This weekend the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts continues a holiday tradition and the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble starts what could be a new one.

The ensemble, in partnership with the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum, presents a staged reading of the Bard's comedy Much Ado About Nothing — an abridged version lasting just over an hour.

This Winter Evening with the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 17) in the Putah Creek Lodge. "Come ready to indulge in wine and scrumptious holiday treats!" the ensemble announced in an e-mail.

The organizers said the event is recommended for ages 12 and up, due to the focus on Shakespeare's language.

General admission is $10, with tickets available online. Or call the box office: (530) 802-0998. More information is available by e-mail, davis.shakespeare@gmail.com. Parking will be free in the Putah Creek Lodge lot (click here for a map).

The Mondavi Center presents Handel's Messiah by the American Bach Soloists for the 10th consecutive year — having not missed a year since the center opened. UC Davis Choral Director Jeffrey Thomas leads this early music ensemble.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 18) in Jackson Hall.

Tickets are available online, or in person or by telephone at the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787. Box office hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and one hour before ticketed events.