Smuin Ballet Saturday, 2 and 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. Carmel Bach Festival hosts "A Christmas Evening" of dance to baroque music. Performing Arts Center, Santa Catalina School, Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey. $30. 624-2046.

Handel's Messiah Sunday, 10am. Cheryl Anderson conducts Cabrillo College Chorale, Church of Wayfarer choirs, orchestra. Church of the Wayfarer, Lincoln Street and 7th Avenue, Carmel. Free will offering. 624-3550.

MPC String Ensemble Monday, 7:30pm. David Dally directs works of J.S. Bach, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Britten. Music Hall, Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey. $5. 646-4200.

Monterey Symphony Chorus Monday, 8pm. Seasonal vocal and instrumental music. Carmel Mission Basilica, Rio Road and Lasuen Drive, Carmel. $20 adults, $10 children. (Additional performances, Dec. 10, 15, 17.) 624-8511.