CERCA CALENDAR

"Two-steppin' round the Christmas tree" is not just a song but the attitude prevailing during December in Cerca Country. Pick your own yuletide pleasure from our list.

Through Dec. 29, Ely: Board steam locomotive 93 for the North Pole to visit with Santa Claus and his elves. On the way, there will be a reading of the children's classic "The Polar Express" by Chris Allsburg. Santa will give a silver bell to every believer; even skeptics get cookies and hot chocolate. (866) 407-8326, www.nevadanorthernrailway.com.

Through Jan. 9, Williams, Ariz.: Listen to "The Polar Express," while taking a magical journey to the North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer will greet passengers. Hot chocolate, cookies and silver bells for children. (800) 843-8724, www.thetrain.com.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 23, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Holiday Skies Program. Evening presentation involving mythology and science of the winter sky, including discussion on the Star of Bethlehem. Lowell Observatory, (928) 233-3210, www.lowell.edu.

Wednesday through Saturday, St. George, Utah: Dickens' Christmas Festival. Relive 19th century England while strolling village streets filled with Dickens' characters, carolers, fortune tellers, shops and vendors. (877) 856-6366. www.dixiecenter.com.

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23, Ivins, Utah: Tuacahn's Festival of Lights. A live Nativity, holiday music, Old Salty train rides and stunning light show. Santa Claus. Closed Dec. 4 for Tuacahn Christmas Concert. Tuacahn Center for the Arts, (435) 652-3300, www.tuacahn.org.

Thursdays through Christmas, Chloride, Ariz.: Christmas in Chloride. Every Thursday until Christmas, this charming, tiny town keeps shops and restaurants open until 8 p.m. (928) 565-2204, www.kingmantourism.com.

Saturday, Prescott, Ariz.: Frontier Christmas Open House. Costumed revelers, storytelling and period entertainment featuring carolers. Hot cider and cookies. Sharlot Hall Museum, (928) 445-3122, www.sharlot.org.

Saturday through Dec. 7 and Dec. 11-14, Cedar City, Utah: American Children's Christmas Festival. An event to bring out the child in all of us features Santaland, the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Cavalcade Parade. (435) 865-2882. www. scenicsouthernutah.com.

Saturday through Dec. 20, Virginia City: Christmas on the Comstock. Celebration features the annual Christmas Parade of Lights, Comstock Cowboys "Christmas in the Sierra" concert, gingerbread contest and auction, and excursions on the famed Virginia & Truckee Railroad. (775) 847-4386. www.virginiacity-nv.org.

Friday and Saturday, Lake Havasu, Ariz.: Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. More than 50 decorated boats will parade under the London Bridge and tour the lake. Lake Havasu State Park. (928) 855-2784. www.pr.state.az.us.

Friday and Saturday, Wickenburg, Ariz.: Cowboy Christmas Poets Gathering. Cowboy poets, singers and musicians celebrate the Old West at various venues around town. Featured poet is Baxter Black. (800) 942-5242. www.wickenburgchamber.com.

Dec. 7, Cedar City, Utah: Christmas at the Homestead. This evening program features candle dipping, paper-chain making, popcorn stringing, carolers and a visit to Santa Claus. Iron Mission State Park. (435) 586-9290. www.scenicsouthernutah.com.

Dec. 11-12, Zion National Park, Utah: Winter photography. Join Michael Plyler, photographer and field institute director, for a two-day workshop. Learn about composition, depth of field and camera equipment. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Dec. 12, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Geminid Meteor Shower. Evening event features a presentation on meteor showers such as the upcoming Geminids. Telescope viewing of various celestial objects. Lowell Observatory. (928) 233-3210. www.lowell.edu.

Dec. 12, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Christmas Party at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Tour the mansion at its best, decorated in turn-of-the-century style wreaths, garlands and greenery. Christmas crafts and handbell choir. (928) 779-4395, www.pr.state.az.us.

Dec. 12, Reno: "A Christmas Carol." The Dickens classic is presented by the Nevada Shakespeare Company and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Laxalt Theatre. (800) 747-4697, www.laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Dec. 12-13, Clarkdale, Ariz.: Historic building tour and luncheon in town founded in 1912 by mining king Williams Andrews Clark, who also founded Las Vegas. Reservations required. (928) 649-1198 or e-mail clarkdale heritage@gmail.com.

Dec. 18 and 20, Crystal Bay: "A Christmas Carol." The Dickens classic is presented by the Nevada Shakespeare Company and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Cal Neva Resort and Spa. (800) 747-4697, www. laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Dec. 26-30, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Holiday Star Fest. Numerous telescopes will be set up around the Lowell Observatory campus for visitors to view the winter sky. (928) 233-3210, www.lowell.edu.

Dec. 31, Brian Head, Utah: Fireworks and torchlight parade. This New Year's celebration features skiers making their way down the slopes carrying torches. Fireworks and party follow. Brian Head Resort. (435) 677-2035. www. scenicsouthernutah.com.