CONCERT: DEC. 15

Two local favorites — the "Portuguese Prince of Hawaiian comedy" Frank DeLima and the "Sweet & Lovely" Raiatea Helm — team up for a night of local laughs and local tunes. Expect over-the-top local kind/any kine jokes from DeLima; and a gentle serenade, with 'ukulele, from the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning Helm.

Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner and show at 7 / Pagoda Hotel, C'est Si Bon Ballroom / $45 adults, $20 children ages 5-10 / 948-8370

HOLIDAYS: DEC. 15-17

Celebrate the holidays with inspirational songs, marionettes, hula and even tap dancing at "A Merry Christmas With Friends & Nabors," starring Jim Nabors. Joining in the festivities are Jimmy Borges, Emma Veary, Karen Keawehawai'i, the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars, The Hawai'i Theatre Orchestra and more.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 / Hawai'i Theatre / $25-$75 plus $2 restoration fee / 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com

HOLIDAYS: DEC. 16-17

"Breakfast with Santa" is an annual kiddie fest that features cartoon characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Mickey Mouse, Tweety as a fundraiser for Prevent Child Abuse. The event, now in its 20th year, also includes photos with Santa, magic, clowns and games and crafts.

8:30-10:30 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. Dec. 16-17 / Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, Manoa Grand Ballroom / $20 donation includes meal, free for children under 2 / 440-4613

CONCERT: DEC. 17

Guitar virtuoso/singer/songwriter Willie K hits three islands on his Willie Kalikimaka Island Tour. Holiday tunes and old favorites are in store from the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano winner (and half of the Barefoot Natives duo; the other half is Eric Gilliom).

7 p.m. Dec. 17 / Paliku Theatre, Kane'ohe / $30 adults, $25 children, seniors and students / 235-7310, www.etickethawaii.com

Also: Willie performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Kahilu Theatre, Kamuela; $20, $28 and $38. (808) 885-6868

And: 7 p.m. Dec. 19 Kaua'i Community College; $25, $30 and $35. (808) 870-5766

STAGE: DEC. 20-31

Canadian reviewers raved about "Heartbeat," a theatrical explosion of martial arts, drums and dance depicting the dynasties of China. The production, boasting a cast of 60, more than 400 lavish costumes and a multitude of sets, makes its United States debut with a dozen performances.

7:30 p.m. Wednesdays (2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27), 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays (except Dec. 29), 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 20-31/ Blaisdell Concert Hall / $19-$49 ($5 discount for children and groups) / (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

CONCERTS: DEC. 21-23

The true aloha spirit resides in "A Cazimero Christmas," featuring The Brothers Cazimero (Roland and Robert), the ever-popular duo of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Also celebrating the season: The duo's longtime hula pal Leina'ala Heine, the Royal Dance Company, Halau Na Kamalei, The Honolulu Boy Choir and the Miss and Master Keiki Hula from the Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Festival.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-23 / Hawai'i Theatre / $28-$73 plus $2 restoration fee / 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com

CONCERT: DEC. 29

The Honolulu Symphony once again showcases the grand Ninth Symphony of Beethoven, which celebrates the potential of humankind, to usher in the new year. The orchestra is joined by soprano Lea Woods Friedman, mezzo-soprano Georgine Stark, tenor Erik Haines and bass Leslie "Buzz" Tennent; and the 120-voice Honolulu Symphony Chorus. Also on the program: Verdi's "Hymn of the Nations (Inno delle nazioni)." JoAnn Falletta conducts.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $28-$78; discounts for seniors, students and military / 792-2000, www.honolulusymphony.com

COMEDY: DEC. 29

You just saw him guest star on the "Everybody Hates Chris" Thanksgiving episode. Now see comedian/actor/singer Wayne Brady, live at the Sheraton Waikiki. Known for his skits on "The Wayne Brady Show" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Brady has most recently starred as the host of Fox TV's "Celebrity Duets."

7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 / Sheraton Waikiki hotel, Hawaii Ballroom / $55 / (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

Also: Brady performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, $35, $45 and $55. (808) 242-7469, www.mauiarts.org

CELEBRATION: DEC. 31

It's not just a concert, its a ball! — a Thunder Ball, that is, with the theme of "Presented in 3-G: Gourmet, Glitz and Glamour." Count down to the New Year with host Andy Bumatai and entertainment by Rock Hard Hawaii, 24/7 DanceForce, DJs, Tihati's Casino Games, prizes, exotic sports cars, food and more. For 21 and older; tuxedos, a la James Bond, encouraged.

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 / Blaisdell Exhibition Hall / $145 plus applicable service charges / (877) 750-4400, 591-2211

CELEBRATION: DEC. 31

Those high-energy hitmakers The Pointer Sisters will ring in the new year with a concert at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Among the trio's biggest tunes are "Jump (For My Love)," "I'm So Excited," "He's So Shy" and "Slow Hand." Ticket sales begin Dec. 19 at the hotel's main lobby. Party favors, a half-bottle of sparkling wine and one standard cocktail are included.

Doors open at 9 p.m. Dec. 31; pre-show entertainment at 9 p.m., Pointer Sisters at 10:30 p.m. / Coral Ballroom / $90 general, $120 silver, $170 gold, $200 platinum seating / 947-7877, www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/events

CONCERT: JAN. 6

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt will give you "Something to Talk About" as she stops in Hawai'i on her 2006 "Souls Alike" tour, named after her current CD. The veteran rhythm-and-blues singer/guitarist, known for "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Love Sneakin' Up On You," was last here in January 2004.

7 p.m. Jan. 6 / Waikiki Shell / $27.50, $45 and $55 / (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

Also: 7 p.m. Jan. 7, Maui Arts & Cultural Center's A&B Amphitheater, $35, $45 and $55. (808) 242-7469, www.mauiarts.org

CONCERT: JAN 6

New age, contemporary adult, gospel? Yes, he's even won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association. Whatever his musical genre, composer/romance balladeer Jim Brickman sure sells a lot of records, and he's stopping in Honolulu as part of his "Escape" tour, named after his current CD. Joining Brickman on stage are acoustic violinist David Klinkenberg and vocalist Jake Simpson.

8 p.m. Jan. 6 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $20, $40, $50 / (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com