As the days shorten and temperatures drop, holiday performances start taking over the music calendar. For those who want to feel the spirit, we tried to choose shows that balance seasonal cheer with high quality music. There are also plenty of shows for those seeking a break from the saccharine consumerism the holidays bring. Here are our jazz and international music picks this month as the year draws to a close — including a few options for ringing in 2023.

If you only catch one show this month:

MORAN & MCBRIDE: Pianist Jason Moran injected energy and creativity into the Kennedy Center’s jazz programming when he became an artistic director at the institution in 2014. Still in the role, he also performs regularly at the venue, and this month’s highlight is a duo performance with bass legend Christian McBride. The two are among the finest instrumentalists of their generation, so expect a freewheeling set that draws from each player’s deep knowledge of jazz tradition, willingness to take musical chances, and joyful personality. (Dec. 16 at The Kennedy Center, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $29-$69)

If you want to see local talent:

JAZZ TRUMPET: Tom Williams is a master trumpeter whose credits include playing in the Duke Ellington Orchestra when it was still under the direction of Duke’s son, Mercer Ellington, and playing in the U.S. Army’s premier jazz ensemble, the U.S. Army Blues. Williams has since served on the faculty at local universities and continues to lead his own band. This month, he leads a group at Jazz Night in Southwest with guest vocalist Lena Seikaly. (Dec. 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 to 9 p.m.; $10 at the door)

JAZZ4JUSTICE: Jazz4Justice is non-profit that organizes live events with the goal of raising money for much needed pro bono legal services, jazz programs, and music scholarships. This month, the group presents a jam session featuring the locally renowned Eric Byrd Trio, which will also perform material from its most recent release, a live album featuring its interpretation of music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win door prizes. (Dec. 7 at Cinema Arts Theatre, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; $20)

DAVE GROHL’S DRUM TEACHER: Lenny Robinson got some unexpected notice when rock star Dave Grohl published a memoir in which he described the only lesson he ever took — which happened to be with the respected area drummer. Robinson most often works as a sideman, but is leading his own band, Lenny Robinson’s Exploration, which includes pianist Janelle Gill, bassist Michael Bowie, and vibraphonist Chris Barrick. (Dec. 17 at Takoma Station, 7 to 10 p.m.; $15 in advance/$20 at the door)

CLASSIC VIBES: The Carlyle Room is a new-ish venue that recalls the classic supper clubs of the ’50s and ’60s, complete with white tablecloths, cocktails, and, of course, live music. Sharón Clark‘s timeless vocal delivery will fit perfectly into this setting as she performs with longtime collaborators saxophonist Paul Carr, pianist Chris Grasso, and Zack Pride on bass (Dec. 10 at The Carlyle Room, 7 p.m.; $25 + food/drink minimum). If you want to check out the venue and can’t make this show, we also recommend piano great Cyrus Chestnut‘s shows later in the month. (Dec. 22 & 23, 7 and 9:15 p.m. sets; $35 + food/drink minimum)

A SINGER’S SINGER: “Soulful” and “sophisticated” are just a couple of the words that have been used to describe Lori Williams, a vocalist who also serves as director of vocal music at Wilson High School in D.C. She’ll play two sets of holiday music mixed with material from her several albums at this late December show. (Dec. 22 at Blues Alley, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $30 + minimum/surcharge)

If you want to see acts coming through town:

JANE MONHEIT: As we said in the intro, holiday shows abound this time of year, and one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of the past 25 years is in town to celebrate the release of a new holiday album. Jane Monheit has a crystalline voice and always has a wonderful band accompanying her. She comes to D.C. for a four night run. (Dec. 1-4 at Blues Alley, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $45-$50 + minimum/surcharge)

If you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone:

CATALYTIC SOUND FESTIVAL: This event brings together the region’s most forward-thinking musicians for two days of improvised music. Area luminaries such as duo Janel & Anthony, saxophonist Sarah Hughes, and bassist Luke Stewart are among the musicians who will be performing as part of the festival, which is taking place in multiple cities — locally at Rhizome. (Dec. 3-4 at Rhizome, 5-10 p.m.; $10-$30)

AVANT-GARDE PIANO: Erika Dohi is a rising voice in New York’s creative music scene, having released albums featured on The New York Times’ Playlist and WNYC’s New Sounds/Soundcheck. She teams up with local saxophonist Brad Linde, whose own work straddles and impressive range of styles, for an evening of exploratory sounds. (Dec. 11 at Rhizome, 7 p.m.; $15-$20)

If you’re in search of global sounds:

WEST AFRICAN FUSION: The kora is a stringed instrument from West Africa whose sound is adaptable to a number of musical contexts. Youssoupha Sidibe is a kora player from Senegal who tries to stretch the limits of the instrument by drawing from his own heritage while infusing his compositions with reggae and other influences. (Dec. 3 at Bossa, 7:30 p.m.; $20 at the door)

If you’re making New Year’s Eve plans:

AT THE KENNEDY CENTER: Vocalist extraordinaire Carmen Lundy brings her virtuosic abilities to celebrate with some of the best musicians in the country. Her band includes area vibraphonist Warren Wolf, Matthew Whitaker on keyboards, harpist Brandee Younger, and others. (Dec. 31 at the Kennedy Center, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $79-$89)

AT BLUES ALLEY: D.C.’s celebrated jazz venue survived a fire last month and keeps on trucking. The club always puts together a great New Year’s package and for the past several years, pandemic closures notwithstanding, has hosted Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander for a weeklong run leading up to the midnight toast. Alexander returns to the club with his trio on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and plays five nights with two sets each night at 7 and 9 p.m. His New Year’s Eve performances will be at 6:30 and 10 p.m. and feature the wonderful local vocalist Integriti Reeves. (Dec. 27 to 31 at Blues Alley, set times vary; $45-$200 + minimum/surcharge).