• It's A Wonderful LIfe

If it feels like the world has gone straight to Pottersville, shake it off for one night this week with a return to all things good and meaningful. Slip on your ugliest (or prettiest) holiday sweater, treat yourself to a hot cocktail from the lobby and a take a trip back in time on the big screen and uninterrupted by commercials. Next stop, Bedford Falls. A special holiday screening of Frank Capra's classic film, It's A Wonderful Life, plays Thursday, Dec. 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Eureka Theater ($5). You'll hug your loved ones a little closer by the end of this joyful tearjerker. Bring the kids. Zuzu's petals and all.

And also for the kids, catch a soft and cuddly version of Charles Dickens' holiday yarn in The Muppet Christmas Carol showing Friday, Dec. 22 from 2-3:15 p.m. at the Arcata Library (free). Featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge and everyone's favorite Muppet friends all Dickens-ed out, this spirited musical version features plenty of laughs and heart, and is fun for ages 5 and up.

—Kali Cozyris