PIANIST STEWART GOODYEAR: His recital on December 19, at McCarter Theatre, is among the musical highlights of the holiday season.

By Anne Levin

Traditionally, the local performing arts calendar ramps up during the winter holiday season. These cultural celebrations are especially meaningful this year, signifying a return to pre-pandemic days — at least for now. While some events are still available online or scheduled to be performed outdoors, most are planned for theaters and concert halls. Most require proof of vaccinations, and require masks be worn.

Following is a list of holiday-themed arts events scheduled for the local area:

Princeton University Orchestra, at Richardson Auditorium on the campus Friday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 5 at 3 p.m., conducted by Michael Pratt. Soprano soloist is Alison Spann ’20. On the program are works by Rachmaninoff and David del Tredici. Music.princeton.edu.

Roxey Ballet performs a sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker at Eagle Fire Hall, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope, Pa., Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, at 1 p.m. Roxeyballet.org.

Princeton Boychoir streams a holiday concert, “From Handel to Broadway,” Saturday, December 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 5 at 3 p.m. Westrickmusic.org.

Courtney’s Carolers serenade shoppers at Palmer Square Saturday, December 4 from 12-2 p.m. Palmersquare.com.

Harmonics Quartet serenades shoppers at Palmer Square Sundays, December 5 and 12, from 12-2 p.m. Palmersquare.com.

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey performs holiday favorites on Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton. Daniel Spalding conducts, and Gianine Campbell is guest soprano. Capitalphilharmonic.org.

Holiday Carillon Bell Music can be heard outside Cleveland Towner at the Graduate College of Princeton University on Sunday, December 5 at 1 p.m.

The Chapel Choir of Princeton Theological Seminary has planned a free outdoor event, “Carols of Many Nations,” to be performed Wednesday, December 8 at 8 p.m. on the campus, 64 Mercer Street. Register at ptsem.edu/events.

The Princeton Singers come to Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Friday, December 10 at 6 p.m. Christmas music is on the program, with readings by candlelight. Princetonsingers.org.

The Tiger Tones of Princeton University serenade shoppers at Palmer Square Saturday, December 11 from 12-2 p.m. Palmersquare.com.

American Repertory Ballet performs The Nutcracker Saturday, December 11 at 1 and 5 p.m. at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Lafayette Street, Trenton. Arballet.org.

The Capital Singers of Trenton perform “Winter Songs XV: The Messiah” at Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad Street, Trenton, on Sunday, December 12 at 4 p.m. Capitalsingers.org.

Princeton Pro Musica is at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton, on Sunday, December 12 at 4 p.m. “Comfort and Joy to the World” features Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Mass in B minor. Princetonpromusica.org.

Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday POPS! Concert is at McCarter Theatre on Tuesday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. Rossen Milanov conducts, and soprano Laquita Mitchell is soloist. Princetonsymphony.org.

Westminster Community Orchestra from Westminster Conservatory performs “Holiday Chestnuts,” led by Ruth Ochs, at the Robert L. Annis Playhouse on the Westminster Choir College of Rider University campus, 101 Walnut Lane. (609) 921-7104.

Voices Chorale NJ is at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, and also available via livestream, on Friday, December 17 at 8 p.m. “I Dream a World” has works based on poetry by E.E. Cummings, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and others. Voiceschoralenj.org.

Spiced Punch serenades shoppers at Palmer Square from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 18 and 19. Palmersquare.org.

Pianist Stewart Goodyear plays selections from The Nutcracker, among other works, at McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, on Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m. McCarter.org.