So maybe if it were up to us, the holiday season would begin after Thanksgiving.

But some of us just can't wait, like the people who light the big trees. So we'll just roll with it.

Here is the big holiday list with Light Up Nights in nearby towns, train exhibits, "Nutcrackers," concerts, light shows, boat cruises and lots more.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP CELEBRATION A mile-long drive-through Christmas light show set in a deep, enchanted woodlands. Now in its 13th year, the display is open 5-10 p.m. Nov. 17-Jan. 6. Route 30, 1/2 mile west of Clinton; also about 2 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport in Findlay. $7 per car donation benefits local charities. www. christmaslightup.com.

RITE AID CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS The 3.2-mile drive-through Christmas display, now in its 14th year, features more than 2 million lights and 300 animated characters. It benefits The Salvation Army/WTAE-TV Project Bundle-Up and various local charities. Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana townships. Sun.-Thurs. 6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6-11 p.m., Nov. 16-Jan. 6. $12 per car. www.alleghenycounty.us/holiday/lights/index.aspx.

OGLEBAY WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Six-mile drive-through display features the 12 days of Christmas, animated figures and "Peanuts" characters, plus model train display and laser shows. A light and music show at Good Zoo at Oglebay runs every 20 minutes 5-10 p.m. nightly, with 35,500 lights choreographed to holiday music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Oglebay Park, Wheeling, W.Va. Dusk to 11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5. Suggested donation is $10. 1-800-624-6988.

OVERLY'S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS More than 2.4 million lights on 15 acres, giant bonfire, sleigh and wagon rides, Nativity scene, gift shop and Santa's Workshop holiday toy exhibit. Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg. Mon.-Thurs. 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 5:30-11 p.m. through Jan. 1. $8 per car weekdays; $10 Fri.-Sun. 1-800-968-3759.

HOLIDAY PLACES

CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART/NATURAL HISTORY Oakland. The traditional display of holiday trees commemorates Pittsburgh Celebrates Glass (Nov. 30-Jan. 6). Preview party Nov. 29, 6 p.m. ($60; 412-622-3325); Neapolitan Presepio, a miniature Nativity scene with more than 100 life-like figures created between 1700 and 1830, Nov. 23-Jan. 4, tours daily; holiday concerts: Mon Valley Band (Dec. 2, 2 p.m.); Harp Society (Dec. 8, noon); Mt. Lebanon High School Percussion Ensemble (Dec. 9, 2 p.m.); Pittsburgh Woodwinds Quintet (Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m.); East Winds Symphonic Band (2 p.m.); Matt Korbanic (Dec. 23, 2 p.m.). Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. 412-622-3131.

CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER North Side. Holiday-themed 2,300-square-foot Miniature Railroad & Village with its largest original replica in more than a decade: Forbes Field (opens Nov. 23); Breakfast Express features trains, stories, breakfast, a morning of activities and crafts, "The Polar Express: The IMAX Experience" and more, Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; "The Christmas Star" in Buhl Digital Dome. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. till 9 p.m. 412-237-3400. www. CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

COMPASS INN MUSEUM Route 30, Laughlintown. Restored 1799 stagecoach stop furnished with period pieces. Christmas Tours Nov. 23, 5-8 p.m., and Nov. 24-25, 3-7 p.m.; Candlelight Tours Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18, 3-7 p.m. 724-238-4983.

FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER Point Breeze. Tours of Clayton, the 23-room turn-of-the-century Frick mansion, allow visitors to experience holiday customs and decorations of the early 1900s. Seasonal crafts workshops and other activities. Through Jan. 6. Holiday hours: Tue.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., till 9 p.m. Wed. in December. The Frick Art Museum is showing "From J.P. Morgan to Henry Clay Frick" through Feb. 3. Docent-led tours Nov. 16-Dec. 23 and Jan. 2-6. Open-house tours Nov. 23-25 and Dec. 26-30. Clayton admission: $12 adults; $10 seniors, students, military. 412-371-0600.

GATEWAY CLIPPER CRUISES Station Square. Santa Family Fun Cruises with DJ Dance Party sail at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 23-25, and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Nov. 24-Dec. 9; Oglebay Festival of Lights Cruise at 11 a.m. Dec. 1. 412-355-7980.

HARTWOOD ACRES The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Candlelight Tours are Nov. 19-20, 26-27, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11. 5-8 p.m. by reservation, $5, 412-767-9200.

NATIONAL AVIARY North Side. Saturdays With Santa features photos taken with Santa and one of the National Aviary's penguins, a takeaway treat, special encounters with the National Aviary's Snowy Owl and other birds. $15 per child; adults $9; $8 seniors. Dec. 1, 8 and 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 412-323-7235; www.aviary.org.

NATIONALITY ROOMS Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland. Rooms designed to reflect the ethnic heritage of Pittsburgh's immigrants are dressed for the holidays through Jan. 13 (except Dec. 28-29). Narrated tape tours are available, without prior reservation, Saturdays 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $3 adults; $1 kids. Open house with performances and ethnic foods, Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. 412-624-6000.

NEMACOLIN CASTLE Christmas candlelight tours. Hot wassail and cookies served. Front Street, Brownsville, Route 40, about 20 miles east of Washington, Pa. Nov. 23-25 and 30, Dec. 1-30, Fri.-Sun. 724-785-6882.

OLD ECONOMY VILLAGE Ambridge. Christmas at the Village, lantern-lit Christmas event with demonstrations, children's activities, a traditional Christmas putz and German food, Dec. 8, 2-8:30 p.m. $7; $4 kids 4-17. Christmas Fund-raiser Dinner, Dec. 1. 724-266-4500.

OLIVER MILLER HOMESTEAD South Park. A Scots-Irish Pioneer Christmas, Dec. 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; 18th-Century Pioneer Christmas featuring decorating and music, Dec. 9, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $1. 412-835-1554.

PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM Washington. Children and families can ride with Santa on vintage trolleys and run the Lionel layouts. Nov. 23-25, Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 724-228-9256; www.pa-trolley.org.

PHIPPS CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS Schenley Park, Oakland. The Chihuly exhibit is being held over till Feb. 24, and the Broderie Room will be transferred to a holiday room; Santa appears Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 24-Dec. 23; Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. till 9 p.m. 412-622-6914.

PHIPPS GARDEN CENTER Mellon Park, Shadyside. Holiday Splendor Greens Sale, Nov. 29-Dec. 1; Winter Warm-Up Breakfast 10 a.m. Nov. 29 and 30 ($30) and Crystal Ice Luncheon 12:30 p.m. Nov. 29 ($37); Holiday Treats with Chef Bill Fuller 10 a.m. Dec. 1 ($40). Reservations: 412-441-4442.

PPG PLACE WINTERGARDEN Stanwix Street, Downtown. "Spirits of Giving From Around the World" features a 32-foot Christmas tree, an exhibit by the Pittsburgh Miniature Society and a display of life-size Santas and oil paintings representing 16 countries and Gingerbread House Display and Train Exhibit. Mon.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Open till 4 p.m. Dec. 1; Nov. 16-Jan. 7, closed Dec. 2 and 19. Free. 412-434-1900.

RINK AT PPG PLACE Skating around the Christmas tree. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun. noon-8 p.m. $7; $6 kids and seniors; $3 rental. 412-394-3641.

SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ARTS 200 Broad St., Sewickley. Annual Holiday Mart, featuring handmade gifts and jewelry, Nov. 25-Dec. 2, (11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends); "Shopping & Cocktails" with food and music by Cello Cello Nov. 24, 5 p.m. ($30); Light Up Night "Let the Men Cook" dinner, Nov. 30, 5-9 p.m. 412-741-4405.

WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF ART "Let's Play: The Holiday Toy & Train Exhibition" with antique toys runs Nov. 18-Jan. 13. Reception Nov. 23, noon-3 p.m. 724-837-1500, www.wmuseumaa.org.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

LIGONIER LIGHT-UP NIGHT Santa arrives at 6 p.m. to flip the switch on festivities, including carols and snacks. Nov. 23. 724-238-4200 or go to www.ligonier.com.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON PARADE Hosted by Macy's and WPXI, parade features entertainers, news and sports personalities. Mellon Arena down Fifth Avenue to Macy's. Nov. 24, 9-11 a.m.

SATURDAYS IN THE CITY Strolling carolers, street performers, free horse-drawn carriage rides, Nov.17-Dec. 22. Downtown Pittsburgh. 412-566-4190 or www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.

LIGHT UP NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE Light Up Night in Sewickley with holiday festivities and art walks. Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m. Santa Parade, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.

KIDS HOLIDAY CRAWL As part of Saturdays in the City, the Crawl includes an array of festive activities and events in the Cultural District. Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 412-566-4190 or www. DowntownPittsburgh.com.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Gallery of Ligonier Valley Library, Ligonier. Trees and wreaths decorated by families. Dec. 1-9, noon-7 p.m. Candelight tours Dec. 1-2, 8-9. 724-238-6818.

OLD ALLEGHENY VICTORIAN HOUSE TOUR Restored homes decorated for a 19th-century Christmas. Tours start at Calvary United Methodist Church, Allegheny and Beech avenues, North Side. Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $20. 412-323-8884.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERT AND DINNER Carnegie Library of Homestead, Munhall. Music by the Valley Voices and David Conrad, house tour and dinner. Dec. 8, concert 3 p.m. ($10 advance; $12 at door; $8 seniors; 12 and under free); dinner and concert $45. Call 412-462-3444, for dinner reservations.

SKATE WITH SANTA Outdoor skate with refreshments. Schenley Park Skating Rink, Schenley Park. Dec. 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $4; $3 kids. 412-422-6523.

FIRST NIGHT Celebration with musicians, dancers, puppeteers, actors and poets to greet the new year. Downtown. Dec. 31.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS & CRAFTS SPECTACULAR More than 250 booths of artists, craftspeople and food vendors, with Santa and the Girls Band. ExpoMart, Monroeville. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 724-863-4577.

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR THE ARTS Annual holiday shop with work by local artists. PCA, Shadyside. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; till 9 pm. Thurs.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Nov. 17-Dec. 30. Opening reception Nov. 16, 5:30-8 p.m. 412-361-0873.

SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT Holiday party with discounts in the store, Nov. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Strip District. 412-261-7003.

STEEL CITY CON: TOY, COMIC & CHILDHOOD COLLECTIBLES SHOW With guests from "Star Wars," "Stargate SG-1" and more. Pittsburgh Expomart, Monroeville. Dec. 1-2. www.steelcitycon.com.

PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER Annual holiday glass sale. East Liberty. Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On Dec. 8, you can make your own glass ornament ($25). 412-356-2145.

NUTCRACKERS

THE NUTCRACKER Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Benedum Center, Downtown. Dec. 14-29. Dec. 15, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, noon and 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 20-21, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, noon and 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 26 and 28, 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 29, 2 p.m. Starting at $20.50. 412-456-6666, www.pbt.org or the Box Office at Theater Square.

THE NUTCRACKER Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Upper St. Clair Theatre with the Pittsburgh High School for the Performing Arts Orchestra. Dec. 7-8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m. $20. At Pittsburgh High School for the Performing Arts with student orchestra, Dec. 14-15, 7 p.m. $15. 724-969-6000.

THE NUTCRACKER Spotlight Performing Arts Academy at Greater Masonic Center, Ross. Dec. 1, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, 2 p.m. $12; $10 18 and under. 412-931-1001.

THE NUTCRACKER Carnegie Performing Arts Center at Carnegie Free Library Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Ave., Carnegie. Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7-9. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $12; $10 students and seniors. 412-279-8887.

THE NUTCRACKER California University of Pa. Dept. of Theatre and Mon Valley Dance Council. State Theatre, Uniontown. Dec. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Dec. 9-10, 2 p.m. $12; $10 students and seniors. 724-439-1360.

THE NUTCRACKER Westmoreland Symphony and Laurel Ballet Company at Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Dec. 8, 3 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 3 p.m. $10-$27. 724-837-1850.

CLASSICAL

ALLEGHENY BRASS BAND Christ Church at Grove Farm, Sewickley. "A Merry Little Christmas." Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. 412-486-1888.

BACH CHOIR OF PITTSBURGH The Hunt Armory, Shadyside. "Messiah in Space," with the Academy Chamber Orchestra. Dec. 8, 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 4 p.m. 412-394-3353.

RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE SOCIETY Heinz Chapel, Oakland. Don Franklin, director, Bach & the Baroque: Bach's "Christmas Oratorio." Cantatas Nos. 1-3 on Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Nos. 4-6 on Dec. 16, 3 p.m. 412-624-4125.

BUTLER COUNTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Butler Intermediate High School Auditorium. "Spotlight on Handbells and Sleighbells" with Potpourri Ringers. Dec. 8, 8 p.m. 724-283-1402.

CHATHAM BAROQUE Various venues. Eastern European baroque with trumpeter Barry Bauguess and organist Webb Wiggins. Dec. 7-9. 412-394-3353 or 412-687-1788.

COMMUNITY BAND SOUTH Bethel Park Community Center. Holiday concert. Dec. 16. 412-833-6110.

CORO LATINOAMERICANO Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Oakland. Christmas concert. Dec. 8. 412-661-1211.

EDGEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood. "A Night Before Christmas." Dec. 8. 412-473-8880.

HEINZ CHAPEL CHOIR Heinz Chapel, Oakland. Holiday concerts. Dec. 1-2, 7-9. 412-624-4125.

HEINZ CHAPEL ORGAN AND ARTISTS SERIES Heinz Chapel, Oakland. Organ recitals: James Lueers. Dec. 23. 412-624-4157.

MCKEESPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA McKeesport High School. Holiday concert. Dec. 15. 412-664-2854.

MUSIC AT CALVARY Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside. Festival of Lessons and Carols with Chatham Baroque. Dec. 2. 412-661-0120, ext. 20.

MUSIC IN A GREAT SPACE Shadyside Presbyterian Church. "A Christmas Choral Celebration," including Handel's "Messiah," Part I, Dec. 16. 412-682-4300.

NORTH SUBURBAN SYMPHONIC BAND Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, Ross. Holiday concert. Dec. 16. 412-366-1983.

PITTSBURGH PHILHARMONIC North Hills Jr. High School Auditorium, Ross. "Mistletoe and Memories." Dec. 1. 412-394-3353 and 412-818-7262.

OPERA THEATER Byham Theater, Downtown. Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Die Fledermaus." Dec. 27-30. 412-456-1390.

PITTSBURGH CAMERATA Sixth Presbyterian Church, Squirrel Hill; Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church; and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Highland Park. "Star in the East." Dec. 8-9, 15. 412-421-5884.

PITTSBURGH CIVIC ORCHESTRA Upper St. Clair High School. "A Gift of Music." Dec. 22. 412-279-4030.

PITTSBURGH CONCERT CHORALE Ingomar United Methodist Church, Franklin Park, and Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. "A Festival of Carols." Dec. 7-9. 412-635-7654.

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Heinz Hall, Downtown. Conductor Julian Wachner and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh: Handel's "Messiah." Dec. 14-15. 412-392-4900.

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY POPS Heinz Hall. "Holiday Pops," Robert Bernhardt, conductor; Mendelssohn Choir; Children's Festival Chorus. Dec. 20-23. 412-392-4900.

PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Hicks Memorial Chapel Auditorium, East Liberty. "A Festival of Lessons and Carols" with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Choir. Dec. 11. 412-362-5610, ext. 2196.

RENAISSANCE CITY CHOIRS East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Holiday concert. Dec. 8. 412-394-3353.

RENAISSANCE CITY WINDS Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Oakland. "Holidays With Harp." Dec. 9. 412-681-7111.

RIVER CITY BRASS BAND Various venues. "Christmas Classics." Nov. 29-Dec. 11. 1-800-292-7222.

SOUTH HILLS CHORALE Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church. "A Holiday Celebration." Dec. 14-15. 412-347-0175.

WASHINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Trinity High School, Washington, Pa. "Christmas Around the World." Dec. 1. 724-223-9796.

WESTMORELAND CHORAL SOCIETY First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg. "Sing and Rejoice." Dec. 7-8. 724-853-2763.

WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Palace Theatre, Greensburg. "Home for the Holidays." Dec. 15. 724-837-1850.

HOLIDAY PLAYS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST CHRISTMAS Join Belle, Beast and the rest of the castle residents for a memorable holiday celebration. Gemini Theater, The Factory, 7501 Penn Ave., Point Breeze. Nov. 24-Dec. 27. Sat.-Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. $9. 412-243-6464 or www.geminitheater.org.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER A holiday musical for the whole family. Comtra Theatre, Cranberry. Dec. 7-22. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. $12. 724-773-9896.

BIG BAND CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Singers and dancers join a 20-piece orchestra for a family holiday show. Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg. Dec. 12, 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$25; 724-836-8000.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL American Family Theater presents a musical adaptation of the classic Dickens play. Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Nov. 23, 10 a.m. $7-$8. 724-836-8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org.

CHRISTMAS IS COMIN' UPTOWN A soulful, modern musical based on "A Christmas Carol." Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater, The Jackman Building, 542 Penn Ave., Downtown. Dec. 7-23. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.; Dec. 8 and 15, 1 p.m. $17-$20. 412-621-4445.

THE DICKENS CHRISTMAS CAROL SHOW Holiday musical based on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Greasepaint Players of the Greensburg Civic Theatre, Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. Dec. 15, 4 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, 1 and 4 p.m. $5-$6. 1-800-982-7968.

A FUNNY NUN-NY CHRISTMAS ... NUNS GONE WILD! The nuns are holding a benefit show to replace stained-glass window in this zany comedy. Pohl Productions at The Canonsburg Senior Center, 30 East Pike St. Canonsburg. Dec. 1-15; Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.; $18 advance, $20 at door. 724-746-1178.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI/THE CHRISTMAS SHOES Two inspirational stories. A little boy gives his Mother a lasting gift of love, and a young couple learn the true meaning of Christmas. Grand Theatre, 207 Second Ave., Elizabeth. Dec. 14-16. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; $13-$11. 412-384-0504 or www.elizabethgrand.com.

A LIGONIER CHRISTMAS The annual celebration of the holiday season. Valley Players at Ligonier Theater, Ligonier. Dec. 1, 8 p.m.; Dec. 1 and 2 at 2:30 p.m. $10; $5 kids 6-12; under 6 free. 724-238-6514.

A LYRICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens' magical, musical tale of Scrooge, ghosts and the Cratchit family as adapted for the whole family by Ken and Jane Gargaro. Pittsburgh Musical Theater at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, North Side. Dec. 13-16. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $10 advance, $20 at door; $10 students. 412-539-0900, ext. 232.

MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS Based on the book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Little Lake Theatre, Route 19 South, near Donaldson's Crossroads, Canonsburg. Nov. 18-Dec. 16. Sat.-Sun. 1:30 p.m. $12-$10. 724-745-6300.

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens plus music, now in its 16th year. Pittsburgh CLO at Byham Theater, Downtown. Dec. 7-23. Fri. 7:30 p.m. (plus Dec. 22, 2 p.m.); Sat. noon, 4 and 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. $26.50-$42.50 (half-price tickets children 3-14). 412-456-6666 or www.pittsburghclo.org.

NATIVITY: A CHRISTMAS GIFT: A song-rich dance and theater event, inspired by Langston Hughes. Shona Sharif Dance and Drum Ensemble at Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Dec. 1-23. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 5 p.m. $20-$10 (group rates available). 412-323-1919.

PLAID TIDINGS The "Forever Plaid" boys reunite for a special holiday run. Pittsburgh CLO at the Cabaret at Theatre Square, Penn Ave., Downtown. Through Jan. 13. Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. $50.50 (group rates available). 412-456-6666 or www.pittsburghclo.org.

SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD Kimberly Richards stars in Maripat Donovan's comedy where "Sister" invites students to come for a holiday pageant. City Theatre, Bingham and 13th St., South Side. Dec. 4-30. Tues. 7 p.m.; Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; Dec. 26-27, 1 p.m.; no performance Dec. 25. $40-$45; $35, subscribers. 412-431-2489 or www.citytheatrecompany.org.

THIS WONDERFUL LIFE Mark Setlock plays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary and 20 more of Bedford Falls' finest citizens in this unique stage version of Frank Capra's timeless film. Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O'Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. Nov. 15-Dec. 16. Tues.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, 8, 13 and 15, 2 p.m.; no performance Nov. 22. $34-$53. Special events, call for information. 412-316-1600.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS A comedy. Radio personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on the Yuletide activities of the good folks of Tuna, Texas. Little Lake Theatre, Route 19 South near Donaldson's Crossroads, Canonsburg. Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. $13.50-$15. 724-745-6300.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS/POP

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Mellon Arena, Nov. 18, 3 and 7:30 p.m. $37.50 and $47.50. 412-323-1919.

CHRISTMAS DREAMS WITH MARK MILOVATS The national recording artist celebrates his 10th anniversary holiday show benefiting local children's hospitals. Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Downtown. Nov. 25, 7 p.m. $35. 412-456-6666.

GLEN CAMPBELL'S HOLIDAY SHOW The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Nov. 30, 2 and 8 p.m. $35-$55. 724-836-8000.

DONNIE IRIS & THE CRUISERS Diesel. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. $30. 412-323-1919.