White River Valley Players

Rochester. Info: 767-3025

•"Christmas Cheer: An Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration," an event for the whole family, holiday music by the Brass Plus Quintet, readings of "The Gift of the Magi," "The Little Match Girl," and selections from "Little Women;" carol singing and the return of "The Flakes;" free refreshments provided by the Women’s Alliance; Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., Federated Church, Main St., Rochester. Admission by donation. Proceeds shared by the Community Food Shelf and Pierce Hall Community Center.

Northern Stage

Briggs Opera House

White River Jct. 802-296-7000

•Northern Stage presents "Cats" with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by T.S. Eliot, thru December 31, Tuesdays thru Sundays at 7:30 p.m. (except Fri., Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., no performance Dec. 24, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. only), plus many 2 p.m. matinees.

Lebanon Opera House

Lebanon, N.H. 603-448-0400

•"Hansel and Gretel: The Opera Ballet" presented by the Lebanon Community Arts Collaborative, Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m.

City Hall Auditorium

Main St., Montpelier

•Theatre Group, Ltd. presents 25^th annual "Night Fires" in celebration of the winter solstice, Tuesday, Dec. 12 & Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.. Tickets at the door only. Info: 802-863-1024.

Flynn Theater

Main St., Burlington, 802-863-5966

•Nebraska Theater Caravan presents a musical adaptation of Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol;" Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.