Lean Ensemble Theater takes another giant step in its boldest season yet with a new production of the acclaimed “Every Brilliant Thing,“ written by Doug Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe. 

Directed by Maegan Azar, the one-man show stars Lean Ensemble member Matt Mundy. 

DEC. 7

BLUFFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Watch holiday floats roll through Old Town during the annual Bluffton Christmas Parade. Rain or shine. Free. 10 a.m.. Check website for parade route through historic Bluffton. www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.

CHORAL SOCIETY FOSTERS LOVE AND JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

On a recent weekend, with just a few rehearsals left to go before their big holiday concert, members of the Hilton Head Choral Society are hard at work.

As they practice in the sun-drenched dining room at the Country Club of Hilton Head, their attention seems to shift from Tim Reynolds, their longtime artistic director, to their sheet music. Paying close attention to the sheet music is critical: they’ve marked up every page in pencil to make sure they give Reynolds exactly what he wants from each alto, tenor, soprano, and bass when singing a particular bar of music.

ALAN JORDAN WILL LEAD THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Northerners often move to Hilton Head Island seeking a slower pace and a step back from life in an urban center. Alan Jordan, who will leave the Delaware Symphony Orchestra at the end of the year to lead the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, has a different perspective.

“This is a step up for me,” he said. 

A good book makes a great holiday present, and a book by a local author is even better. Give someone you love the gift of learning about the Lowcountry this holiday season.

“Godspell” — the popular musical that debuted on Broadway in 1971 — takes the stage Nov. 13-24 at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theatre.

Presented by Main Street Youth Theatre, the musical is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, detailing the last days in the life of Jesus Christ and including dramatized versions of several well-known parables. 

Hilton Head Dance Theatre will present the classic holiday story of “The Nutcracker” from Nov. 15-24 at the Seahawk Cultural Center. 

Sophia Nimmer, Jamal Edwards, Brittany Hanna and Samuel Chester will dance the Grande Pas de Deux. Mackenzie Starnes and Brittany Hanna will share the role of the Snow Queen, while Anna Pellicci and Sophia Nimmer will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The role of party host goes to Danny Tidwell, the runner-up on the third season of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

PUT DOWN THE FORK: HERE ARE THINGS TO DO ON THANKSGIVING BESIDES EAT

Sure, you could treat this like any other Thanksgiving, stuffing yourself with … well, stuffing and watching some of the worst football of the season. Or you could make this a holiday to remember. Ready to get away from your family’s misguided political opinions and have some fun? Here are two ways to fill your time without filling your mouth.

NOV. 11

THE MARY GREEN CHORALE: “Salute to Veterans”: The chorale will present pieces for mixed chorus, men’s and women’s voices, with engaging commentary throughout the evening. $25. 7:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island. www.marygreenchorale.org.