From the "Elf" to the Messiah to "Black Nativity," the season's cultural offerings are numerous.
Celebrate the messiah with Handel's "Messiah"
Members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon performance of performing "Messiah" Dec. 18 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center under the direction of conductor George Manahan. While the work is now a Christmas tradition, it was originally introduced to the world in 1742 as a celebration of Easter.
$24-79, NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ. 800-GO-NJPAC.
A Rockbilly Christmas
The Brian Setzer Orchestra brings its 13th annual "Christmas Rocks!" show to Bergen Performing Arts Center Nov. 25. joined by the folk duo Beat Root Revival. Guitarist Setzer, best known as founder of the Stray Cats, The 19-piece orchestra will feature songs from their 2015 high-energy holiday album, "Rockin' Rudolph" and other songs infused with Big Band flair and rockabilly-style. Setzer has said the unique musical fusion dates back to the late 199-s, when he was asked to contribute a song to "Jingle All The Way" starring Schwarzenegger.
$39-$129, Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ. 201-227-1030.
The "queen of children's music" in Englewood
The Laurie Berkner Band brings its annual holiday show to the Bergen Performing Arts Center Dec. 11 at 2 pm. Berkner, who People magazine dubbed "the queen of children's music," will offer secular songs like "Jingle Bells," Christmas favorites like "Santa's Coming to MY House Tonight," and Hanukkah hits like "The Dreidel Song." She'll also include some of her band's best known tunes -- like "We Are the Dinosaurs" -- and new material from "Superhero," the band's first album in eight years. Dancing shoes required.
$29-100, Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ. 201-227-1030.
The man whose name is synonymous with 'Felix Navidad'
Guitarist/singer Jose Feliciano brings his Feliz Navidad Show to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's for two shows Dec. 18. The nine-time Grammy winner will, of course, perform his best-known holiday song -- which consists of 20 words sung in English and Spanish. The Puerto Rico-born American superstar, now 71, has said he never expected the song to have the staying power it has had.
$45-70, NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ. 800-GO-NJPAC.
"Mary Poppins" flies into Hackettstown
The perfect nanny and her crew perform 15 shows at Centenary Stage Company's Sitnik Theater beginning Nov. 25 and ending Dec. 11. Based on the book by P.L. Travers and the 1964, this musical features song favorites including "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." The show is suitable for all ages and features a live orchestra.
$27-30, with discounts for students and children under 12, Centenary Stage Company, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown NJ. 908-979-0900
'A Christmas Carol" at the McCarter in December
Charles Dickens' classic story of miser Ebenezer Scrooge and how a journey through holidays past, present and future change him to a kind man plays the McCarter Theatre Center Dec. 9 -31. First published in England in 1843, "A Christmas Carol" has never been out of print. The McCarter has featured this tale of redemption and generosity every December since 1990. The ASL interpreted, audio described production is Dec. 17. Dec. 18's performance is open captioned.
Tickets start at $28 and prices vary based on date and time of performance. McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ. 609-258-2787.
Another jolly old elf
Elf the Musical at the State Theatre of New Jersey is the story of Buddy, a human who grows up on the North Pole amongst Santa's helpers, and his journey to find his birth family. Along the way, he reminds his fellow humans that the holiday is about giving and caring for others. Funny and fit for all ages.
$35-95, with special packages available. State Theatre of New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ. 732-246-7469
The 'greatest story ever told' with a twist
New Brunswick's Crossroads Theatre Company offers Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" retelling of the story of Christianity's first family with African-American actors Dec. 9-18. The production features Gospel-style original music, traditional carols, and African dances and rituals. The show was titled "Wasn't it a Mighty Day?" when it opened off-Broadway in 1961. A movie version was released in 2013. ""Black Nativity -- In Concert: A Gospel Celebration" is the best-selling gospel holiday album of all time.
$25-45. Crossroads Theatre Company, 7 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ. 732-545-8100.
Natalie Pompilio is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She can be reached at nataliepompilio@yahoo.com. Find her on Twitter @nataliepompilio. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.