The Christmas Revels - Sanders Theatre, Cambridge
Opens Friday

This year’s production celebrates the winter solstice with music and dance from England, France, Spain, and the Middle East, plus comedy, rituals and carols and familiar Revels touchstones like The Shortest Day, the Sussex Mummers Carol, Dona Nobis Pacem and the joyous and participatory Lord of the Dance. Cost: $25 & up

It’s a Wonderful Life - Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport
Thursdays - Sundays through 12/23

Theater in the Open presents a twist on the holiday classic. It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the beloved Frank Capra film but done in the style of “the golden age of radio.” Watch and listen as George Bailey discovers that life really is wonderful and see how Clarence, angel second class, acquires his wings. Cost: Adults $15; Students & Children $13

Alastair Moock & His Rowdy Roots Band - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Saturday, 12/17

These Are My Friends, Moock’s seventh album and second specifically for kids and families, features several of Moock’s friends from the Boston folk and children’s music scenes, including Rani Arbo, Anand Nayak, Mark Erelli, Lori McKenna, Kris Delmhorst, Vanessa Trien, Jennifer Kimball, and Rose Polenzani; plus his twin four-year-old girls, Elsa and Clio. Cost: Adults $9.75; Children $7.75

Family Program: Awesome Arctic Artifacts - Peabody Museum, Cambridge
Saturday, 12/17

Museum visitors explore artifacts from the arctic, including a rare kayak from Alaska and make and decorate their own snow goggles to take home. Cost: Free with admission: Adults $9; Seniors & Students with ID $7; Children (3-18) $6

A Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Harvard Coop, Cambridge
Saturday, 12/17

Santa listens to children’s wishes and Mrs. Claus reads holiday stories. Free

Judy Pancoast Sings - Regent Theatre, Arlington
Saturday, 12/17

Judy Pancoast sings The House On Christmas Street and other family holiday favorites in a lively, energetic concert. Cost: Adults $10; Children $8

Everyone Loves Latkes Party - Cambridge
Saturday, 12/17

A celebration of Hanukkah features latkes donated by area restaurants. Harvard Square’s Latkes are delicious, diverse in shape, size, and texture and are accompanied with creative homemade condiments. The third annual event! FREE

Ice Skating Rink Grand Opening - The Charles Hotel, Cambridge
Sunday, 12/18

The Charles Hotel celebrates the opening of its rink with complimentary ice skating and rentals (12n-6pm); a visit from Globe Santa; performances from the Harvard Figure Skating Club; and complimentary hot chocolate. Little ones can enjoy a Kids Cookie Decorating room (12n-3pm). Free

Magic Show with Rupayan Neogy - Discovery Museums, Acton
Sunday, 12/18

Young, local magician Rupayan Neogy shares his talents as he showcases a variety of tricks during an interactive performance geared toward family audiences. Cost: Free with admission