Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tops 5 Weekend Events Around Peters

PETERS TOWNSHIP, PA - If you’re guessing there’s nothing going on around town this weekend because Christmas is looming, guess again. There’s plenty of things to do besides panicky last-minute gift shopping.

For example, you could take in the ”Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” performance just two days before it’s actually Christmas Eve.

This Trans-Siberian Orchestra show concerns a runaway girl who takes refuge in an abandoned theater on Christmas Eve, and meets the Ghosts of Christmas, and learning her own worth in the meantime. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve was the band's first made-for-television film back in 1999 and now they are taking it on tour again around the country as a live concert.

Trans Siberian Orchestra performs Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. Tickets start at $53.73.

Other weekend highlights:

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical Dec. 20-22, 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 24, 2 p.m., Heinz Hall, Downtown

Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, has become a perennial holiday classic! Max the Dog is your narrator as the Grinch's fiendish plan to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos unfolds. However, the Grinch soon discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical" tickets start at $30.

• Cirque Dreams: Holidaze, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m; Dec. 30, 2 p.m., Benedum Center, Downtown

A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of 30 performers from over 12 different countries combine their talents into 20 acts, transforming themselves into costumed characters and perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical joy.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze tickets start at $77.

• The Nutcracker, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.; Dec 23, 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 24, noon, Benedum Center. Downtown.

Complete with flurrying snow, a colossal Christmas tree and magic tricks galore, this Pittsburgh Ballet Theater holiday spectacular features over 100 dancers, 150 costumes and Tchaikovsky's exultant score. Since its 1892 premiere, The Nutcracker has held a special place in holiday traditions all over the world.The Nutcracker tickets start at $28.

• 21+ Ugly Sweater Party, Dec. 22, 6-10 p.m., Carnegie Science Center, North Shore

Dig out your best worst holiday sweater and.enjoy an evening just for grownups with special themed activity tables and drone races. Make a stormtrooper snowflake, a pool noodle light saber, or a batch of galaxy oobleck. Enjoy treats like Ugly Sweater Slushies, frozen with liquid nitrogen, and a hot cocoa bar where visitors can top off their drink with marshmallow science. Cash bar, snacks available for purchase.
Ugly Sweater Party tickets at $12 in advance and $17 at the door.

Photo: Associated Press.