“The Great Mystery and Wonder of Christmas” will run 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Luke’s church, 515 S. 312th St. The concert will be sung almost entirely a cappella (voices only). First half of the concert will consist of great 20th century choral masterworks. The second half will be lighter fare consisting of carols and octavos with a Christmas theme such as “Christmas Day” (Choral Fantasy on Old Carols) by Gustov Holtz and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” arranged by Robert Sterling. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 student/senior, children 12 years and under are admitted free. Tickets are available by calling (253) 250-3326, www.fwchorale.com and at the door.

The Nutcracker

The 9th Avenue School of Dance will present its annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Rising young stars and seasoned dancers take the stage to tell the story of one girl’s Christmas dream of dancing sugar plums, bears, soldiers and ferocious giant mice. Advance tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for children under 12 and seniors. Tickets are $19 and $16 at the door. To learn more, call (253) 835-2030 or (253) 924-0621 or visit ninthavenuedance.com.

Santa Social

at the Commons mall

The Commons mall will host a Santa Social from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Enter to win Horton Hears a Who DVD giveaways, take photos with Santa and enjoy games. Visit www.tcafw.com/.

Blood drive

Cascade Regional Blood Center will host a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in The Mirror’s parking lot, 1414 S. 324th St. Additional blood drives will take place throughout December in various Federal Way locations. To learn more about donating blood visit the center’s Web site at www.crbs.net.