HOLIDAY

Tue, Dec 23
A Festival of Lessons and Carols
The annual Nativity celebration at Benaroya Hall returns to tell the story of the birth of Jesus through readings and songs by Northwest Boychoir, Vocalpoint! Seattle, and members of Northwest Sinfonia. Benaroya Hall, $32–$80.

Thru Dec 27
Homo for the Holidays 2014
Seattle burlesque all-stars convene once again for the queerest holiday show around. This year's lineup includes BenDeLaCreme, Cherdonna Shinatra, and Kitten LaRue playfully tapping into the sacrilegious and taboo for an evening of wild performances and laughs. Oddfellows Hall, $25–$35.

Thru Dec 27
Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
There has been, of course, a big to-do about the farewell season of Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak’s Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, but they aren't the only company celebrating a milestone holiday run. The Land of the Sweets, the burlesque Nutcracker, is performing its ninth run this year. To prepare for next year's decade marker, the team has brought on Stephanie Seymour, costume shop manager for Teatro ZinZanni, to craft an entirely new wardrobe. Heat up your holidays with this unique dance spectacle. The Triple Door, $40–$65.

Thru Dec 28
A Christmas Carol
An old rich guy gets haunted by Christmas ghosts because he's mean. Spooky! ACT Theatre, $42–$100.

Thru Dec 30
A Christmas Story: The Musical
If you've ever thought, "I really like the classical holiday film A Christmas Story, but I really wish it had more showtunes": A) What?!? Who are you? What is your life like? B) This is just the show for you! 5th Avenue Theatre, $29–$120.

Thru Jan 4
WildLights
Woodland Park Zoo lights up for the holidays for WildLights. Marvel at the dazzling light displays, ride the carousel, and pay a visit to the zoo's reindeer. Woodland Park Zoo, $10.

COMEDY

Fri & Sat, Dec 26 & 27
Mike Lawrence and Dan St. Germain
Comedian Mike Lawrence has the type of super quick, pop culture-saturated, nerdy brain that's perfect in the age of Twitter. He's shown his skills as one of the best (and most frequent) guests on @Midnight and on his brilliantly titled album Sadamantium. He takes the Parlor Live stage in a co-headlining show with his extremely funny bearded brethren Dan St. Germaine. Parlor Live Comedy Club Seattle, $20–$30.

CONCERTS

Fri, Dec 26
The Dutchess and the Duke
After a four year hiatus, local folk rock duo the Dutchess and the Duke reunited in 2014. Take in their warm, inviting melodies and songs of heartache over a drink or two as the group rounds out its year at the Tractor Tavern. S and Ephrata provide opening support. Tractor Tavern, $10.

Sat, Dec 27
Chris Staples
In August, Barsuk Records rereleased local singer-songwriter Chris Staples's album American Soft. The exceedingly catchy album mixes soft-spoken lyrics with tranquil acoustic strumming that know just when to explode with bursts of energy (making it an Album of the Month). After spending recent months opening up for acts like Manchester Orchestra, Staples returns home to play one last concert with his band before the calendar turns to 2015. Tractor Tavern, $8.

THE SPORTING LIFE

Sun, Dec 28
Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
After a season's worth of highs and lows, the Seahawks look to be the NFC favorites to reach the Super Bowl once again. A win against the St. Louis Rams would lock up the #1 seed for the Hawks and make sure the road to the Super Bowl goes though CenturyLink Field. But the game won't be a gimmie. The Rams already took down the Seahawks and the Denver Broncos this season, so they know how to play up to elite opposition. CenturyLink Field, sold out. Televised on FOX.