'The Nutcracker' and 'Vintage Christmas'

As most city residents know, there is never a shortage of fun things to do or places to go in Portsmouth. Each Thursday, we will offer five suggestions for people who are planning out their weekends.

1. "The Nutcracker" at Music Hall: "An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker" will be performed this weekend at the Music Hall by the Great Bay Academy of Dance  on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

2. "Christmas Carol" performances: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre, the Pontine Theater and the Players' Ring are all performing Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol," which pits miser Ebenezer Scrooge against three Christmas spirits. Please click on these links to see dates, showtimes and admission.

3. "Vintage Christmas" continues: The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum are teaming up this year to bring to residents and visitors. The month-long holiday celebration features everything from candlelight strolls at Strawbery Banke Museum and live holiday performances at the Music Hall to the new Pop Up Market at the Music Hall Loft.

4. Santa Claus is coming to town: This Saturday, Santa will water ski down the Piscataqua River in the first ever "Santa Ski" event held by the Water Walkers Ski Club. Kris Kringle is scheduled to water ski between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to support the water ski club.

5. Shop local: Portsmouth's downtown merchants are hoping to make their share of sales this holiday season and, as always, they offer many great gifts to fill stockings our put under the tree. During the Christmas season, it is always fun to just stroll through downtown, do some shopping and dine at the local restaurants or coffee shops.