Krampus, the 'Nutcracker' and Chanukah: 7 events this week

Krampus, the mythological figure that punishes the naughty, will be making a stop in Albuquerque this weekend, making coal in your stocking seem not so bad. On the nice list this year? Check out one of these other events.

Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com.

A magical ‘Nutcracker’

“NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” is coming to Kiva Auditorium at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The performance combines classical ballet with avant-garde circus techniques and puppetry. Tickets start at $51.95 at nutcracker.com. Kiva Auditorium is located at 401 Second St. NW.

He also sees you when you’re sleeping

Haunted Scarecrow is scaring up some holiday spirit with "Kramus Below." The two weekend event — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 — immerses participants in the Krampus story twisting “seasonal cheer into icy fear.” Tickets are $21.60 at hauntedhousenewmexico.com. The 505 Central Food Hall is located at 505 Central Ave. NW.

Hallelujah!

Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico, in collaboration with youth choruses from Tijeras, Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, will perform the 10th annual “A Children’s Messiah” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The morning will begin at 8 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa. Admission is free with two nonperishable food items for the Cathedral of St. John’s food pantry. Audience members are invited to wear Handelian-style wigs, bring pillows and don holiday attire. The Cathedral of St. John is located at 318 Silver Ave. SW.

Chanukah Night Glow

Chabad of New Mexico will be lighting up the night with a hot air balloon menorah at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Yaakov Rosenblum will perform in concert. Admission is free. To reserve a spot, visit menorahglow.com.

‘Mid-century Modern and More’

Pianist Judith Gordon and friends will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, as part of the Placitas Artists Series. A 2 p.m. preconcert talk and visual artists' reception will precede the concert. The program, “Mid-century Modern and More,” will feature works by Germaine Tailleferre, Aaron Copland and more. Tickets are $30 at placitasartistsseries.org. Las Placitas Presbyterian Church is located at 7 Paseo de San Antonio in Placitas.

Checking it twice

The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus’ holiday program, “Naughty or Nice? Checking It Twice,” is coming to the Hiland Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickers start at $20 at nmgmc.org. The Hiland Theater is located at 4800 Central Ave. SE.

On a quest

The National Institute of Flamenco is bringing "La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings' Quest" to the University of New Mexico's Rodey Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The performance features Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, along with special guests and student performers as they tell the story of The Three Kings. Tickets start at $44.50 at unmtickets.evenue.net. Rodey Theatre is located on the UNM campus.