Events, Friday, Dec. 12: ‘Jazzy Nutcracker,’ Winter Brewfest, ‘Christmas Carol’

Concerts

Christmas at Peoples Church, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14. Featuring music, drama and the children’s choir, with complementary dessert. Peoples Church, 6801 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; free, donations of blankets encouraged for the Portland Rescue Mission. 360-750-7235 or www.peopleschurchvancouver.org

Golden Bough presents “Christmas in the Celtic Lands,” 7:30 p.m. Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview; $25 to $35. 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com

Hillstomp, 9 p.m. Wonder Ballroom, 128 N.E. Russell St., Portland; $10 to $12 for those 21 and older through Ticketfly, 877-435-9849 or www.ticketfly.com. 503-284-8686 or www.wonderballroom.com

Mary Flower and the BBQ Boys, 7:30 p.m. St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, 2800 S.E. Harrison St., Portland; $18, $9 for ages 12 to 18, free for ages 11 and younger. 360-989-9499 or www.portlandfolkmusic.org

Oregon Symphony presents “Gospel Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, Portland; $25 to $135. 503-228-1353 or www.orsymphony.org

Pianist Michael Allen Harrison presents “Christmas At The Old Church,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 14-19, 22-23 and 26; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14, 21; 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 20; 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 24. The Seton Catholic Prep Choir will perform Dec. 13. $29.50 to $100 for Dec. 12. The Old Church, 1422 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland; $29.95 to $48.50. www.michaelallenharrison.com

37th annual Singing Christmas Tree, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 14 and 16; 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14. Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield; 360-887-3576 or www.ridgenaz.org

Trail Band presents “NW Natural Holidays,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland; $15 to $39 through Ticketfly, 877-435-9849 or www.ticketfly.com. www.aladdin-theater.com

Tune-Yards, Cibo Matto, 8 p.m. Roseland Theater, 8 N.W. Sixth Ave., Portland; $25 through TicketsWest, 800-992-8499 or www.ticketswest.com. www.roselandpdx.com

Nightlife

Assembly of Dust, 9 p.m. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland; $15 to $17, 21 and older. 503-288-3895 or www.mississippistudios.com

Augustana, 9 p.m. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., Portland; $18 to $20, 21 and older. 503-231-9663 or www.dougfirlounge.com

Beat Frequency, 9 p.m. Billy Blues Bar and Grill, 7115 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver; no cover charge. 360-694-3114 or www.billybluesbarandgrill.com

Blue Light Band, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jollie’s Restaurant and Lounge, 17701 N.E. Union Road (Exit 9 on Interstate 5), Ridgefield; no cover charge. 360-573-3141.

Inherit Earth, 9 p.m. Brickhouse Bar and Grill, 109 W. 15th St., Vancouver; no cover charge, 21 and older. 360-695-3686 or www.vancouverbrickhouse.com

Maple Rose, 6 to 9 p.m. Moulton Falls Winery, 31101 N.E. Railroad Ave., Yacolt; no cover charge. 360-686-4070 or www.moultonfallswinery.com

Uproar, 9 p.m. Cascade Bar & Grill, 15000 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; $5, 21 and older. 360-254-0749 or www.cascadebarandgrill.net

Tank Mango, 8 p.m. Prairie Bar and Grill, 14925 N.E. Caples Road, Brush Prairie; $2. 360-892-6313 or www.prairiebarandgrill.com

Tyrone Hendrix & Friends, 8 p.m. Jimmy Mak’s, 221 N.W. 10th Ave., Portland; $12. 503-295-6542 or www.jimmymaks.com

On stage

Walking with Dinosaurs, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Based on the BBC television series, the show features ten species spanning the 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs, including a life size Tyrannosaurus Rex. Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, 1 Center Court, Portland; $24.50 to $64.50, $10 for parking. 800-745-3000 or www.rosequarter.com

Dance

“Firewall,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 18-20; 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20. BodyVox presents a mix of technology and optical illusions, as media transforms the space for its dancers in this world premiere piece. BodyVox Dance Center, 1201 N.W. 17th Ave., Portland; $30. 503-229-0627 or www.bodyvox.com

“Jazzy Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Vancouver School of Arts and Academics dancers and musicians will perform Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” in the spirit of the United Service Organization events. Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main St., Vancouver; $4, $3 for seniors. 360-313-4600 or arts.vansd.org

“The Nutcracker,” 6 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14. DanceWorks and Vancouver City Ballet present the classic ballet of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, incorporating aerial dancing skills into the production. Prairie High School, 11500 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver; $12 to $15, $10 for seniors, $8 to $10 for children, free for ages 5 and younger. 360-892-5664 or danceworkswa.com

“The Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13; 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Northwest Classical Ballet presents the holiday favorite featuring children dancing alongside pre-professional and professional company dancers. Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver; $15. 888-487-7454 or www.northwestclassicalballet.com

Yossi Berg & Oded Graf, 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Presented by White Bird, choreographers Yossi Berg and Oded Graf create international dance theater that highlights physical skills and humor. Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, 1620 S.W. Park Ave., Portland; $25 to $30. 503-245-1600 or www.whitebird.org

Theater

“Blithe Spirit” presented by Artists Repertory Theatre. In this British comedy, novelist Charles and his wife, Ruth, invite eccentric medium to dinner, only to become haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, who can’t wait to cause trouble for Charles, through Dec. 28. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and Dec. 23; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. No shows Dec. 24-25. Morrison Stage, 1515 S.W. Morrison St., Portland; $46 to $51, $30 for ages 25 and younger. 503-241-1278 or www.artistsrep.org

“A Christmas Carol” presented by Portland Playhouse. Charles Dickens’ classic tale is set in 19th century London, where a greed Scrooge learns the meaning of Christmas from three ghostly visitors. Through Dec. 28; 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Sundays; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14, 21; 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 23; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 24. No show Dec. 25. The Church, 602 N.E. Prescott St., Portland; $32 to $36; $25 for ages 35 and younger, $20 for partial view seats. 503-488-5822 or www.portlandplayhouse.org

“Frogz” presented by Imago Theatre. Larger-than-life-size penguins, frogs and other creatures take on human characteristics in this show that blends illusion and comedy, acrobatics and dance. Recommend for ages 4 and older. Dec. 12 through Jan. 4; 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 19 and Jan. 2; noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Dec. 24, 26 and Jan. 1; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22-23, 30-31. Imago Theatre, 17 S.E. Eighth St., Portland; $34.50, $29.50 for youth and seniors, $17.50 for children. 503-231-9581 or www.imagotheatre.com

“The Mystery of Irma Vep” presented by Third Rail Repertory Theatre. Two actors play all the roles in this comedic parody of Victorian melodramas, 50s horror movies, “Wuthering Heights” and Hitchcock’s “Rebecca.” Through Jan. 10. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Winningstad Theater, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland; $37 to $47, $33 to $42 for seniors, $24 for students. www.thirdrailrep.org

“The Santaland Diaries” presented by Portland Center Stage. Based on humorist David Sedaris’ experiences working at Macy’s “Santaland” display as Crumpet the Elf, this one-man play chronicles odd encounters with shoppers during the holiday crunch and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing of Christmas spirit. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Through Dec. 28: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 24. No show Dec. 25. Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland; $45 to $55, $30 for students. 503-445-3700 or www.pcs.org

“The Second City’s A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens” presented by Portland Center Stage. An adult comedy filled with holiday sketches that combine improv, audience participation and a changing list of local celebrities, through Dec. 24. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 24; noon Thursday. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland; $49 to $69 for Nov. 28; $36 to $69, $30 for students. 503-445-3700 or www.pcs.org

“She Loves Me” presented by Lakewood Theatre Company. Georg and Amalia are feuding clerks working in a 1930s European perfumery, unaware that their romantic pen pals are each other. Through Dec. 21; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego, Ore.; $37, $35 for seniors. 503-635-3901 or www.lakewood-center.org

“The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” presented by Oregon Children’s Theatre Young Professionals. Alexander T. Wolf is accused of destroying two of the three little pig’s homes, or was it just an accident? Through Dec. 20; 10 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Studio Theater, 1939 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Portland; $10 to $12 for Fridays, $12 to $15. www.octc.org/onstage/ypco

“A Tuna Christmas” presented by Oregon Repertory Theatre. Spend the holidays with the townfolk of Tuna, the third smallest community in Texas, as comedians Jeffrey Jason Gilpin and Alan King play all 22 citizens. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 18-20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14, 21. Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland; $28.25 to $50.25. 800-273-1530 or www.portland5.com

“White Christmas” presented by Journey Theater Arts Group. A musical adaptation featuring 17 Irving Berlin songs. Successful song-and-dance act Bob and Phil follow two beautiful sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal; $12 to $15, $10 to $13 for youth and seniors. 360-750-8550 or www.journeytheater.org

“It’s A Wonderful Life” presented by Stumptown Stages. A musical adaptation of the holiday classic. George Bailey, who gave up his dreams to help others, begins to see his own importance, thanks to his guardian angel, Clarence. Through Dec. 28. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 18; 2 p.m. Saturday andSunday. Brunish Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland; $34.75 to $44.75; $30.75 for seniors and students. 503-381-8686 or www.stumptownstages.org

“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” presented by Magenta Theater. Told as a radio drama, it follows Virginia O’Hanlon, who writes a letter to the editor of the New York Sun with a simple question: does Santa Claus exist? The response falls to reporter Frank Church, whose belief is also shaken after the death of his wife and daughter on Christmas Eve. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 16-19; 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20. Magenta Theater, 606 Main St., Vancouver; $13 to $16. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com

Words

Robbie Rogers, “Coming Out to Play,” 7:30 p.m. Powell’s Books, 1005 W. Burnside St., Portland; 800-878-7323 or www.powells.com

Out & about

Christmas Ship Parade, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 16-19. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the parade, a fleet of recreational boaters from around the area will decorate their ships with holiday lights and set sail on select nights. The Columbia River fleet travels different routes each night, and is subject to safety, river traffic, weather and water conditions. Viewing spots include Marine Park, S.E. Marine Park Way and S.E. Columbia Way; Waterfront Park, 115 S.E. Columbia Way; Wintler Beach Community Park, 6400 Beach Drive; Vancouver Landing, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver; free. www.christmasships.org

Holiday Express, Dec. 12-14. Trains depart 6 to 10 times between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The SP&S 700 steam locomotive will pull vintage rail cars on a round-trip ride through the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge with Santa Claus and his elves. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation. Oaks Park Station, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, Portland; $16 to $19, $9.50 to $12.50 for ages 12 and younger. www.orhf.org/the-holiday-express

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Caroling groups of all ages will perform for a prize of $1,000. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland; free. 503-223-1613 or www.thesquarepdx.org

Winter Wonderland through Dec. 28: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The 22nd annual holiday light show returns to light up the racetrack with 250 lighted displays and animated scenes. Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., Portland; $18 for a car or passenger van, $25 for limo or motorhome, $30 for mini-bus (16 to 25 people), $45 for bus (26 to 45 people), food donations encouraged. 503-231-0285 or www.winterwonderlandportland.com

Fairs & festivals

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights, 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 30. More than 500,000 lights decorate the gardens and sanctuaries of the Grotto; 150 choral performances are given throughout the festival. The Grotto, 8840 N.E. Skidmore St., Portland; $10, $9 for seniors, $5 for ages 3 to 12, free for ages 2 and younger. 503-261-2400 or www.thegrotto.org/christmas

Vancouver Winter Brewfest, 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12; noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 13; Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The third annual brewfest will feature seasonal drinks from more than 30 local breweries, along with five beers from Belgium, to taste. Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver; $25 for 21 and older for all three days, $5 for designated driver or Georg and Amalia non-drinker, $5 to $20 for tokens. www.vancouverwinterbrewfest.com

Attractions

Christmas Past, Present and Future, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. Closed Dec. 25. The historic house will be filled with themed Christmas trees, wreaths, ribbons and ornaments during this annual holiday exhibit, with community musicians regularly performing in the mansion’s Music Room. Pittock Mansion, 3229 N.W. Pittock Drive, Portland; $9.50; $8.50 for seniors, $6.50 for youth; free for children ages 6 and younger. 503-823-3623 or www.pittockmansion.org

ZooLights, through Jan. 4. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Closed Dec. 24-25. More than 1.5 million lights illuminate the zoo in an immersive tour, as the train returns on a new route, with displays from the past and a butterfly scavenger hunt. Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland; $10, $8.50 for seniors, $7 for children, free for ages 2 and younger. 503-226-1561 or www.oregonzoo.org

Comedy

Adam Newman, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Dec. 12; 10 p.m. Dec. 13. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 S.E. Ninth Ave., Portland; $15 to $29, for those 21 and older. 888-643-8669 or www.heliumcomedy.com/portland

“The Comedy Bull,” 9:30 p.m. Timed stand-up with challenges. Brody Theater, 16 N.W. Broadway, Portland; $8. 503-224-2227 or www.brodytheater.com

ComedySportz improv show, 8 p.m. The family-friendly performance features two teams of improv players. ComedySportz, 1963 N.W. Kearney St., Portland; $15, reservations recommended. 503-236-8888 or www.portlandcomedy.com

“You Are Here,” 7:30 p.m. Spontaneous improv comedy by ensemble veterans. Brody Theater, 16 N.W. Broadway, Portland; $12; $9 for students and seniors. 503-224-2227 or www.brodytheater.com

Dancing

Contra in The Couve! 7:30 to 11 p.m. Celebrating its fourth anniversary, nationally known caller David Kaynor will lead, with music by Carl, Thor and Lisa Ornstein. Hazel Dell Grange No. 1124, 7509 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver; $7, $5 for ages 65 and older and 12 and younger. Free instruction at 7:30 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. 360-750-0113 or www.contra-van-wa.org

Second Friday Ballroom Dance with the 16-piece Swing Street Glenn Tadina Band, 8 to 10:30 p.m. second Fridays of the month, Clark County Square Dance Center, 10713 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver; $8. Lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. with Joseph Platt, $5. 503-769-5598 or www.swingst.com