Food & Fun Holiday Calendar, a list of events of fun things to do now through Jan. 27

November

Christmas Wonderland Crafts and Vendor Festival, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Nemaha County Community Center, 1500 Community Drive, Suite 1, Seneca. Information: Susie Lueger, 336-1934. Lunch available.

BeBop Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Anderson Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds, Industrial Road, Emporia. A fun exciting holiday market. Concessions and food onsite. Indoor climate controlled spacious building.

CASA Homes for the Holidays Tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Topeka. Tickets: $15 at the door; $12 in advance at Topeka Hy-Vee, Topeka Glory Days Pizza, Porterfield’s Flowers and Gifts, Red Door Home Store, Home at Last and Portico, all in Topeka; M. Street Interiors in Lawrence; casaofshawneecounty.com; or CASA office, 215-8282. Benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Shawnee County.

2017 Lawrence Holiday Bazaar, featuring gift vendors, holiday music and food concessions, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., Lawrence. Free and open to the public. (785) 832-7940.

26th annual Holiday Open House & Craft Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Barbs Country Barn, 4008 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka. Parking on South Side of Car Lot. Free.

Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Marysville American Legion, 310 Veterans Memorial Drive N, Marysville. Lots of great items to choose from. Sponsored by Families First of Marshall County.

The Lecompton Community Pride Theater Group presents “The Real Housewives of Cricket County,” written by Eddie McPherson, Sunday, Nov. 19, Lecompton Community Pride Building, 327 Elmore St. Reservations required, limited seating, , (785) 887-6691. Dinner and show, $15 per person, 12:30 p.m. doors open, 1 p.m. dinner served. Show only 1:45 p.m. doors open, 2 p.m. show.

Interfaith of Topeka’s Community Thanksgiving Service, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3916 S.W. 17th St., Topeka. Theme: “For the Children,” which will feature several children’s choirs, other music, poetry, and prayers from representatives of some of the different faith groups in Topeka. Donations for Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, Let’s Help, and Topeka Arab Shrine will be taken. Refreshments and displays about different faith groups will be available after the service. Information: 554-8068.

DIY Holiday Gifts and Decorations, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, Marvin Auditorium 101C, Topeka and Shawnee County Library, 1515 S.W. 10th. Learn to make terrific holiday decorations, cards and gifts using recycled materials, found objects and other things around the house. Take home some great ideas and a finished item (or more). Materials provided. Registration required at tscpl.org/register.

ArtLab Giving Tree, Nov. 22 through Dec. 22, Mulvane Art Museum, 1700 S.W. College, Topeka. Bring an art supply to decorate the ArtLab giving tree. The gift will be used for the free art activities offered at the Mulvane Art Museum ArtLab. Information: 670-1124 or wwww.washburn.edu/mulvance.

The 20th annual Winter Wonderland, a fundraiser for TARC, Inc., 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, Lake Shawnee Campground, 3435 S.E. East Edge Road, Topeka. Winter Wonderland is a 2.5-mile long holiday light display located at Shawnee Lake. This dazzling light display opens the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and closes Dec. 31. View the lights everyday from 6 to 10 p.m. Suggested donation: $10. Information: tarcinc.org/project/tarc-winter-wonderland/.

The 50th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, Agriculture Hall, Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive, Topeka. The meal is free to anyone who would like to attend. To volunteer, sign up in one of two ways: by visiting the Topeka Rescue Mission website at www.trmonline.org or by calling the mission at (785) 354-1744. Volunteer opportunities will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, through Thursday, Nov. 23.

Black Friday Sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Chandler Booktique, Topeka and Shawnee County Library, 1515 S.W. 10th, Topeka. Books will be half-price (excluding Collectibles). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to buy wonderful and affordable gifts for readers.

Junction City Arts Council presents The annual Christmas Market 2017, noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Heritage Park, Sixth and Washington St., Junction City. Information: www.junctioncityac.org or (785) 762-2581.

The 22nd annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Heritage Park, 6th and Washington St., Junction City. Floats, bands, lights and the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade will start at the Junction City High School and travel east on 6th St. to Heritage Park. Information: (785) 762-2632.

Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Santa Rescue, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, 9th and Massachusetts, Lawrence. Live musical performances by the Lawrence High School (Kansas) Chorale, the Cast of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from theLawrence Arts Center, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School Choir, and a special appearance by Theatre Lawrence’s Beauty and the Beast. Turning on the holiday lights and appearance by Santa.

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright, Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive, 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Main Street, Seneca. They will visit with children and hear wish lists 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Each child visiting the Claus’ will be given a goody bag. The Main Street Christmas lights will be lit at 6 p.m. Shopping until 8 p.m. Hot cocoa and popcorn at United Bank & Trust.

Festival of Lights Celebration, Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan. The fifth annual event introduces the holiday season with Christmas lights and decorations.

Seventh annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m., registration 7:45 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, Osage Middle School entrance, 5th and California, Osage City. Registration fee: $25. Proceeds benefit the Warmth Fun. Information: Angie, (785) 215-5497 call or text.

A Very “Merry”sville Christmas Opening, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Jingle Run — 1 Mile Run/5K beginning at the Pony Express Statue at 9 a.m.; Storytime at the Marysville Museums, 9 a.m. Courthouse, 9:30 a.m. Pony Barn, and 10 a.m. Koester House.; Small Business Saturday. Shop at Home and Win — Shop local and enter for a chance to win prizes.; Live Nativity, Open House & Silent Auction for Sylvia Valentine Dinner at the Koester House Museum; Snowmen Display at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art; Make & Take Crafts at Marysville Public Library; Apple Butter Making Demonstration at the Pony Express Barn; Hot Cocoa & Christmas Treats and the “In & Around Marysville” Exhibition at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, all 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Santa’s Christmas Parade at 10:30 a.m. from 4th St. to 9th St. on Broadway.; Stagecoach Rides after the parade at 9th and Broadway until noon; and Visit Santa at his house after the parade — enter through the West Arbor until 2 p.m. Information: https://www.facebook.com/visitmarysville/.

Santa Paws, featuring pet photos with Santa, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, Orscheln Farm & Home, 1023 S. Washington St., Junction City. Cost: $7 per photo. Information: (785) 238-8751.

Old-Fashioned Christmas at The Ranch, featuring cookie making, music, ornament making, storytelling and wagon rides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480 B K-177 highway in Strong City. Free. (620) 273-8494.

Second annual Christmas Stroll, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, downtown Atchison. Information: http://visitatchison.com/event/christmas-stroll/.

Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, downtown Topeka. Ring in the holidays with the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade in downtown Topeka. Lighting of the tree ceremony, 5:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. enjoy hundreds of parade entries as they make their way through the streets of Topeka’s beautiful downtown.

“The Chocolate Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. 8th Ave. Tickets: $9-$17, (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

“Snowmen — Past & Present” display, Nov. 25-26, Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, 201 S. 9th St., Marysville.

Santa House, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9 and 16; and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Commercial Street Mall, Atchison. Information: (800) 234-1854.

21st annual Organ Vespers Concert, Tandy Reussner and Friends, The Joys of Christmas, 3:30 p.m., doors open 2:45 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 26, First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont, Lawrence. Information: www.tandyreussner.com. Free.

Cornerstone Family Schools’ Choral Fall Concert, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 600 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka. Songs straight from the scripture and ushering in Christmas will be featured. No admission. All invited.

Cantus: Three Tales of Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, Main Auditorium, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Information and tickets: lied.ku.edu or (785) 864-2787.

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Hits & Christmas Show, with special guest Billy Dean, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. 8th Ave., Topeka. Tickets: $29-$49, (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Friends of the KSU Gardens Poinsettia and Amaryllis Sale, noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Quinlan Visitor Center, 1500 Denison Ave., Manhattan. Information: (785) 532-6170.

Holiday Cookies, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, Shawnee North Community Center, 300 N.E. 43rd St. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will provide the cookies, icing and decorations, you provide the creativity. To register, call Shawnee North at (785) 286-0676. Adults.

Tinsel & Treasures Ladies Night at Festival of Trees, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, Agriculture Hall, Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive, Topeka. Tickets: $40, must be 21 years of age. Reservations: slitopeka.org. Information: (785) 233-2566.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!,” 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1; and 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors, and $10 students. Information: lawrenceartscenter.org.

December

Christmas Craft Show & Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, Cottages of Topeka, 620 N.W. Lyman Road, Topeka. Handmade gifts, Christmas decor, homemade goodies and Nutcracker collection.

2017 Christmas Boutique, Craft & Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 2, Manchester Building, Parlors 203 and 206, Aldersgate Village, 7220 S.W. Asbury Drive, Topeka. Residents have prepared wonderful baked goods and created one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items. Information: (785) 478-9440. Proceeds benefit Good Samaritan Fund.

The Sixth annual Nativities and Noels, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2; and 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, Topeka Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2401 S.W. Kingsrow Road. View about 700 nativities from all over the world, listen to live Christmas music, and enjoy holiday refreshments. Other ongoing activities include a nativity seek-and-find game, a nativity photo booth, short Christmas videos, and a Christmas reading room. Nativity crafts for children and a Christmas story teller will be available on Saturday and Sunday. A live Christmas music program for people of all ages will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday. A live broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Devotional from Salt Lake City will be shown after the exhibit closes at 7 p.m. on Sunday. All activities are free. Information: 554-8068 or go to Nativities and Noels on Facebook.

Bazaar and Luncheon, Friday, Dec. 1,St. John’s Lutheran Church, 9th and Fillmore. Booths open 10:30 to 1 p.m. Crafts, gift items, baked goods, Sweet Shop, and “The Cookie Walk.” Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dine in or carryout. Luncheon tickets: $8 adults, and $3 for children under 12. All profits will be donated to charities and mission projects.

Third annual Light Up Marysville Christmas Lighting Contest, Dec. 1-24. Information: https://www.facebook.com/visitmarysville/.

Christmas Tree Lane, Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Jan. 7. Drive down Buckeye and 3rd in Abilene and see hundreds of tiny decorated Christmas trees lining the streets. Information: (785) 263-2231.

The 40th annual Festival of Trees Pancake Feed benefiting SLI, “all you can eat” pancakes, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Agriculture Hall, Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive.

Gage Park Baptist Church Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 3601 S.W. 10th St. Lunch served 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homemade chili, chicken noodle soup. Booths with food and craft items. Enter to win the “Starburst” Contribution Quilt. One ticket for $1, six tickets for $5. Information: (785) 272-7771.

Kansa Prairie Annual Quilt Show and Holiday Open House, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Oskaloosa Middle School Library, 404 Park St., Oskaloosa. A snowflake quilt, “No Two Alike,” given away in a drawing. Tickets for a chance to win the quilt are $1 each or six for $5, and may be purchased by email at amongpals@aol.com or mosewfine@yahoo.com for credit card payments. The drawing will be held at the event. Admission is free.

Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Crestview Community Center, 4801 S.W. Shunga Drive. Admission: Free.

2017 Lawrence Holiday Extravaganza, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, Sports Pavilion Lawrence at Rock Chalk Park, 100 Rock Chalk Ln., Lawrence.

Annual Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Sterl Hall, 619 N. Rogers, Abilene. Information: (785) 263-4570.

Sights & Sounds of Christmas, noon Saturday, Dec. 2, Atchison. Children’s activities, holiday cheer and plenty of excitement, carriage rides, sleigh rides, face painting, entertainment and lighted Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m. Information: http://visitatchison.com/events/fall_winter/.

Ice Sculpting, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Festival of Lights Grounds in Blue Earth Plaza, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan. Free. Information: www.mhkfestivaloflights.com.

Seventh annual Christmas Tea Party, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Abilene’s Victorian Inn, 820 N.W. 3rd St., Abilene. Reservations: (785) 263-7774.

Pool Tournament and Fund Raiser, 3:45 p.m. to close Saturday, Dec. 2, Mikey’s, 6021 E. US-24 highway, Suite A, Rossville. Join the men of The Bearded Sinners Beard Club in a Beard 4 Toys Drive, and adopting families for Christmas to give them the best Christmas Holiday they can have.

41st annual Holiday Homes Tour, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Abilene. Tickets: $10, available from the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau and the historical society. Information: Abilene CVB, (785) 263-2231 or (800) 569-5915.

Night of Christmas Magic, 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown Abilene, 201 N.W. 2nd St., Abilene. Celebrate Christmas with family and friends on Night of Christmas Magic. Try the Turkey Toss, shop special deals in downtown businesses, and get a picture taken with Santa Claus. Information: (785) 263-2231. Free.

Second annual Candlelight Tour, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway). All activities are free, but reservations are required for this event, (620) 273-8494 (hit 0). Information: Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/NPS.TallgrassPrairie , website www.nps.gov/tapr, email tapr_interpretation@nps.gov, or call (620) 273-8494.

Ashley Davis with special guest Lunasa, An Irish Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and Tuesday, Dec. 5, Lied Center Pavilion, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Information and tickets: lied.ku.edu or (785) 864-2787.

Christmas Tour of Homes, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Holton. Tour features the homes of Renyer’s Country Cottage, Double HF Ranch, Carpenter Family, Johnson Family and Hotel Josephine. Tickets: $15 each; day of tour sales are $20 each. They may be purchased at all Holton banks and the Jackson County Chamber office.

McCain Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Manhattan. Money raised will support McCain Auditorium’s education and outreach activities. Tickets: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, available at several Manhattan business outlets. Information: Julie Keenan, tour committee chair, koenigkeenan@gmail.com or (210) 875-7456.

Annual Abilene Municipal Band Holiday Concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Eisenhower Visitors Center Auditorium, 200 S.E. 4th St., Abilene. Listen to great Christmas classics performed by the Abilene Municipal Band. Information: (785) 263-6700.

Marshall County Community Choir Christmas Cantata, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, United Methodist Church, 1500 North St., Marysville. The Marshall County Community Choir will present a Christmas Cantata — Joseph M. Martin’s “The Song Heard ‘Round the World.” Enjoy a journey of carols and folk songs incorporating narration and scripture as it shares the beloved Christmas story.

Holiday Homes Tour, 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Lawrence. Cost: $20. Tickets: healthcareaccess.org/holiday-homes-tour. Free holiday shop, bake sale and basket giveaway beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 3, Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace, Lawrence.

Holiday Vespers, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Main Auditorium, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Information and tickets: lied.ku.edu or (785) 864-2787.

LOL Christmas presented by Topeka Bible Church Women’s Ministry, featuring comedian Connie Hall, 6:30 p.m., doors open 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 4-5, 1101 S.W. Mulvane and 1135 S.W. College Ave. Free tickets in advance. Information: (785) 234-5545, or www.discovertbc.com/christmas.

Holiday Party!, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, Moburts, Inc., 820 S. Kansas, Topeka. ‘Tis the season for holiday parties. Learn to make a variety of fantastic finger foods and dips, perfect for any holiday soiree. Cost: $30. Information: moburts.com or (785) 806-3025.

McCain Performance Series presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 207 McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir., Manhattan. Tickets: $16-$45, (785) 532-6428 or mccain@k-state.edu.

Topeka Women’s Connection “Celebrate Christmas” Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th, Topeka. Music: Cair Paravel Latin School Choir, conducted by Mark Congdon, presenting Christmas carols. Feature: Cashmere Gourmet Popcorn. Speaker: Zach Haney of Topeka, author and nationally known speaker. Reservations: Prepay cost of lunch, $14, by Friday, Dec. 1. Make check payable to Topeka Women’s Connection. Mail to: Kim Young, 4745 N.W. 44th Plc., Topeka 66618. Information: Kim, 224-5268. No charge for program, and all women invited.

The Auburn Lions Club Holiday Shopping Spree, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Auburn Civic Center, 1020 N. Washington, Auburn. Free to the public. Concessions available and provided by the Lions Club. Information or how to be a vendor: Mary Adkins, 256-7274, or marycatkeeper@gmail.com. Proceeds from booths and concessions benefit Lions service projects in support of children and those in need.

Decades Rewind, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Main Auditorium, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Tickets: (785) 864-2787 or lied.ku.edu.

Fundraiser and Auction, 8 p.m. to close Thursday, Dec. 7, The Dry Creek Bed Saloon, 521 Main St., Emmett. Join the Bearded Sinners Beard Club in a Beard 4 Toys Drive and an Auction to help adopting families for Christmas.

Making holiday decorations and gifts, with the help of artists, Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, 201 S. 9th St., Marysville. Sessions: Dec. 7, Christmas centerpiece, led by Melissa Bruna, register by Nov. 24.; and Dec. 14, cookie decorating and gifts in a jar, led by Tami Antoine and Stephanie McClung, register by Nov. 30. Cost: $30 for per class, includes materials and supplies. Pre-registration required at marshallcountyarts.org, marshallcountyarts@gmail.com or 713-2251.

Annual Holiday Cookie Walk & Bake Sale to benefit Topeka’s Ronald McDonald House, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Ronald McDonald House, 825 S.W. Buchanan St., Topeka. Homemade cookies and candies $5 per dozen. Specialty cookies, cupcakes, cakes, pies and breads individually priced. All proceeds will support keeping families close to their hospitalized children. Information or to donate baked goods: Mindee Reece, mindee@rmhcneks.org or (785) 235-6852.

Martyn Lucas Christmas Concert: “One Night at Christmas,” 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Weaver Hotel, 126 S. Kansas, in Waterville. After a successful musical residency in Marshall County two years ago, he is coming back. Lucas played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” at London’s Covent Garden. Tickets are $15 each and available at the Marysville Chamber of Commerce, CJ Express East & West, and the Weaver Hotel. There is limited seating. Martyn Lucas is sponsored by the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.

“The Nutcracker,” A Kansas Ballet, 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16; 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire, Lawrence. Featuring the Lawrence Ballet Theatre and Free State Liberation Orchestra (with mandolins). Music conducted and arranged by Jeff Dearinger. Artistic Direction and Choreography by Hanan Misko, Dance School Director. Additional Choreography by Cynthia Crews, Artistic Director of Lawrence Ballet Theatre. Experience the sensation and charm of the Lawrence Arts Center’s Nutcracker production. A winter family favorite, this ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story and set in Kansas during the civil war. Witness the magic and wonder of this story as Drosselmeyer and Clara defeat the Mouse King and liberate the Nutcracker from his enchanted form. Cost: $25 adults, $18 seniors, and $10 students. Information: https://lawrenceartscenter.org or (785) 843-2787.

Lindsey Stirling: Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour, 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Main Auditorium, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Tickets and information: lied.ku.edu or (785) 864-2787.

Ballet Midwest Presents: “The Nutcracker,” 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. 8th Ave., Topeka. Experience the magic of The Nutcracker when 200 dancers take the TPAC stage for this classical ballet. Let their grace and spirit put you in the holiday mood, no matter what the weather is outside. Along with what you may expect, we have new costumes, new backdrops, new choreography, and even new ballerinas, as we are under the artistic direction of Lacee Ebert for our 41^st season.Tickets: $12-$20, (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Cookie Walk, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9, Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 S.W. Wanamaker. All homemade cookies. Cost: $6 per pound. Proceeds benefit missions. Information: (785) 273-2248.

Children’s Shopping Spree, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Garfield Shelter House, 1600 N.E. Quincy, Topeka. Admission: $1 for visitors ages 12 and over.

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Santa Train, 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Abilene Smoky Valley Train Depot, 200 S.E. 5th St., Abilene. Ticket Price: $10 (all ages). Limited seating. The Abilene Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a holiday train ride with the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association. Santa always enjoys the ride with everyone. He also enjoys seeing old and new faces. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes long. It travels from the historic Abilene Depot to one mile west of Enterprise and back. The passengers will ride in the enclosed heated car with Santa. Ms. Cheryl from the Abilene Children’s Library will be aboard. Santa will be available to listen to Christmas wish lists and pictures taken with him. Must pre-register for this train ride. There will be no tickets sold the day of the train ride. No exceptions. Register by calling: (785) 263-7266.

Family Christmas Carnival, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Manhattan. Information: https://www.mhkfestivaloflights.com/events.

10th annual Candy Cane Hunt, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Crestview Community Center, 4801 S.W. Shunga Drive. Admission: $3 per person.

Martyn Lucas Christmas Concert: “One Night at Christmas,” 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, 201 S. 9th St., Marysville. After a successful musical residency in Marshall County two years ago, he is coming back. Lucas played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” at London’s Covent Garden. Tickets are $15 each and available at the Marysville Chamber of Commerce, CJ Express East & West, and the Weaver Hotel, 126 S. Kansas, in Waterville. He will also perform Friday, Dec. 8, at the Weaver Hotel in Waterville. There is limited seating at each performance.

The 26^th annual Leavenworth Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour, Sunday, Dec. 10, Leavenworth. Revisit the past in historic Leavenworth for the homes tour. Tickets can be reserved online at www.leavenworthhistory.org, with a pre-tour donation of $15 or $20 at the Carroll Mansion Museum, 1128 Fifth Ave., Leavenworth, on day of tour. Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Memorial Book to leave a message available on the National Compassionate Friends website wwww.compassionatefriends.org.

McCain Performance Series presents Dianne Reeves, Christmas Time is Here, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 207 McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir., Manhattan. Tickets: $19-$79, (785) 532-6428 or mccain@k-state.edu.

Topeka Symphony Orchestra, “Capitol Federal Holiday Concert,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, White Concert Hall, Washburn University, S.W. 17th St., Topeka. Includes the Academy Award-winning short animated film, “The Snowman,” accompanied by the TSO. Tickets: www.topekasymphony.org or (785) 232-2032.

Ladies Night Out, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, Atchison. Atchison’s unique collection of shops and eateries will have one-night-only specials, samples, tastings, giveaways and other excitement just in time for the holiday season. Information: http://visitatchison.com/events/ladies-night-out/.

Topeka Bible Church Light Show, 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-17, (inside) 1135 S.W. College Ave. Information, (785) 234-5545 or www.discovertbc.com/christmas.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Main Auditorium, Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence. Tickets and information: lied.ku.edu or (785) 864-2787.

Kansas Ballet presents the 5th annual “The Nutcracker,” featuring the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and guest artists from the world of professional ballet, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, Topeka Performing Arts Center,214 S.E. 8th Ave. Tickets: $15-$55, http://www.kansasballet.com.

McCain Performance Series presents Flint Hills Children’s Choir, “O Holy Night: Christmas Around the World,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 207 McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir., Manhattan. Tickets: $10-$20, (785) 532-6428 or mccain@k-state.edu.

Topeka Festival Singers: “All Is Calm,” Monday, Dec. 18, White Concert Hall, Washburn University, S.W. 17th St., Topeka. They will sing beloved carols and songs of the season in a program that celebrates the glory of the holiday season. In music by composers both modern and ancient, texts both sacred and secular, and melodies both familiar and newly composed. Tickets: $5-$25, (785) 267-3500 or TopekaFestivalSingers.org.

Compassionate Friends Topeka Chapter Memorial Candle Lighting, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka. Votive candles provided.

McCain Performance Series presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 207 McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir., Manhattan. Tickets: $45-$149, (785) 532-6428 or mccain@k-state.edu.

January

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Simon Johnson, organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, Grace Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th Ave. Organ music to ring in the New Year. Tickets: $10 general, $5 students, free for age 12 and younger, (785) 235-3457 or www.GreatSpaces.org.

Cirque du Soleil Crystal — A Brakthrough Ice Experience, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Jan. 24-27, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 1 and 5 p.m. Jan. 28, Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive, Topeka. Tickets: $30-$130, http://www.ksexpo.com/events.