Feeling festive? There are plenty of holiday shows and fun events this month

For many Alaskans, getting in the holiday spirit doesn't start when the weather turns cold and frosty. And it's generally not with Black Friday, the unofficial commercial kickoff.

But when the calendar turns to December, it's often accompanied by music, entertainment and good cheer. So where do you find those key components to holiday merriment? Here are some places to start.

David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" has become required viewing for any youngster (and plenty of grown-ups) around the holiday season. Jazz pianist David Benoit puts his spin on the program's memorable soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. With special guest Sara Gazarek.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Discovery Theatre

Tickets: $40.25, $48, $54.75 at centertix.net

Elf: The Musical

If you liked the hit film "Elf," you're bound to enjoy Valley Performing Arts' Alaska premiere of the musical version — a Broadway hit in 2010. Aside from the music, the play has some interesting twists missing from the movie.  Show Buddy the adopted elf you have the Christmas spirit by bringing nonperishable food for the Mat-Su Food Bank.

When: 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 18 at the Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla

Tickets are available at valleyperformingarts.org.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

If variety is the spice of life, then this performance should be as toasty as a mug of spiked cider. Three actors aim to give audiences all the stories and songs in one sitting along with holiday traditions from across the globe.

When: Friday through Dec. 18 (shows Fridays-Sundays at 7 p.m.) at Cyrano's

Tickets: $23-$25 at alaskapac.centertix.net

12 Days of Christmas Pub Crawl

Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best, ugliest Christmas sweaters and hit up 12 downtown bars for a chance to collect prizes, including round-trip tickets. Benefits the "Pump Up The Kids" program run by 94.7 KZND. Ages 21 and over (obviously).

When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday in downtown Anchorage

Tickets: Free to participate. (For more information, look to Facebook)

University Singers and Sinfonia Winter Concert

The UAA arts groups' winter concert will feature "A Christmas Story" by Heinrich Schutz and music from Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Hindemith.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the UAA Recital Hall

Tickets: $10-$20 at uaatix.com

Hiland Mountain Correctional Center Women's String Orchestra Holiday Concert

Incarcerated musicians get a chance to show off the skills they've developed on stringed instruments. This is part of a project built on volunteer efforts and a belief in the healing power of music.

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle River

Tickets: $30 at alaskapac.centertix.net

Baby Loves Disco Holiday Pajama Jam

The latest kid-friendly dance party presented by DJ Spencer Lee will be a holiday-themed pajama party at Williwaw. There will be dance music and prizes for parents and kids (recommended for children 10 and under).

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday at Williwaw

Tickets: $15 or $12.50 per ticket for family four pack at williwawsocial.com; non-walking babies get in free)

Handel's Messiah

Conductor Renee Henderson directs the 70th year of the classic holiday performance in Anchorage. Quite likely German composer George Handel's most popular work, the event will feature accompanist Marcia Stratman.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday at West High School in Anchorage

Tickets: Available at the door — $10 per person, $25 for families of three to five people, $45 for families of up to seven and $55 for families of up to 10.

[In Kenai Peninsula, an unlikely institution – Renee Henderson, choir director]

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular

Watch acrobats, aerialists and other circus performers fly, tumble and perform jawdropping feats while the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra plays holiday music.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Alaska Airlines Center

Tickets: $40, $50, $60 or $85 before fees at alaskaairlinescenter.com

Christmas in Spenard

"Christmas in Spenard" has moved downtown to avoid the riff-raff, namely the occupants of the new legislative offices in Spenard, according to creator Mr. Whitekeys. Audiences can still expect the fun and frivolity of past holiday seasons.

When: Tuesday through Dec. 22 (shows at 7 p.m.) at Hard Rock Cafe

Tickets: $22.50-$27 at alaskapac.centertix.net

Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas

Irish female super-group Cherish the Ladies has become a staple of Celtic music over the past 30 years. For this performance, they take the traditional red of Christmas classics and mix in some shamrock green.

Valdez

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Valdez Civic Center

Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students, seniors and military at valdezartscouncil.weebly.com

Anchorage

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at Atwood Concert Hall

Tickets: $32.50, $48, $53.75, $66 at alaskapac.centertix.net

Fairbanks

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Hering Auditorium in Fairbanks

Tickets: Varies depending on membership level; see fairbanksconcert.org

The Revelers

If you're looking to inject a little spice into the usual holiday fare, check out Louisiana Cajun/zydeco group The Revelers. Be advised — the floor at Tap Root will be cleared for maximum dancing room.

When: Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10 at Tap Root Public House

Tickets: $29.25 at centertix.net

Christmas With Alaska Chamber Singers

This concert will feature Benjamin Britten's masterpiece, "A Ceremony of Carols" with special guest harpist, Megan Bledsoe Ward. The chorus will also perform Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest," sung in Spanish. Rounding out the program will be a buffet of holiday favorites.

When: Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10 at St. Patrick's Parish in Anchorage; Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Eagle River

Tickets: $12 for youth; $35 for adults; $30 for students, seniors and military

Tuba Christmas

The brainchild of Harvey Phillips to honor his mentor William J. Bell (who was born on Christmas Day in 1902), Tuba Christmas is performed in 200 cities in the U.S., Canada and Switzerland. Bring the kids to hear tubas and other big brass play carols in this lighthearted annual event.

When: 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts; 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25 at the Curtis Menard Sports Center in Wasilla

Tickets: Admission is free; seating limited but there will be standing room available

Ugly Sweater Soiree

Don't stash your ugly sweater after the holiday pub crawl — take it to this party at Tap Root, featuring Medium Build, Hazia and Evan Phillips.

When: 9:30 p.m. doors, 10:30 show on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Tap Root Public House

Tickets: $7 at Tap Root or taprootalaska.com

Charlie Brown Christmas party

Want to see just how Norman Rockwell Anchorage can get? Head to Westchester Lagoon any given weekend this winter and see the bustle of skaters gliding (or careening, depending on the skater) around the ice. Next Sunday, Dec. 11, Brendan Babb will be on hand for the Charlie Brown Christmas party, playing music from the Christmas special and other tunes for skaters. Bring your friends, your ice skates and a thermos of something delicious to warm up to.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at Westchester Lagoon

Bluegrass Ball

Locals High Lonesome Sound, Tyson James & The Hot Strangs, and Todd Grebe & Cold Country put a little twang in your stocking with an annual holiday event for bluegrass and country fans.

When: 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill in Girdwood

Tickets: Free show, ages 21 and over

Mat-Su Band Holiday Concert

The Valley will be alive with holiday music as conductor Gleo Huyck will lead the concert band through some holiday favorites with audience participation on Christmas carols.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 at Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer

Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 for students at matsuconcertband.org/concerts

A Christmas Carol

The quintessential Christmas tale penned by Charles Dickens follows curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge as his outlook is changed after some ghostly encounters. Produced by the Perseverance Theatre, the show is brought to Anchorage by the same group that performed in 2014.

When: Dec. 16-18, 20-24, 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on the weekend at Discovery Theatre

Tickets: $39.25-$56 at alaskapac.centertix.net

[Related: Perseverance Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' takes stage in Anchorage]

36 Crazyfists

Longtime Alaska favorites 36 Crazyfists will be joined by Shifter, Flyin' Lion, Transitions and Shy Bones for this cancer benefit show.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the North Long Bar at Koot's

Tickets: $25 in advance at koots.com and $30 at the door

Holiday pops concert

The Anchorage Concert Chorus, pops orchestra and guests will sing all the classics at this family-friendly annual concert. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets $32.50-$48 at centertix.net.

Ho Ho Horror Show

Think Christmas is nothing more than a cold, desolate nightmare? The Ho Ho Horror Show might be for you, with music from Snarley Brown, Zombie Unicorn, Part Time Super Heroes and Devil Witch.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 at Koot's

Tickets: Free show, 21 plus

Santacon Christmas crawl

Check out the spectacle of hordes of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves and even reindeer flooding every corner of downtown — or don a Santa hat and join in. If you complete all the locations on the official map you'll have a chance to win $1,000 cash.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 (for locations downtown, look for "Anchorage Santacon Christmas Crawl" on Facebook).