There is more to the Adirondacks than being on a mountain, though that is certainly one way my family plans on spending the holidays. We also look forward to relaxing together during a classic Christmas performance. It sounds corny, but with our kids being pulled in one direction for school sports and my husband and I going in another direction for work, we find it best to meet somewhere in the middle. Thankfully there are plenty of wonderful theatre performances around the Adirondacks that will help us get into the holiday spirit.

Our Town Theatre Group (OTTG) in North Creek is bringing their Christmas show to North Creek and Indian Lake this winter. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is OTTG’s gift to the community and visitors alike.

Come watch the six Herdmans strong-arm their way into all the major parts of the church Christmas pageant even after managing to do everything from stealing to burning down an old tool shed. In an unexpected lesson (yes, there’s a lesson but it’s not heavy-handed), the Herdmans teach the community tolerance – with some humor and high jinx thrown in for good measure.

The free performance of the classic Barbara Robinson story takes place this weekend at the Tannery Pond Community Center, December 11 at 7:30 pm, December 12 at 1 pm and December 13 at 3 pm at the Indian Lake Theatre.

There are two performances left of the classic story “It’s A Wonderful Life” in a unique 1920s radio format. Gem*Boy Productions has cast actors to voice all 33 parts, including local commercials, as if it were a live radio broadcast based on the Frank Capra film. To see if Clarence gets his wings go to the Chestertown Hall Auditorium on December 12 at 7 pm or the Indian Lake Theatre on February 13 at 7:31 pm.  Tickets are $12/adults and $6/children.

The Ticonderoga Festival Guild players have put a new spin on the Charles Dickens tale of “Scrooge.” Rewritten and directed by Vincent Smith, the updated version takes some new twists and turns with Scrooge portrayed as a woman. To find out whether Scrooge learns her lesson in time, come to the Ticonderoga Community Building on December 17,18 and 19 at 7 pm as well as December 20 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10.

Last, but certainly not least, Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake is ringing in the holidays with Ken Ludwig’s “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Don’t expect a serene reading of the classic Clement Moore tale. This hilarious holiday adventure isn’t about “no creatures stirring,” but instead has a mouse stirring up trouble with an elf and a girl who won’t take no for an answer. This lighthearted tale can be seen on December 19 at 5 pm, December 20 and 27 at 2 pm as well as December 22,23 and 26 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15/adults, $10/Seniors (over 65)/Children (under 18) and $8/Children (under 12).  Enjoy!