It’s the pre-Christmas edition of our weekend roundup, with theater, music, brunch and ballet on tap. The big guy himself makes an appearance, too! Happy Holidays from the City with Soul!

A Christmas Carol at New Stage Theatre – through December 22
Adapted from Charles Dickens by Michael Wilson and directed by Peppy Biddy, Jackson’s New Stage Theatre returns with a holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol–A Ghost Story for Christmas, through Sunday. Tickets are available at newstagetheatre.com for performances 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Vamps at Duling Hall – Saturday
Imagine if Cannonball Adderley… set out from his home in Florida on a cross-country trip and swung through Mississippi and Memphis on his way up to New York City where he encountered John Scofield at a Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. The result would yield something resembling The Vamps. The pre-Chritsmas show has become a holiday tradition. Tickets are available at ardenland.net.

Brunch with Santa at Estelle – Sunday
Join jolly old St. Nick as he enjoys brunch at one of his favorite restaurants in downtown Jackson. He’ll be available for pictures and stories and Frozen’s Elsa and Anna will be making a special appearance from noon until 2 p.m. The menu (available here) sounds delicious and reservations can be made online.

Santa at Highland Village – Saturday and Sunday
Haven’t done Santa photos yet? He’s here for two more days before swinging back north of his big night. For $39.95, you get a link with access to photos within 24 hours for you to print, create holiday cards and share on social media at your leisure.

A Christmas Carol, the ballet at Thalia Mara Hall – Saturday and Sunday
Didn’t get enough “Scrooge” at New Stage? Ballet Magnificat! is proud to present “A Christmas Carol!” Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Ballet Magnificat brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s life-changing journey to stage. Get tickets for Saturday and Sunday here.

More Jackson events can be found at visitjackson.com/events.