A+E

click to enlarge

• Submitted
• Celtic Christmas dancer.

Tubas and bodhrans, Tchaikovsky and strings — these are a few of our favorite things. North Coasters, we're in for a treat with several seasonal serenades to get us in the spirit.

Do you hear what I hear? Eureka Symphony's holiday concert heralds the yuletide offerings with The Trumpet Shall Sound Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts ($19-$49). On the program this year is Handel's Messiah featuring the Eureka Symphony Chorus with special soloists. Hallelujah. Arrive early for the free "Musical Notes" lecture at 7 p.m.

Swirling flourishes abound in Nutcracker Arabian Nights on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. at Redwood Raks World Dance Studio ($12, $10 students/seniors, $6 children under 12). The performance celebrates the classic Nutcracker but with a belly dance twist, shimmy and circle. Fun for adults and kids alike. The Saturday afternoon performance is a fundraiser for those affected by the Camp Fire.

Tuba Christmas gets brassy Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. at Old Town Gazebo and later in the day at McKinleyville Shopping Center at 3 p.m. (free). Enjoy the holiday sounds of a tuba and euphonium chorus performed by students, teachers, amateur and professional musicians.

And finally, spend an evening in the setting of a remote Irish farmhouse, gathering 'round the fire for traditional Irish Christmas carols, dancing and stories with master storyteller Tomáseen Foley and his band of merrymakers in A Celtic Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Arkley Center for the Performing Arts ($29-$49). Trad and true. The way we like it.