Spirit of the Season – Make plans now for all the holiday events happening this month

It’s sweater weather, it’s gumbo weather, and it’s also a month packed with holiday events that have become a welcomed tradition for many Baton Rouge families. Here are several performances, shows and events to keep on your radar and get you in the holiday spirit.

New Orleans’ much-loved Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been busy this year and last celebrating its 50th anniversary through collaborations with everyone from My Morning Jacket’s Jim James to Merle Haggard and Pete Seeger. But that hasn’t stopped the band from marking the season with its popular holiday show (featuring renditions like “Swinging in a Winter Wonderland”) returning to the Manship Theatre. manshiptheatre.org

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra inserts a little holiday cheer into its Masterworks Series with full orchestra performances of holiday classics. Acclaimed soprano Mara Bonde returns along with baritone Dennis Jesse for a Thursday night opening as well as a matinee the following Sunday. brso.org

Baton Rouge officials will turn the switch on half a million sparkling lights, including a 35-foot Christmas tree, all in North Boulevard’s Town Square. The event includes ice skating, music, fireworks, roving performers and the annual Forum 35 Reindeer Run. Find out more at forum35.org and downtownbatonrouge.org.

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Chamber Players perform “Christmas Brass” at Hemingbough in St. Francisville (Dec. 6), St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Dec. 13) and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens (Dec. 15). brso.org

Playmakers of Baton Rouge offers a fun twist on holiday classics with this tale of Santa’s aspirations to bring his story to Broadway, with Mrs. Claus, the elves, reindeer and more joining him on a trip to the Big Apple. Find out more at playmakersbr.org.

Theatre Baton Rouge’s managing artistic director Keith Dixon performs a one-man show based on David Sedaris’ essay about his time as a holiday elf at Macy’s. It’s sure to be a hilarious PG-13 show, set cabaret-style in the Social Room with performances Thursday-Saturday. theatrebr.org

Theatre Baton Rouge’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a huge undertaking. About 38 characters and a 39-person ensemble bring the classic story to life on the company’s main stage for nine performances throughout the month. Find out more at theatrebr.org.

Downtown Baton Rouge rings in the holidays with the annual Christmas parade winding its way from the River Center to the State Capitol. The parade is replete with enough floats, music and marching bands to get you in the spirit. Find out more at christmasinbr.com.

Possibly the largest production in the city all year, Baton Rouge Ballet’s take on the classic Russian story featured 310 performers last year, including 34 professional and pre-professional dancers. Pyrotechnics, falling snow, lavish costumes and gorgeous backdrops ensure that the production doesn’t skimp on spectacle for the packed houses at the Baton Rouge River Center. The show is set for four productions—2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22. Find out more at batonrougeballet.org.

Lakes and rivers in Louisiana rarely—if ever—ice over, but at the Baton Rouge River Center, you can try out your ice skating skills. Sessions are 90 minutes and happen various times every day except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Find out more at brrivercenter.com.

The Baton Rouge Zoo brings out the lights and displays to celebrate the season, turning a typical stroll through the zoo into a walk in a winter wonderland. Hot cocoa and other holiday treats will be available to purchase. The zoo is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day. brzoo.org