THROUGH DEC. 22 Flat Rock

The Flat Rock Playhouse’s Main stage, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, is currently staging a new, all-dance version of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Playhouse alum Chase Brock, who choreographed the Broadway hit “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.” Tickets: $40; $38 for 60 and older; $30 for students (with ID).

The Playhouse’s Downtown stage, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville, is offering “A Celtic Christmas,” with traditional holiday and Celtic songs done in an Irish/Gaelic style by three singers backed by a live band and chorus. Tickets: $35; $33 for 60 and older; $25 for students (with ID). Showtimes for both productions: 2 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday and 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Details/tickets (either show): 866-693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

OPENS DEC. 21 Raleigh

Exhibit salutes governor after governor

Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory will become N.C. governor Jan. 12 – and the N.C. Museum of History takes a long look at the state’s chief executives in the “Leading the State” exhibit, Dec. 21-April 30. Items on display include an inkwell that Gov. Zebulon Vance used in the State Capitol during the Civil War to fragments of Apollo 11 moon rocks that were presented to Gov. Bob Scott in 1969 to commemorate NASA’s first manned mission on the moon. Admission is free to the museum, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. Details: www.ncmuseumofhistory.org.

DEC. 31 Atlanta

‘Peach Drop’ ushers in 2013

The Peach Drop – one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Southeast – will be 11 a.m. Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. Jan. 1 – 16 hours in all – at Underground Atlanta, in downtown Atlanta. The free-admission event includes early activities for kids and families. Upper Alabama Street will be filled with carnival-style rides, face painting, balloon artists and festival food. On Lower Alabama Street, the Budding Peach Stage will feature performers 18 and younger.

Performers at the Main Stage, 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m., include Abbey Road Live!, a Beatles-tribute band. The event culminates at midnight with the descent of the 800-pound beach and a fireworks display.

Details: www.peachdrop.com.

DEC. 31 Bryson City

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on dinner train

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is staging a Dec. 31 celebration with live music, dancing and dining. After a 7:45 p.m. reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, patrons board the train for a multi-course dinner. The three-hour train trip then leaves the Bryson City Depot. The event is open only to 21 and older; advance reservations are required. Dinner train tickets are $135 per person. Details/reservations: 800-872-4681; www.gsmr.com.

John Bordsen

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