Treat yourself to a holiday gift—an Afternoon of Operetta at the Venice Performing Arts Center. Sarasota Opera is presenting the “Land of Smiles,” with musical favorites such as The Merry Widow Waltz, Thine Alone, Wanting You and A Toast to Champagne on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.

The forerunner of musical theater, operetta was developed in the mid-1800s, and many operettas are still beloved for their spirited, beautiful melodies. Soprano Hanna Brammer, tenor Ben Gulley and baritone Sean Anderson will be accompanied on the piano by John F. Spencer IV.

Tickets range from $11 to $46 and can be purchased at veniceperformingartscenter.com or the Venice Performing Arts Center Box Office, (941) 218-3779.