Whether it's one of the film adaptations, the novella by Charles Dickens, or one of the many stage productions of "A Christmas Carol," most people are familiar with Dickens' classic Christmas story. This weekend Allens Lane Art Center hosts a unique adaptation by Anthony E. Palermo with five performances of "A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play."

"They do a reading into microphones, and where the really fun part comes into play is they are doing all the sound effects live," said Craig Stover, executive director of the art center. "So when they talk about sleigh bells, there will actually be sleigh bells."

The performance is a glimpse into what one would see if they watched a radio production of "A Christmas Carol"—the actors, like the radio actors of the 1930s and 40s, will rely on their voices and sound effects to convey the entire story.

The first chance to see the show is at 8 p.m. on Friday. Saturday's performances are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday's are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

In keeping with the holiday theme, there will be seasonal treats before each performance as well: Hot cider, hot chocolate, eggnog cake and more will be served.

More events in Mt. Airy this weekend:

Friday, December 17

• 15 percent of sales at Artista between noon and 7 p.m. will benefit the Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network, an organization that assists both homeless and formerly homeless families.

• Stop by High Point Café from 5 to 8 p.m. for a craft show.

• The FUZE open mic and poetry slam starts at 8:30 p.m. at InFusion Coffee & Tea.

• Celebrate Avenida's first anniversary in Mt. Airy with Don Julio margarita samples for anyone older than 21.

Saturday, December 18

• St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church will host its weekly free community meal of homemade cookies, fruit, casseroles, other hot dishes and drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It welcomes both donations and volunteers.

• Author of "Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection" and local cartoonist Matt Dembicki will teach a class on how to make comics at 3 p.m. at Big Blue Marble Bookstore.

Sunday, December 19^th

• Qigong, an ancient precursor to Tai Chi, will be taught by Paul Martin at Springboard Studio from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. Sitting meditation follows from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and a teaching dialogue from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.

• Learn Israel dancing at the Germantown Jewish Centre's weekly dancing event from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• First United Methodist Church of Germantown will hold Christmas Services at 11 a.m.

• Drinking Coffee Liberally is a weekly discussion group for liberals from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at InFusion Coffee & Tea.

• Summer Search Philadelphia helps low-income high school students by mentoring them and preparing them for college. On Sunday at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, if you say you are shopping for Summer Search between 2 and 6 p.m., 20 percent of the sale will help their cause.

Correction: A previous version of this story indicated that St. Michael's serves hot dogs as part of its community meal. It no longer does so.