STRAP ON THOSE DANCIN’ SHOES. The dreamiest aspects of the holiday season are on full display as St. Paul Ballet’s production of “Clara’s Dream: The Nutcracker,” which graces the Mabel Tainter stage on Dec. 15.

The holiday season is full of classic stories on screen, page, and stage. The theatre scene of the Chippewa Valley offers a ton of great opportunities to share these holiday stories with your family and friends. Experience a ballet, children’s Christmas favorites, a comedic look at holiday traditions, and a rendition of the Dickens classic that started modern holiday celebrations.

1. Menomonie Theatre Guild: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Dec. 1-2, 7:30pm; Dec. 3, 1:30pm; Dec. 8-9, 7:30pm; Dec. 10, 1:30pm • Menomonie Theatre Guild Studio, 502 W. 2nd St Menomonie • The classic Peanuts television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang find the real meaning of Christmas.

2. Eau Claire Children’s Theatre Presents: “Madeline’s Christmas”

Dec. 2, 11am, 1:30pm; Dec. 3, 1:30pm; Dec. 8, 7:30pm; Dec. 9, 11am, 1:30pm • The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” So begins this delightful story of Madeline’s Christmas! Based on the beloved children’s book, this is the perfect musical treat for the entire family to start the holiday season.

3. Chippewa Valley Theater Guild Presents: “A Christmas Carol”

Dec. 14, 7:30pm; Dec. 15, 7:30pm; Dec. 16, 7:30pm; Dec. 17, 1:30pm • The State Theatre • Celebrate the holiday spirit and reflect on the true meaning of the season with the Dickens classic. Experience the magic of the beloved classic on stage at the State Theatre. Directed by Arthur Grothe, Artistic Director of Theatre at UWEC.

4. St. Paul Ballet Presents: “Clara’s Dream: The Nutcracker”

Dec. 15, 7:30-9:30pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • A holiday favorite returns. The Saint Paul Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker. The show sells out every year.

5. A Kodachrome Christmas

Dec. 20-22, 7:30-10pm • The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • Enter the colorful world of cable access TV hostess, Earlene Hoople, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Rural Media,” as she tapes her Christmas Special in front of a live audience. Letters to Mrs. Clause, an outrageous family slide show, fresh-baked snickerdoodles and a visit from the church hand bell choir set the stage for a picture-perfect evening of theatre.