Thursday, Dec. 25
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. 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.
Bah-Humbug! Game Day from noon to 10 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville. Free. A variety of games for all tastes and abilities are available for nonmembers twice a month. Or bring your own game and teach others how to play.
Maccabee Bar pop-up from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31). À la carte pricing. Experience a different side of the holidays with Hanukkah-themed cocktails, latkes, chicken flatbread and smoked salmon plates.
“Brazil” (1985) film screening at 6 and 9 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13 to $15. Jonathan Pryce plays a daydreaming average person who finds himself caught in the gears of a nightmarish bureaucracy. This cautionary tale by Terry Gilliam from 1985 has come to be esteemed alongside antitotalitarian works by the likes of George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and Kurt Vonnegut.
The People’s Karaoke at 9 p.m. at The Middle East Corner, 480 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free and 21-plus. Known for its community vibe, join in by singing along to instrumental tracks with hosts such as Handsome Joe.
Friday, Dec. 26
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Edna Andrade: Imagination Is Never Static (Tuesday through Sunday through Jan. 4) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Special Exhibitions Gallery at the Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. This exhibit emphasizes the technique of artist and educator Andrade (1917–2008) in her contribution to the modernist movements of the 20th century.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas at 7 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Sunday). $20 to $105. Revels’ blend of music, storytelling, song and dance brings to life the story of “Matchless,” by Gregory Maguire, author of “Wicked.” This expansion of Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic short story, “The Little Match Girl,” is expanded again with Scandinavian songs and dance performed by musicians, actors and an intergenerational chorus.
“Frozen” screening from 3 to 5 p.m. at Cambridge Public Library’s Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” this 2013 animated film follows Anna, the princess of Arendelle, who sets off on a journey with the iceman Kristoff, his reindeer Sven and the snowman Olaf to find her estranged sister Elsa.
Maccabee Bar pop-up (continued) from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31).
Jimmy Tingle Live! Humor and Hope for Humanity at 5 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continues on Saturday and Sunday). $35. A journey from Tingle’s roots as an aspiring comic and street performer during the 1980s to the present.
“Wonder” theater at 7 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Feb. 8). $100 to $163. An American Repertory Theater presentation from the novel by R.J. Palacio and the 2017 film about Auggie Pullman, a kid with facial deformities who has been homeschooled his entire life. He must navigate a world filled with kindness and cruelty when his family decides it’s time for him to start going to school.
Yoko Miwa Trio performs from 7 to 8:15 and 8:45 to 10 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free, but $25 food-and-drink minimum. The Japan-born jazz pianist performs with Brad Barrett (acoustic bass) and Scott Goulding (drums).
A Sinatra Holiday with Jeff DiMare from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lou’s, 13 Brattle St., Cambridge. Free, but reservations required. DiMare, who hosted KISS 108’s “Matty in the Morning” and Boston’s Fox25 TV, is a singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook.
Friday’s Comedy Gold at 7:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $24 to $30. Lineup includes Zach Valencia, Emily Ruskowski, Janet McNamara, Andrew Mayer, Alex Giampapa and Danny Killea.
Elizabeth and the Catapult at 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $28 to $30. Brooklyn singer-songwriter Elizabeth Ziman – performing as Elizabeth and the Catapult – has toured with Amy Helm, Sara Bareilles and Kishi Bashi and collaborated with Esperanza Spalding, Gillian Welch, Blake Mills and Ben Folds.
The Late Night Show at 9:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $24 to $30. Features comics including Cam Ohh, Dylan O’Keefe, Al Christakis, Emily Ruskowski, Brieana Woodward, Zach Valencia and Jan Davidson.
Midnight at the Mad Monkfish with Camila Quintero from midnight to 1 a.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free to enter. The Berklee jazz vocalist has two student Downbeat Jazz Magazine awards for outstanding jazz vocalist performance and overall pop-blues vocal performance.
Saturday, Dec. 27
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Rick & Friends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville. Free. Jazz vocalist (and flute player) Rick Silberg hosts a weekly residency with a varied lineup playing jazz favorites and American classics.
Edna Andrade: Imagination Is Never Static (continued) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Special Exhibitions Gallery at the Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
Hatha yoga with Parashakti Husson and music by Jesse Gallagher from noon to 1:45 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $20 to $25. Visiting from the Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia, Husson leads a class for all while Gallagher performs selections from his album “The Inner Sound.”
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square (and continuing through Sunday). $20 to $105.
“Wonder” theater (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Feb. 8). $100 to $163.
Americana Afternoons: Royer’s One Man Band from 3 to 5 p.m. at Remnant Satellite, 877 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. Free. Royer performs authentic bluegrass and old-time country music.
Maccabee Bar pop-up (continued) from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31).
Jimmy Tingle Live! Humor and Hope for Humanity (continued) at 5 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continues on Sunday). $35.
Melissa Ferrick performs at 5 and 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $40 to $43. Two shows from this Northeastern University music industry professor, who’s released 18 albums and won numerous awards for songwriting, production and performance.
A Sinatra Holiday with Jeff DiMare (continued) from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lou’s, 13 Brattle St., Cambridge. Free, but reservations required.
Saturday’s Comedy Gold at 7:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $24 to $30. This show features a lineup of seasoned stand-up including Jack Burke, Chris Post, Janet McNamara, Sky Nockels and Brian Longwell.
DIY screenprinting night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $45. Dark Mode’s Bow Market storefront gives participants the chance to experiment with design and printing techniques. Each guest gets a T-shirt to print on and can bring their own items or customize a hoodie for an additional $20.
Jam session with saxophonist Calvin Limuel from 10 p.m. to midnight at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free. The multi-instrumentalist Berklee College of Music graduate leads.
Sunday, Dec. 28
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Edna Andrade: Imagination Is Never Static (continued) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Special Exhibitions Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
Game day from noon to 10 p.m. at the New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville. Free, but you must request a seat by email to attend. A variety of games for all tastes and abilities are available for nonmembers twice a month. Or bring your own game and teach others how to play.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas (continued) at 1 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square. $20 to $105.
“Let’s Not Die”: Live D&D with comedians at 2 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $14 to $24. Gamemaster Trevor Dion guides comedians through a one-time journey of the imagination, determined by rolls of the dice and the players’ natural perversity.
“Wonder” theater (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Feb. 8). $100 to $163.
Maccabee Bar pop-up (continued) from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31).
Jimmy Tingle Live! Humor and Hope for Humanity (continued) at 5 p.m. at The Comedy Studio, 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $35.
Antje Duvekot at 5 and 8 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $33 to $35. Two shows by a singer-songwriter who’s performed at folk festivals in the United States (Newport, Mountain Stage, Kerrville) and abroad (Celtic Connections in Scotland and the Tonder in Denmark).
Craft Café from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Free. Bring a project to create with other crafters.
“Jeopardy!” trivia at 7 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville. Free. The official bar trivia experience from “America’s Favorite Quiz Show.”
Trumpeter Peter Kenagy leads the Mad Monkfish Jazz Orchestra from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. Free, but $25 food-and-drink minimum. Joined by Sam Spear (alto sax), Andy Voelker (tenor sax), Kathy Olson (baritone sax), Randy Pingrey (trombone), David Zoffer (piano), John Sullivan (bass) and Austin McMahon (drums).
Monday, Dec. 29
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Making the Invisible Visible: Digitizing Invertebrates on Microscope Slides exhibit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Features microscopic slides and images of invertebrates from the Museum of the Comparative Zoology. Guests can look at the slides through a microscope.
“Charade” (1963) film screening at 3:30 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13. Audrey Hepburn plays Reggie Lampert, an American ex-pat in Europe who returns to Paris from vacation expecting to divorce her husband but instead finds that he has been murdered. CIA agent Hamilton Bartholomew (Walter Matthau) shows up with advice.
Maccabee Bar pop-up (continued) from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31).
Ellis Paul and friends at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing Tuesday and Wednesday). $43 to $45. Throughout his 23 albums and constant touring, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues. Sam Robbins opens.
“Jeopardy!” trivia at 7 p.m. at Lamplighter CX, 110 N. First St., North Point, Cambridge. Free. The official bar trivia experience from “America’s Favorite Quiz Show.”
The Tall Trio from 7 to 8 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Every Monday night, the Lilypad’s Tall Trio warms up the stage for a night full of jazz legends. Usually led by Elan Mehler with Max Ridley and Dor Herskovits.
Irish Session with Eamonn Sefton and friends from 7 to 10 p.m. at McCarthy’s, 1920 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free. The singer-songwriter was raised on traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton. Sefton established himself as one of the top fretted instrument players in the American Celtic music scene.
The Disco Biscuits at 8 p.m. at The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Ticket price TBD. Philadelphia’s Marc Brownstein, Aron Magner, Jon Gutwillig and Marlon B. Lewis are a group get credit for pioneering “trance-fusion,” bridging the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock.
Karaoke Noir from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at ManRay, 40 Prospect St., Central Square, Cambridge. Free to enter and 19-plus. More than 5,000 songs from new wave, goth, punk, metal and postpunk genres.
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, John Sullivan on bass and Luther Gray on drums.
The Fringe performs at 10 p.m. at Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge (and every Monday) $15. Remaining members of The Fringe (formed in 1971), tenor-saxophonist George Garzone and bassist John Lockwood perform contemporary jazz.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Making the Invisible Visible: Digitizing Invertebrates on Microscope Slides exhibit (continued) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15.
Edna Andrade: Imagination Is Never Static (continued) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Special Exhibitions Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
Sketch, Shade, Smudge: Drawing from Gray to Black (Tuesday through Sunday through Jan. 18, 2026) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Special Exhibitions Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. An exhibition celebrating the act of drawing using charcoal, chalk, crayon and graphite.
“Wonder” theater (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Feb. 8). $100 to $163.
Movie: “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” (2024) from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Central Hill. Free. In this PG movie, Porky Pig and Daffy Duck turn into unlikely heroes when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover an alien mind control plot.
Maccabee Bar pop-up (continued) from 4 p.m. to midnight at Noir at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and every day through Dec. 31).
Makers & Mocktails: New Year Intention Jewelry Workshop at 6:30 p.m. at Legal Sea Foods, 301 Great River Road, Somerville. $45 to $55, including a free mocktail. Design a gold-plated New Year Intention charm necklace or bracelet infused with your personal 2026 new year intention.
The Beantown Buckaroos at 7 p.m. at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. $25. A two-step dance lesson is at 7 p.m.; the country western band takes the stage at 7:30.
Ellis Paul and friends (continued) at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (and continuing Wednesday). $43 to $45.
Bluesy Tuesy Social Dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at New England Science Fiction Association clubhouse at 504 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville (and every Tuesday). $5 to $25. DJs play at this weekly partner blues dance event that includes a lesson for beginners in the first hour.
Indie trivia at 8 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville. Free. Test your knowledge every Tuesday. Aeronaut opens the taproom to players and hosts for this independent game of knowledge.
Americana Jam Sessions with Alex Calabrese from 8 to 11 p.m. at McCarthy’s, 1920 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free entry. Each session brings a mix of rotating musicians – guitarists, fiddlers, singers, songwriters and anyone who loves the rich traditions of roots, folk and country music. This week: Old Tom and the Lookouts, a Boston-based indie-folk band led by Calabrese.
New Year’s Eve EVE 2026: “Divas … Then & Now” from 8 p.m. to midnight at Remnant Satellite, 877 Cambridge St., Wellington-Harrington, Cambridge. $25 to $50. Celebrates iconic voices and show-stopping performances with a night of high-glam pop featuring the music of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Shakira, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Cardi B, Kylie Minogue, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robyn, Madonna and more!
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
Making the Invisible Visible: Digitizing Invertebrates on Microscope Slides exhibit (continued) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) at Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., in the Baldwin neighborhood near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15.
Edna Andrade: Imagination Is Never Static (continued) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Special Exhibitions Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
“Wonder” theater (continued) at 2 and 7 p.m. at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing through Feb. 8). $100 to $163.
New Year’s Goofs Stand-up Comedy Show at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. at Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Highway, Prospect Hill, Somerville. $40 to $100 and 21-plus. Laugh in the face of 2026 along with favorite comedians and enjoy a full bar (drinks start at $4) and a Wade BBQ menu.
Ellis Paul and friends (continued) at 7 p.m. at Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $43 to $45.
New Year’s Eve Preshow with Yoko Miwa Trio and Andy Voelker from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $15 plus dinner. Internationally acclaimed pianist Yoko Miwa leads her trio in a night of jazz, with Andy Voelker’s saxophone artistry.
Boston Baroque New Year’s Celebration at 7:30 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge (continuing Thursday). $25 to $125. Conductor Marc Minkowski leads the orchestra in a festive program featuring Handel’s complete “Water Music,” with additional repertoire to be announced.
A New Year’s Eve Rodeo from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville. $32 to $40. Break out your 10-gallon hats and bolo ties and enjoy line dancing led by 617 Country; a mechanical bull; tunes from DJ Knife; a cowpoke costume contest; late-night eats from the Mimi’s Chuka Diner chuckwagon; a photobooth; and a complimentary pour in a commemorative flute for you to take home.
Shagadelic NYE Disco Dance Party at 8 p.m. at Performance Hall at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville. $80. Dana Fiber and friends present this New Year’s Eve disco dance party featuring drag and musical performances. Each ticket comes with four complimentary drink tickets to a beer and wine bar and complimentary snacks. Dress in your best disco dance outfit.
Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers presents Wrestle Yr Friends New Years Eve at 8 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $36. A queer New Year’s Eve wrestling extravaganza that combines the art of the Hole Show, the larger-than-life charisma of Bloww and the radically inclusive mission of Wrestle Yr Friends. Ticket buyers are wrestlers, too. (Never fear: Participant wrestling includes “arm wrestling, sock wrestling, thumb wrestling, leg wrestling, staring contest … you get the idea.”)
Dub Apocalypse performs from 8 to midnight at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $30 to $35 and 21-plus. The instrumental dub reggae band from Boston brings along special guests.
New Year’s Eve Disco and Drag Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Lamplighter CX, 110 North First St., North Point, Cambridge. $30 and 21-plus. Between performances, shimmy and hustle on the dance floor and sip on the finest craft beer Lamplighter has to offer. There will be a 6-oz midnight toast included with a ticket.
New Year’s Eve Neon Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Lamplighter Brewing, 284 Broadway, The Port, Cambridge. $20. Get your best and brightest neon attire and enjoy a wonderland of neon, black lights, games, dancing, glowing mocktails and plenty of beer (with optional glitter).
LUV New Year’s Eve 2026 Dance Party from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at First Street Market, 59 First St., Cambridge. $17 and 18-plus. DJ Sav Soul and McKersin the Visionary spin your favorite house, disco, amapiano and Afrobeats tunes all night long.
Comedy Studio’s New Year’s Eve Showcase and After Party at 9 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $34 to $39. Food, drinks, laughs, music and a toast to ring in 2026. The lineup includes Uri Shatil, Courtney Reynolds, Peter Liu, Dan Hall, Brieana Woodward, Sky Nockels and Peter Martin.
Jazz Vocalist Shawnn Monteiro and Her Quartet from 9 p.m. to midnight at The Mad Monkfish, 524 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $50. Ring in the New Year with Monteiro on vocals; Matt De Champlain, piano; Marshall Wood, double bass; and Ryan Sands, drums.
Midnight 3000 New Year’s Party from 9 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. at Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville. Free, 21-plus. Dress in futuristic accents: silver, shimmer, clean lines, or anything that catches the light. Neon accents will pop under the black lights.
Fruitstand’s Studio 52 New Year’s Eve at 9:30 p.m. at The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $20 to $33 and 21-plus. A queer pop dance party playing the anthems you love and favorite disco hits, too.
Thursday, Jan. 1
Illuminations Somerville (continued) any day, any time after dark in a range of neighborhoods found by using Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map (and continuing throughout Jan. 12, 2026). Free.
First flag-raising ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting with a parade from City Hall to the site of the ceremony, at noon, at Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe St., Somerville. Free. A reenactment (in costume) of the moment on Jan. 1, 1776, when general George Washington raised a new American flag over the highest point in the land, Prospect Hill in Somerville. This year the reenactors include Richard Johnson, appearances by Washington on horseback, “Primus Hall,” historic music and singalongs, and reading of Phyllis Wheatley’s famous poem to Washington in the months leading up to Jan. 1, 1776.
Marx Brothers Marathon: “Duck Soup” at noon and 7:30 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13 to $30. A New Year’s tradition of anarchic hijinks featuring the brothers taking on roles that range from heads of state to lowly stowaways, including this political satire from 1933.
Marx Brothers Marathon: “The Cocoanuts” at 1:45 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13 to $30. During the Florida land boom around the time of this 1929 film, the brothers run a hotel, auction off some land and thwart a jewel robbery.
Boston Baroque New Year’s Celebration (continued) at 3 p.m. at Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., near Harvard Square, Cambridge. $25 to $125.
Marx Brothers Marathon: “Monkey Business” at 3:45 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13 to $30. Four stowaways get mixed up with gangsters while running riot on an ocean liner in this 1931 film.
Ward Hayden & the Outliers Presents: Celebration of Hank Williams from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., in the Baldwin neighborhood between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge. $28 to $35. A New Year’s Day matinee celebrating 100 years of musician Hank Williams. (Ward and his bandmates and musician friends have been doing it since 2010.)
Marx Brothers Marathon: “Horse Feathers” at 5:45 p.m. at The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $13 to $30. The new president of Huxley University (Groucho Marx) has a plan to beef up its lousy football team in this 1932 film.
Candle Making and Intention Setting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. $70. All materials are included to make a 16-ounce soy candle with herbs and flowers.
First 100! at 8 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $19 to $24. Brieana Woodward hosts what’s described as “a totally unique show not to be missed … 100 comics. 100 new jokes.”
Toad Revival Thursdays Holiday Edition from 10 to 11:30 p.m. at McCarthy’s, 1920 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Free. The artists who built the room, packed the floor and made late nights legendary perform as the old Toad Revival.
Feature image by Ilya Semenov via Unsplash.
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