Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Nutcracker Inspire X-Mas Spirit

This holiday season, merry revelers have the opportunity to attend three great shows, all designed to get you into the Christmas spirit. Those three classic shows are The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert, and The Nutcracker. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular premiered in 1933 in New York City, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra released their first album in 1996, and the Nutcracker debuted in St. Petersburg in 1892.

As an early Christmas present, we've decided to take a closer look at all three holiday traditions. Our breakdown of the productions should help you decide which one is perfect for you and your family. We understand that some shows may not be appropriate for all ages, but if at all possible, we recommend attending all three.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular stars the world famous Rockettes. The high-stepping dancers treat fans to a variety of holiday numbers including their famous "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity." Other rousing musical numbers include "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "Here Comes Santa Claus," and "Joy to the World." At one point in the production, a double-decker bus is rolls onto the stage.

This year, the Spectacular is called "The Rockettes Magical Journey." Those with Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets will be treated to a spectacular 3-D film digitally projected onto a flying LED screen. Don't worry, 3-D glasses are included with the price of your Rockettes tickets. Fans can catch the Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City and a touring production set to visit Boston, Durham, and Nashville.

Santa Claus Appearance: Yes.
Who Will Like It The Best: The members of your family that like dancing and beautiful costumes.
Christmas Spirit Meter: From beginning to end the Spectacular is all about Christmas. If it doesn't get you into the holiday spirit nothing will.

>>Nov. 11 - Jan. 2 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
>>Nov. 10-27 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center
>>Nov. 18 - Dec. 24 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Nashville, TN @ Grand Ole Opry House
>>Dec. 2-28 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Boston, MA @ Wang Theatre

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2011
Since 1999, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has made heavy metal the reason for the season. The brainchild of composer and producer Paul O'Neil, TSO annually tours North America thrilling fans with their energetic and festive blend of hard rock, classical music, and Christmas songs. If you'd rather celebrate the holidays with some serious guitar shredding, instead decking the halls with boughs of holly, then the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is for you.

Since 2000, the group has split into two, TSO West and TSO East. The pair of touring bands means they can visit more arenas and melt more faces with their tasty guitar licks. Regardless of which group your Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets are for, plan on a night of great music, awesome pyrotechnics, amazing special effects, and lasers. Also, be prepared for a strained neck due to all the headbanging you'll be doing. Some of TSO's most well-known songs are "Wizards in Winter," "Christmas Canon," and "A Mad Russian's Christmas."

Santa Claus Appearance: No.
Who Will Like It The Best: All members of the family that like to rock!
Christmas Spirit Meter: It's not exactly an Andy Williams Christmas special but you'll leave the arena pumped up (as well as with short-term hearing loss).

>>Nov. 26 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Hartford, CT @ XL Center
>>Dec. 15 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center
>>Dec. 23 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
>>Dec. 29 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre

The Nutcracker
It's hard to breakdown The Nutcracker since the show is produced by so many ballet companies. The production in your area may be much better than a production clear across the country. Still, this show, especially its music, is one of the great joys of the holiday season. If the opportunity arises, you should definitely acquire Nutcracker Ballet show tickets for you and your family.

The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl who gets a nutcracker from her godfather during a Christmas party. Later that night, when the girl sneaks downstairs to the Christmas tree, her nutcracker comes alive and takes her on a magical journey where mice come alive and desserts dance. The ballet's indelible score is punctuated by holiday classics like the "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," "The Russian Dance," and "The Dance of the Reed-Flutes."

Santa Claus Appearance: No.
Who Will Like It The Best: The Nutcracker is for everyone that doesn't have a short attention span. If you can't leave the Smartphone alone for two hours the ballet isn’t for you.
Christmas Spirit Meter: Christmas plays a relatively minor role but since The Nutcracker has become synonymous with the holidays you'll definitely walk out of the theater ready to enjoy the season.

>>Nov. 25-27 - The Nutcracker in Boston, MA @ Boston Opera House
>>Dec. 8-11 - The Nutcracker in Atlanta, GA @ Fabulous Fox Theatre
>>Nov. 25 - Dec. 3 - The Nutcracker in Houston, TX @ Brown Theater
>>Dec. 1-3 - The Nutcracker in Los Angeles, CA @ Dorothy Chandler Pavilion