Lance Humphries was planning to go shopping. On his list: LED lights. Lots of them.

Humphries is executive director of the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, the nonprofit that runs Baltimore’s annual Washington Monument Lighting, an event that, for more than a half-century, has illuminated the focal point of one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.

Planning for it begins in August and, on this day in early October, Humphries was preparing to place an order for 10,000 lights that will attach to 28 strands to be hung on the 178-foot-tall monument to the United States’ first president, George Washington.

“The monument lighting is kind of the official launch of the holiday season in Baltimore—it’s like our Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,” he says.

They don’t buy new lights every year, he explains, but the current ones are on their last legs.

The idea for the spectacle came from—who else?—Mayor William Donald Schaefer. The colorful politician never missed an opportunity to promote his city and saw a similar display in Indianapolis’ Monument Circle. Baltimore’s first lighting took place in 1971 and, since then, it has grown exponentially. For years, it was run by the Downtown Partnership, but in 2022, the Conservancy took over. Formed as a nonprofit in 2008, their mission is to restore, maintain, and manage the monument, as well as the surrounding park squares of Mount Vernon Place.

But they don’t do it on their own. Dozens of individuals and organizations are involved in staging the event, from Downtown Partnership to Midtown Community Benefits District. More than 20 vendors sell food to the crowd, which averages 10,000 people. The city’s fire department reviews and approves permitting for the fireworks, which are launched from the plaza. Roughly 1,000 are shot off by Curtis Bay’s Image Engineering.

Emma Loftus has one of the best perches for the five-and-a-half-minute pyrotechnics show. The associate director of the conservancy, she’s typically watching from a sponsor party at the Engineers Club or Topside, a restaurant on the top floor of the nearby Hotel Revival that hosts an annual watch party. “It’s a spectacular show in a spectacular setting,” she says.

Humphries usually watches from the event’s “Main Stage,” which hosts musical performances throughout the night from the Baltimore School for the Arts, Peabody Institute, and the Morgan State Choir. But there are also good views available on the ground from almost anywhere in the neighborhood.

Surprisingly, Humphries says one of the worst vantage points would actually be inside the monument, which is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays but closed for the lighting. Climb 227 stairs to it and you’ll find narrow windows, meaning most of the fireworks would be exploding out of view, above the statue of George Washington that sits atop the exterior of the monument.

“If you could sit on [his] head, that would be pretty fun,” jokes Humphries.

Construction on the monument began in 1815, prior to that other Washington Monument down I-95, and another one in Boonsboro, Maryland, which some people cite as the first monument to the first president. Humphries is not one of them.

“People were climbing to the top of this monument in 1820,” he says. “It was an active monument in advance of the other ones. The Boonsboro people will beg to differ on that. I’ve read both accounts, and I think that adds to the charm.”

And as anyone who’s seen the monument fully illuminated when the switch is flipped from its basement on the first Thursday in December knows, it certainly does add to the town’s nickname, Charm City.

12/21-23: A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL 
Nearly two decades after its best-selling release, public radio host Jean Shepherd’s book of humorous, semi-truthful short stories would serve as the loose basis for the 1983 cult-classic film, A Christmas Story. Though it emerged the week before Thanksgiving that year as a commercial misfire, the holiday comedy—which Shepherd narrates—has become essential viewing.

This month, the Tony-nominated musical adaptation, composed by the songwriting team behind the Oscar-winning La La Land and Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen, will take to the Hippodrome stage on December 21-23. Follow nine-year-old Ralphie Parker as he lobbies for a Red Ryder BB gun, dons fuzzy pink pajamas, and navigates Christmas mischief in small-town Indiana. The nostalgia-packed performance should be three nights of festive fun. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. Tues.-Wed. 7 p.m., Thur. 2 & 7 p.m.

12/2: 50TH ANNUAL MONUMENT LIGHTING
Invite your friends and loved ones to enjoy this wintery ritual at Mount Vernon Place, complete with festive outdoor entertainment, tasty bites, and flashy fireworks to paint the city skyline. Mount Vernon Place. 5-8 p.m.

12/2: AN EVENING WITH ROHULAMIN QUANDER
The retired D.C. judge, renowned historian, and author will discuss his latest book, The Quanders: Since 1684, An Enduring African American Legacy. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 6:30 p.m.

12/2: STRAIGHT NO CHASER
The all-male a cappella group of multi-platform streaming fame is headed to The Lyric to promote its latest album, Social Christmasing. Yacht rock maven Kenny Loggins lends a hand with “Celebrate Me Home.” The Lyric. 7:30 p.m. $35-65.

12/4: 12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS CRAWL
Ugly sweaters are encouraged for this festive downtown bar crawl, with admission including a complimentary Santa hat and color-changing cup to hold your drink. Power Plant Live. 12-8 p.m. $12.

12/4: DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS/KENDALL STREET COMPANY
Hear live music by these homegrown bluegrass greats, with an opening set by Virginia-based jam band Kendall Street Company. The 8×10. Times & prices vary.

12/4: JOE BONAMASSA
The prolific blues guitarist and mentee of the luminary musician B.B. King will perform a night of fan-favorite tunes, such as “Lazy,” “Mountain Climbing,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” The Lyric. 8 p.m. $52-79.

TO 12/4: WE’RE NOT MEANT TO DO THIS ALONE
Artist Charles Mason III was inspired by the words of lauded writer Alice Walker to curate this new exhibit, which explores the implications and complexities of “place.” Creative Alliance. Sat. 12-5 p.m.

12/4: HOLIDAY HEAP
This locally loved holiday festival returns to Charles Village with handmade wares, eclectic art, and artisanal food by the region’s nest makers. Vaccination required. St. John’s Church. Times vary.

TO 12/5: TOOTSIE
Based on the 1982 comedy film of the same name, Tootsie promises to be a “laugh-out-loud” performance for all, with the musical rendition described as “the most uproarious new show in years” by The Hollywood Reporter. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. Times & prices vary.

12/5: AN AFTERNOON OF POETRY WITH CAVE CANEM
Annapolis-born wordsmith Reggie Harris hosts local Cave Canem Foundation fellows, with poetry readings by Mahogany L. Browne and Teri Ellen Cross Davis. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 2 p.m.

12/5: PAUL LEWIS
The British classical pianist makes his long-awaited Baltimore debut at Shriver Hall, where he will perform the likes of Mussorgsky’s vivid Pictures at an Exhibition. Shriver Hall. 5:30 p.m. $10-44.

12/7: CHRISTMAS WITH CHORAL ARTS
In its 38th year, this holiday tradition makes a comeback after COVID-19 to bring brassy sounds and quintessential carols to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Sing along at home (or from wherever you are) when you tune into WYPR, WBJC, or WMAR-TV. Baltimore Choral Arts Society. 7:30 p.m. $38-76.

12/7: THE 1930S: DECADE OF UNCERTAINTY
The BMI’s senior museum educator, Jack Burkert, facilitates this in-depth look at 1930s Baltimore, a city on the brink of change brought on by one of history’s most grievous blows: The Wall Street Crash of 1929. Baltimore Museum of Industry. 7:00 p.m.

12/7-1/2: THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
At Everyman Theatre, follow the Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of New Jersey patriarch George Antrobus, who stops at nothing to shield his brood from unrelenting misfortune. Everyman Theatre. Times & prices vary.

12/9: MOTOWN CHRISTMAS
Motown comes to Harbor East for one enchanting night by way of this soul-studded medley. Embrace the Christmas spirit with a host of Hitsville favorites by the likes of The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and more. Keystone Korner. 7:30 p.m. $30-35.

12/9: OBJECT FOCUS: ARCHANGEL MICHAEL IVORY
Tune in virtually as a team of experts traces the intercontinental roots behind this age-old artwork, which currently resides at The Walters after almost 40 years spent shielded from the public eye. The Walters Art Museum. 7 p.m.

12/9: SAILING TO FREEDOM: A MARITIME HISTORY OF MARYLAND’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Historian Richard Bell joins archaeologist Cheryl Janifer LaRoche and author Timothy D. Walker to virtually discuss his latest book, which explores the little-mentioned role of Chesapeake-based waterways in guiding enslaved Marylanders to freedom. Maryland Center for History and Culture. 12 p.m.

12/10: MUSIC UNDER THE DOME: THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
In the Science Center’s Davis Planetarium, the top hits of 1970s rock group Pink Floyd take on new panoramic life in this immersive experience, complete with psychedelic sights and sounds. Maryland Science Center. 7-10 p.m. $35.

12/10-12: A WINTRY DANCE
The Mount Vernon Virtuosi troupe summons the theme of winter with performances of works by great composers Joseph Haydn, Gustav Holst, and Arcangelo Corelli. Mount Vernon Virtuosi. Locations & times vary.

12/11: JINGLE BELL RUN
This year’s festive 5K race returns to West Shore Park. Jog in-person with friends or chart your own virtual course to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. 401 Light St. Times TBD. $25-45.

12/11: MAKE YOUR OWN MIXERS CLASS WITH CANE COLLECTIVE
The Baltimore-based Cane Collective team conducts an interactive crash course at the Sagamore Distillery, complete with cocktail samplings and your own handcrafted mixer to enjoy at home. Sagamore Spirit. 11 a.m. $65. 

TO 12/12: DREAMGIRLS
It’s the early 1960s, and the Dreamettes are embarking on their path to Motown stardom. Visit Center Stage to find out if the sparkle-sporting trio pays the price for showbiz fame. Center Stage. Times vary. $45.

12/12-4/10/2022: THE REMBRANDT EFFECT
At the BMA’s new Nancy Dorman and Stanley Mazaroff Center for the Study of Prints, Drawings and Photographs, the fabled Dutch printmaker’s works collide with contemporary graphic art. Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

12/12-4/24/2022: MATISSE: THE SINUOUS LINE
The French artist’s fabled and distinctive use of line—as evinced by his sculpted work and sketches—makes its debut at the BMA’s
new Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies. Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

12/16: ARTIST TALK: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
In this virtual talk, local jewelry artists Mary Raivel and Earl Jones explore the time-held works of artist Betty Cooke in celebration of her current exhibition, The Circle and the Line. The Walters Art Museum. 5:30 p.m.

12/16: NOT SO SILENT NIGHT
Indulge in an array of festive treats, sip on sugary concoctions, and show off your dance moves at this sweet soiree, which takes place at Center Plaza’s all-new Candy Lane exhibit. Center Plaza. 7-11 p.m. Prices vary.

12/17: A JOURNEY TO FUNKTOPIA
With a stirring set of tracks from their new album, Yes Love Music, The Jonathan Gilmore Project yields an electrifying soundscape. Creative Alliance. 8 p.m. $25-28.

12/17: GINUWINE
Belt your heart out as the ’90s hip-hop mogul, known for R&B bangers such as “Pony” and “So Anxious,” takes the downtown mic. Baltimore Soundstage. 8 p.m. $38.

TO 12/19: WOMEN BEHAVING BADLY: 400 YEARS OF POWER & PROTEST
Spanning the Renaissance through the 20th century, this multi-medium exhibition depicts women who defied societal standards and patriarchal authority throughout history. The Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 12/19: FIRES IN THE MIRROR
Based on a collection of real-life interviews, this riveting tale follows the tension and resulting violence between Black and Jewish residents of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Baltimore Center Stage. Times & prices vary.

TO 12/20: BALTIMORE FARMERS’ MARKET & BAZAAR
The largest producers-only market in Maryland has become a Sunday ritual for thousands of Baltimoreans, with food, flowers, and more beneath the Jones Falls Expressway. Holliday & Saratoga Sts. Sun. 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

12/20-22: A VERY JERRY CHRISTMAS WITH CRIS JACOBS & FRIENDS
Cris Jacobs, aka “the king of Baltimore rock ‘n’ roll,” brings The Grateful Dead to life with a selection of essentials by the psychedelic band. Groove along to tracks including “Touch of Grey,” “Box of Rain” and “Eyes of the World.” The 8×10. Times & prices vary.

TO 12/23: CANDY LANE IN CENTER PLAZA
For the first time ever, Center Plaza comes to life with sugar-spun splendor. Stop for photos as you saunter through a candy-coated wonderland adorned with 24-foot ice cream cones and sweet displays. 100 N. Charles St. 4-9 p.m.

TO 12/24: CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE
Baltimore’s authentic German Christmas market returns for its eighth season with plenty of crafts from over 50 local and international vendors, plus German delicacies, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Inner Harbor. Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free-$5. 

TO 12/31: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
This annual holiday tradition in Hampden features an entire city block of festive decor and thousands of wintery lights through New Year’s. W. 34th St. 6-11 p.m.

TO 12/31: MOMENTS OBSERVED
Self-taught sculptor J. Clayton Bright embraces natural realism in his artwork, now on display throughout Ladew Gardens through the end of the year. Ladew Gardens. Thurs.-Tues. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$15.

TO 1/2/22: ZOO LIGHTS
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the Maryland Zoo hosts its highly anticipated celebration of holiday lights among the animals. The Maryland Zoo. Fri.-Sun. 5-8 p.m. Free-$26.

TO 1/2/2022: ANIMATIONLAND
Delve into the world of animation and storytelling in this new interactive experience for all ages at Port Discovery. Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m. Free-$19.95. 

TO 1/2/2022: A MODERN INFLUENCE: HENRI MATISSE, ETTA CONE, AND BALTIMORE
Take a deep dive into the BMA’s renowned Cone Collection, with a particular emphasis on the friendship and partnership sister Etta Cone shared with famed French artist Henri Matisse. Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 1/2/2022: BETTY COOKE: THE CIRCLE AND THE LINE
In the first major museum retrospective of her work, 97-year-old Baltimore artist Betty Cooke displays her American Modernist studio jewelry, plus drawings, photography, and design sketches from throughout her eight-decade career. The Walters Art Museum. Wed.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 1/4/2022: TELL OUR STORY
Explore the powerful work of Baltimore photographer Robert Houston, including documentation of the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign and Resurrection City, alongside images by contemporary Baltimore and D.C.-based photographers. Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Mon, Thurs.-Sat. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12.

TO 1/9/2022: COLOR AND ILLUSION
In the first such U.S. exhibition in 35 years, explore the pioneering art of Spanish Cubist artist Juan Gris through more than 40 paintings and collages. The Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 1/17/2022: SMALL WORKS – BIG CAUSE
Virtually view and shop a sea of small-scale masterpieces made by local artists. Proceeds from sales will support Creative Alliance’s work. Creative Alliance. Times & prices vary.

TO 7/30/2022: LOSING WINTER
Through a range of photographs, this exhibition portrays Marylanders’ reflections on past winter seasons. As the state’s climate changes, their recollections detail a sense of personal loss. Maryland Center for History & Culture. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free-$9.

TO 9/4/2022: HEALING AND THE ART OF COMPASSION (AND THE LACK THEREOF!)
Upon retirement, AVAM founder Rebecca Hoffberger curates her last exhibition, where visionary artists explore the symbiotic relationship between the twin powers of healing and compassion. American Visionary Art Museum. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.95.

Mayor’s Christmas Parade
When Debbie Oxnard walked with The Silver Steppers, an area equestrian drill team, in the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade for the first time in 2009, her participation was a complete surprise to her mother. To Oxnard’s family, watching the annual parade has become as cherished a tradition as Christmas morning, so when she rode by her mother’s home on Hampden’s 41st Street with the whole family watching, her mom was shocked. “We quickly took pictures while the parade was stopped at a red light,” Oxnard says with a laugh. This year’s procession on December 8 will be Oxnard’s 10th time riding in the parade, with her family cheering the group on from their front stoop with hot cocoa in hand. “I grew up watching that parade, so riding in it is amazing,” she says. “It’s like coming home.”—KP Location varies. 1 p.m.. Free.

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Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 6-8. Trust us: You can’t help falling in love with The Lord Baltimore Hotel’s annual Night of 100 Elvises. For the 26th year, the downtown venue will pack three of its rooms with entertainment fit for The King, including dozens of Elvis impersonators, tribute artists, and plenty of hip-thrusting dance moves. With classic car displays, vintage rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, an Elvis ice sculpture, and, new this year, a themed wedding chapel, attendees definitely won’t be lonesome on this night. Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St.. 7-11p.m.. $62-876.

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Washington Monument Lighting
Dec. 5. You can’t call yourself a true Baltimorean until you’ve attended the region’s longest-running holiday tradition in the heart of Mt. Vernon. Join thousands of onlookers around the Washington Monument and watch in awe as fireworks light up the night sky to mark the start of another holiday season. After the show, peruse a holiday village, catch a live performance, and duck into local haunts like Wet City and Dooby’s to warm up with fellow revelers and drink specials. Mount Vernon Place. 5-8 p.m.. Free.

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Adorned: African Women and the Art of Identity
Dec. 11-June 19, 2020. Learn more about the incredibly strict gendered division of artistic labor that existed in sub-Saharan Africa throughout the 19th and 20th centuries through this new exhibition at The Baltimore Museum of Art. Opening this month, this thought-provoking display will bring two dozen pieces from the museum’s collection together, including jewelry, dyed textiles, and intricately decorated gourds, to illustrate how the types of works created by men and women shaped the social identities of that time. 10 Art Museum Dr.. Time varies. Free.

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The Stoop Holiday Hootenanny
Dec. 12. What could be more Baltimore than coming together to tell stories around a metaphorical stoop? Get together with friends and neighbors at The Senator Theatre for an evening of cocktails, a bluegrass performance from local father-son duo Ken and Brad Kolodner, and listening to brave Baltimoreans share stories, from heartwarming to outrageous, about past holiday experiences. This Stoop stomp is sure to keep you inspired throughout the season. The Senator Theatre. 7 p.m.. $15-25.

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Jesus Christ Superstar
Dec. 17-22. Fifty years ago, acclaimed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber debuted this rock-inspired soundtrack to Jesus Christ’s final weeks. Now, the musical phenomenon has been revived for a powerhouse anniversary tour. Whether you’ve got heaven on your mind, or you’re just feeling like a superstar, head downtown to the Hippodrome Theatre to see Jesus Christ in all his singing and dancing glory. 12 N. Eutaw St.. Time varies. $80.50-160.

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A John Waters Christmas
Dec. 19. As long as he lives to peddle impudence, John Waters will host his annual one-man holiday show, “A John Waters Christmas,” where nothing is off-limits. Will this local filmmaking icon go toe-to-toe with President Trump’s recent Twitter attacks on Charm City to set the record straight, or will he set his sights elsewhere? Whatever the Pope of Trash has in store, head down to Baltimore Soundstage for a refreshing taste of his typical twisted humor. 124 Market Pl.. 7 p.m.. $44.

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BSO Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 21. Nothing rings in the holiday season quite like tap-dancing Santas. This exciting program at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall will transport you to a holiday haven, featuring the crowd-favorite Santas, an audience sing-along, and a few other musical surprises. Stay in the holiday spirit after the show with opportunities for family photos, holiday cookies, and ornament shopping in the lobby. The Meyerhoff Theatre. Time varies. $17.50-75.

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Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 28. Every year, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts an all-out Kwanzaa celebration that brings Baltimoreans from all walks of life together to honor this week-long holiday that lauds African heritage in African-American culture. Head to the downtown museum to experience African dance and drumming performances, workshops, lectures, crafts, and even a marketplace with the theme Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility. In between activities, walk through the galleries to view exhibitions such as EMPOWERED! Black Action Figures, Superheroes, and Collectibles. 830 E. Pratt St.. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. $5.

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New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Dec. 31. While there will be no shortage of celebratory dinners, parties, and concerts to ring in the start of a new decade, this Inner Harbor extravaganza is certainly the centerpiece of the evening. With a fireworks show that can be seen from waterfront neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Canton, as well as live music and dancing along the Inner Harbor promenade, this annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular is a can’t-miss way to welcome the start of 2020. 100 Light St.. Time varies. Free.

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Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 1. The Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W Baltimore St.. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Prices vary. When he was 15 years old, Jed Duvall watched an Elvis Presley impersonator perform in his high-school auditorium and thought: “I bet I could do that.” On the bus ride home, he stood up and belted out “Heartbreak Hotel” to the astonishment of his classmates, and he has been perfecting his impression of the King of Rock and Roll ever since. Unlike other Elvis-themed events, where he’s one of dozens of entertainers donning the singer’s signature white jumpsuit and mutton chops, Duvall looks forward to the Night of 100 Elvises, taking place this year on December 1, where the only thing the bands and acts have in common is that they’re performing songs by the King. “When you hear a bluegrass band do ‘Suspicious Minds,’ then it’s a party,” he says. “At the end of the day, we’re all out here honoring Elvis any way we know how.”

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Washington Monument Lighting
Dec. 6. 699 Washington Pl. 5-8 p.m. Free. ’Tis the season for the city’s longest-standing holiday tradition, which fills the cobblestone streets of Mount Vernon Place with thousands of visitors, festive performances, and tons of holiday cheer. After fueling up on hot cocoa and snacks from local vendors, find the perfect spot on the lawn to watch the big-bang firework display illuminate the night sky during the annual lighting of the beloved Washington Monument.

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Olde Tyme Christmas

Dec. 1. Fells Point. 9AM-7PM. Prices Vary. Fells Point already feels otherworldly thanks to its storied history and cobblestone charm, but, for the 15th year, the waterfront neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland during this annual fête. Snap pictures with Santa Claus after he arrives by tugboat, compete in the eggnog-drinking contest, and then cap off the night by witnessing the annual tree lighting in Broadway Square and the Lighted Boat Parade floating down the harbor.

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Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Dec. 2. Locations vary. 1 p.m. Free. Ring in the most wonderful time of the year with this 46th annual parade that leads a jolly assortment of local marching bands, giant balloons, festive floats, a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and, of course, Santa Claus and Miss Yuletide through the streets of Medfield and Hampden. Find a spot along the two-and-a-half-mile parade route—which begins at Poly Western High School, winds down Cold Spring Lane, and ends at 37th Street—to catch some candy, sip on hot cocoa, and give a wave to Mayor Catherine Pugh.

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Anastasia
Dec. 4-9. 12 N Eutaw St. Times vary. $99-225. Based on the 1997 Disney film of the same name, this dazzling musical travels back in time to the Russian Empire during the 1920s and follows the tale of an adventurous young woman searching for answers about her past. With direction by Tony Award-winner Darko Tresnjak and a rich new score, this wintertime classic will warm the hearts of Hippodrome Theatre audiences with songs such as “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past.”

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The Importance of Being Earnest
Dec. 4-30. 315 W Fayette St. $25-65. This month, Everyman Theatre’s critically acclaimed resident company will bring to life Oscar Wilde’s uproarious comedy that’s been applauded by generations for its portrayal of Victorian marriage, morality, and mistaken identities. Head to the downtown theater to experience the many twists and turns of this fast-paced play that’s considered Wilde’s masterpiece.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 9. 140 W. Mt Royal Ave. Times vary. $25-55. We all know and love the Peanuts, and this winter, see Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole gang come alive on the Lyric stage during this all-new production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Bring the entire family to this one-night-only musical and sing along to holiday carols and classic tunes by original composer Vince Guaraldi. $25-55, modell-lyric.com.

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The Stoop Ha-Ha-Holiday Show
Dec. 11. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15-23. Whether it’s good, bad, or ugly, everyone has a memorable story about their holiday adventures (or misadventures). Pack the Senator Theatre for the Stoop Storytelling Series’ can’t-miss holiday show featuring cocktails, live music by Tongue and Cheek Jazz Band, and side-aching laughs as locals share their most unforgettable holiday tales.

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Baltimore Chanukah Festival
Dec. 12. McKeldin Square, Inner Harbor, 101 E. Pratt St. 2:30-5:30 p.m. Free. One of our city’s bragging points is that the Esther Anne Menorah, which stands in McKeldin Square during the holidays, is the second-largest menorah in the world. While the lighting of the 30-foot-tall menorah is the main event of this lively festival, head to the Inner Harbor early to hear live music, grabs eats and drinks from local vendors, and follow the dancing dreidels to the Chanukah Wonderland.

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Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 29. 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. $5. Whether you’re a practiced celebrator or simply want to learn more about the week-long holiday, devote the third day of Kwanzaa to this all-out celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Visit the downtown museum to take in traditional African dance and drumming performances, learn more about the holiday’s rich history during workshops and lectures, and browse locally made goods in the African Marketplace.