November 25–December 31
Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (Boston) :: 
Let Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing candy canes. Follow Clara as she embarks on her journey filled with colorful characters, breathtaking costumes, and majestic scenery. From the captivating dance of the sugar plum fairy to the iconic snow scene, this enchanting holiday classic — set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky — continues to enthrall audiences of all ages.
November 25, 26, 27, December 9,10,11
Commonwealth Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Weston | times vary) :: Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream. Join with the family party set before a magical tree and enjoy the laughter, magic, and wonder of this holiday classic accompanied by the beloved Tchaikovsky score. This fully staged production is sure to captivate and entertain all ages.
November 25 – December 18
Jose Mateo Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker (Boston and Dorchester | times vary) ::Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre honors the classical tradition by continuing what may well be New England’s longest running interpretation of The Nutcracker ballet. Following its 1988 premiere in Fall River, various tours throughout the state with regular performances in Springfield, Worcester, and Lowell, and a ten-year run at Boston’s Emerson Majestic Theatre, the production quickly distinguished itself as one of the first versions anywhere to focus more on the dancing than on the usual caricatured mime, pomp, and special effects of its predecessors. Even the cast of over 100 children who play the Mice, Soldiers, Cherubs, Polichinelles, and Clara have substantial dancing roles.
November 30–December 31
BSO Holiday Pops (Boston) :: Join the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart, celebrating his 20th anniversary with the orchestra, in a performance filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-a-long, and even a visit from jolly old Santa Claus. The special kids’ matinee performances include post-concert photos with Santa and special treats. The not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve concert with the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra and bandleader Bo Winiker will kick off the new year in style.
December 1
First Light Brookline (Brookline | 5–8 p.m.) 
:: First Light started 18 years ago in Brookline’s Washington Square, when several businesses came together to spread holiday cheer by hanging snowflakes in their storefront windows. These glowing flakes illuminated the square, signaling the start of the holiday season. Over the years, First Light has grown into the town’s annual winter festival, showcasing the talents of local artists, musicians, and performers at businesses and other venues throughout Brookline.
December 3–4, 11, 17–18, 24
Boston Pops Holiday Pops Kids Matinees 2016 (Boston | 11 a.m.) :: 
These special family concerts include a children’s sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. For those seated at the floor tables, there are special kid-friendly menu options along with holiday treats. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. All Holiday Pops patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket, to get free kids tickets, please place your order through SymphonyCharge.
December 4 and 11
Celebrations of Christmas Concert (Cambridge | 3-5 p.m.) :: Celebrate Christmas at St. Paul’s with the renowned choir of Boys and Men, America’s Première Catholic Boys Choir. The choir will perform works by Rutter, Willcocks, and Bruckner, as well as traditional Christmas carols. Come hear the choir in a glorious celebration of timeless Christmas music. The boys of St. Paul’s Choir School recently released their debut international recording, “Christmas in Harvard Square,” to great critical acclaim, including time spent at the top of the Amazon charts. The Christmas concert series will include performances of several items from the album, as well as new works.
December 9–11
Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Boston) :: Cirque Dreams lights up the 2016 holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a new cirque show, Broadway musical, and family Christmas spectacular all in one! Be amazed by this holiday spectacle with over 300 costumes, 20 acts, and 30 artists from every corner of the globe. Witness snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments, and of course Santa, with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions, and more. The show also celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, original music, and seasonal favorites all performed in a winter wonderland of amazement.
December 9–27
The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice (Cambridge) :: Set in a village not too different than the one described in Dylan Thomas’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” this year’s Christmas Revels takes a leap into the past to access the world of Celtic legend and song. They’ll spin tales of shape-changers and dragons, of ghostly white horses and of the little wren. Enjoy rich Welsh anthems, wild border Morris, a traditional mummers play, and lots of audience participation — a Revels hallmark.
December 10
Ben Rudnick and Friends 15th Annual Holiday Extravaganza (Arlington | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.) :: Featuring unique spins on everyone’s favorite Christmas and Chanukah songs, holiday cheer will fill the air. Ben and friends will also play selections from their multiple award-winning recordings. Don’t miss one of the best-loved holiday events of the season! Dancing in the aisles is allowed and encouraged!
December 10
11th Annual Kendall Square Holiday on Ice
(Cambridge | 2 p.m.) :: The 11th annual Holiday on Ice celebration at Community Ice Skating includes free admission all day, free food, and a free show produced by Frozen Frog Productions. The show will feature holiday numbers as well as local and international competitors and world class professional skaters. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with free admission all day, and the ice skating show begins promptly at 2 p.m. Join for a fun show that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Skating admission is free all day, and skate rentals will be available at regular rates.
