Thursday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 20

The 2014 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship brings big competition to the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 20. The NCAA Big 12 Conference and Oklahoma City All Sports Association host the tournament to decide the best teams of women’s college volleyball. Matches are set to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday between the University of Texas and Brigham Young University and between Pennsylvania State University and Stanford University. The winning teams will then meet for the final at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. On Friday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m., the top high school volleyball players in the U.S. unite for the 2014 Under Armour All-America High School Volleyball Match, also at the arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., in Oklahoma City. For tickets and other information, go online to www.chesapeakearena.com.

Thursday, Dec. 18, and Friday, Dec. 19

Stand-up comic Dave Chappelle is set to deliver three big shows in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The mastermind of Comedy Central’s hit Chappelle Show says he’s back after a self-imposed exile from show business to focus on family. He will take the stage on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Rose State Performing Arts Center, 6000 Trosper Road, in Midwest City. Then, on Friday, Dec. 19, he’ll do two shows at Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady St., in Tulsa at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the Midwest City show are $65, available at www.myticketoffice.com. Tickets for his performances at the Brady Theater are $52.50 at www.bradytheater.com.

Saturday, Dec. 20

The Black Keys are back in Tulsa to rock the BOK Center all over again. The driving rock duo behind the hits “Fever” and “Gold on the Ceiling” bring their world tour to town for a show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Alt-rocker and Tulsa native St. Vincent is the the night’s special guest at the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. Concert tickets are $35-$69.50, available at www.bokcenter.com.

Friday, Dec. 19

The Tulsa Oratorio Chorus brings together two works for the holidays in a single evening of joy. A Ceremony of Carols and Gregorian Chant with Jazz will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave., in Tulsa. First performing the Benjamin Britten holiday favorite A Ceremony of Carols, the chorus presents this masterwork accompanied by a single harp. The men of the chorus will then be featured in a series of Gregorian chants, also accompanied by harp and some improvisation. Tickets are $5-$20. For more information and tickets, go to www.myticketoffice.com.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Hip-hop country artist Cowboy Troy returns to Tulsa with a new show on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Osage Casino’s Osage Event Center, 951 W. 36th St. North. Cowboy Troy is best known for his chart-topping country single “I Play Chicken with the Train.” He’s also been featured on ABC’s televised dance competition Dancing With the Stars. Joined by Nashville club act DJ Sinister, Cowboy Troy will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at www.osagecasinos.com.

Opens Thursday, Dec. 11

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Tulsa without American Theatre Company’s A Christmas Carol, an original musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ tale of the same name. A Christmas Carol opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the John H. Williams Theatre at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St., Tulsa. In its 38th year, the musical features a large cast of all ages to bring to life the story of cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, a hardened soul, who must reconnect to humanity before it’s too late for him. A long-standing family tradition in Tulsa, the production continues through this weekend and into Dec. 23. Tickets are $20-$32 for general admission, available at www.myticketoffice.com.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Rock the holidays with the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino, 777 W. Cherokee St., in Catoosa. The founder of 1980s rock band and rockabilly throwback The Stray Cats brings his 18-piece orchestra to do the “Jingle Bell Rock” and other fun holiday favorites at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Tickets are $45-$65, available at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Thursday, Dec. 11-Friday, Dec. 12

Creativity factors into the Hardesty Arts Center’s inaugural AHHA Holiday Festival + Market, Thursday, Dec. 11-Friday, Dec. 12. The Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa offers the two-day event that includes a market of local art as well as “pop-up” art classes for all ages. The holiday market will be 1-8 p.m. each day, but classes in canvas ornament making and painting activities are scheduled for 3:30-7:30 p.m. each day. Also check out the works of local artists for sale at the arts center. Admission to the market is free, but go to www.ahhatulsa.org to check on fees for class participation and other scheduling.

Saturday, Dec. 13

The one-and-only holiday parade in downtown Tulsa returns with a new name favoring a T-Town tradition. The Tulsa Christmas Parade takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The name may have changed, but the nonprofit parade still features favorite attractions, including giant balloons, battery-packed marching bands and glowing floats. Plus, Santa Claus is the man to see, and he’ll be the night’s highlight. Visit www.tulsachristmasparade.org for parade maps and other information.