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Things To Do in Boston this Weekend: Christmas Revels,Illuminations Tour, Hanukkah Science

Celebrations! features the Boston Ballet. Photo courtesy of New Philharmonia Orchestra
Celebrations! features the Boston Ballet. Photo courtesy of New Philharmonia Orchestra
12/11/19 - By Lucie T

The Christmas trees are decorated and shopping is in full swing. Why not set the excitement to music? The Christmas Revels have an Americana theme this year, Newton hosts a Celebrations choral concert with the Boston Ballet, and Matt Heaton is having his annual holiday hootenanny. Carol with a mariachi band at Posada Navideña or see a classic Dickens's holiday tale in dance form at What the Dickens.  Of course, Somerville's annual Illuminations Tour of the neighborhood's most awesomely decorated homes is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, too. Don't forget to check our Boston Holiday Fun Guide for even more ideas.

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa events are on tap this weekend, too. Discover the true meaning of Kwanzaa at Tafuta!, or do experiments with oil, fire, and light at It's a Mad Science Hannukah. However you are celebrating the season, keep tabs on our events calendar and Facebook page for the latest scoop. 

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Need more family fun ideas? Check out our full events calendar.

Somerville Holiday Lights photo by Andrew Malone/CC BY 2.0

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Snowflake Man is about wintry art and science. Photo courtesy of Puppet Showplace Theater
Snowflake Man is about wintry art and science. Photo courtesy of Puppet Showplace Theater

Things to Do All Weekend

The Snowflake Man

Brookline
"The Snowflake Man" tells the story of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, the self-educated farmer and scientist who attracted world attention when he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. READ MORE

The Christmas Revels

Cambridge
A holiday tradition for more than four decades, The Christmas Revels is a joyful theatrical celebration of the winter solstice that travels the world each year, showcasing cultural traditions including music, dance, folktales, and rituals. READ MORE

Santa Teas at Gore Place

Waltham
Guests enjoy a 3-tiered tea with scones, sandwiches, and sweets in the beautiful 1793 carriage house. READ MORE

Rockport Makers’ Festival

Rockport
This is a town-wide festival where visitors can shop local and handmade at maker-themed events in local shops. READ MORE

CraftBoston Holiday Online

Boston
Artists showcase one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces perfect for gift-gifting, including ceramics, decorative fiber, art-to-wear, furniture, toys, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, and wood. READ MORE

What The Dickens! A Contemporary Dance Twist on a Holiday Classic

Boston
Weaving contemporary dance, ballet, tap, hip hop, flamenco, projections, narration and more, ‘What The Dickens!’ is an enchanting dance-theater rendition of Dickens’ classic, timely story of transforming greed into kindness and joy. READ MORE
See Somerville's most awesomely decorated homes on the Illuminations Tour. Photo by Andrew Malone/Flickr
See Somerville's most awesomely decorated homes on the Illuminations Tour. Photo by Andrew Malone/Flickr

Things to Do Saturday

Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny

Brookline
Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny is a dance-filled, laugh-laced party for the whole family. READ MORE

5th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll

Somerville
Join in an afternoon of Union Square discovery filled with festive happenings and holiday delight featuring rad retail, unique eats, music from around the world, visits with Santa, creative crafts, sparkly lights and more. READ MORE

Posada Navideña

Roslindale
Come dressed warm and ready to carol for “Posada” or “Shelter" around the Village accompanied by Mariachi Estrella de Boston and expect to be greeted with goodies for the children, warm tamales, champurrado (hot chocolate), and other Mexican treats. READ MORE

Illuminations Tour

Somerville
Come celebrate the folk artistry of residents who transform their houses and yards with lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy. Tickets go on sale after Thanksgiving. READ MORE

Tafuta! A Young Child's Search for the True Meaning of Kwanzaa

Roxbury
This original play, including a cast of local kids ages 7 to 15, was written and directed by Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga. It tells the story of a young boy's search for the meaning of Kwanzaa. READ MORE
Oil, fire, light, and more are explored in Hanukkah science. Photo courtesy of Mad Science of North Boston
Oil, fire, light, and more are explored in Hanukkah science. Photo courtesy of Mad Science of North Boston

Things to Do Sunday

Science on Screen, Jr.: Sherlock Jr.

Brookline
Before the film, a local scientist will discuss optical illusions and film special effects. Buster Keaton plays a movie projectionist who daydreams himself into the movies he is showing and merges with the figures and the backgrounds on the screen. While dreaming he is Conan Doyle's master detective, he snoops out brilliant discoveries. Recommended for ages 7+. READ MORE

A Light Through the Ages Chanukah Celebration

Boston
Central Reform Temple invites the Greater Boston Community to celebrate Chanukah together and share this dramatic candle lighting ceremony. READ MORE

Sugar Plum Fairy Party

Newton
Enjoy Nutcracker-themed music and movement led by the Sugar Plum Fairy, with festive games, stories, and snacks. READ MORE

It's A Mad Science Hanukkah

Brookline
This event features hands-on experiments with oil, fire and light, plus latkes and sufganiyot, led by Mad Science of North Boston. READ MORE

New Philharmonia Family Series: Celebrations!

Newton
New Phil’s annual holiday celebration is filled with beautiful music and dance for children of all ages and is presented in collaboration with Boston Ballet School and Newton All City Treble Singers. READ MORE

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