Plan Ahead: Spice up your holiday with these shows

There’s nothing like the comfort of a longstanding holiday tradition — until the repetition makes certain rituals crumble like stale gingerbread. If you’re seeking a new way to enjoy this season, check out these holiday shows.

Big Freedia’s Christmas in Central City Tour
Monday, Dec. 11 | Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave. | 8 p.m. | $39
Bounce to some holiday hip-hop at the New Orleans rapper’s first Christmas tour. Pro tip: Prep by spinning “A Very Big Freedia Christmazz” and “Big Freedia’s Smokin Santa Christmas.”

’Twas
Saturdays and Sundays through Saturday, Dec. 23 | Improv Asylum, 216 Hanover St. |
3 p.m. | $20
You’ve never heard “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” like this before — and neither has the cast. This family-friendly improv show rewrites the classic tale using audience suggestions, guaranteeing that no two performances are alike.

Mike Birbiglia Live: Christmas Parmesan
Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 23 | The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St. | Times vary | $39-$152
Whether you know him from Broadway, his podcast, or as an old neighbor from Shrewsbury, Birbiglia’s seasonal stand-up set will elevate your spirits.

Photo courtesy of The Wilbur

Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker
Saturday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Boch Center, Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St. | Times vary | $49-$125
The music of Duke Ellington meets Tchaikovsky’s tunes in this modern blend of tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and jazz performances.

A John Waters Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 16 | Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave. | 8 p.m. | $35-$140
Indulge in some wintertime weirdness with a comedy show from the famed director of cult classics like “Pink Flamingos” and “Crybaby.”

RENAIDDANCE: Beyoncé Celebration, Holiday Edition
Thursday, Dec. 21 | Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Sq., Somerville | 8 p.m. | $20-$25
Groove across the dance floor at this night dedicated to Queen B’s record “RENAISSANCE” + catch a holiday drag performance from Kori King.