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2013's Best Live Holiday Shows In LA

nutcracker
(credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Take a break from shopping, wrapping, planning and running around by taking in a holiday show that will entertain and revitalize you. Whether it be a star studded concert at the Nokia Theatre or a 62 foot caroling tractor, LA residents are blessed with an array of talent and choices for holiday shows. Sit back, relax and take in the magic of the holidays with our picks for the best live holiday shows in L.A.

Stevie Wonder
(credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Stevie Wonder's House Full Of Toys Annual Benefit Concert
Nokia Theatre
777 Chick Hearn Ct.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 763-6030
Date: Dec. 21 at 7pm
www.nokiatheatrelalive.com

R&B legend Stevie Wonder is going to spread some extra holiday cheer this year as he performs his "Songs in the Key of Life" album in it's entirety for the 18th annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert at the Nokia Theatre. Named album of the year in 1976 for which Wonder won a Grammy Award, the album features classic songs to sing along with for this once and a lifetime experience concert.

The show is Wonder's 7th time in a row hosting the celebration and based on past shows, it will be quite the concert. Past guests have included Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Michael McDonald, Drake, Justin Bieber and more.

All proceeds benefit the We Are You Foundation, a non-profit organization providing financial assistance and gifts to families in need during the holiday season, so don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy. You'll undoubtedly leave the concert entertained and with a feeling of joy and generosity.

christmas-carol
(credit: The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck)

The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck
Toluca Lake / North Hollywood (Routes / Locations)
Date: Dec 24 at 5pm
(818) 764-1421
www.christmascaroling.org

This year, spend Christmas Eve in Toluca Lake as more than one hundred carolers, dancers and thousands of twinkling lights fill the streets for the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck. This annual event, since 1984, is a wonderful way to feel the community and unity of the holidays. Instead of walking from house to house, Christmas carolers during this holiday show setup on a 62 foot tractor/trailer on wheels as it rolls through the streets of Toluca aLake and North Hollywood. Visitors from all of LA are welcome to this festival show. The truck is decorated with a multitude of sparkling Christmas lights, traditional holiday scenes and is surrounded by hundreds of singers and dancers spreading holiday cheer. And, if you decide you want to stay home, you can even enjoy the caroling from your car or at home by tuning in to 88.3FM.

A View Of Organ Pipes Walt Disney Concert Hall
(credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Holiday Organ Spectacular
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
Date: Dec. 18 at 8pm
www.laphil.com

Often referred to as the king of instruments, the organ, is so powerful that one often feels a sense of divinity when experiencing this deep, classical combination of sound. Come enjoy the famous organs of the Walt Disney Concert Hall this holiday season as the renowned venue puts on its Holiday Organ Spectacular. Artists include David Higgs on the organ, Lisa Christine Thelen singing and Thomas Hooten on the trumpet.

English National Ballet: The Nutcracker - Christmas Performance
(credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

The Nutcracker
Locations: Alex Theatre, Valley Performing Arts Center, Royce Hall (UCLA)
Dates: Dec 7 - Dec 29
Dates & Locations
www.losangelesballet.org

Los Angeles Ballet's celebrated original production of The Nutcracker returns this holiday season. The magic of Christmas and the season begins with this magnificent display of flawless talent, Tchaikovsky's brilliant score and captivating imagery. The production is simply breathtaking with a larger than life set, menacing mice, a moonlit forest, a handsome prince, dancing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and more. The captivating story and ballet concludes with delightful waltzing flowers, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier as they explode upon the stage for a spectacular finale.

apple sisters
(credit: Apple Sisters)

The Apple Sisters Happy Holidoozy Merry Christ-mess Special
Oh My Ribs! Theater
6468 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 207-8243
Date: 12 at 8pm
www.ohmyribs.com

The Apple Sisters are back by popular demand and have a holiday extravaganza show that will fill your stockings. For one night only, LA's favorite vintage comedy trio, will have you laughing out loud, dancing in your seat and singing like nobody is watching. These three fun and fanciful women will be celebrating their new Christmas album with an all star cast.

Sharla can be found out on the town livin' it up LA Style! Her party all the time website is clubbinproductions.com and she can also be found on Facebook.

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