With Christmas just around the corner, we can only assume that Santa is in the midst of checking his list for the second time. Which means you’re just waiting around to find out whether you made the naughty or nice club. Need some suggestions on what to do in the interim? There are plenty of classic holiday productions on stage this week, but if you’re soooo not in the mood to see The Nutcracker for the 37th time, we have a lineup of counterculture holiday productions that might be just what you’re looking for.

If you enjoy… Colorado Ballet‘s stunning rendition of The Nutcracker. (Ellie Caulkins Opera House, through December 28)

Consider… Uplifted, the seasonal production from Boulder’s Ascendance Project, which seamlessly brings rock climbing to the stage with choreography and music (Lakewood Cultural Center, December 27–28).

If you enjoy… the tradition of watching It’s a Wonderful Life, this year performed by PHAMALY in the troupe’s first-ever holiday show. (Aurora Fox Arts Center, through December 22)

Consider… making the drive south for the one-woman comedy that is The Twelve Dates of Christmas because who doesn’t want to know what happens after Mary sees her fiancé making out with his co-worker…on live TV…at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs, through December 22)

If you enjoy… the familiar sounds of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra‘s holiday compositions (this month, that includes Colorado Christmas, December 20–22, and Too Hot to Handel, December 28–29).

Consider… trying to score tickets to Denver Acoustic Christmas, OneRepublic‘s annual concert for a cause. This year, the beneficiaries are close to home: It’s a flood relief benefit. (Ogden Theatre, December 20)

If you enjoy… the spectacle of Jim Brickman: The Magic of Christmas. (Paramount Theatre, December 28)

Consider… making a fool of yourself during a Quote-A-Long to one of your favorite holiday movies. Options include Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and Elf. (Pssst: It’s OK. Just go for it. No one will see you. The theater will be dark.) (Alamo Drafthouse Littleton, dates vary)

If you enjoy… anything including the words “holiday spectacular” and “extravaganza”—aka Home for the Holidays 2013. (Lone Tree Arts Center, through December 22)

Consider… Hello, Jolly!, Bovine Metropolis Theater’s sketch comedy-meets-musical that explores some very awkward situations, including watching Jack Frost on a first date. (Bovine Metropolis Theater, through December 22)

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Follow associate editor Daliah Singer on Twitter at

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.