CONCERT: DEC. 8-9

It's Christmas Pops with the songbirds of Na Leo Pilimehana, left, as they usher in the season with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. The trio, composed of Lehua Kalima Heine, Angela Morales and Nalani Choy, has a current CD titled "Where I Live There Are Rainbows."

8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $12-$75 / 792-2000, www.honolulusymphony.com

DANCE: DEC. 8-17

Hawaii State Ballet students will be on their toes as they perform the Christmas favorite "Nutcracker," right, a colorful holiday adventure through a fantasy world of fairies, toy soldiers and an army of mice. The company is directed by John Landovsky.

7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16, 2:30 and 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17 / Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School / $16-$27 / 550-8457, www.hawaiistateballet.com/tickets

ETC.: DEC. 9-JAN. 28

And you thought the Tyrannosaurus Rex was extinct. ... Meet some of the most amazing creatures to have roamed the Earth at "Dinosaurs Alive!" the traveling exhibit that lands at the Bishop Museum. There'll be hands-on activities and special teaching displays among the prehistoric surroundings.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Dec. 9-Jan. 28 / Bishop Museum, Castle Memorial Building / $14.95 general, $11.95 youths and seniors; discounts for kama'aina, and military; free for keiki 3 and younger and museum members / 847-3511, www.bishopmuseum.orgConcert: Dec. 10

You'll be caroling along the way to Hawaiian favorites with kumu/composer/singer Keali'i Reichel as he guest-stars with the harmonious Ho'okena in the group's annual Christmas concert. Reichel's "Maluhia" and Ho'okena's "Home for the Holidays" will serenade the audience, with occasional hula accents.

7 p.m. Dec. 10 / Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Room / $65 general, $32.50 for children 4-11 (prices include buffet dinner) / 955-4811

CONCERT: DEC. 15

Two local favorites — the "Portuguese Prince of Hawaiian comedy" Frank DeLima and the "Sweet & Lovely" Raiatea Helm, below — team up for a night of local laughs and local tunes. Expect over-the-top local kind/any kine jokes from DeLima; and a gentle serenade, with 'ukulele, from the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning Helm.

Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner and show at 7 / Pagoda Hotel, C'est Si Bon Ballroom / $45 adults, $20 children ages 5-10 / 948-8370

STAGE: DEC. 15-17

Celebrate the holidays with inspirational songs, marionettes, hula and even tap dancing at "A Merry Christmas With Friends & Nabors," starring Jim Nabors. Joining in the festivities are Jimmy Borges, Emma Veary, Karen Keawehawai'i, the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars, The Hawai'i Theatre Orchestra and more.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 / Hawai'i Theatre / $25-$75 plus $2 restoration fee / 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com

CONCERT: DEC. 17

Guitar virtuoso/singer /songwriter Willie K, right, hits three islands on his Willie Kalikimaka Island Tour. Holiday tunes and old favorites are in store from the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano winner (and half of the Barefoot Natives duo; the other half is Eric Gilliom).

7 p.m. Dec. 17 / Paliku Theatre, Kane'ohe / $30 adults, $25 children, seniors and students/ 235-7310, www.etickethawaii.com

Also: Willie performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Kahilu Theatre, Kamuela; $20, $28 and $38. (808) 885-6868

And: 7 p.m. Dec. 19 Kaua'i Community College; $25, $30 and $35. (808) 870-5766

CONCERTS: DEC. 21-23

The true aloha spirit resides in "A Cazimero Christmas," featuring The Brothers Cazimero (Roland and Robert), the ever-popular duo of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Also celebrating the season: The duo's longtime hula pal Leina'ala Heine, the Royal Dance Company, Halau Na Kamalei, The Honolulu Boy Choir and the Miss and Master Keiki Hula from the Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Festival.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-23 / Hawai'i Theatre / $28-$73 plus $2 restoration fee / 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com

COMEDY: DEC. 29

You just saw him guest star on the "Everybody Hates Chris" Thanksgiving episode. Now see comedian/actor/singer Wayne Brady, left, live at the Sheraton Waikiki. Known for his skits on "The Wayne Brady Show" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Brady has most recently starred as the host of Fox TV's "Celebrity Duets."

7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 / Sheraton Waikiki hotel, Hawaii Ballroom / $55 / (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

Also: Brady performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, $35, $45 and $55. (808) 242-7469, www.mauiarts.org

CELEBRATION: DEC. 31

It's not just a concert, its a ball! — a Thunder Ball, that is, with the theme of "Presented in 3-G: Gourmet, Glitz and Glamour." Count down to the New Year with host Andy Bumatai, right, and entertainment by Rock Hard Hawaii, 24/7 DanceForce, DJs, Tihati's Casino Games, prizes, exotic sports cars, food and more. For 21 and older; tuxedos, a la James Bond, encouraged.

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 / Blaisdell Exhibition Hall / $145 plus applicable service charges / (877) 750-4400, 591-2211