Boston Common Tree Lighting - Boston
Thu 12/1

The yuletide celebration features Joe McIntyre of NKOTB, the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus, The Boston Children’s Chorus, the a cappella singing group Rockapella, saxophonist/ singer Grace Kelly and Boston POPs conductor Keith Lockhart, and a performance from Boston’s Nutcracker ballet company.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Santa Claus, of course, join the crowd for a sing-a-long of holiday favorites. The program concludes with a fireworks display during the official lighting of the holiday tree. Free

Urban Nutcracker - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
12/3-12/18, Fri, Sat Sun

The classic Tchaikovsky with an inner-city edge, the Urban Nutcracker features the professional BalletRox company and more than 100 local children. Cost $25 & up

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes - Citi Wang Theater, Boston
12/2-12/28; see website for schedule

The Radio City Rockettes dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, glamorous costumes, energetic choral singers, dramatic lighting effects and a 50 foot LED screen which helps set the stage. Cost: $25 & up

Anne of Green Gables - Fenn School, Concord
Fri-Sun, 12/2-12/11

Concord Youth Theatre tells the story of an aging farmer, his sister, Marilla, and Anne, who uses her charm to win the hearts of Matthew and Marilla as well as her classmates and town folk. Cost: $13

Holiday Open House - Old South Meeting House, Boston
Fri-Sat 12/2-12/3

Ring in the holidays at the Meeting House with a taste of handcrafted chocolates made with authentic 17th century recipes. Learn how chocolate was made in the 18th century, from pod to powder and how chocolate, coffee, tea and more were served in the colonies. Free

A Christmas Carol - North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly
Fri-Sun, 12/2-12/23

The NSMT musical is an original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic that follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. Cost: $45-$60        

The Velveteen Rabbit - BCA, Boston
12/3-12/18, Sat, Sun

Boston Children’s Theatre presents the enchanting play adapted by Burgess Clark, features puppetry combined with live actors. Celebrating the holiday themes of hope, family and belief, and featuring original music and puppets, The Velveteen Rabbit is about the strength and power of a child’s imagination. Cost $25; visit the Mayor’s Holiday Special for half-price tickets.

Santa’s Landing by Lobster Boat & Christmas Walk Parade - Marblehead
Sat, 12/3

Santa arrives in Marblehead by lobster boat - a fitting mode of transport for a seaside town. Boston Ballet School is on site, and kids can have a picture taken with the Bear from the Nutcracker. Free

Family Concert with Sol y Canto - Barefoot Books Studio, Concord
Sun, 12/4

Rosi and Brian Amador, lead artists of the nationally-touring and Boston Music Award winning Pan-Latin ensemble, Sol y Canto, perform a family concert at the Concord Studio. Concert-goers can also hear a preview of Barefoot Books' audio book versions of The Parrot Tico Tango and Lola's Fandango. Cost: $5; Family maximum $15. Purchase tickets in advance.

Holiday Toy Drive and Mountain Bike Ride/Hike - Blue Hills, Milton
Sun, 12/4

Join the DCR Park Rangers and volunteers from Blue HIlls TrailWatch and New England Mountain Bike Association for the annual toy drive collection. Bring a new, unwrapped toy, then go on a guided or self-guided ride or hike. Gifts for children ages 11-16 are most needed. Free