Immerse yourself in yuletide cheer with these joyous live celebrations

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker: The Citizens Bank Opera House once again hosts this much-anticipated spectacle crafted by company artistic director Mikko Nissinen. The magical music of Tchaikovsky and dazzling sets and costumes propel the familiar story of Clara’s amazing journey through a fantastical winter wonderland complete with dancing bears, toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies and more from November 24–December 31.

Black Nativity (pictured): This production of Langston Hughes’ classic, gospel-fueled re-creation of the New Testament story of the birth of Christ has been local tradition courtesy of the National Center of Afro-American Artists for more than five decades. It takes the stage at the Robert J. Orchard Stage of the Emerson Paramount Center December 1–17.

Holiday Pops: On select dates from December 1–24, audiences gather at venerable Symphony Hall for the beloved Boston Pops’ annual tribute to the season. Conductor Keith Lockhart and the orchestra play all your favorite tunes for both evening performances and kid-friendly matinees while welcoming special guests, including the man in the red suit.

Midwinter Revels: From December 15–28, Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre welcomes the 53rd edition of this longtime musical celebration, which this year is based on the medieval Feast of Fools, a zany role-reversal extravaganza that sees rulers and servants temporarily change places.

Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker: A mix of the modern and traditional that features a mash-up of the music of Tchaikovsky and Ellington with dance styles ranging from ballet, hip-hop and jazz to tap and flamenco, this local original re-tells E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale in a contemporary, Hub-based setting. Experience it for yourself from December 16–23 at the Boch Center’s Shubert Theatre.