The holidays are here, and they’re bringing cheer, to each and everyone. Celebrate a bit early this weekend by experiencing the joys of the ballet, a dinner and dance, and more than 850 nativity scenes.

1. Austin Artist Series, New York Theatre Ballet: “The Nutcracker”

7 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Knowlton Auditorium

Celebrating 71 years, the Austin Artist Series is bringing back the New York Ballet, which will return with the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Tickets are by season ticket only. Season tickets are $45 and good for all five Austin concerts as well as four more concerts in Osage, Iowa. For more information, or to obtain tickets, call Nancy Dolphin at 507-433-9387. Following all Austin concerts, there will be coffee and specialty dessert at the Brick House Coffee House, with $1 off with concert ticket presentation.

2. The Arc Mower County Christmas Dinner and Dance

4:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Mower County Senior Center

The member fee is $10, staff fee is $10, and the dance is only $5. Dinner will be catered by Hy-Vee, there will be door prizes and the dance begins at 6 p.m. For more, call 507-433-8994.

3. Michael Veldman and Friends Holiday Show

7:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Historic Paramount Theatre

The annual show featuring familiar holiday classics and favorites will be presented by popular local vocal artists Michael Veldman, Kaye Perry, Erin Schumacher and Brian Bawek. Call for tickets and ask about both main floor and balcony seats. Tickets are $15 each. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

4. Nativity Open House

1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, 606 Oakland Place NE, Austin

Families, friends and the community are all invited to see a collection of more than 850 nativity scenes displayed in and around this private home. A $1 donation for the Salvation Army is requested. For more information, call 507-433-2643.

5. Annual Christmas in the County

3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Mower County Historical Society

The event will host holiday crafts, a bake sale, festive displays and fun for the whole family. Call 507-437-6082 for more information.

6. Christmas Magic

2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Knowlton Auditorium

The Austin Symphony Orchestra will present “Christmas Magic” with the Austin Symphony Chorus and soloists, director Sonia Larson, and the Children’s Chorus and director Margo Bissen. The Christmas pop concert will feature two holiday choirs and classic, modern and familiar holiday tunes to celebrate the season. For more information or to order tickets, go to www.austinsymphony.org. Tickets cost $12 for adults in advance, $15 at the door; $10 for college-students in advance, $12 at door; and students K-12 are free. Students in fifth-grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult.