Winter Wonderettes
(Dec. 1-20) The Marvelous Wonderettes (Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy) are entertaining at the 1968 holiday party for the employees of Harper’s Hardware, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. As is annual tradition, Mr. Harper is scheduled to appear as Santa Claus and pass out the much anticipated bonus envelopes. But, when he doesn’t show up, Betty Jean passes out the envelopes ... only to discover that they’re actually pink slips. Harper’s Hardware is closing! With wonderful memories of Christmases past and a musical tribute to Christmas ’Round the World, rest assured that all ends happily and joyously at this merry time of year. Terrific New Theatre. 328-0868. terrificnewtheatre.com

Winter Wonderland
(Dec. 4-14) Continuing the tradition of RMTC’s original holiday productions, Winter Wonderland is full of great musical moments written just for our Magic City! Performed by some of the best talent in town and featuring the RMTC Youth Programs, it’s a cheerful celebration that'll bring warmth and wonder to your holidays! (Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.) 1st Friday: Members of Birmingham’s YP organizations enjoy discounted tickets and a free drink. (Dec. 6, 1 p.m.) Snacks with Santa: Includes cookies and pictures with Santa. Thurs.-Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. $30; children 12 and younger receive half-price tickets to Dec. 6 matinee; snacks with Santa add-on, $5 per ticket. 324-2424. redmountaintheatre.org

Proof
(Dec. 4-20) Presented by Theatre Downtown. Catherine’s father was a great man and one of the greatest mathematicians that ever lived. After years of caring for him during his extreme mental illness, Catherine doesn't know what to do when he finally does pass. A young math teacher, Hal--a former student of Catherine’s father--comes to the house, looking through the 306 notebooks her father left behind, determined to find something and prove that her father’s mind didn’t shut down entirely during his mental illness. What he finds is a romance and a mystery that he never intended ... that no one believed was possible. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Playhouse. $17; $12 seniors and students; Thursdays pay what you can afford, $5 minimum. 306-1470. theatredowntown.com

The Little Dog Laughed
(Dec. 4-20) A heartthrob actor is just about to get the role of a lifetime when a juicy rumor begins to circulate about his off-screen life. His distraught agent, concerned about her percentage, begins damage control, and the laughs continue with the aid of the “rent boy” who’s looking for love and the “girlfriend” who’s looking for a home. Birmingham Festival Theatre. $20; $15 students. 933-2383. bftonline.org

By the Chimney with Care
(Dec. 5-14) ACTA Theatre presents a play written and directed by Kerry Burrell. To encourage Santa and to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, the elves sponsor a Christmas Eve Radiothon, broadcasting their favorite Christmas songs and stories. A young visitor from the South stops by to discover what Christmas is all about. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. ACTA Theatre, Trussville. $10; $8 seniors; $6 students. 655-3902. actatheater.com

Christmas Belles
(Dec. 5-21) It’s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb’s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. South City Theatre. $15; $12 students and seniors. 621-2128. southcitytheatre.com

Greater Birmingham Republican Women
(Every second Mon., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Open to the public. B&A Warehouse. $15. E-mail shepherd_holly@hotmail.com by first week of the month for reservations.

Brendan James
(Dec. 8, 8 p.m.) With his warm, rich tenor and emotionally powerful songs, Brendan James announces himself as an artist-to-watch on his dazzling debut album The Day is Brave. Rooted in the classic singer/songwriter tradition, the album is 11 tracks of stunning song craft: elegant, earthy, and displaying a total lack of artifice that is rare in the pop world these days. With Michael Warren. WorkPlay. $10. 380-4082. workplay.com

Friends of Hoover
(Second Tuesday, 11 a.m.) Friends of Hoover is a civic group that works toe ducate and inform its members at monthly programs. It also encourages involvement in community affairs and supports worthwhile projects for the betterment of the city. Picadilly Cafeteria, U.S. 31 in Riverchase. 979-1694.

ArtBreak
(Dec. 9, noon) Emily Hanna, curator of the arts of Africa and the Americas, will explore the work of contemporary Native American artists in this guided tour of New Currents in Native American Art. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

Alabama Ballet’s 2nd Tuesday
(Dec. 9, 6 p.m.) The 2nd Tuesday series is an Alabama Ballet community outreach event that gives the audience an up-close look at the company. Free. 322-4300. alabamaballet.org

Silver Screen at the VST
(Dec.9, 7:30 p.m.) Join the VST for a taste of something new—movie night! Each month they’ll highlight a different film. Grab a bag of popcorn and a friend and head to the cinema. Virginia Samford Theatre. $8. 251-1206. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Greg Morton
(Dec. 9-11 and 12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13-14, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) Greg has been described as having an animated presence--not surprising when you read his credentials. Morton worked as an animator on such shows as the Scooby and Scrappy Doo Show and the New Flintstones. His voice-over talents can be heard on such shows as Robocop and Police Academy (the cartoon series). He has directed several Saturday morning cartoon hits, including ABC’s Hammerman and The Legend of White Fang for HBO. Comedy Club Stardome. 444-0008. stardome.com

A Christmas Memory
(Dec. 10, noon-1 p.m.) Brown Bag Lunch Program at the Birmingham Public Library. Birmingham storyteller and actress Dolores Hydock presents A Christmas Memory. Truman Capote’s poignant reminiscence of his boyhood in rural Alabama is brought to vivid life in this wonderful holiday performance. Central Library. 226-3600. bplonline.org

Darker My Love
(Dec. 10, 8 p.m.) Everyone everywhere is sick and tired of the rock ‘n’ roll ruse. And so, an authentic rock ‘n’ roll outfit has its work cut out. On its sophomore release, 2, Darker My Love is up for the task at hand. Bottletree. $8 advance; $10 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Ryan Horne and Jon Black
(Dec. 10, 8 p.m.) With his 2007 album, Love & War, Ryan Horne embarked on a journey that takes us all searching for answers. With influences that range from Rufus Wainwright to Martin Sexton, Ryan’s new album turns out to be an amazing craft of art that blends a folky Americana sounds and wraps them up into one beautiful story. In the spring of 2004, Jon Black officially left his cubicle to pursue a career in music. “I knew when I walked out the door I was taking a chance. I was writing my own story, regardless of what ended up happening,” he says. His newest release is Goodbye Golden Age. With Erick Baker. WorkPlay. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 380-4082. workplay.com

Hooray for Earth
(Dec. 10, 10 p.m.) Noel Heroux and Chris Principe met in high school and quickly realized that they shared a common dream. Since neither one of them was qualified to be an astronaut, however, they decided to start a band. By the age of 13, Noel had already established a reputation as a ludicrously talented guitar prodigy, manhandling a guitar that appeared to outsize him. Chris immediately recruited Noel to join the garage rock trio he had been fronting. The Nick. $5. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com

Annual Rushton Concert
(Dec. 11, 7 p.m.) Award-winning concert pianist Robert Plano will perform. Plano was a 2005 Cliburn Competition finalist and winner of the 2001 Cleveland International Piano Competition. He performs regularly in Europe. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

SWAC Hall of Fame Ceremony
(Dec. 11, 7 p.m.) The event highlights and honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Southwestern Athletic Conference. ESPN’s Mike Hill will emcee, and Birmingham’s own Eric Essix will provide musical entertainment. Sheraton. $50. 251-7573. swac.org

Sursum Corda Holiday Concert
(Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.) Enjoy an evening of stunning choral music for the holiday season performed by Birmingham’s acclaimed new chamber choir, Sursum Corda. The 14-member professional vocal ensemble will present a varied one-hour program of unaccompanied choral selections. Canterbury United Methodist Church. sursumcordaal.com

Delta Spirit
(Dec. 11, 8 p.m.) These Californians have more in common with the dirty haired, dirty fingernailed folk groups of the nascent years than they do any of their contemporaries. They're suited for reminiscent hopefulness and the gracefully youthful fusion of hostility and all-encompassing passion for all things that can set a smile ablaze or turn the hairs on arms and backs of necks into little beds of nails at the flick of a switch. Bottletree. $8. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Ten Out of Tenn Christmas Tour
(Dec. 11, 8 p.m.) Ten out of Tenn is a compilation that shines a light on a few of the many Nashville artists who haven’t waited around for the world to hear about them. With TV being the new radio and beat up vans the new tour bus, this generation of American originals has taken full advantage of opportunities to take their music beyond the city limits of their adopted home town. The following artists will be playing at WorkPlay for the Christmas tour: Erin McCarley, Matthew Perryman Jones, Butterfly Boucher, Griffin House, Tyler James, KS Rhoads, Trent Dabbs, Katie Herzig, Andy Davis, and Jeremy Lister. WorkPlay. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 380-4082. workplay.com

Christmas on the Creek Drive Thru
(Dec. 11-23, 6-9 p.m.) Thousands of lights and scenes transform the park into a wonderland like no other in the area. Listen to Christmas music, and on selected nights, area choirs sing as you drive by. Santa in his sleigh will be around as well. Orr Park, Montevallo. 665-1519. montevallocc.org

A CenterStage Christmas Celebration
(Dec. 5-6 and 11-13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7 and 14, 2:30 p.m.) A blend of the secular and the sacred. Hear the story of Amahl and the Night Visitors, Menotti’s operetta about a mother and child visited by the Magi on their way to see the Christ Child. You’ll also enjoy a fun-filled romp through the holiday music we all love. Virginia Samford Theatre. $25; $15 students. 251-1206. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

The 1940s Radio Hour
(Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 3 p.m.) A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical show about a live broadcast of The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room on Dec. 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era, when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (both in this show), is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunken lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance at the microphone, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad and the trumpet-playing sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. Virginia Samford Theatre. $24. 251-1206. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Senior Christmas Party
(Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Join Medical West and enjoy food, music and holiday cheer. Register by Dec. 8. Bessemer Civic Center. Free. 481-8500.

SWAC Soul Lounge
(Dec. 12, 7 p.m.) Comedian Joe Clair will host the event, which will feature performances by Carl Thomas, Dwele and Marsha of FLOETRY. BJCC. $30-$65. 715-6000. ticketmaster.com

Mediterranean Nights
(Dec. 12, 7-10 p.m.) Enjoy a belly dance performance by Irene Rimer and The Belly Dance Jewels while having your favorite drink in an intimate setting and genuine atmosphere. Safari Cup Coffee. $10. 933-8922. dancir.co

Hayes Carll
(Dec. 12, 8 p.m.) If you haven’t already heard of Hayes Carll, you soon will. In the three years since his self-released second album, Little Rock, became available, Carll has toured relentlessly in North America and abroad (performing over two hundred shows a year), founded a successful singer-songwriter music festival on the Gulf Coast of Texas, secured a record deal with Lost Highway Records, and has even seen Little Rock become the first self-released album to reach No. 1 on the Americana Music Chart. He’s only getting started. Bottletree. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 533-6288. thebottletree.com

Joecephus and The George Jonestown Massacre
(Dec. 12, 10 p.m.) Blazing a trail out of Memphis, Tenn., Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre are on a roll. They’ve been referred to as “a cross between Motorhead and Merle Haggard” and have served as opening acts for such diverse artists as Shooter Jennings, David Allan Coe, Charlie Robison, Southern Culture On The Skids, Jim Dickinson, Unknown Hinson, Joe Buck, Scott Biram, The Reverend Horton Heat, H. R. of the legendary Bad Brains and many more. The Nick. $6. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com

The Rebirth Brass Band
(Dec. 12, 9 p.m.) Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now infamous Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, it has become the soundtrack to an entire city. With Honeybaked. Zydeco. $10 advance; $12 day of show. 933-1032. zydecobirmingham.com

Friday Fireworks at the Summit
(Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 7 p.m.) A festive fireworks show on Friday nights to celebrate the holiday season. Gather next to Sephora for a great view and accompanying music. The Summit. Free. 967-0111. thesummitonline.com

By the Chimney with Care
(Dec. 5-6 and 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7 and 14, 2 p.m.) To encourage Santa and to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, the elves sponsor a Christmas Eve Radiothon, broadcasting their favorite Christmas songs and stories. A young visitor from the South stops by to discover what Christmas is all about. ACTA Theatre. $10; $8 seniors; $6 students. 655-3902. actatheater.com

A Bryan White Christmas
(Dec. 12-13, 8 p.m.) Bryan White burst onto the music scene with a string of six No. 1 singles, which included “Someone Else’s Star, “Love is the Right Place” and “Rebecca Lynn.” The Library Theatre, Hoover. $22. 444-7888. thelibrarytheatre.com

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
(Dec. 12-14) For more than three quarters of a century, the Radio City Rockettes, the world’s most famous precision dance troupe, have been a legendary force in entertainment with a rich history of skill and dedication to their craft. However, not everyone is able to travel to New York City to see the famed Christmas Spectacular show. But this year the Christmas Spectacular embarks on an 18-city national arena tour, including a stop in Birmingham. Dec. 12, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 1 and 4:30 p.m. BJCC. $25-$62; tickets required for children 2 and older. 715-6000. ticketmaster.com

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
(Dec. 12-14, 20-21) With its seventh annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Alabama Ballet remains one of only six companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic, performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications: dazzling choreography, opulent costumes and extravagant sets. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score played to perfection by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and a cast of local children make this performance truly magical. Sugar Plum Parties, a magical afternoon of activities, photos, and refreshments with the cast for children holding tickets, will be held one hour prior to the matinees. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13 and 20, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14 and 21, 2:30 p.m. Samford Wright Center. $30-$55. 975-2787. alabamaballet.org

Zoolight Safari 2008
(Dec. 12-14, 19-23 and 26-30, 5-9 p.m.) Enjoy a fabulous night of lights, fun and holiday spirit as the Birmingham Zoo comes alive for 13 nights! It’s the only place in Birmingham where it snows every night. Also, enjoy an expanded light show synchronized to all your favorite holiday tunes! Enjoy photo opportunities, holiday crafts and the train (additional charge). Animal exhibits are closed during the Zoolight safari. Birmingham Zoo. $7 nonmembers; free members. 879-0409. birminghamzoo.com

Dear Santa
(Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. and noon) Oh, no! Santa Claus is going to retire, and he’s holding auditions to find a replacement. Will it be Mrs. Claus, Prancer the Reindeer, Billy Blizzard the Dancing Snowman or an electronic Robo-Claus? With help from Dottie the Gift Wrap Girl the audience joins in a letter-writing campaign to convince Santa to stay on the job. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. $10 adults; $8 children. 458-8181. bct123.org

Best Christmas Pageant Ever
(Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. and noon) No one wants to be in the annual Christmas play at the local church except six irascible siblings who have never heard the Christmas story. Ultimately, their energy and sincerity triumphs over their confusion as they make this year’s pageant the best ever. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. $10 adults; $8 children. 458-8181. bct123.org

Daddy Daughter Day: Follow That Food!
(Dec. 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m.) Dads and daughters ages 8 to 12 are invited to join in Saturday morning science experiments. The class includes all materials including a project to take home. Reservations are required. McWane Science Center. $10 members; $15 nonmembers. 714-8414. mcwane.org

Hueytown Christmas Parade
(Dec. 13, 10 a.m.) Enjoy more than 175 units participating, including two bands, antique cars, floats, beauty queens and Saint Nick himself. Downtown Hueytown. 491-8039. hueytownrace.com

Family Day: Winter Wonderland
(Dec. 13, noon-5 p.m.) This is a great time for the whole family to explore art and create a holiday-inspired masterpiece to take home. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

SWAC Championship Football Game
(Dec. 13, 1 p.m.) Witness “Judgment Day” as the SWAC division winners step on the field to decide whose football team is the best in the 10th Annual SWAC Championship Football Game. Always a highlight to the title game is the entertaining Halftime Battle of the Bands, which will showcase two of the SWAC’s best in high-stepping, breathtaking performances. Legion Field. 251-7573. swac.org

Christmas Parade on Lay Lake
(Dec. 13, 5 p.m.) Boat parade of lights sponsored by Homeowners/Boat Owners Association and the South Shelby Chamber. Bees Wax Creek to Bozo’s Marina. laylake.org

Richie Havens
(Dec. 13, 8 p.m.) Gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music, Richie Havens has a soulful singing style that remains as unique and ageless as when he first emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960s. It’s a voice that has inspired and electrified audiences from the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair in 1969, to the Clinton Presidential Inauguration in 1993--coming full circle with the 30th Woodstock Anniversary celebration, A Day In The Garden, in 1999. WorkPlay. $30. 380-4082. workplay.com

FOOTMAD Contra Dance
(Dec. 13, 8-11 p.m.) A fun contra and squares dance with a live band and caller. Teaching session begins at 7:30 p.m. Downtown YWCA. $6 members and students; $8 nonmembers; $3 children 3-15. bamalong.com/bcds.htm

Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm
(Dec. 13, 9 p.m.) Deeply rooted in the rich musical legacy of Cedric's Grandfather, Legendary R.L. Burnside and JR. Kimbrough, Malcolm and Burnside create a unique sound of their own. They create all original music, drums, guitar, dual vocal harmonies fusing soul, hip-hop and funk with electrifying blues power that’s contemporary and traditional at the same time. The Nick. $7. 252-3831. thenickrocks.com

Freeform
(Dec. 13, 7-7:45 p.m.) A delightful mix of dances performed by CDF student ensemble, staff and adult students. Reservations available; seating limited. Children’s Dance Foundation. Free. 870-0073. childrensdancefoundation.org
Blue Light Special Art Show
(Dec. 13-14) The Blue Light Special Art Show is one of Birmingham’s longest running art shows. For the past 20 years BLS has brought art culture to the Magic City. Cahaba ClayWorks. 702-7055. freewebs.com/bluelightspecialartshow

Sunday Topic Tour
(Dec. 14, 2 p.m.) Images of the Christ Child in Art. Birmingham Museum of Art. Birmingham Museum of Art. 254-2565. artsbma.org

Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue
(Dec. 14, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) The perfect alternative to the same old holiday shows. A raucous blend of sketches, songs, improvisation and seasonal satire from the famous troupe known as the training ground for comedy’s brightest stars, including Bil Murray, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert and others. Extend the experience with holiday music and eggnog one hour before the show. Alys Stephens Center. $25-$65; $20 students. 975-2787. alysstephens.org

Winter Orchestra Concert
(Dec. 14, 3 p.m.) The Birmingham String Orchestra under the direction of Paul Merryman and the Birmingham Prelude Strings directed by Dr. Rita Salzberg perform in this family-friendly concert. Made up of young student musicians, these ensembles rehearse weekly and perform throughout the greater Birmingham area. Indian Springs Concert Hall. Free. 231-9504. musicop.org

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