Wednesday | Dec. 19

‘VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE' EXHIBIT
Lowdown: This group art exhibit, featuring works by David Zamora Casas, Ruth Guajardo, Larry S. Aguilar and others, honors the Virgen de Guadalupe.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday by appointment through Dec. 29
Where: El Sol Studios,% 936 S. Alamo
How much: Free
Info: (210) 226-9700; elsolstudios.com

‘THE NUTCRACKER: A COMIC SUITE'
Lowdown: If you're sick of visions of sugar plums — but don't want to skip the season entirely — check out this production featuring legendary comedians (OK, actors playing legendary comedians) offering a tongue-in-cheek telling of “The Nutcracker.”
When: 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Mondays-Fridays; 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22; reservations required
Where: The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
How much: $2-$10
Info: (210) 227-2751; magiktheatre.org

ADEMA
Lowdown: The band (above), most famously known for hits of yesteryear such as “Giving In” and “The Way You Like It,” is on its third singer. At least the band is resilient. 
When: Doors at 8 p.m.
Where: Jack's Patio Bar & Grill, 2950 Thousand Oaks Drive
How much: $12-$15
Info: (210) 494-2309; frontgate tickets.com

RANDY ROGERS BAND
Lowdown: It's safe to say this Texas country band has finally arrived on the scene, as evidenced by it opening the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo at the end of January. Before then, here's a chance to see the group in a bit more intimate setting.
When: Doors at 8 p.m.
Where: Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 NE Loop 410
How much: $15-$25
Info: (210) 646-9378; cowboys dancehall.com

Thursday | Dec. 20

THE TOADIES
Lowdown: Missed your chance to buy tickets for the sold-out Dec. 19 show of these 1990s alt-grunge gurus? Start scrambling now to score some for this show.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's
How much: $25-$27
Info: (210) 737-2221; sawhiterabbit.com; detourtickets.com

THE KRAYOLAS
Lowdown: If you're one of those people who can't get enough of Christmas music, this is the event for you. Check out the big-screen debut S.A.'s own The Krayolas' music videos for “Little Fox,” “La Conquistadora,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Christmas Time.” The band will perform with Grammy-winner Augie Meyers and comedian Cleto Rodriguez after the screening.
When: Reception at 6 p.m.; screening at 7 p.m.
Where: Santikos Bijou Theater at Crossroads Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Road
How much: Free
Info: myspace.com/thekrayolas; thekrayolas.com 

Friday | Dec. 21

HOLIDAY POPS
Lowdown: It's not the holidays unless you hear at least one choir sing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” now is it? Check out the mack-daddy of choirs — the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers — performing along with the San Antonio Symphony in its annual Holiday Pops concert, a selection of seasonal favorites. It's symphony lite — and you can wear your Santa hat.
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Majestic Theatre,% 224 E. Houston St.
How much: $11.50-$61.50. There are also buy-one-get-one deals and special pricing available at ticketmaster.com
Info: (210) 554-1010; sasymphony.org

‘OZONE FOR THE SPIRIT'
Lowdown: An art exhibit that will take you places. Visit “Beach” (the works of Maria Theresa Muth) or India and Nepal (Pramod Goshai). Works by Vietnamese artist Len Masur and others also will be on display at this exhibit opening.
When: 6-8 p.m. opening; artists' discussion at 8 p.m.
Where: Ozone for the Spirit, 1701 Blanco Road and Fulton Ave.
How much: Free
Info: (210) 347-5692;% (210) 320-1770

‘THE NUTCRACKER'
Lowdown: If you have a daughter — or know someone who does — make her day and take her to this costumed extravaganza, presented by the San Antonio Ballet. And let her wear her favorite tutu, if she wants to.
When: 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lila Cockrell Theatre,% 200 E. Market St.
How much: $15-$55 general; $13-$53 kiddos
Info: (210) 224-9600; ticketmaster.com; balletsanantonio.org

CORY MORROW
Lowdown: Country music on a (hopefully) cold weekend night in South Texas. Sounds like time to dust off the flask and fill it with something to provide a little artificial warmth.
When: Doors at 8 p.m.
Where: Lonestar Saloon, 2429 Milam St. (Hwy 83), Uvalde
How much: $15
Info: (830) 597-4420; lonestarsaloon- uvalde.com

Saturday | Dec. 22

‘EVE OF THE EVE' BENEFIT CONCERT
Lowdown: Rock away the weekend at this benefit concert for the San Antonio Food Bank. Jam out to music by Window, Levi Smith and Soulbrand Theory, while feeling good — oh, so good — about helping out your hometown at this second annual benefit concert.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Sam's Burger Joint,% 330 E. Grayson St.
How much: $8, general; $5 with canned good donation
Info: samsburgerjoint.com; (210) 223-2830

‘FEAST OF SHARING'
Lowdown: Hungry belly? Come get some good grub. Hungry soul? Come help dish it out. The 15th annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing will let you fill up on whatever you need, be it a ham dinner and live music, or just a chance to shave some hours off your community service obligation.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 200 E. Market St.
How much: Free
Info: unitedwaysatx.org

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOP DEADLINE
Lowdown: The Woodlawn is offering classes in theater history, musical theater dance and acting during the month of January, but unless you want to pay an extra fee for late registration, today is your last day to register.
Where: Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road
How much: $100-$150 (registration fee is $25 per student or $50 per family)
Info: (210) 738-1117; (210) 363-5994

DALLAS COWBOYS VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Lowdown: We wouldn't put any old Cowboys game in the calendar, but this one is different, primarily because it's on the NFL Network. Considering most San Antonians don't have the network, you might want to start making a reservation at your local sports bar, like, now.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: NFL Network
Info: nfl.com/nflnetwork

Sunday | Dec. 23

SYLVIA KIRK
Lowdown: Like most people, you're probably feeling a financial crunch after buying a bunch of stuff for other people this holiday season. Luckily, Gruene Hall has some entertainment that requires no money whatsoever.
When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
How much: Free
Info: (830) 606-1281; gruenehall.com

Monday | Dec. 24

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Lowdown: Needing some religion, but don't have a church to call your own? St. Mark's Episcopal Church is hosting a community service.
When: 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Radius Café, 106 Auditorium Circle
How much: Free
Info: (210) 226-2426; radiuscafe.org

‘HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS'
Lowdown: Love those Whos down in Whoville? Get your fill with the animated holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: ABC
Info: abc.com

Tuesday | Dec. 25

‘ALIEN VS. PREDATOR — REQUIEM'
Lowdown: It doesn't sound very Christmas-y to us, but the Hollywood folks think you'll be in the mood for some fantasy sci-fi horror. Maybe it will distract you from the real-life sci-fi horror that is dinner with Wacky Aunt Maria and Stinky Uncle Joe — or the sight of your mom in her robe Christmas morning.
When: Opens Christmas Day
Where: See listings
Info: avp-r.com

SAN ANTONIO ZOO
Lowdown: Walk off some of that holiday turkey and ham (or turducken, if that's the kind of person you are) with a stroll through the San Antonio Zoo, one of the few attractions that will be open Christmas Day. Refrain from telling your mother-in-law that she reminds you of the giant gorilla.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St.
How much: $9, general; discounts for kids, military and seniors
Info: (210) 734-7184; sazoo-aq.org