In these parts, we like old stuff and holy stuff. And nothing says Holy City and history like Handel’s “Messiah,” written in 1741 as a reflective piece of music inspiring good will and charity.
WHO: Charleston Symphony Orchestra and CSO Chorus
WHEN: 7 p.m. today
WHERE: St. Theresa, the Little Flower Catholic Church in Summerville

Eating too many meals at the Waffle House could cause you to wake during the night, but probably for a reason other than the ghosts of Waffle Haus Christmas past, present and future.
WHO: Pure Theatre
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today and Friday
WHERE: Pure Theatre, 477 King St., Charleston

You’re already bored with your recently unpackaged consumer goods, we know it. Go get some culture and dance off the eggnog.
WHO: Art by Justin Cammer, Phillip Hyman, Ben James, Lindsey Hanniford, Tim Showers, Michael Gentry, Sarah Haynes and April Robbins music by Drunken Architects and MJ12
WHEN: 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday
WHERE: Upper Deck Tavern, 353-B King St., Charleston

Everybody loves a good chick flick, but what if you could just hit pause and gaze upon a few frames, like an art exhibit? This is nothing like that, really, but we just thought that would be a cool idea.
WHO: Henrietta Johnston, first female pro artist in America, and others
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St.

We know behind every white-bearded chubby fellow in a red suit there’s a white-haired chubby woman who some would argue is running the show. Spend some time with Mrs. Claus and ensure your place on the Nice list.
WHO: Mrs. Claus
WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island

Who actually sells their prized possessions to give their loved one a special Christmas gift? No one we know (but maybe we just don't know the right people). But it’s a nice thought, and sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
WHO: Chamber Music Charleston and Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina
WHEN: 7 p.m. today and Friday
WHERE: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston

Forget sleigh rides in the snow. Here in Charleston we prefer a boat ride in the water. Hot chocolate, seasonal music and views of Charleston Harbor sound way better than shoveling snow.
WHO: Thriller Charleston
WHEN: Various times, daily through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25)
WHERE: 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Too much holiday family time? A pub crawl is the perfect way to avoid those awkward inquiries about your relationship status — or whatever buttons your family pushes.
WHO: Lesesne Tour Co.
WHEN: Daily at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Begins at 40 N. Market St., Charleston

What's better than a holiday light display? A holiday light display that's eco-friendly and charitable. This one's got both, so you can feel like a do-gooder while you are dazzled by larger-than-life animations.
WHO: Old Santee Canal Park
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Saturday and Sunday)
WHERE: 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner

File this one under the heading of “local guy makes great music.” CofC grad Michael Hanf is a singer, songwriter and vibraphone-ist. We’ll save you the trip to Google: think metal xylophone with piano-like pedals.
WHO: Michael Hanf with Ben Wells, Stuart White and Lee Barbour
WHEN: 9 p.m. today
WHERE: The Tin Roof, 1117 Magnolia Road, Charleston