Only 11 more shlepping days ‘til Christmas. But if you need to take a break from the season’s ritualistic mass consumption, upcoming local holiday arts offerings range from ho ho ho to Handel.
“Too Hot to Handel: A Gospel Messiah,” presented by the St. Louis Symphony: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Blvd., 63103. $30-$65.
“Yule Tube,” concert sung by the Gateway Men’s Chorus: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14. Washington University’s Edison Theater. $25.
“The Nutcracker,” presented by Alexandra Ballet: The Purser Center at Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd., 63017. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $11.50-$16.50.
“The Little Dancer: Through a New Lens": 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15; COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. $14-$18.
“Home for the Holidays”concert with John McDaniel: The Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. $25.
“Elf, The Musical": Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. Opens 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17; runs through Sunday, Dec. 29. $40-$85.
Want a sneak peek at the Gateway Men’s Chorus before its “Yule Tube” performance? As you’ll see in this “Bad Presents” parody of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” the so-called Monster Mother has nothing on the GMC.
