The holiday season usually offers an abundance of entertainment. This year is no exception.

"Hairspray," a musical comedy that inspired a movie musical, will appear in Bismarck at 8 p.m. Dec.5 at the Bismarck Civic Center. There will be one performance.

"Hairspray" is the latest Jam Theatricals' "Broadway in Bismarck"show.

"We've had a wonderful reception to 'Hairspray,'"said Kasey Bersett, Jam Theatricals public relations director.

"Hairspray" won eight Tony awards in 2003, including Best Musical. Since the movie, Bersett said she has seen "a lot of younger generations"in attendance.

Other Broadway events for the 2008-09 season include Jim Brickman, "Footloose," and "Jesus Christ Superstar."

"We have done Broadway in Bismarck for six years,"said Bersett, "Every year we see more support. Working with the community has been such a joy."

Tickets are available at the Bismarck Civic Center box office, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 701-222-2121. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts. For more information, contact 701-355-1384.

Other holiday events this month and in December:

n The annual Dickens Village Festival in Garrison will be Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13.

The information center is open for tickets and itinerary from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, except on Nov. 30, when it is open from noon to 6 p.m.

The event offers an English market, house tours, rides on a doubledecker bus, carriage rides, an English High Tea, a parade, a holiday sing-along and every Friday and Saturday evening a performance of an adaptation of Charles Dickens' "God Bless Us, Everyone."

For information call 800-799-4242, 701-463-2631 or go to www.dickensfestival.com.

n Chuck Suchy will present a concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 a the Mysteria Theater, 210 W. Main St., Mandan.

Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit Aid Inc. Food and beverages will be available.

Tickets can be purchased at the Brighten Thrift Stores at 314 W. Main St., Mandan, and 410 Airport Road in Bismarck. The Mandan number is 663-1274 and the Bismarck number is 223-9150.

n Dakota Stage Ltd., 412 E. Main Ave., will present "A Christmas Story" on Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 10-14.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 10-13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14.

The box office for Dakota Stage productions opens 10 days prior to each production.

Box office hours are noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Those interested also can call 258-4998 or e-mail ticket requests to dakstage@;bisman.com.

n The Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus will present "Let There Be Light" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

The Christmas program includes old and new carols. It also explores light and features "Lux Aurumque" by American composer Eric Whitacre. Tickets are $12 general admission, students and seniors are $8. Group rates are available by calling 400-7774. Tickets available from chorus members, Eckroth Music, Herbergers and Latitudes.

n The 13th annual Christmas in the Park at Sertoma Park opens Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 31. It will be open nightly from 6 to 10. It features five new displays. Admission is $5 per car. Proceeds benefit Sertoma Park, Speech and Hearing and other local charities.

n Lorie Line brings her annual Christmas show to the Bismarck Civic Center on Dec. 19.

This year's show is called "Christmas Around the World." The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36 and are available at the Civic Center box office. No children under 5 years old will be admitted.

n The next Metropolitan Opera Live in HD will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 20 at the Grand Theatres. The production "Thais" stars Renee Fleming as an Egyptian courtesan in search of spiritual sustenance.

n The Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase will be Dec. 6-7 at the Civic Center Exhibit Hall. The showcase offers products by North Dakota producers and businesses. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Admission is $2 and free for children 12 and younger.

n The BAGA Cookie Walk will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at BAGA, 422 E. Front Ave. Free admission. For information, call 223-5986.

n The Northern Plains Ballet will present the "Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Belle Mehus Auditorium. Tickets are available at Northern Plains Ballet and general admission tickets are available at Dan's Supermarkets.

n A Custer Christmas will be at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park on Dec. 13-14. Events will be between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Purchase passes at the park. Prices are $6 for adults, $4 for students or $5 per car.

n The Central Dakota Children's Choir will perform Dec. 19-20 at the Belle Mehus Auditorium. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. both days. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and senior citizens and 5 and younger are free. Tickets are available at Eckroth Music and Herbergers.

n The Blenders will perform Dec. 21-22 at Belle Mehus Auditorium. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. both days. Tickets are available at the Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association, Herbergers and Dan's Supermarkets in Bismarck.

n The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony's New Year's Eve Family Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Belle Mehus Auditorium. Tickets are available at the symphony office in the War Memorial Building, 215 N. Sixth St., or by calling 258-8345.

n Medora's 13th Annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas will be Dec. 5-6. There will be a dance, music, hay wagon rides, a quilt show, cowboy poetry and other entertainment. For more information, call the Medora Chamber of Commerce at 701-623-4829 or visit www.medorand.com.