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Journey to a land of sweets at “The Nutcracker”

�ճ��󲹾���DZ������’s “The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday classic, and you can catch an exciting rendition at the from Dec. 12-15. Enjoy traditional ballet numbers and modern twists on jazz favorites featuring dancers from the FUSE Dance Center of ������ý!

Enjoy soulful renditions of holidays classics

Kingdom Choir drew worldwide attention when they performed “Stand By Me” at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and they’re coming to ������ý to spread some cheer! Enjoy soulful takes on holiday classics and contemporary tunes at the Anderson Center on Dec. 14.

Donate to a toy drive

It’s a special experience to help those in need, especially during the holiday season. Take the time to give back and donate to local charities. Check out , which helps America’s disadvantaged children, and the , which aims to help children who have been negatively impacted by mass incarceration. These are just two of the countless toy drives you can donate to, whether that is in-person or online. You never know whose lives you could change.

Participate in this year’s Santa Run

Running is one of the best activities in the world, in my humble opinion. Not only do you strengthen your mental and physical health, you open yourself up to so many opportunities to meet new people. Give this year’s on Dec. 15 a shot!

Drive through a light show

One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays is by enjoying a light show from the comfort of your car. For the fifth year in a row, the returns with even more lights (2 million!) and out-of-car experiences, including fireworks, food and drink vendors, and Santa meet-and-greets. Stop by before Jan. 5!

Tour the Phelps Mansion Museum

If you ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated during the 19th century, now is your chance to find out! The Phelps Mansion Museum is offering What can be better than seeing one of ������ý’s most historic buildings transformed into a Christmas miracle with festive decorations galore?

Catch the 45th-anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol”

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been a holiday staple for nearly 200 years, and the has been a local staple for 45 years! Spend some time with Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the infamous Ebeneezer Scrooge from Dec. 13-22!

Explore the Jungle Bells

Every holiday season, as it displays almost 2 million lights for friends and families to enjoy. There is nothing merrier than being surrounded by lovable animals and sparkling lights. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, you may even be lucky enough to spot Santa — or the Grinch! Open now through Dec. 28.

Check out the Roberson Mansion

The embodies the magic of Christmas. It’s been a community favorite for 70 years, with countless holiday decorations and displays that will surely light up your holiday season. Admire the dazzling lights and decked-out trees and join the ������ý tradition now through Jan. 4!

Ride a carousel at Rec Park

Enjoy a beloved ������ý tradition at from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21! Ride the carousel and a horse-drawn carriage, take pictures with Santa, go on a hayride, and even ice skate (just be sure to bring your own skates!)

Join Chabad for a Chanukah Celebration

Celebrate Chanukah with the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life! The organization will light a 10-foot LED Menorah at the corner of Court St. and State St. , taking place at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 26, will also include latkes and doughnuts, festive music and a grand “Gelt Drop.”

Dance through the decades on New Year's Eve

Ring in the new year in style at the ! Watch the ball drop on the big screen and dance with your friends as a DJ plays music from a different decade each hour until midnight!

Brooke Gallo is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and a junior majoring in English and minoring in education. She hopes to become a high school English teacher. She can typically be found running, reading, writing and watching sports games.

John Brhel is a communications manager in the Office of Media and Public Relations. When he’s not writing press releases, running social accounts or producin videos, he likes to spend time with his family, draw, read and run.