The year ends with a stellar lineup of December events from a LEGO convention to Santa skates and fresh-air hikes. Head to a family improv comedy show or witness a wild and crazy hoops game with the Harlem Globetrotters. And be sure to choose from a handful of 2024 countdowns to welcome the new year.

1. Dec. 5-22: The Scrooge Collection, multiple locations

Can we ever get enough of Scrooge and his story of redemption? This season, your family can judge for themselves.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” Little Lake Theater. Marley’s one chance to escape his own chains is to redeem Ebeneezer Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, running Dec. 13-21. Best for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.

“A Musical Christmas Carol,” Byham Theater. Charles Shaughnessy (“Days of Our Lives,” “The Nanny”) joins the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera to play Ebenezer Scrooge from Dec. 13 to 22. A sensory-friendly performance is planned for Dec. 21. Tickets are $18-$84.50.

“A Lyrical Christmas Carol,” Gargaro Theater. Pittsburgh Musical Theater has performed this holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Tickets are $15.50-$25.50 for the production running Dec. 18-22.

2. Dec. 7: Story Saturday: “Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love,” Carnegie Museum of Art

Big sisters can be pretty bossy, but they can also be protective and loving. In “Me and the Boss,” author Michelle Edwards tells the tale of Lee and his big sister Zora. This heartwarming story is the subject of this month’s Story Saturday. A hands-on craft activity will follow a story reading. Best for ages 12 and younger. Free with museum admission .

3. Dec. 7-8: Brick Fest Live, David L. Lawrence Convention Center

LEGO lovers of all ages will get hands-on with millions of blocks at Brick Fest Live. The experience includes meeting the LEGO Master builders from the hit TV show, participating in a Guinness World Record Challenge and creating a glow-in-the-dark build. Kids can build and race cars on a 35-foot track and explore a brick pit filled with more than 200,000 LEGO blocks. Families will be challenged in interactive stations and build zones. Life-size builds from around the world will be on display, too. Tickets start at $20 for ages 3 and older.

4. Dec. 7, 8 and 10: Guided Hike: Winter Birds with the Park Rangers, Allegheny County Parks

Not all birds fly south for the winter. This fresh-air outing will introduce the birds that spend the season in our chilly climate. These guided hikes, covering about 2 miles with moderate elevation, are guided by park rangers who will point out our fine feathered friends on treetops and in the brush. Learn about our year-round resident birds and enjoy an invigorating trek. The hikes are scheduled for Dec. 7 at South Park, Dec. 8 at Roundhill Park and Dec. 10 at White Oak Park. Bring water and dress for the weather. Binoculars are recommended but not necessary. Registration is free but required.

5. Dec. 7-22: “Sleeping Beauty’s Holiday,” Gemini Children’s Theater

Gemini Theater is known for capturing the attention of little ones with interactive performances that allow kids to be involved in the storytelling. This version of “Sleeping Beauty” keeps that reputation intact. The story: Once Charley’s imagination starts, fairytales seem to come to life. When he receives a visit by Sleeping Beauty, he’s sure he can send her back to her story. But the evil Malfeasance finds Charley’s world, too, which means trouble. It’s up to the kids in the audience to help the fairies save Sleeping Beauty. Tickets are $15, $5 for ages 2 and younger.

6. Dec. 8-22: Skate with Santa, The UPMC Rink at PPG Place and Schenley Park Ice Rink

Sundays are the perfect day for Santa to take a break from the elf toy factory and all that holiday prep happening at the North Pole. Kids can enjoy a brisk spin on the ice with the Jolly Old Elf. He will be gliding around the giant Christmas tree at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Online admission is $12, $11 for ages 12 and younger, seniors, first responders and veterans. Through the power of holiday magic, Santa will also appear from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Schenley Park Ice Rink. Online admission is $5, $4 for seniors, $3 for vets and ages 17 and younger.

7. Dec. 14: Super Science Saturday, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

This month’s Super Science Saturday focuses on the importance that light and color play in the natural world. Kids will consider how some creatures use camouflage to blend into their surroundings or stand out. Check out dazzling gems and minerals that change color with different light sources. Watch how iridescent insects adjust their hue. These entertaining science lessons are free with general admission .

8. Dec. 14: Penny Arcade, Arcade Comedy Theater

Families who love sharing a good laugh will get a kick out of Penny Arcade’s comedy experience. The interactive improv fun helps kids and their parents explore humor, work on collaboration and develop ultimate silliness. Kids who are natural comedians and those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the show will have a blast. By the end of the 60-minute show, every kid will be deemed a Penny Player. Best for ages 4-8 years. Tickets are $12.

9. Dec. 26: Harlem Globetrotters, PPG Paints Arena

The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining basketball fans for an amazing 98 years. The roster of players changes regularly but the skill level and joy of play continue with fun and excitement. Be the first to witness the 2025 Global Tour when the Globetrotter stars face off against their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals. Tickets start at $36 with experience upgrades available.

10. Dec. 31: Family New Year’s Eve celebrations, multiple locations

Countdown to Noon, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Take part in a family-friendly farewell to 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon. Creative art-making activities help kids celebrate and make wishes for the new year. Advance tickets are recommended.

Noon-Year’s-Eve, SouthSide Works . Join Co-Hatch at Sidney indoor pop-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a free family celebration with live music, Little Kids Disco with DJ Joel Lindsay, snacks, crafts and a noon countdown to 2025.

New Year’s Eve in the Aquarium, Pittsburgh Zoo. The party runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a countdown at noon. Kids can decorate noisemakers and party hats along with other crafts. Activities are included in zoo admission .

First Night, Cultural District. Pittsburgh’s biggest New Year’s Eve party takes over Downtown Pittsburgh with fireworks, a puppet parade, live music and great family activities. Catch the details here .