Christmas cheer, oxcart parades, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Theater: “A Christmas Carol”

Ebenezer Scrooge returns to Teatro Espressivo to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Paul Stebbings’ adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic brings the magical story to life – including Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the Spirits of Past, Present, and Yet to Come. No matter what your language level, this Spanish-language production promises to warm your heart and put you in the holiday spirit.

“Un Cuento de Navidad” performs through Dec. 21 at Teatro Espressivo, Tres Ríos. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 3-7 p.m. ₡7,000-10,000 ($14-20). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.

Olla de Carne Festival

Slurp some of Costa Rica’s finest stews (and take in music and dancing) at this meaty festival in San Carlos.

Expo Carne takes place Nov. 28 & 29 in Platanar, San Carlos, Alajuela Province. Info: Official website.

Oxcart Parade

About 350 boyeros guide their oxcarts down Paseo Colón to celebrate Costa Rican agriculture.

Parade takes place Nov. 30 on Paseo Colón, downtown San José. 9 a.m. Free. Info: Event Facebook announcement.

Theater: “Fire in the Basement”

A pair of newlyweds are ready for their honeymoon – until a bunch of corrupt firemen show up. Written by Czech playwright Pavel Kahout, this dark satire premieres at the brand-new La Fortina Theater in Paseo de las Flores.

“Fuego en el Sótano” performs through Dec. 21 at La Fortina Teatro, Heredia. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡7,000 ($14). Info: La Fortina website.

Paddle Fest

Stand-up paddleboard athletes compete in this family-friendly event in Playa Herradura.

Paddle Fest Eco SUP takes place Nov. 29-30 at Hotel Los Sueños Marriott, Herradura. 8 a.m. Info: Event Facebook announcement.

Singer and media star Sasha Campbell shakes up Limón this weekend. Courtesy WikiMedia Commons

Music: Blues & Funk Concert

Singer Sasha Campbell headlines the Band of Limón at this special outdoor concert.

Concert takes place Nov. 30 at Parque Vargas, Puerto Limón. 6 p.m. Free. Info: Event Facebook announcement.

Theater: “Desaire de Elevadores”

In this avant-garde production by the National Theater Company, a group of insomniacs gather in a building and discuss human nature. Written by Alberto Villareal and directed by Gustavo Monge.

“Desaire de Elevadores” continues through Dec. 7 at the Aduana Theater, Aranjuez. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 6 p.m. Info: National Theater Company Facebook page.

Theater: “The Platypus”

In Humberto Robles’ steamy drama, a woman studying the world’s most confounding animal ends up in a love triangle with two different men. Produced by ArKetipo.

“El Ornitorrinco” runs through Dec. 18 at Teatro Lawrence Olivier, Paseo Colón, San José. Wed. & Thu., 8 p.m. ₡5,000-7,000 ($10-14). Info: RedCultura.

Art: “Almost Invisible”

Thirty-eight artists present 50 different works in this wide-ranging multimedia group show.

“Casi Invisibles” continues through Nov. 25, 2015, at the National Bank Museum, downtown San José. Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ₡1,500 ($3). Info: Official website.

Theater: “Three”

Little Theater Group presents its English-language premiere of the Juan Carlos Rubio comedy at Triciclo Theater.

“Three” continues through Dec. 11 at Triciclo Theater Company, Avenida Escazú. Thursdays, 8 p.m. ₡7,000 ($14). Info: Little Theatre Group Facebook page.

Theater: “The Cross”

Following a violent shooting in La Cruz de Alajuelita, the community reacts in Fernando Rodríguez’s award-winning new play.

“La Cruz” is performed through Nov. 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater website.

Art: “A Chronicle of Interventions”

Learn about U.S. incursions in Central America, thanks to this provocative group show co-produced with London’s revered Tate Gallery.

“Una Crónica de Intervenciones” displays at TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.

Art: 75 Years of Photos

Browse decades of photojournalism at this striking exhibit, thanks to Spain’s Agencia EFE – the fourth-largest wire service in the world.

“EFE: 75 Años de Fotos” continues through Dec. 7 at the National Museum, San José. Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ₡1,500 ($3). Info: Museum website.