It seems as though David Ira Wood III’s musical comedy adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been a staple of the holiday season for so long that Dickens himself might have taken in a show or two. In truth, it hasn’t been quite that long. But it has been long enough to become a treasured holiday tradition not only here in the Triangle where it began (at Raleigh’s Theatre In The Park), but all throughout the southeast.

“A Christmas Carol” was the first full-scale theatrical production at the Durham Performing Arts Center, held during the venue’s opening week in December 2008. It’s held a spot in the lineup each year since, and “A Christmas Carol” returns for three shows this weekend: two on Dec. 15 and one on Dec. 16.

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor,” Dickens said, and apparently it’s catching; last year’s shows sold out. Better move quick. 919-680-2787, dpacnc.com.