Let the Holidays ‘Show’ Your Family a Good Time

‘A Christmas Carol’ 
Now in its 47th year, ACT’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” is almost as much a family tradition as Dickens’ original story. Famously (or infamously, depending on your perspective), this version is too scary for some kids, and the theater enforces a minimum age of 5 for attendance. But for older and bolder children, this holiday thriller is unmissable. Nov. 25–Dec. 24. $39–$94. ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle

‘A Christmas Carol’ 
Harlequin Productions presents a new staging of artistic director Aaron Lamb’s adaptation of the holiday classic. It promises a healthy dose of cheer and ghostly special effects in this 80-minute, one-act show that’s appropriate for all ages. Nov. 23–Dec. 24. $25–$49. The State Theater, Olympia

‘A Christmas Carol’ 
SecondStory isn’t doing its junior version this year, but the mainstage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (now in its eighth year) is an all-ages affair replete with traditional Christmas carols. For regular attendees, this will be the last season to see John Clark in the role of Scrooge. Dec. 2–23. $30. SecondStory Repertory, Redmond 

‘Ebenezer’s Christmas Carol’ 
Stone Soup offers theater by and for kids in one act at a bargain price. But there are only three performances of this family-friendly ‘Christmas Carol’ starring fourth- through ninth-graders, so be sure to buy tickets early. Dec. 8–10. $TBA. Wallingford Presbyterian Church, Seattle

‘A Christmas Carol’ 
Rosebud Children’s Theatre Conservatory trains young performers and presents community theater by and for all ages. This year, its December production is “A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 2–11. $18. Federal Way High School, Federal Way

‘’Twas the Night …’ 
Experience a chaotic yet cute “Night Before Christmas” from the point of view of runaway mice, hungry cats, the reindeer and the Man in Red himself. Studio East’s annual reimagining of the classic poem is performed by actors ages 6–19. Dec. 2–4. $26. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland 

‘Humbug’ 
A modern take on “A Christmas Carol” in the same vein as “Scrooged,” “Humbug” spends Christmas Eve with Eleanor Scrooge, a power-hungry Wall Street executive whose attempt to wrap up a corporate takeover in time for Christmas gets sidetracked by three (presumably) supernatural business advisers. Dec. 2–17. $21–$26. Renton Civic Theatre, Renton

Up next: Other holiday theater picks