It’s another exciting week of things to do on Maui!

We hope all of you are gearing up and getting your Christmas cards out the door. There’s still time, but don’t wait too much longer to send that letter of love and spread the joy of the holidays to the ones you love.

And if you need some help getting into the spirit of the holidays, then keep reading and learn about these fun events happening on Maui this coming weekend and into next week. Check out “The Nutcracker” at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center or attend the Festival of Lights at the Maui Ocean Center.

Let us know what events you plan on checking out, and if you have an event you’d like to see featured in our weekly top events feature, send us an email at mmoseley@mauinews.com or give us a call at (808) 242-6363.

Have a beautiful weekend Maui News readers and a hui hou!

Swing to Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (Thursday, Dec. 12; 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Paia): The multi-platinum swing artists Cherry Poppin’ Daddies will be bringing their zoot suit music to the Paia Bay Coffee Bar at 120 Hana Highway from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday. For tickets and more information, go to Eventbrite.com at eventbrite.com/e/cherry-poppin-daddies-live-in-maui-tickets-923414396317?aff=ebdssbdestsear.

Holiday Bash at University of Hawaii – Maui (Friday, Dec. 13; 4:30 p.m, Kahului): UH Maui College will host a Holiday Bash & Electric Light Parade on Friday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the Kahului campus’s Great Lawn and Pā’ina Building dining area. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Visit maui.hawaii.edu/holiday-bash for more information.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some) (Friday, Dec. 13- Sunday, Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m., Kihei): Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ holiday classic again, three actors decided to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Ticket prices vary. Head to proartsmaui.org for more information. Weekend matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Hali’imaile Holidays (Friday, Dec. 13; 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Hali’imaile): Head Upcountry for a free, family-friendly event in Hali’imaile Town on Friday. There will be holiday performances by renowned local artists Marja Lehua, Hammah House Band, and Malino. Parking will be available on the makai side of Hali’imaile Road There will be live glass blowing and Christmas tree display with handmade ornaments for sale and more.

Maui Ocean Center Festival of Lights (Saturday, Dec.14; 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Wailuku): Enjoy the Maui Ocean Center’s inaugural Festival of Lights, held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 21. There will be live music, food and drinks and ocean-themed light installations featuring coral, sea turtles, whales, sea jellies and so much more. Admission is $25 per adult and $15 for children ages 4-12 (annual members are free). Tickets can be purchased at mauioceancenter.com.

Alexander Academy presents “The Nutcracker” (Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15; 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., Kahului): Alexander Academy Performing Company will be visiting the Maui Arts & Cultural Center this weekend to present the holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.” This full-length ballet features music by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, with supervision by artistic directors Absalon Figueroa and Amelia Nelson. Costumes by Jennifer Oberg and her Sewing Hui and Alexander Academy. Cost varies from $30-$65. Tickets sold online only. Visit mauiarts.org for more information. Evening show on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. and an evening show at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Sunset Jazz Series at the Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory (Sunday, Dec. 15; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., West Maui): Jazz singer Sheryl Renee performs in a quartet with Paul January on keyboards and trumpet, Ashton Yarbrough on bass, and Howie Rentzer on drums, as part of the Sunday Sunset Jazz Series at the Maui Ku’ai Estate Chocolate Factory’s open air pavilion at 78 Ulupono Street in Lahaina. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit music education workshops in Maui schools. For tickets, go to jazzmaui.org.

Holiday Marketplace and Tree Lighting Ceremony (Monday, Dec. 16; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Wailea): Get in the holiday spirit and kick off the season with the magical Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Grand Wailea at 6 p.m. Monday featuring live entertainment and opening remarks that will commence the countdown of the official lighting around 7 p.m. Head to grandwailea.com for more information.

Santa Claus Story Time & Maui Bookmobile (Tuesday,, Dec. 17; 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Lahaina): Santa Claus will be spreading joy through an enchanting 30-minute story session, sharing beloved holiday tales, and taking photos with keiki and their families. The story time is recommended for children ages 3 to 6, but all ages are welcome to this free family-friendly event. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. For more information, call the Maui Bookmobile at 808-757-0768.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” (Wednesday, Dec. 18; 7 p.m., Kihei): Head on down to the Regency Theaters in Kihei on Wednesday for a showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Admission is $9.50 a person. Learn more at regencymovies.com/movie/its-a-wonderful-life.