FRIDAY, DEC. 20 12013 >>>

1. So the tree and the fairy lights are up, you have enough booze and unhealthy snacks to sink the Titanic, and your television is about to explode in a flurry of consumerism and romantic schmaltz. But there's something missing. That's right, folks: it just wouldn't be a happy holiday without some singing about God. And for that, there's no beating Handel's "Messiah," a piece for choir, orchestra and soloists that has delighted audiences worldwide for more than 270 years. As 18th-century music historian Charles Burney once said, "Messiah" has fed the hungry and clothed the naked, fostered the orphan, and enriched succeeding managers of Oratories more than any single musical production in this or any other country." We're not totally sure what that means, so check it out at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Charles Borromeo Church when the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra presents its version with soprano Maria Mannisto, mezzo-soprano Melissa Schiel, tenor Eric Neuville and baritone Peter Tuff.

2. Where The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol and other traditional holiday shows have a plot, The Alternative Holiday Show does not. It's not a play, but instead a variety show with multiple acts determined to keep you giggling. Acts range from musical numbers to skits and even to poetry readings. Still, the acts are not random. There is a clear message that ties them all together. The Alternative Holiday Show seeks to poke a little bit of fun at the current state of our highly commercialized and a bit crazy holiday season. But don't count on finding any anti-Christmas scrooges here. The show is all in good fun. Catch it at 7:30 p.m. in the Midnight Sun Performance Space in downtown Olympia.

3. Danny Barnes and Matt Sircely, friends for more than a decade, reside on the Olympic Peninsula. When Barnes and Sircely play together, they swap original songs and showcase their love of many music forms - both roots-oriented and forward-thinking. Poetic songwriting framed with guitar, banjo and mandolin traverses the unexpected, conjuring great traditions in American music right before launching into something that's never been heard. Catch the duo with the Oly Mountain Boys at 8 p.m. in Southbay Dickerson's BBQ's Pig Bar.

4. Brad Upton in a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and appeared recently at Caesar's Palace as part of the HBO Comedy Festival. Twenty-six years and 5,000 shows have made this Seattle based comic a much sought after performer and earned the respect of his peers. At 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tacoma Comedy Club celebrates Upton's new CD.

5. Metcalf Manor is a bed and breakfast on more than 6 acres of property located five minutes from downtown Olympia and downtown Lacey. There is a huge backyard with a fire pit and spa, but much of the property is wooded and there is a network of nature trails running through the woods. Quite lovely. Tonight at 9 p.m. No Body, Full Moon Radio, The Celestials and Trash Heap will turn the Manor into a rock and breakfast.

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Friday, Dec. 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area