Approximately 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas, and in the lead up to such a special holiday, there is nothing better to do than to go see a cheery holiday play, ballet, or musical. Here is a list of some of the best shows to attend.

1.The Nutcracker

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a classic ballet, and one of the few ballets that have stood the test of time. It follows a young girl named Clara and her nutcracker, who comes to life and joins Clara in a fight against the Mouse King and a journey through the Land of Sweets. With an iconic musical score and a textbook triumph of good over evil plot line, this ballet is a good watch for all members of the family. There are many opportunities to see this performance in Massachusetts with some local showings performed by The Boston Ballet, Hanover Theater, and Dance Prism Ballet.

2. A Christmas Carol

Generally considered the most famous Christmas story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is about the greedy miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns to use his wealth to help others and enjoy the relationships he has in his life after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The book was published in 1843 and is still receiving new and updated parodies, the most notable of which being its musical adaptation. The famous book’s rendition as a musical has become a staple holiday watch for families across the states and overseas. Anyone who celebrates Christmas and enjoy stories with happy endings and good lessons is sure to appreciate this musical. Local productions include performances by Merrimack Repertory Theater, Boston Theater, and North Shore Music Theater.

3. See a live orchestra play your favorite holiday songs

For a more mature experience, music lovers will enjoy the many orchestras and bands that have great holiday performances. Not only is this a good excuse to get dressed up, but for people who enjoy playing an instrument, watching a professional ensemble play classical music with a modern holiday twist may prove to be an intriguing experience. An event like this is also a great opportunity to see some amazing theaters as city orchestras often perform at some of the most stunning venues. Boston Symphony Orchestra is performing their holiday show “Holiday Pops” in Symphony Hall and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra is performing their holiday show at Mechanics Hall.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This Dr. Seuss Children’s book has also been adapted into a musical and a ballet. How the Grinch Stole Christmas tells the story of the Grinch, who is a grouchy lone wolf that despises Christmas and spends all of his time away from other people. On his mission to prevent Christmas from ever coming, he realizes something that changes his perspective forever. Local dance company Safe Haven Ballet has put their twist on this story by morphing it into ballet form, while many theater companies, including local ones like the Boch Center and the Boston Theater, take the musical route, allowing an option for anyone, depending on viewers’ preferences on types of performance.

5. Radio City Christmas Special

This unique performance combined with the synchronized dancing and talents of the Radio City Rockettes and the jolly Christmas atmosphere makes the show a good watch for anyone celebrating Christmas this year. Some of the routines performed in this show have become so iconic and embedded in New York culture that people from all over the states will come to see it, with the toy soldier dance being one of the most well known. This also makes for a good excuse to go to New York and see all of the Christmastime tourist attractions such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or the ice skating rinks.

6. See your favorite movies in concert

Movies like Elf and Home Alone are top picks for orchestras and choirs to play in concert, meaning the entire soundtrack is played live, at a theater, along with the movie. People who find the familiar tunes of these movies to be nostalgic will love seeing them come to life in a live musical performance. Home Alone can be viewed in concert performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Elf at the Wang theater which is also in Boston.

7. Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Cirque Dreams is a branch of Cirque du Soleil, a performance-based entertainment company specializing in contemporary circus. Their large cast of circus performers all give a spectacular show of their skills and abilities, with a mixture of acrobats, dancers, singers, trapeze artists, and other circus events. Their Holidaze performance is a mixture of musical and circus stunt performances fit for family viewing. This annual celebration of the holidays is truly perfect for any watcher, as it doesn’t focus on any one holiday in particular, but instead is a neutral celebration of the holiday season as a whole. Cirque Dreams has multiple shows in New England, including shows in New York and Maine throughout the season.