Enjoy an evening of jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and gospel music as more than 250 local students perform alongside professional dancers in this unique production of the holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9-11. $14.50-$19.50. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
The Gift of the Magi
This adaptation of O. Henry's holiday story is about the sacrifices a husband and wife make, so that each may buy a gift for the other. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. $7.50-$11.50. Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Tampa Theatre's Winter Classic Movie Series
White Christmas, 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11; It's a Wonderful Life, 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 17-18. $7 adults/$6 students, seniors and military. 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286, www.tampatheatre.org.
Broadway's Spirit of Christmas: A Magical Holiday Celebration
Part of Van Wezel's 2005-06 Broadway series, this lavish holiday extravaganza features Christmas songs and characters, elaborate costumes, high-kicking chorus girls and much more. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14. $37-$57. Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, 863-834-8137; and 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 16-17. $25-$55. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Black Nativity
Written by Langston Hughes as a re-telling of the Christmas story from a black point of view, the play draws on folk and popular songs, traditional seasonal music, and biblical narratives to present a joyous account of a historic event that occurred 2,000 years ago. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun., Dec. 16-18. $11-$18. Palladium Theater
Santa's Holiday Revue
Central Park Players perform in this musical production for children, which features dances, songs and stories that celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and other denominations. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. $7 adults/$5 children/$20 family four-pack. Largo Cultural Center
Babes in Toyland
Van Wezel's 2005-06 Broadway series continues with this fun operetta, which takes place in a land where toys walk, talk and sing. 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 19. $25-$35. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center
The Nutcracker
Another version of the holiday classic, this one performed by the Orlando Ballet, along with students from Tampa and Orlando dance schools. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 21-23. $18.50-$54.50. Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
The Nutcracker
Miami City Ballet teams up with students from 20 local dance studios for this production, which features Tchaichovsky's timeless score performed live by The Florida Orchestra. 8 p.m. Thurs., 2 and 8 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 22-24. $29-$45. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
VOLUNTEERING & HOLIDAY DRIVES
RCS Food Bank
The Religious Community Services Food Bank needs volunteers to receive and load food in RCS vehicles (Clearwater High School Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Nov. 24). Volunteers can also help serve food during the food bank's extended hours (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Drivers are also needed to assist with deliveries and pick-ups of donated foods. To volunteer, call 727-443-4031
Hospice
Volunteers are needed for Trees of Love at Tyrone Square Mall and Westfield Shoppingtown Countryside. Volunteers greet community members, accept contributions from individuals wishing to honor loved ones with personalized dove ornaments, and work the gift-wrap station. All proceeds benefit programs and services provided by The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Call 727-586-4432 to volunteer. Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Brighter Season for Children Toy Drive
BSC, a service of The Hospice's AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), collects toys and finds sponsors for children and families every holiday season. Through this program, children get gifts they may not have otherwise received. Contributions should be dropped off by Dec. 14 at 1214 Cleveland St. in Clearwater, or 300 31st St. N., St. Petersburg. Please call 727-449-2437, ext. 11, for more information
Metropolitan Ministries
MetMin feeds thousands of homeless and poverty-stricken locals each month and you can lend a hand by volunteering at the holiday center, where donations are received, sorted and distributed. New this year are "Boxes of Hope," which encourage individuals and companies to provide a complete meal for a poor or homeless family. For more information, call 813-209-1044. Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Center is located on the 2100 block of N. Florida Avenue in Tampa, and is open through Dec. 24.
CHANUKAH EVENTS
Tampa Jewish Community Center Teen Chanukah Ball
Jewish teens in grades 8-12 are invited to a community-wide party, featuring dancing, Texas Hold 'Em, carnival activities, door prizes and more. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3. JCC Campus, 13009 Community Campus Drive (Veterans Expressway and Gunn Highway), Tampa. For more information, call 813-264-9000 or go to www.jewishtampa.com
Hadassah and Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center Chanukah Party & Mitzva Day
Come do a "mitzvah" by donating canned food and/or toys to the Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services, and enjoy Chanukah art, traditional songs and blessings, stories, games, music and plenty of food. All ages are welcome. 1-3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. $6 per family or $3 per person (members)/$9 per family or $6 per person (general). Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater, 727-736-1494
