Christmas is 48 hours away.
And maybe you haven't had a chance to go out and get in the spirit of things.
Or maybe you're so into Christmas that you want to make sure you get your last dose of cheer before the big day - and perhaps even after. Whatever the case, there are still plenty of things you can go out and do.
Movies, plays, the "Nutcracker" ballet, snow and Winterhaven's lights are some of them.
Here are the details:
Pageants, parties
Miracle on 31st Christmas Party - Tucson Electric Park, 2500 E. Ajo Way. This is the 40th anniversary of this Christmas party, where food and toys will be given to children. Santa Claus will arrive by helicopter at 10 a.m., and there will be music and entertainment. Donations are being accepted now through the event. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Free. 303-6280.
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10th Annual Poets Square Rooftop Christmas Pageant - Poets Square neighborhood, 4352 E. Bryn Mawr St. Santa will land on a neighborhood rooftop, go down the chimney and walk from room to room, turning on lights as he leaves presents. Kids can take pictures with Santa after the musical skit. There will be live music by the First Brethren Church, Christmas carols and treats. Bring a donation for the Community Food Bank. 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. Free. 323-6699.
SNOW
Park Place Mall Holiday Concert Series - 5870 E. Broadway. Find some of the white stuff at the outdoor courtyard between the Bamboo Club and Forever 21 at 7 and 8 p.m. for five minutes today and Friday. The Arizona Youth Chamber Ensemble will sing holiday favorites tonight at 6 p.m. Free. 797-3959.
Dance
Ballet Tucson's "The Nutcracker" - Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. This classic holiday story, which takes place in the traditional Victorian era, transports you to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, full of swirling snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and giant mice. 7:30 p.m. tonight; 3 p.m. Friday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. $15-$52. www.ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-3000.
"Baile de Los Cascanueces" - Proscenium Theatre, Pima Community College, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Dancing in the Streets and the Civic Orchestra of Tucson will present this adaptation of "The Nutcracker," performed by students and parents. 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 206-6986, 867-8489. www.ditsaz.org
Films
"It's a Wonderful Life" - Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. An angel helps a compassionate but despairing businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he never had existed. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. today. $6-$8. 547-3040.
"Holiday Inn" - Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. A crooner and a hoofer try to win over an up-and-coming performer at an inn that opens only during the holidays. 2 p.m. Sunday. $6-$8. 547-3040.
"White Christmas" - Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Two Army buddies become big entertainers after World War II and find love during Christmas. 4 p.m. Sunday. $6-$8; discounts available if you watch both Christmas movies this day. 547-3040.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" - The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway. Jack Skellington's efforts to spread the joy of Christmas turn into a nightmare for Santa and all the good boys and girls. 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon Sunday. $6. 795-0844.
Lights
Winterhaven Festival of Lights - East Fort Lowell Road at North Country Club Road. Lights, snow and Christmas displays decorate the neighborhood. Take it all in by foot or on a wagon or trolley ride every day, 6-10 p.m. Or drive through in your own car on the final day, Sunday. Free, except for refreshments and rides. 320-3873. www.winterhavenfestival.org
Wagon Ride
Christmas in the Desert - Pantano Riding Stables, 4450 S. Houghton Road. Take a 25- minute horse-drawn-wagon ride through the desert, get your picture taken with Santa, and drink hot chocolate. Photo and ride, $5 each. Hot chocolate, $1. 6-9 p.m. today and Friday. 298-8980.
Theater
"A Christmas Carol" - The Comedy Playhouse, 3620 N. First Ave. An adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story, with its iconic character, Ebenezer Scrooge. 7:30 p.m. today; 3 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. $18. 260-6442.
"Elves Gone Bad" - Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 S. Sixth Ave. Reindeer go on strike and children only play video games, so Santa Claus closes down the North Pole toy factory. Luckily, the elves save Christmas. Children 4 to 8 years old from the audience will be invited to participate. Noon today, Friday, Sunday and next Thursday; 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31; noon Jan. 1-2. $10; $5 for children ages 4 to 13. 882-0555.
"The Secret Santa" - The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. It's the 1960s, and it's the Christmas season in Merryville, but a local politician is out to squash the Christmas spirit. Showtimes vary until Jan. 1. No show on Christmas Day. $17.95. 886-9428.
"The Santa Land Diaries and Season's Greetings" - Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. Story by humorist David Sedaris, based on his bizarre experiences working as a Macy's elf. 3 p.m. Sunday and Jan 2. $15-$18. 327-4242.
Music
Tucson's Local Band Christmas Eve Hootenanny - Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Spice up the holidays with alternative, pop and rock music. Bands include Greyhound Soul, Silverbell, Creosote, Naked Prey, Ricky Gelb and Billy Sedlmayr. Age 21 and older. 9 p.m. Friday. $4. 622-8848.
Carols
Christmas Eve at O'Shaughnessy's - O'Shaughnessy's Steakhouse and Piano Bar, 2200 N. Camino Principal. Candlelight caroling, traditional Christmas menu, gigantic fireplace, singing waiters, Santa and roasted chestnuts. 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Costs vary. 296-7464.
Museum
El Nacimiento (the Nativity scene) - Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Traditional Mexican Nativity scene with hundreds of figurines that fill an entire room, from floor to ceiling. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sundays, except on Saturday. Free. 624-2333.
