By Jennifer Russo

Whether you want to create that magical date night, find something to do with some buddies or are flying solo and trying to kill some time in a festive way, Central Massachusetts offers plenty to get you into the holiday ~ or at least, winter ~ spirit.

If you love musical/stage performances, there is no better place to be than Worcester in December. Radio station 104.5 WXLO hosts its annual Acoustic Christmas at Mechanics Hall on Dec. 10, featuring Daughtry as a headlining act. This show always sells out, so get your tix quickly or try to win them by listening to the station. Also at Mechanics Hall, the Worcester Chorus will perform Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 7.

The Hanover Theatre will feature a lineup of holiday-centered performances in December, including Cirque Dreams Holidaze, The Nutcracker, Diane Kelley’s Holiday Spectacular, The Boston Holiday Pops Concert, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn and the classic A Christmas Carol.

On Dec. 14, The DCU Center hosts its Winter Wonderland Ball, a night of dinner and dancing to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. There will also be a silent auction and entertainment. Also on Dec. 14, Higgins Armory Museum will host its fourth annual Gingerbread House Competition.

Have someone who appreciates art on your holiday gift-giving list? Check out the stART at the Station event at Union Station on Dec. 8, where 100-plus artists will show off and sell their masterpieces.

Looking for a great day out with the crew? Head over to Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford or drive north a bit to Amesbury Sports Park for a fun-filled day of snowboarding or snow-tubing. If you’ve never tried this, it’s a blast, and there are usually group discounts available. There are plenty of ski opportunities in the area, as well, and hanging out afterwards near a fireplace is a great way to catch up with friends. If you’d rather stay indoors, check out Dick’s Comedy Escape on Park Avenue for a drink and a laugh. December’s lineup includes funny men Brad Mastrangelo, Mike McCarthy and Danny Kelly.

Looking for the perfect date night that is affordable and festive? Take a stroll through the Worcester Common on Dec. 6, when the city has its yearly Festival of Lights, featuring live choral performances, a visit from Santa himself, the lighting of the tree and the opening of the skating rink. If you’d like to work a little more romance in, take your dream date to Old Sturbridge Village and go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride while sipping hot cider and cuddling up close. Follow this with a romantic dinner at Nuovo or Bocado, where you can finish off the night with a delicious dessert and cup of whiskey or amaretto-laced coffee, sure to take that chill right out of your bones.

Looking for something more original to do? You could try something completely unique and visit the New Street Glass Studio on Dec. 16, where for $70, you can have a course on creating your own glass ornament. How about hosting an ugly holiday sweater party with a prize for the most hideous or outrageous? Why not head down to Brew City and organize a winter ale- or stout-tasting?

If you really want a low-key night, you could always check out one of the holiday movies playing, like Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas, or sit at home and watch a classic one, like A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation, in your PJs over a cup of Swiss Miss (with marshmallows, of course).

Whether you love or hate the cold weather, there is a winter event for everyone around here. Happy Holidays!