Even if political headlines are causing some grumbling, 'tis the season to leave the "bah humbugs" to Ebenezer Scrooge. We've got a new cold-hearted miser taking the stage in Alley Theatre's annual production of A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas. Interim Artistic Director James Black does double-duty as Scrooge while also directing the classic story about redemption and the spirit of the holidays. Jay Sullivan returns as the optimistic nephew Fred, as does Melissa Pritchett as the Spirit of Christmas Past, David Rainey as the Spirit of Christmas Present, Paul Hope as Fezziwig and Chris Hutchison as the overworked Bob Cratchit. The Alley first premiered this production in 1990 and recent performances have amped up the spooky, scary quotient. Still, it's appropriate for children as young as six, making this an excellent school field trip during the matinees.
7:30 p.m. November 16, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. November 17 and 18. Performances continue November 16-December 30, Alley Theatre, 615 Texas, 713-220-5700, alleytheatre.org, $37 to $85.

Don't miss this King of Pop tribute act when Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts I AM KING – The Michael Jackson Experience this Friday night.
Photo courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre
8:30 p.m. November 16, Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, 281-373-3386, milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/1176, free.

WHAM is more than an English musical duo from the '80s. Here in Houston, the Winter Holiday Art Market (WHAM) champions local artists and creative entrepreneurs to succeed in the business of art.
Photo by Getty Images
6-10 p.m. November 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. November 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. November 18, Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter, 713-868-1839, winterholidayartmarket.com, free to $20.

Get ready to conquer or be conquered at The Great Inflatable Race with Volcano Escape, Castle of Doom, Train Wreck, The River and Big Baller.
Photo courtesy of The Great Inflatable Race
9 a.m. November 17, Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, thegreatinflatablerace.com/houston, $34.99 to $90.

More than 150 artists are participating in ARTCRAWLhouston2018. Check the website for supplemental events, including a bike scramble that kicks off at FotoFest International.
Photo by Marco Torres
10 a.m.-9 p.m. November 17, Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut (additional locations are on map below), 713-229-9760, artcrawlhouston.com, free.