You want to see “The Nutcracker.” Great! But which version? And how about “A Christmas Carol?” There are half a dozen different local performances. And then what about everything else from tender reflections of the season to irreverent takedowns of the holidays? Never fear, we’ll get you sorted and on your way to the old classic or new favorite you’ll love.

Nutcrackers

If you want the best of the best, joy and magic and overwhelming spectacle, see the Boston Ballet’s “Nutcracker” (Nov. 29-Dec. 29, Citizens Opera House). It has earned every bit of its legendary reputation.

But there are other wonderful ballet options. Grand Kyiv Ballet brings “The Nutcracker” and “The Snow Queen” to Boston (Nov. 29-30, Emerson Colonial Theatre). José Mateo Ballet Theatre returns for its 36th annual production of “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 7-22, Strand Theatre).

Need a twist on the story? For some sonic and dance diversity — jazz, hip hop, flamenco, and more — try “Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker” (Dec. 14-22, Shubert Theatre). For a truly twisted twist that’s more naughty than nice, get campy with “The Slutcracker” (Dec. 6-Jan. 5, Somerville Theater).

Christmas Carols

Let’s talk tradition. The North Shore Music Theatre has been doing “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 5-22) for 35 years and this original adaptation has starred David Coffee as Ebenezer Scrooge for 30 of these years.

But like “The Nutcracker,” you’ve got options when it comes to Dickens’ beloved story. Actor Neil McGarry returns to the Spire Center on Dec. 22 for a solo performance — just a clean stage and the author’s legendary words. For a big, lavish version, try the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s inaugural production of “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 8-22, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre).

Boston favorites

If ballet and Scrooge don’t get you to the reason for the season, “Black Nativity” might be what you are looking for (Dec. 6-22, Emerson Paramount Mainstage). Langston Hughes’ poetry comes alive through dancers, singers, and musicians during this exploration of the Gospel of St. Luke.

The Midwinter Revels is always a revelation. This year the company turns its folk-centric eye toward Celtic and Cabo Verdean celebrations of the winter solstice with “The Selkie Girl and the Seal Woman” (Dec. 13-28, Sanders Theatre). The original production mixes Irish songs, stories, and jigs with dance, drumming, and traditional tunes from Cabo Verde.

Unlikely upstarts

Would you rather watch old holiday episodes of sitcoms than go to the theater? Front Porch Arts Collective gets you. That’s why the company has conjured “Holiday Feast” (Dec. 12-14, Central Square Theater). Join them for staged readings of seasonal episodes from beloved Black sitcoms “Amen,” “The Jeffersons,” “A Different World,” and “Family Matters.”

OK, maybe Public Displays of Motion’s “Funny Uncle Cabaret” (Dec. 14-15, the Dance Complex) isn’t that unlikely of an upstart. It has been around for years. But it hasn’t gotten all the love it should. The cabaret champions adoptive and LGTBQ+ families through stories, songs, and singalongs.

The Midwinter Revels brings “The Selkie Girl and the Seal Woman” to the Sanders Theater Dec. 13-28. (Photo courtesy Revels)