Lehigh Valley theater groups are "keeping Christmas well," to paraphrase from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," with traditional, off-beat and holiday shows representing the spirit of the season. Yes, Christmas is alive and well at area theaters once again as Christmas lights up the stage.

Here's an overview of offerings to help make your season bright.

"A Christmas Carol," 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 14, 15, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. CivicTheatre.com, 610-432-8943

"A Christmas Carol," 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 22, Crowded Kitchen Players, McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown. ckplayers@ rcn.com, ckplayers.com, 610-395-7176

"A Christmas Carol: The Musical," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Nebraska Theatre Caravan, State Theatre for the Arts, 453 Northampton St., Easton, statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132

"Almost, Maine," 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21; 3 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 22, The Pennsylvania Playhouse, Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem. paplayhouse. org, 610-865-6665

"Anne of Green Gables," 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, Players of the Stage, Living Hope Church building, 330 Schantz Road, Lower Macungie Township. Free, or with donation. Benefits Allentown Rescue Mission. Reservation required. potstickets@gmail.com, 610-310-7604

"Christmas 1954," 12:15 p.m., lunch; 1:30 p.m., show, Dec. 5 - 7, 12 - 15, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. artsquest.org, 610-332-3378.

"Christmas City Follies XIV," Dec. 5 - 22: 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 321 E. Fourth St, Bethlehem. touchstone.org, 610-867-1689

"Shrek the Musical," through Dec. 15: 7 p.m. Fridays, 1, 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Charles A. Brown Ice House, Sand Island, Bethlehem. 123pyt.org, 610-332-1400

"The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge," Dec. 4 - 15: 8 p.m. Wednesdays - Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Dec. 7; 9:45 a.m. Dec. 10; talk back with the director, cast after 2 p.m. Dec. 8 performance, Main Stage theater, Act 1 DeSales University Theatre, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley. 610-282-3654

"Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland," through Dec. 29, The Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N. 17th St., Allentown. 610-433-2333

Deadline for Lehigh Valley Stage is 10 days prior to the Wednesday publication date. Email: Paul Willistein at: pwillistein@ tnonline.com