Thursday, Dec. 12
Illuminations Somerville any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout the holiday season). Free. Launching today, this annual, self-directed tour memorably showcases the artistry and creativity of residents and businesses who transform their spaces and yards with lights and ornaments. Information is here.
Maud’s Handmade Holiday Market from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Maud Morgan Arts, second floor, 20A Sacramento St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. An annual sale (coinciding with the Kids Only! Holiday Sale) of art and other handcrafted goods made by staff from the Maria L. Baldwin Community Center and Maud Morgan Arts in support of the artists. Information is here.
Nomads Art Collective Holiday Pop-Up Exhibition opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery 263, 263 Pearl St., Cambridgeport. Free. This annual artists collaboration opportunity sponsored by the Korean Cultural Society of Boston features work by ceramists, crafters, sculptors, painters, photographers, jewelry makers and fiber artists. On view through Dec. 22. Information is here.
Wax Poetics: Ilya Kaminsky reads Kaminsky and Valentine from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Forum Room at Lamont Library, Room 335, 11 Quincy St., Harvard Square. Free. Kaminsky shares selections from his own work and several poems by Jean Valentine, whose first-ever recording was made by the Poetry Room in 1965, the same year she won the Yale Younger Poets Award for her book “Dream Barker.” A listening session and after-party with reception follows in the adjacent Poetry Room. Information is here.
“Bostonian Poetry Before Longfellow: Adventures in Literary Archaeology” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Longfellow House and the Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St., West Cambridge. Free, but register. Boston College professors Paul Lewis and Christy Pottroff discuss literary discoveries, such as the 4,500 poems included in the 59 magazines published in Boston between 1789 and 1820, and what a nose ring, eight old coats, four silver spoons and a neighborhood park in Boston reveal about the lives of Phillis Wheatley Peters and her husband John Peters. Information is here.
Winter Sing-Along from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at New School of Music, 25 Lowell St., West Cambridge. Free and all ages. Pianist and NSM instructor Joe Reid leads a group sing of festive tunes to celebrate the upcoming season with cheer. Cider and snacks served. Information is here.
After Dark Series: Made in the ’90s from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20 and 21-plus. Before greeting the New Year, a night of nostalgia: catch a performance of ’90s video game music, try out retro board games and consoles and make and take home your own (fuzzy) copy of Dolly the sheep. Plus, Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman talks on ’90s space exploration, priming your brain for some out-of-this-world trivia. Dress up in your favorite styles of the era and enjoy sets by DJ Philip Tan while buying beers by Lamplighter Brewing and Jamaican eats from Cocobelly Bites. Information is here.
Let’s Rock Cancer! at 6:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25 to $250. The second annual rock music festival brings back Vapors of Morphine, The Chelsea Curve, Muck & the Mires, The Ray Liriano Experience and others along with GBH’s Henry Santoro as host. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Care Equity Program at Dana-Farber, which aims to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes among local communities. Information is here.
Actors’ Shakespeare Project presents “Emma” at 7 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 15). $25 to $74. Kate Hamill’s radical adaptation of Jane Austen’s Regency-era novel about matchmaking features screwball antics and fourth-wall breaking meta-theatrics. Directed by Regine Vital. Information is here.
Poets Timothy Donnelly, Jenny Grassl and Callie Siskel from 7 to 8 p.m. at Grolier Poetry Book Shop on 6 Plympton St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $5 to $10, but register. With an introduction by Anna V. Q. Ross. Information is here.
John Ruymann’s “Narrative Spaces” exhibition opening reception from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Gallery@SPL in the Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Central Hill. Free. Digital landscapes inspired from fantasy, pop culture and science fiction media that prompt the questions “Where is this represented landscape? Who is this figure? What happens next?” The show runs through December. Information is here.
“Pick Up” book launch with author Norah Dahlia from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lovestruck Books, 44 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $30 includes book. The author of a debut contemporary romance novel that whisks readers from city scenarios to Caribbean beaches talks with local novelist Laura Zigman, followed by an audience Q&A, book signings and servings of cake. Information is here.
ArtsThursdays: Silkroad Ensemble presents Train Station Trio from 7 to 9 p.m. at Harvard’s John Knowles Paine Concert Hall, 3 Oxford St., just north of Harvard Square, Cambridge, and Harvard Yard. Free, but RSVP. Mike Block (cello), Edward Pérez (bass) and Balla Kouyaté (balafon) contextualize through music the stories of the African American, Chinese, Indigenous, Irish and other immigrant communities who built – and were affected most – by the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. Also playing: Boston Latin Baroque ensemble Rumbarroco. Information is here.
Witch-Craft Cinema from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Side Quest Books & Games in Bow Market at 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $15. Watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” BYO craft or buy a kit (available from Homebody DIY in Bow Market) and sip a themed cocktail from Nook. Popcorn and nonalcoholic beverages provided; outside food from market vendors is welcome. Information is here.
Front Porch’s “Holiday Feast” at 7:30 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 14). $29. A staged reading of holiday episodes from beloved Black sitcoms of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, including episodes from “Amen,” “The Jeffersons,” “A Different World” and “Family Matters.” Information is here.
“The Thanksgiving Play” at 7:30 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Dec. 15). $45. In Larissa FastHorse’s “rambunctious, wild and fearless play” serving up “a steaming side dish of uniquely American hypocrisy,” four politically correct performers come together to create a take on the traditional holiday pageant. Tension ensues as the group struggles to reenvision history without ruffling feathers. Directed by Tara Moses (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma/Mvskoke). Masks are required for Thursday evening performances. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing through Jan. 4). $65. Trailblazing tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel and director Torya Beard premiere a play inspired by Casel’s roots in the Bronx and Puerto Rico. Information is here.
“The Slutcracker” at 8 p.m. at The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square (and continuing through Jan. 5). $35 and 18-plus. Our area’s naughty holiday stage tradition is a burlesque version of “The Nutcracker” showcasing the talents of people from nearly every walk of life, body type and kink. Information is here.
Electroacoustic improvisational music at 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $12 to $18. Trumpeter Greg Kelley, drummer Sean Meehan, instrument maker and musician Vic Rawlings and (performing solo) Brooklyn, New York, composer and vocalist Zosha Warpeha perform music that experiments with the physical possibilities of the instruments. Information is here.
Pitch-a-Friend from 8 to 10 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Prepare a three-to-five minute slide presentation to pitch your amazing single pal to a room full of other singles and onlookers. “Like Shark Tank, but for love and friendship.” Information is here.
Friday, Dec. 13
Black Businesses Holiday Pop-up from noon to 7 p.m. at One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing Dec. 14 and 15). Free. Local Black-owned businesses sell unique, handcrafted jewelry, handbags, home goods, apparel, body butters, beauty products, vegan food and upcycled fashion and totes. Outside the pop-up from 1 to 3 p.m. (on this day only) enjoy the Santa Claus Jazz Band, hot chocolate and cookies. Information is here.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs from noon to 7 p.m. at 1426 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing Dec. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22). Free. This juried fair is one of the oldest and most popular in the Boston area, with a mix of crafters from the region and world-traveling importers. Information is here.
Mudflat Holiday Open Studio & Pottery Sale from noon to 8 p.m. at Mudflat Studio, 81 Broadway, East Somerville (and continuing through Dec. 15). Free. Final weekend to buy functional and sculptural clay pieces crafted by nearly 100 artists, faculty and students; includes a raffle and cup sale benefiting this nonprofit clay studio. Information is here.
Laptop Ensemble class performance at 2:30 p.m. at the Longy School of Music, 27 Garden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $20. There are laptop orchestras nationwide that are bringing laptop wielders into the realm of group performance by giving each device a musical role with a speaker that sits next to them to localize the sound onstage as though they are more traditional instruments. Information is here.
Petrichor: Cooperative Sustainable Fashion Show from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $17.15. To promote “people and the environment” over “traditional hierarchical” capitalism, this show’s every element is sustainable: a runway of fashions from more than 20 innovative designers, vendors, artwork displays, a clothing swap area, a drag show and a free afterparty. During intermission, attendees collaboratively on a piece presented in the show’s second half. Information is here.
State of Emergency: Sherry Turkle and Amanda Palmer Confront the Future of The Internet from 6 to 8 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $5 to $15. The academic and the artist, both writers (they’ll sign their books) immersed in different ways in the Internet, warn how the digital and so-called “real” worlds are quickly – and dangerously – colliding. Information is here.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” Spooktacular Holiday Party from 6 to 10 p.m. at Portico Brewing, 101 South St., Boynton Yards, Ward 2, Somerville. Free. Come dressed as your favorite Tim Burton character, in an ugly sweater or whatever matches the eerie and Christmasy décor. Live music from Yours Truly Band plus a Lego tree ornament crafting project. Information is here.
Dance/works at 7 p.m. at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Fitzgerald Auditorium, 459 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge (also Saturday). $5 to $10. Performances feature a range of styles and music, danced and choreographed by CRLS students, plus guest-choreographed works from alumni or dancers in the Boston area. Information is here.
The Midwinter Revels: A Celtic and Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice at 7 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Dec. 28). $20 to $105. During the Revels’ 54th production, this time set in a Galway Bay fishing village’s pub, a retelling of the story “The Selkie Girl and the Seal Woman” transforms the pub into a fantastical portal between two worlds where Irish songs, jigs and reels share the stage with dance, drumming and traditional songs from Cabo Verde. Information is here.
Under the Covers: Mark Erelli, Rose Cousins, Zachariah Hickman and Don Mitchell (of Darlingside) at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (also Dec. 14 and 15). $33 to $35. Returning for its 21st year, musicians perform “wildly unpredictable” and sometimes astonishing covers of much loved songs. Information is here.
Actors’ Shakespeare Project presents “Emma” (continued) at 7 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. $25 to $74. Information is here.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience from 7 to 9:30 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge (and most days through Dec. 21). $5 to $35. Boston’s Masary Studios’ installation at the cemetery features an outdoor journey through large-scale light and sound artworks (including two that are new); a lantern walk; and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. It’s selling out quickly. Information is here.
Ian Fitzgerald and Rachel Sumner from 7:15 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $15 to $20. This isn’t the first time the wordsmithing, Dylanesque Fitzgerald harmonized with the hauntingly melodic voiced Sumner: Their first collaboration was 2019’s “Sing Me An Old Tune.” These Information is here.
Vida Mia Milonga Holiday Party from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Somerville. $20 to $35. This night of milonga dancing by Tango Affair includes a lesson in the first hour. Guest DJ: Nanying Yin. Refreshments served. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $65. Information is here.
Front Porch’s “Holiday Feast” (continued) at 8 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $29 to $75. The $75 ticket includes a 6:30 p.m. preshow fundraiser with GBH reporter and anchor Callie Crossley discussing her collection of Black Santa paraphernalia – one of the largest known sets – plus light bites, cocktails and a visit from The Porch’s own Black Santa, Maurice Parent. Information is here.
“The Thanksgiving Play” (continued) at 8 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge. $35 to $45. Information is here.
“The Slutcracker” (continued) at 8 p.m. at The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square. $35 and 18-plus. Information is here.
The Femmes Holiday Spectacular from 8 to 11 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $20 to $25. Tonight this all-woman and nonbinary band featuring veteran musicians and Berklee alumni arrives with three lead singers, covers never heard at other Femmes show and a full horn section, plus its usual riotous levels of energy. Information is here.
Phyllis Fallon & the Hall Deckers perform for Boston Swing Central from 8 to 11:45 p.m. at Q Ballroom, 26 New St., Suite 3, Fresh Pond, Cambridge. $13 to $20. A social partner dance with live music and a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required. Information is here.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Somerville Flea Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free entry. Curated vintage wares and artisan creations on two floors, plus wine and beer. Information is here.
Charity Rug & Vintage Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unity Somerville Church, 6 William St., Somerville (also Sunday). Free. Each year the nonprofit Healthy Tomorrow sells handcrafted rugs from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, unusual items and even “Bernie” mittens to support the activist group Sini Sanuman in Bamako, Mali, which works to stop female genital mutilation in that country and helps girls and women with medical problems caused by it. Information is here.
Mudflat Holiday Open Studio & Pottery Sale (continued) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mudflat Studio, 81 Broadway, East Somerville. Free. Information is here.
Canal District Kendall Winter Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 350 Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge (also Sunday). Free. Boutique market featuring more than 30 local brands, artists and artisanal food makers as well as music, food, a beer garden, ice sculptures and holiday shopping. Ice skating is free on Saturday only, and includes the half-hour Skate Kendall Holiday Ice Show at 2 p.m. with local elite competitors performing with professionals from shows such as Ice Capades and Disney on Ice. Information is here.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs (continued) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1426 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Black Businesses Holiday Pop-up (continued) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
“Haunted Diaries: World’s First Silent Horror Web Series” exclusive-cut screening from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Apple Cinemas Cambridge, 168 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge Highlands near Alewife and Fresh Pond. $5 to $10. Watch the two-season silent series cut to a 90-minute film, followed by a discussion with the creators. Presented by the India International Film Festival of Boston. Information is here.
Charles Square Outdoor Winter Holiday Market from noon to 5 p.m. in the lower courtyard of The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Shop local vendors offering gifts, plus enjoy seasonal drinks at One Reason Garden Bar or Noir Bar. Information is here.
North Cambridge holiday stroll from noon to 7 p.m. between Pemberton Farms Marketplace at 2225 Massachusetts Ave. and Franks Steak House at 2310 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge. Free. Taste samples at 10 shops and restaurants (noon to 4 p.m.), vote for the most festively decorated window, take a photo with Santa (4 to 7 p.m.), listen to strolling carolers (4 to 7 p.m.) and watch a tree lighting (6:30 p.m.). Information is here.
Beaded Jewelry Workshop (“Bead Therapy”) from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $20 to $30. Make a beaded jewelry gift at this expressive arts workshop run by Zangar Freeman of ZMakesBeads and learn the difference between semiprecious and precious stones (including semiprecious stones’ new-agey associations). Information is here.
Actors’ Shakespeare Project presents “Emma” (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. $25 to $74. Information is here.
“The Thanksgiving Play” (continued) at 2 and 8 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge. $35 to $45. (Masks are required for Saturday matinee performances.) Information is here.
The Midwinter Revels: A Celtic and Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice (continued) at 3 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $20 to $105. Information is here.
TwoToesTiger from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. The Boston bassoon and saxophone duo, though classically trained, performs in a wide range of contexts, from casual pop tunes to theatrical avant-garde. Information is here.
Astronomy on Tap from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Enjoy a pint, some trivia and engaging talks by Harvard doctoral students on Venus’ climate history (and how its rotation influenced the evolution of its climate) and how black holes interact with light (and what images of black holes can tell us about the nature of gravity). Information is here.
Chorallaries of MIT perform Chorala-Wii from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kresge Little Theater in Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free. A video-game-themed a cappella concert featuring a variety of songs, video game references and a special guest group from the Laptop Ensemble. Information is here.
VoiceLab A Cappella at 6:30 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $15. A concert by an all-gender a cappella group made up of Boston-area graduate students and young professionals. Information is here.
Dance/works (continued) at 7 p.m. at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Fitzgerald Auditorium, 459 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. $5 to $10. Information is here.
Echoes of the Heart: Scenes from Opera, Operetta and Musical Theater (continued) at 7 p.m. at Longy School of Music, 27 Garden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $20. Information is here.
Comedian Alexa Albanese has “Imposter Syndrome” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $20 to $25 and 21-plus. A comedy show debut about “navigating ambition, rejection and the art of pretending to enjoy the journey.” Information is here.
A Cantata Christmas at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 29 Mount Auburn St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $15 to $69. Noah Horn conducts a program brimming with beloved carols, masterpieces and uplifting works sung by a chorus of 40 within the warm glow and rich acoustics of St. Paul’s. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $65. Information is here.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience (continued) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $5 to $35. Information is here.
Under the Covers (continued) at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $33 to $35. Information is here.
Front Porch’s “Holiday Feast” (continued) at 8 p.m. at Central Square Theater, Cambridge, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $29. Information is here.
“Funny Uncle Cabaret” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge (also Sunday). $15 to $25. A show in two acts: Public Displays of Motion’s Peter DiMuro retells “The Nutcracker,” followed by special guests share their own odd, queer stories through song, dance and the lens of LGBTQ+ lives and families of choice; for Act II, cabaret artists lead audience sing-alongs and surprise guests perform cabaret and dance. Information is here.
Holiday R&B Soul Party from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Massasoit Elks Lodge, 55 Bishop Allen Drive, Central Square, Cambridge. $20 and 21-plus. DJ Ace of Spade starts the night with old-school ’80s and ’90s R&B, hip-hop, funk, soul and new jack swing, followed by mashups of the 2000s, including reggae, neo soul and Afro beats. Presented by Bright Lights Entertainment. Information is here.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Charity Rug & Vintage Sale (continued) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Unity Somerville Church, 6 William St., Somerville. Free. Information is here.
“Earth to Pigment: Processing Nature as an Artist” workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (and most Sundays through Jan. 26). $30 and 18-plus. Learn to process earth pigments into artist-grade materials during this third course of a seven-part series exploring interdisciplinary art practices. All levels welcome. Instructors: Jen DeLuna and Iz Horgan. Information is here.
Canal District Kendall Winter Market (continued) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 350 Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Select’s Winter Vintage Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. Free. More than 60 vendors sell Y2K and vintage fashion, holiday gifts, tooth gems, temp tats and more. Information is here.
Drum and Song Circle from noon to 1 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge (and most Sundays through Feb. 9). $10 to $35. All levels are welcome at this drumming and singing circle led by a music therapist and music teacher. No previous experience required; instruments provided, or bring your own. Information is here.
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs (continued) from noon to 6 p.m. at 1426 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Black Businesses Holiday Pop-up (continued) from noon to 6 p.m. at One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. Information is here.
Sweets & Santa Holiday Soiree from noon to 6 p.m. Upstairs at Bow, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free entry. Buy treats from eight local bakeshops, enjoy seasonal drinks, make holiday crafts, shop from five local makers and get a photo with Santa for a $20 donation to Food for Free (or for $5 if you bring a new toy for the Freedom Fighters Toy Drive). Information is here.
Geek Faire from noon to 6 p.m. at Pandemonium Books & Games, 4 Pleasant St., Central Square, Cambridge. Free. A holiday artisan market with illustrations, handmade stuffed animals, jewelry and more. Information is here.
“The Thanksgiving Play” (continued) at 1 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge. $35 to $45. Information is here.
The Midwinter Revels: A Celtic and Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice (continued) at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $20 to $105. Information is here.
Actors’ Shakespeare Project presents “Emma” (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second St., East Cambridge. $25 to $74. Information is here.
A Far Cry presents “Music for the Temple” at 3 p.m. at First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Harvard Square. $25. A program of chamber music, curated by “Crier” Michael Unterman, inspired by Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint (1862–1944), whose interest in mysticism and seances led to her creating 193 paintings she imagined, and in some ways predicted, would one day be displayed in a spiral temple. Information is here.
Observatory Hill and Huron Village Holiday Stroll from 3 to 6 p.m. from Walden Street and Concord Avenue to Huron Avenue and down to Huron Village. Free. Mingle and shop at almost 20 local businesses offering a variety of refreshments and holiday activities. Information is here.
Cambridge Community Chorus performs Vivaldi and Mozart at 4 p.m. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free to $35. Pamela Mindell directs the chorus with professional orchestra and soloists in performances of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de Dominica, K. 321.” Information is here.
“The Slutcracker” (continued) at 4 p.m. at The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square. $55 to $75 and 18-plus. Information is here.
Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie at 4 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25 to $35. The siblings bring their lively fiddle, piano and guitar arrangements, stunning vocal harmonies in English and Gaelic, and intricate and percussive step dancing as part of the Brian O’Donovan Legacy Series. Information is here.
Under the Covers (continued) at 5 and 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $33 to $35. Information is here.
Winter Night Hike from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Mass Audubon Nature Center at Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport. Free, but register. Join in for a walk to check out the full moon through a spotting scope; look and listen for signs of wildlife, including the animals that are most active when the park is at its quietest; and enjoy a reflective moment along the water. Information is here.
“Crystalline Resonance: Final Fantasy” Piano Concert from 6 to 8 p.m. at Granoff Music Center at Tufts University, 20 Talbot Ave., Medford. $49 to $64. A pianist performs arrangements from the finest video game composers, including Nobuo Uematsu, Masayoshi Soken and Yoko Shimomura, in perfect sync with HD game footage projected onto a giant screen. Information is here.
Middle Eastern Ensemble at 7 p.m. at Killian Hall in the Hayden Library Building at 160 Memorial Drive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. Free. Music from Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia and Eastern Europe, directed by Garo Saraydarian. Mezze served afterwards! Information is here.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience (continued) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $5 to $35. Information is here.
“Funny Uncle Cabaret” (continued) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $15 to $25. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $70 to $99. Information is here.
Tiny Moving Parts performs at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25 to $30. The Minneapolis emo, math rock and pop punk band tours its seventh album “Deep in the Blue.” Also playing: Action/Adventure, Greywind and Hyber. Information is here.
Have Yerself a FUNdraising Little Xmas! at 7:30 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $22 to $27. Boston rockers unite for a night of holiday tunes, performing three-song sets to support the nonprofit Artists for Humanity. The lineup includes Tanya Donelly, Merrie Amsterburg, Chris Brokaw and members of Buffalo Tom, Fuzzy, Scruffy the Cat, The Upper Crust, Muck & the Mires, Other Girls and more. Information is here.
Tactus Ensemble’s “Illustrious Women, Fortunate and Unfortunate” a cappella concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 838 Massachusetts Ave., Riverside near Central Square, Cambridge. Free. Hugh Hinton directs a program of Renaissance a cappella vocal music about three women exemplifying Early Modern conceptions of female authority: Dido Queen of Carthage, the Virgin Mary and the “Shulamite” addressee of the Song of Songs. Information is here.
Monday, Dec. 16
Chamber Music with a Point of View class performance at 1 p.m. at the Longy School of Music, 27 Garden St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free to $20. Final student performance from a Longy class that approaches musical works using entry points such as poetry, improvisation, literature, dance and visual art. Information is here.
Wicked Good Aht Mahket from 4 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville (also Tuesday). Free entry. Local artists showcase and sell their creations. Information is here.
Chess hour from 5 to 6 p.m. at Cambridge Library’s Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave., Observatory Hill in Neighborhood 9, Cambridge (and continuing every other Monday). Free. Players of all skill levels and ages welcome. Chess sets provided, or bring your own. Information is here.
Artful Evenings: Open Crafting for Adults from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library O’Neill Branch, 70 Rindge Ave., North Cambridge. Free. Bring your own projects or start something new with the materials and supplies provided during this casual evening to connect with other crafting enthusiasts in a relaxed environment. Snacks provided. Information is here.
Make a Holiday Ornament using Japanese mizuhiki knots from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ko Kyoto in Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $30. Craft an elegant holiday ornament using cords in your favorite color tied into mizuhiki knots. All materials provided. Information is here.
Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free, but register. This month’s selection: “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown. Information is here.
Capoeira class from 7 to 8 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (and every Monday). First class free, $15 thereafter. Learn a workout based on the dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form that combines dance, music and martial arts. Information is here.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (also Dec. 17 and 18). $30 to $32. A loose collaboration of Boston musicians organized by veteran singer-songwriter Jennifer Kimball, who celebrate the season with “an annual program of sacred, secular and wintery pop music rearranged, reharmonized and often just plain turned on its head.” Information is here.
Jerry Bergonzi Quartet from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge (and continuing most Mondays). $10 to $15. Bergonzi brings his tenor sax mastery to this seated show with bandmates Phil Grenadier on trumpet and Luther Gray on drums. (The bassist is TBD.) Information is here.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Winter walk and tea from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mass Audubon Nature Center at Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport. Free, but register and adults only. Enjoy walking in the park with guided breathing and sensory awareness exercises. End with a cup of hot tea while reflecting on how nature can help keep people grounded. Information is here.
Gallery Talk: Nevin Aladağ’s “Best Friends” from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free, but check in at visitor services to join the talk. In conjunction with the exhibition “Made in Germany”? Art and Identity in a Global Nation” running through Jan. 5, curatorial fellow Peter Murphy refers to the portrait series “Best Friends,” which documents similarly dressed friends in cities worldwide, to discuss how unspoken elements such as clothing and body language express identity. Information is here.
Wicked Good Aht Mahket (continued) from 4 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. Free entry. Information is here.
Té Making class from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $40. Led by Alexis Jones, founder of TheTéSpa, participants mix their own blend of loose-leaf tea herbs to take with them and learn how to incorporate beneficial herbs into their daily lives. Information is here.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience (continued) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $5 to $35. Information is here.
Making Space: A conversation with artists Amanda Ugorji and Sophie Weston Chien from 6 to 8 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $5 to $15. The artists’ discuss their “Soft City” installation of large-scale, tactile tapestries that map the historic (redlined) and contemporary Black neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury and East Cambridge. They’re joined by three Boston practitioners of community building through design and architecture. Information is here.
Outdoor pub sing from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. Anyone is welcome to lead in drinking songs, sea chanteys and anything with a singable chorus. There will be a propane fire pit and marshmallows to toast; other snacks are welcome. Information is here.
“Have You Read This?” Classics Book Club at 6:30 p.m. at Pandemonium Books & Games, 4 Pleasant St., Central Square, Cambridge. $5 (ticket price redeemable for store credit during event). This time, discuss “The Dark is Rising” by Susan Cooper, about a boy who discovers his magical destiny and sets off on a vital mission to defeat the Dark. This 1973 Newbery Honor-winning second installment of Cooper’s epic series for older children and young adults now has a brand-new look. Information is here.
O’Connell Branch Adult Book Group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library O’Connell Branch, 48 Sixth St., East Cambridge. Free. December’s title: “Portrait of a Thief” by Grace D. Li. Information is here.
Knitting group from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library’s Boudreau Branch, 245 Concord Ave. Observatory Hill in Neighborhood 9. Free. Bring yarn and needles and find out what fellow knitters are up to. Information is here. Information is here.
Great Books Book Group from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free. This time: The Bible: Exodus. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $85 to $114. Information is here.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $30 to $32. Information is here.
Bruce Gertz Quintet from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $15. Hear Gertz on bass and his esteemed band members Jerry Bergonzi (sax), Alan Chase (sax), Sheryl Bailey (guitar) and Luther Gray (drums). Information is here.
Bluesy Tuesy Social Dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). $5 to $25. This weekly partner blues dance event includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour. No partner required. Steve DJs and Kristin hosts. Information is here.
Laugh Giraffe Comedy Show at 8 p.m. at Union Tavern, 345 Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). Free, but reserve your space. Stand-up comedy showcase. Information is here.
Zouk social for seniors and others from 8 to 11 p.m. at Mango Studio, 112 Bishop Allen Drive, Central Square, Cambridge. $15. All-levels Brazilian music and dance that gets you home in time for a decent night’s sleep, with the tagline: “No matter your age, we invited you to embrace your inner senior.” Information is here.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $55 to $150. Information is here.
Streetwise speaker series at 6 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville (and every third Wednesday). Free. Co-sponsored by the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee and Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets. This month features Elijah Evans, chief executive of Bikes Not Bombs. Information is here.
“Majority Rules” documentary film screening about ranked-choice voting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $10. Director AJ Schnack’s film about the results of Alaska adopting a style of voting like Cambridge’s. A discussion follows. Information is here.
Queer Knitting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lamplighter Brewing, 284 Broadway, The Port, Cambridge. Free. Boston Queer Fiber Arts hosts this knitting circle that’s got you covered if you get thirsty (but BYO crafting supplies). Information is here.
Solstice: “Reflections on Winter Light” experience (continued) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. during timed entries every half-hour at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., West Cambridge. $5 to $35. Information is here.
Central Square Book Club book talk from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free, but register. This month’s title is “My Sister the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Copies are available for pickup at the branch. Information is here.
Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the community room at the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. Writers of all experience levels are invited to join a casual, peer-supported writing group. Bring short in-progress or completed pieces of any genre. Information is here.
Chris Pureka at 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25 to $30. The Portland, Oregon, singer-songwriter has straddled the folk, Americana and indie rock genres for more than 20 years. Information is here.
Bill Knott Celebration with Poets Sean Cole, Eric Paul, Janaka Stucky and Chris Tonelli from 7 to 8 p.m. at Grolier Poetry Book Shop on 6 Plympton St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $5 to $10, and register. Knott (1940–2014) was the author of several poetry collections and taught at Emerson College for many years. Information is here.
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $30 to $32. Information is here.
Tapered Expectations XXIX: “Above the Clouds” comedy show from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Cloud & Spirits, 795 Main St., Central Square, Cambridge. $15 to $25 and 21-plus. Acquired Taste Comedy’s evening of stellar stand-up features Tim Champa, Matt Soni, Tooky Kavanagh, Peter Liu, host Kristina Feliciano and more. LN and DJ Joey Finnz are musical guests. Information is here.
Skunk Jesus and Clamb perform at 8 p.m. at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $15 to $20 and 21-plus. Skunk Jesus is inspired by free jazz, psychedelia and experimental grooves; Clamb digs soulful American. Information is here.
Route 1: The Holiday Edition from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at ManRay, 40 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 and 19-plus. DJ Paul Foley brings the best freestyle, electro house, new jack swing, old school hip-hop and club classics. All vinyl all night. Ugly holiday sweaters and/or your best/worst ’80s-’90s holiday dress encouraged. Information is here.
Re:Set with Joaquin Lledo from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Phoenix Landing, 512 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $10 and 19-plus. The Wednesday Re:Set house and techno night brings the Chilean now based in Spain and head of Secret Society. Re:Sident Joe Tagessian warms up and visuals by @areyouwellconnected. Information is here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Fiber Arts Circle from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free. Bring your own project and drop in to crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend and more with other crafters. Information is here.
Small Mart Vintage & Vinyl Holiday Mart from 4 to 9 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. Free. More than 30 local vendors with vintage treasures, killer art, a full bar and more. Plus this time, the crew from Space Age Exotic Lounge Party does all-vinyl sets featuring exotica, space age pop and midcentury lounge music. Information is here.
Santa’s Jazz Quartet from 5 to 7 p.m. at CanalSide Food + Drink, 100 CambridgeSide Place, East Cambridge. No cover charge. Graze or dine at any of CanalSide’s 13 eateries or the C-Side Bar while local artists perform holiday music. Information is here.
How to Play Dungeons and Dragons: A Beginner’s Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., East Cambridge. $30. Learn the basics of D&D, create a character and explore anything and everything in between. Information is here.
Reclaiming Folk: A Celebration of People of Color in Folk Music from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the lecture hall of the Cambridge Main Library, 449 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. Free, but register. Massachusetts singer-songwriters Naomi Westwater, Chris Walton and Kemp Harris give a 60-minute performance followed by a 30-minute talk back and Q&A. Information is here.
Nini Iris at 7 p.m. at The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $15 to $20. Born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, Iris’ unique writing and singing style delivers an “old world” charm combined with “dark textured overtones and an aggressive pop edge” – which may be why she did so well on NBC’s “The Voice.” Paloma Dineli Chesky opens. Information is here.
The Midwinter Revels: A Celtic and Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice (continued) at 7 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $20 to $105. Information is here.
Gender-free Scottish country dance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville. $5 to $20. Learn and practice in gender-neutral language. A warm-up and lesson in the first hour is followed by an hour of social dancing. Kat Dutton emcees and teaches. Information is here.
The Somerville Chanukah Party from 7 to 10 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $10 to $25. A complete live concert performance of the Chanukah album “The Moishe Oysher Chanukah Party” with a klezmer orchestra “drawn from the top klezmer bands in the world and an all-star cast of vocalists.” Plus classic Chanukah songs, Ladino Hanuká songs, Yiddish dancing with Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band, a performance by the Rachel Linsky dancers and the ultimate DJ set with Chaia and Kleztronica. Presented by the Boston Festival of New Jewish Music. Information is here.
“Diary of a Tap Dancer” (continued) at 7:30 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $80 to $150. Information is here.
Popcorn Comedy with Alex Giampapa from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square. $20. A comedian known for his scorching set of well-crafted jokes, hot takes on current events and biting social commentary headlines a night of freshly popped stand-up in the historic theater’s intimate microcinema. Information is here.
Narrative Open Mic from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Narrative, 387 Highland Ave., Davis Square, Somerville. $5 (ticket price redeemable for store credit during event). An evening celebrating art and expression; performing is not required to attend. Information is here.
F*ck That! Erin McKeown’s Anti-Holiday Spectacular at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $28 to $30. Billed as “the world’s first anticapitalist, proqueer, suspicious of Christmas-as-patriotism, sex-positive, not safe for work, multiethnic, radical leftist antiholiday show.” For those who saw John and Mick’s “An Irish Christmas” at The Burren last night, listener discretion is advised. Information is here.
“The Slutcracker” (continued) at 8 p.m. at The Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square. $35 and 18-plus. Information is here.
Comedian Jan Davidson at 8 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $8 to $15. The former Bostonian who’s now based in Los Angeles returns to her old stomping grounds (she misses snow and smart people?). Information is here.
Third Thursdays jazz with Dave Bryant and Friends at 8 p.m. at Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Ave., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10. This month, a debut performance together of keyboardist and composer Bryant, trumpeter Russ Johnson, alto saxophonist Eric Person, bassist Hill Greene and drummer James Kamal Jones, including pieces created for an upcoming recording by the quintet. Information is here.
Alec Flynn from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Highway, Prospect Hill, Somerville (also Dec. 20 and 21). $10 to $15 and 21-plus. Flynn’s one of many who’ve flown to Boston for the big annual convention known as “Comedians Going Home for the Holidays.” Information is here.
The Gold Ounce Trio from 10 p.m. to midnight at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10. An instrumental funk-jazz group composed of drummer Kev Klysko, guitarist Phil Friedrich and bassist Ely Delman who enjoy reimagining, expanding and improvising over original tunes and standards. Information is here.
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