A&E priority list include Dave Chappelle, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ more

The holidays and looming but that doesn't mean that every arts group or performer is going into holiday hibernation. Here are some options if you want to do something besides last-minute shopping this week.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”/“Elf”

You’ve probably seen both of these great holiday films multiple—if not dozens—of times. But the experience is even better seeing either or both of them downtown, communally, knowing that afterward it’s a short, brisk walk to Monument Circle. And while there’s no narwhal at the zoo to say hello to, you can shout “Merry Christmas” to the Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Statehouse as you run by.

“It's a Wonderful Life,” Dec. 18 Imax at Indiana State Museum Details here.

“Elf,” Dec. 20-21 at the Indiana Historical Society Details here.

Dave Chappelle

Can it possibly be more than 10 years since the launch of the classic sketch comedy series “Chappelle’s Show”? After famously walking off that popular show, Dave Chapelle traveled to Africa, fought Comedy Central about airing unfinished episodes, set a record at L.A.’s Laugh Factory by performing comedy for more than six hours, and has appeared sporadically in clubs around the country. Want to get another perspective on the ground-breaking comic? Hear him chat with Maya Angelou here. 

Dec. 22 at the Egyptian Room at Old National Center Details here.

“Into the Woods”

The long-awaited movie version of the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical hits the big screen largely intact. Sure, there are some trims—and I won’t spoil them for you here. But suffice it to say that the fairy tale mash-up maintains most of its darker edge. This is, after all, a musical about what happens when you think you’ve gotten everything you wished for. Standouts include Emily Blunt and James Cordon as a childless, baking couple whose desire for a kid leads to a swirling plot involving Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Cinderella, Rapunzel and more. For my thoughts on the most recent large-scale production of the show, in 2013 courtesy of Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, click here. 

Opening Dec. 25 Area theaters Details here.

Also

“The Spilling Bee,”in which contestants vie to be top speller while drinking, returns to the White Rabbit Cabaret Dec. 23.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s “Winter Solstice” celebration Dec. 18 features carolers, ice sculpting, craft projects and more.

Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street includes historic home tours and dining Dec. 18.

The Indianapolis School of Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 19-22 at Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Blair Clarksings holiday classics at the Warehouse Dec. 19.

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir offers a Festival of Carols Dec. 20-21 at the Palladium.

Vintage Movie Night in Garfield Park Dec. 20 features “The Great Rupert” starring Jimmy Durante.

David Koechner("Champ Kind” for the “Anchorman” movies), headlines at Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple Dec. 18-20.