#2: Brian Setzer Orchestra at Celebrity Theatre, December 15
Brian Setzer, former front man of rockabilly trio Stray Cats, brings his Gretsch guitars to Phoenix on his 13th annual “Christmas Rocks!” tour. Fans will feel festive for Setzer’s swinging renditions of Christmas classics, but will also appreciate his performances of songs from his career. The first three rows in the theater will be removed to allow for dancing. Special guest Beat Root Revival opens the show. $62-$90. 7:30 p.m. December 15 at Celebrity Theatre. celebritytheatre.com
#3: Center Dance Ensemble’s “Snow Queen” at Herberger Theater Center, through December 18
Center Dance Ensemble artistic director Frances Smith Cohen’s interpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev, has become an annual family holiday classic in the Valley. The production features an icy-white array of backdrops and props, elaborate flowing-snowy costumes, and a mix of modern and traditional dance. $14-$28. Call for show times. December 3-18 at Herberger Theater Center. herbergertheater.org
#4: “Santa with Muscles” at FilmBar, December 16
Put some hokey in your holiday with a showing of the 1996 Hulk Hogan flick “Santa with Muscles,” in which the pro wrestling legend and reality TV star plays a millionaire asshole who gets knocked on the head and wakes up thinking he’s Santa Claus. Hosted by Jose Gonzales of Phoenix improv group Torch Theatre. $7. 11 p.m. December 16 at FilmBar. thefilmbarphx.com
#5: Anne Rice book signing at Changing Hands Bookstore, December 13
Author Anne Rice will sign her latest Vampire Chronicles book, “Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis.” No memorabilia will be signed. Rice will be joined by her son Christopher, winner of a Lambda Literary Award. Book purchase ($28.95 plus tax) comes with a ticket for the signing line. 6 p.m. December 13 at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe. changinghands.com
