Warning: The “season” has officially begun. Get your holidays off to the right start with PNB’s Nutcracker, Seattle’s tree lighting and holiday parade, and more.

Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet reprises this holiday favorite, now in its 26th season. It features the usual (choreography by PNB founding artistic director Kent Stowell), the unusual (dancing rats), and the sublime (sets and costumes by Where the Wild Things Are author Maurice Sendak). Nov 27–Dec 30

A Christmas Carol
So technically this isn’t a Scrooge-free zone. In fact, there are two Scrooges: Kurt Beattie and R. Hamilton Wright (recently a formidable Stephen Douglas in Intiman Theatre’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois) will take turns as the crotchety miser through the play’s month-long run at ACT Theatre. Nov 27–Dec 27

White Christmas
After last winter, we’re all a little weary of snow, but Irving Berlin’s cheerful musical based on the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby will leave any theatergoer wishing for a white yuletide. 5th Avenue Theatre, Nov 28–Dec 30

Tree-Lighting Celebration and Holiday Parade
Brave the crowds this Friday for the 5pm tree lighting at Westlake Center, followed by fireworks. The annual Macy’s Holiday Parade starts a little bit earlier (8:45am) and winds from Seventh and Pine to Fifth, then down Fifth to University, then up Fourth to Macy’s. Bring the coffee. Nov 27

Straight No Chaser
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like 10 overgrown college guys singing a cappella. But if they’re good enough for Atlantic Records, they’re good enough for us. Hear Christmas classics like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “We Three Kings” performed by former Indiana University group Straight No Chaser. Benaroya Hall, Nov 27

Magic in the Market
Pike Place Market becomes a winter wonderland of sorts, with Victorian-costumed Dickens Carolers from noon to 4, Santa stationed under the Market clock at noon, and flying fish all day long. (Those guys are always working.) Nov 28

Santa Baby
Now in its 30th season, the 300-strong Seattle Men’s Chorus sings Christmas tunes with style and pays tribute to the holiday TV special. Tony Award–winner Betty Buckley joins the first two performances. Nov 28–Dec 20