Austin

December 19

AUSTIN SYMPHONY Christmas Sing-Along. Carlton Dillard, conductor. Free, but tickets required. At 8. austinsymphony.org Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy (512-467-6064).

Dallas

Through December 24

DALLAS THEATER CENTER A Christmas Carol—Dickens's holiday chestnut. Wed–Fri at 7:30, Sat & Sun at 2 & 7:30 (Dec 24 at noon & 4). $18–$58. dallastheatercenter.org 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd (214-522-8499).

El Paso

Through December 23

STANLEE AND GERALD RUBIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS Passing Through, Settling In: Contemporary Photographs of the Desert—artists thrive in this arid climate, using the lens to express their views on political, environmental, and cultural issues of the Southwest. Open Tue, Wed & Fri 10–5; Thur 10–7; Sat noon–5. Free. utep.edu/arts UTEP campus, next to the Sun Bowl Stadium on Dawson Dr (915-747-6151).

Fort Worth

Through December 23

TEXAS BALLET THEATER The Nutcracker—visit a land where dolls talk and sugared sweets dance in Tchaikovsky’s winter classic. Tue & Wed at 8, Thur–Sat at 2 & 8. $18-$74. texasballettheater.org Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave (214-369-5200 or 817-763-0207).

Galveston

Through January 21

GALVESTON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Quilts in Motion—the latest exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the beauty and art of quilts—both modern and traditional—created by members of the Galveston Island Quilters’ Guild. Open Mon–Sat 10–4, Sun noon–4 (call for group tours). Free. galvestonhistory.org/plc-gchm.htm 2219 Market (409-766-2340).

Houston

Through December 23

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA Hansel and Gretel—a fresh look at the classic fairy tale, directed by acclaimed puppeteer, Basil Twist. Call for times & prices. houstongrandopera.com Wortham Theater Center, Cullen Theater, Texas & Smith (713-546-0200).

San Antonio

December 23

AT&T CENTER Trans-Siberian Orchestra—the famed rock-opera touring group returns for another holiday season with a rockin’ show. At 3 & 8. $37.35–$57.35. attcenter.com 1 AT&T Center Pkwy & E. Houston (210-444-5000).

Hidalgo

December 20–23

DODGE ARENA Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show. Wed & Thur at 7, Fri & Sat at noon, 3 & 6 (Spanish performance Dec 21). $15–$40. dodgearena.com 2600 N. 10th (866-746-8499).