Connecticut's theater and musical venues are offering a mixture of the familiar, the new, and the improved this holiday season. You will be sure to find something that will delight you and the entire family.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas has been enchanting Connecticut residents for 15 years at Hartford Stage. Little has changed over the years, but this year, as part of the Stage's 50th anniversary, audiences will see some additions to this tradition. As Associate Director Maxwell Williams says, "We did not want a new adaptation; what we wanted to do was enhance the adaptation [former Hartford Stage artistic director] Michael Wilson conceived." Wilson, current Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak, and Williams have collaborated with production staff. Some of the changes reflect improved stagecraft technology. More ghosts will fly, and the London cityscape that's at the back of the stage will be clearer and offer the lighting designer more options. New costumes are being phased in over three years. Some additional cast members will enliven the various party scenes. But some things will remain the same, including Bill Raymond's playing Scrooge, who Williams says is both an inspired clown and an actor capable of great warmth. A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas runs through Dec. 28. Get your tickets early-this show sells out. For more information and tickets, call 860-527-5151 or visit www.hartfordstage.org.

Rob Ruggiero, artistic director of TheaterWorks in Harford, has conceived and directed a new holiday show-geared more for adults-called Christmas on the Rocks, running through Dec. 22. It's billed as "an offbeat collection of twisted holiday tales." According to the press materials: "On Christmas Eve in a rundown local bar, unexpectedly, chance brings us face to face with a parade of beloved characters from favorite Christmas tales-only now they have all grown up! Tiny Tim, Charlie Brown, Cindy Lou Who, and a host of other favorites pour out their Christmas woes." Playwrights Jeffery Hatcher, Jacques LaMarre, Matthew Lombardo, Theresa Rebeck, and others have all written pieces of the show. For more information and tickets, call 860-527-7838 or visit www.theaterworkshartford.org.

Ireland is providing the inspiration for several holiday offerings. Ivoryton Playhouse's Executive Director Jackie Hubbard has written The Bells of Dublin, which runs Thursday, Dec. 12 to 22. It features two favorite performers: R. Bruce Connelly and Michael McDermott. On Christmas Eve in Dublin in Darby's pub, "a few stragglers remain sharing a glass of holiday cheer, wondering if this is the Christmas their dreams will come true." For more information and tickets, call 860-767-7318 or visit www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.

Cherish the Ladies, a well-known Irish music group, will present "An Irish Christmas" at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts at Sacred Heart University on Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information and tickets, call 203-371-7908 or visit www.edgertoncenter.org.

"Christmas in Ireland: An Nollaig in Éirinn" is at the Quick Center on the Fairfield University campus on Sunday, Dec. 8. Danú, the acclaimed Irish ensemble of fiddle, flutes, button accordion, percussion, and singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, is presenting the concert. For more information and tickets, call 203-254-4010 or visit www.quickcenter.com.

Among the familiar is Long Wharf's presentation of Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold, which returns to Stage II from through Dec. 15. Part of the popular Late Nite Catechism series, in The Mystery of the Magi's Gold, "Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages-whatever happened to the Magi's gold? Employing her own scientific tools and assisted by local choirs as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any ever seen," according to the press materials. For more information and tickets, call 203-787-4282 or visit www.longwharf.org.

Music is always a bit part of the holidays, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) is doing its part with three separate programs, each offered in a variety of locations. Two works by Benjamin Britten, Saint Nicolas, a cantata celebrating the life and legend of the man who inspired Santa Claus, and "A Ceremony of Carols" will be performed in New Haven on Thursday, Dec. 5; at Sacred Heart University on Friday, Dec. 6; and at the First Congregational Church in Madison on Saturday, Dec. 7. The New Haven concert is at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green; its renowned choirs, including the boys choir, will join the symphony under conductor William Boughton.

"A Mensch's Christmas" is the title of NHSO's pop concert recognizing the major contributions of Jewish composers to popular American Christmas music. Conductor Michael Barrett will direct the orchestra and soloists on Dec. 13 at Fairfield University's Quick Center, Dec. 14 at Hamden Middle School, and Dec. 15 at Shelton Intermediate School. For more information and tickets to any of the NHSO programs, call 203-865-0831.

The Bushnell brings us Hartford Symphony and Chorale's presentation of Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 7, the Nutmeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker on Dec. 7 and 8, the African Children's Choir on Dec. 15, and the Hartford Symphony Pops Concert in a Holiday Cirque Spectacular on Dec. 21. The concert includes aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, and holiday music. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 860-987-5900 or visit www.bushnell.org.

Westport Country Playhouse presents "Circo Comedia" on Dec. 15, a performance that follows in the tradition of the Quebec Circus. Jean Saucier, master equilibrist, juggler, trick cyclist, acrobat, and magician, performs his feats from dizzying heights, while Patrick Côté, burlesque clown, expert roller skater, and drummer, innocently tries his best to be the (imperfect) assistant. For more information and tickets, call 888-927-7529, or visit www.westportplayhouse.org.

Some events are designed especially for the kids. Downtown Cabaret Bridgeport's Children's Theater is presenting Annie Jr. about that famous orphan who finds a home just in time for Christmas. It runs weekends through Dec. 29. You can bring snacks and drinks or purchase them there to enjoy during the show. For more information and tickets, call 203-576-1636 or visit www.downtowncabaret.org.

Also for children is Breakfast with Santa at the Bushnell in Hartford on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Your children will enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, photos, crafts, breakfast, and carolers. For tickets call 860-987-5900 or visit www.bushnell.org.

With so much to choose from, take some time this holiday season to forget the stress and just enjoy outstanding theater and music.