Several Butler County organizations are helping get people into the holiday spirit.

The library is inviting readers to step into the worlds of two beloved British authors this month with a pair of festive programs celebrating the enduring charm of Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter.

On Dec. 6 from 1 to 2 p.m., Austen enthusiasts can mark the 250th birthday of the iconic novelist whose wit and insight continue to enchant generations.

Austen’s depictions of Christmas in Georgian England were common in both her novels and letters.

Allison Thompson, a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, will lead the tribute, sharing fresh perspectives on Austen’s life, literary legacy and the timeless appeal of “Pride and Prejudice.”

Adding to the festivities, guests will have the chance to win a basket filled with more than $600 worth of Austen books, memorabilia and Austen-themed items.

“Jane Austen is such a beloved and timeless author, we hope people will come and celebrate her birthday with us,” said Megan Babel, the library’s adult services manager.

Registration for the Austen event is available at cranberry.librarycalendar.com. Admission is free and basket raffle tickets will be available beforehand at the library and during the program.

From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, the library will shift into a storybook mood with a holiday tea inspired by Beatrix Potter, the creator of “Peter Rabbit” and dozens of other woodland classics. Guests will enjoy specialty tea and baked goods from Novel Breads Co. while listening to a reading of Potter’s Christmas fable “The Tailor of Gloucester.”

Anne Troxell of the Beatrix Potter Society will guide attendees through Potter’s remarkable life — from her early artistic talents to the rural landscapes that shaped her work and her conservation legacy. Bring your favorite teacup and enjoy a delightful afternoon. Tickets can be purchased for $5 through cranberry.librarycalendar.com or by calling 724-776-9100.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the annual Holiday Traditions concert by the Butler Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township. Included in the program, conducted by Moon Doh, is a selection of festive favorites, from beloved carols to classic symphonic arrangements that capture the spirit of the season. Purchase tickets from butlersymphony.org or call 724-283-1402 for additional ticket information.

Hobnob Theatre Company in Butler is giving a fresh twist to a holiday classic this season with “The Nutcracker: New Game — A Holiday Reboot,” a playful retelling of the beloved ballet set inside a modern-day arcade game.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Succop Theater, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets can be purchased online at hobnobtheatre.com

In the reimagined production, young Clara isn’t whisked away to a Victorian parlor or the Land of Sweets.

“Our setting tells the story of young Clara, an introverted gaming nerd, who finds value and self-worth when her computer skills help her defeat the arcade game enemy and save the Nutcracker,” said director Ken Smith.

Designed with families in mind, the show includes nods to both vintage arcade culture and the contemporary video game world.

If a favorite holiday ritual involves curling up with a mug of cocoa and a marathon of made-for-TV Christmas movies, Butler Little Theatre, located at One Howard St. in Butler, has the perfect gift this season. The “happily ever after” holiday themes quickly turn from earnest to outrageous in the production, a spoof that embraces every over-the-top moment for which Christmas movies are known.

“The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” runs Dec. 5 through 13, with performances at 7:30 p.m. There is no performance Monday and tickets for the Sunday matinee are sold out. Tickets are available at butlerlittletheatre.com. The box office can be reached at 724-287-6781.

This show is the second production directed by Laura Crago, who said it is “right up my comedy wheelhouse,” noting her background in improv.

With a cast of 17 people, Crago said the actors are having fun leaning into the quirky, physical comedy the script demands — especially the exaggerated hand and eye movements.

“Everyone fits into their role perfectly,” she said.

Audience members can also expect a “goofy and unique” theater experience, complete with puppets, music and plenty of surprises.

“There are going to be a lot of elements people don’t normally see on the Butler Little Theatre stage,” Crago said.