Do you ever feel like expectations for the holidays are getting out of hand? Or on another note, maybe your family has fallen into the same old humdrum routine? While there’s nothing wrong with tradition, maybe it’s time to add a new twist to your gatherings this season. 

But we know, it can be hard to come up with ways to keep everyone entertained, especially when you’ve got a multigenerational group on your hands. Going to a performance is the perfect way to get everyone out of the house, have tons of fun, and create a meaningful lasting memory together. And in a city like this, there’s no shortage of options.

Queue, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. They are raising the curtain on more holiday shows than ever before and here are six not to miss:

• Wow your in-laws with tickets to see Brian Wilson’s The Christmas Album Live December 11. They’re sure to be star-struck seeing the Beach Boys founder performing both favorite and original holiday tunes. 

• Experience one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever, A Christmas Carol, live on December 16. You’ll be dazzled by the Broadway-style scenery and costumes from the touring Nebraska Theatre Caravan. 

• Keep it classic with an all-time family favorite, The Sound of Music, delighting audiences with all of its musical charm on December 19 and 20.

• If you have a group of little ones to keep out of trouble, bring some holiday magic into their lives with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on December 22.

• And if you have a group who likes energetic, feel-good stories, On Your Feet! is a must-see. This Broadway hit, based on the lives of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, will have you humming their top-40 hits all the way into 2019. 'Turn the Beat Around' with this family-friendly show Dec 26-30.

• Speaking of the New Year, Jan 2 check out one of the Van Wezel’s traditional shows, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert for a classy & most romantic evening.

Grab those tickets now and surprise your nearest and dearest with some holiday magic. Visiting friends and family will be super impressed by the arts scene in Sarasota and talk about it for years to come, making you the star!