Christmas season. The concert will benefit the Arkansas Rice Depot. $25. 7 p.m. Dec. 19. For info: (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster.com.

Amy Jo Jackson as Ursula and Katie Emerson as Ariel in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre's production of Disney's "Little Mermaid"

Bonus:

"The Little Mermaid" at Arkansas Repertory Theatre: It may not be a holiday show, but we can't leave out The Rep's Little Mermaid! The production will plunge your family into an undersea wonderland filled with songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” $45-$60. 7 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; 2 p.m. Sun. & special Saturday matinees are 2 p.m. Dec. 5 & 26 and Jan. 2. For info: (501) 378-0405, TheRep.org.

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