Holiday Picks: 3 Philly classics and a night of choral jams

What to get your holiday fix this weekend? Here's are four shows to hit up.

PA Ballet 'Nutcracker'

It's not Christmas in Philly without Tchaikovsky's glorious music, George Balanchine's amazing choreography — and an opulent Pennsylvania Ballet production to thrill even the most jaded. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sunday, and through Dec. 31, $30-$135, 215-893-1999.

Philadelphia Orchestra 'Messiah'

In a first, Yannick Nezet-Seguin leads the orchestra in the beloved Handel classic, showcasing five outstanding soloists and the Philadelphia Voices choir. Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $40-$147, 215-893-1999.

Philadanco 'X-mas Philes'

Danny Ezralow's bold variation on the Christmas show has been a signature for Philadelphia's great modern dance company for years, and is not to be missed. Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $29-$46, 215-893-1999.

'A Feast Of Carols'

The Mendelssohn Club Chorus performs "Jesu Carols" and seasonal spirituals and carols — including African-American, Caribbean and Celtic tunes. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., 5 p.m. Saturday, $32-$42, 215-735-9922.