This month, the Harris Center is abuzz with entertainment. From December 13-15, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Follow Clara on her magical journey through the Kingdom of Sweets, where she encounters characters like the hilarious Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The original Nutcracker performance took place on December 18, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia, and now takes place worldwide. Take a ballet class at Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet in El Dorado Hills to relive the grace and beauty of the show.

Good grief, don’t you dare miss out on a one-time showing (December 19) of A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit. The five-time Grammy-nominated pianist and his quartet present an evening of holiday songs made popular by A Charlie Brown Christmas. After listening to the sounds of David Benoit, try your hand at a piano lesson at the Hawkins School of Performing Arts in Folsom.

Receive a great, big western ho-ho-ho from the Riders in the Sky, America’s favorite cowboys! The crazy, four-part harmonizing cowboys have donned their sequined yuletide outfits, spruced up their bunkhouse and released their wild imaginations to create a unique western-themed, family-friendly show, featuring cowboy humor and original songs. These wacky Riders have been singing and performing for 30 years, so you’re in the hands of pros. To continue with the western spirit, take horseback riding lessons at Shadow Glen Family Stables.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit harriscenter.net.