Worth the drive 12/26/08

Less than 2 hours away

The Repertory Theatre, St. Louis

The characters of "It's a Wonderful Life" come alive in one actor with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's rendition of the classic Frank Capra movie. "This Wonderful Life" features Mark Setlock as George, Mary, old Mr. Potter, Zuzu, Clarence the Angel and every other wonderful character from Bedford in an eccentric telling of the 1947 movie. Tickets are $ 14.50. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Eureka, Mo.

The ski season officially opened in Missouri Dec. 20, but this weekend is as good a time as any to get out and get on the slopes. The lifts start at 9 a.m. everyday. On New Year's Eve, you can celebrate on the snow with a Midnight Session with fireworks starting the new year and skiing until 3 a.m. Lift tickets and packages vary. Visit www.hiddenvalleyski.com for more information.

Less than 4 hours away

Various places, Nashville, Tenn.

See the Music City in all its winter glory with the Holiday Harmony events scheduled through New Year's Day. Get Christmas Tours through historic mansions, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be in town trhough Dec. 28, the Winter Wonders spot where you can build an igloo, start an indoor blizzard or join a virtual snowball fight and many other winter and holiday events. For specific locations and prices, visit www.visitmusiccity.com.