What is on my December calendar?

It’s a busy month, but I will make time to see some of my favorite shows and some new ones.

A Christmas Carol—Ghost Story of Christmas at Hartford Stage. I’ve seen it probably 18 times, but the production always delights me. It is also great for kids 7 or older

A Connecticut Christmas Carol at Goodspeed at Chester. It debuted last year, and I’m sure the creative team has learned a great deal about what worked and what needed improving. I’m eager to see the changes. This is less scary and more musical than the Hartford Stage production, so see both if you can.

High on my list are both shows at Ivoryton: The Christmas Hour with David Pittsinger and Friends and A Coney Island Christmas.

Either of The Nutcrackers sound excellent: the Eastern Connecticut Ballet with a shore flavor or New Haven Ballet. I love the music and the dancing. Don’t limit it just to girls.

I will make time for Anne Tofflemire’s cabaret show at Long Wharf and the New Haven Symphony Pops concert.

My grandchildren are too old, but if I had young ones either the Shore Line Trolley’s Santa’s Trolley Winter Wonderland or the Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Express sounds like fun as does The Magic Toyshop by Starship Dance Theater. Plus The Kate has ‘Twas the Night before Christmas.

If I could squeeze one more thing in it, it might Eric Mintel Quartet: Charlie Brown Jazz at The Kate on Sunday, Dec. 9. It features the music from the legendary A Charlie Brown Christmas.