Pittsburgh's Dynamic December: Nutcracker, Genesis, Globetrotters

PITTSBURGH, PA — Crammed in with all of the usual holiday activities and events in December are a wide-ranging array of festivities guaranteed to ensure your year and with a smile and fond memories. Here's what you can expect in Pittsburgh in December:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Byham Theater

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they put on their own Christmas play and ultimately discover the true meaning of the season.

• Andrea Vocelli, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena

The Italian tenor makes a stop in Pittsburgh for a two-hour show that features operatic classics ad songs from his most recent album, "Believe."

• The Nutcracker, Dec. 10-29, various times, Benedum Center

Join Marie, her Nutcracker prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey into the Land of Enchantment. Five fanciful scenes, more than 150 unique costumes and Tchaikovsky’s score make this show a can’t-miss holiday tradition.

• Steel City Con, Dec. 10-12, Monroeville Convention Center

Celebrity guests at the final con of the year will include Sean Astin, John Ratezenberger and George Wendt of "Cheers" fame, Corey Felman, Matthew Modine, Rob Schneider and more.

• Genesis, Dec. 13, 8 p.m., PPG Paints Arena

Phil Collins is 70 and will be singing from a chair for the entire concert, so yes, this probably is the last Genesis stop ever in Pittsburgh. Expect to hear classics like "Mama," "Invisible Touch," "Throwing It All Away," and other songs that will make you relive the band's '80s heyday.

• Arts and Crafts Marketplace, Dec. 17-18, 10.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monroeville Convention Center.

Here you'll find unique jewelry, photography, floral arrangements and centerpieces, luxury bath and body products, pet treats and accessories, scented candles, handcrafted wood items, embellished clothing, patriotic apparel, ornaments, functional and decorative fabric creations and more.

• Harlem Globetrotters, Dec. 26, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., PPG Paints Arena
  

The Globetrotters have relaunched their brand through the Spread Game Tour in what has been labeled a fully interactive family entertainment sports experience. Still, you know what to expect from a Globetrotters game - incredible athleticism and humor.

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 29, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., PPG Paints Arena

The progressive rock band returns to Pittsburgh for its usual spectacular holiday performance.

• Pittsburgh First Night Celebration, Dec. 31, various times, Downtown.

For the first time ever, this year's ring out the old, ring in the new festivities will be free and open to everyone.

Be the first to know what’s happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you’ll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.