It's a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Opens 12/13
Tickets $20-$35        

Experience Frank Capra’s classic as a captivating 1940s radio show, complete with live music, sound effects, an applause sign, and a talented ensemble who play a range of colorful characters. Follow George Bailey as he discovers what life would be like in Bedford Falls had he never been born. [Details]

The Christmas Revels - Sanders Theatre, Cambridge
Opens 12/13
Tickets Adults $27 & up; Children $15 & up        

This year's production celebrates the winter solstice by taking a musical trip to Galicia in northern Spain. The story follows Everyman, a allegorical character summoned by a mysterious figure who tells him his days are numbered. He must go on a journey to the end of the earth to be there for the shortest day. Needless to say, colorful encounters - and glorious music - abound. [Details]

The Heart of Robin Hood - Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge
Opens Thu 12/12
Tickets $25-$35        

In this rendition of the English legend, the notorious Robin Hood and his band of merry men steal from the rich, but refuse to share with the oppressed peasantry. As the wicked Prince John threatens all of England, it is down to Marion to boldly protect the poor and convert Robin Hood from outlaw to hero. First seen at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2011, this new production is filled with high adventure, epic romance, amazing fight choreography, and an original score inspired by contemporary folk music. [Details]

Holiday on Ice - @Kendall Community Ice Skating, Cambridge
Sat 12/14
FREE

Free skating admission all day, a show, and refreshments kick off the public skating season. At 2pm, Frozen Frog Productions presents an ice show that features a cast of professional skaters and performers, including former stars of Disney on Ice and Ice Capades, and US National and International medalists. [Details]

Skating Rink Season Opener Celebration - Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston
Sat 12/14
FREE

Celebrate the opening of the Skating under the Rotunda and Winter on the Wharf season with a flurry of family-friendly festivities. [Details]

Alastair Moock's Holiday Extravaganza - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Sat 12/14
Tickets: Adults $10; Children $8        

Alastair Moock and Friends and extra special guests present a concert of original tunes and holiday favorites. [Details]

Pitching in for Kids Annual Candy Land Tournament - Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Sat 12/14
$20/family; $5/individual        

Kids play Candy Land and sample some of Boston's best local vendors with entertainment, arts and crafts, and raffles. Every child leaves with a Hasbro toy. All proceeds will benefit Pitching in for Kids. [Details]

Karen K and the Jitterbugs Holiday Jamboree - The Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN), Natick
Sat 12/14
Tickets: Adults $10; Children $8        

Karen K and the Jitterbugs host a holiday show at TCAN that celebrates the season's many holidays and traditions in song, and also features favorites from the band’s new album. The show includes a special appearance of a group of Karen K’s tot-sized fans that lead the audience in “This Little Light of Mine.”[Details]

Model Train Weekend - Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library/National Heritage Museum, Lexington
Sat 12/14-Sun 12/15
$7/family        

The HUB Division of the National Model Railroad Association presents miles of track with trains running on multiple main lines as they chug up mountain climbs, past coal mines, through small villages and into tunnels. Some engines pull 50 cars past hundreds of charming venues including icy lakes with skaters, snow-covered farms, and urban skyscrapers. [Details]

Santa Claus in the Tropics - Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Saturdays through 12/21
Included with admission

Children can meet Santa at Franklin Park Zoo! Children will want to make sure they visit with Jolly Old St. Nick, who will be available for photos inside the always balmy Tropical Forest building, home to western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, a giant anteater and much more. Free hot chocolate available (upon entering the Zoo, everyone will receive a hot chocolate voucher which can be redeemed at the Zoo’s Giddy-up Grill). Other activities include winter-themed arts and crafts, holiday-themed enrichment for the animals, storytime by Santa and Big Joe the Storyteller, and more festive fun. [Details]

Cookies & Carols - New School of Music, Cambridge
Sun 11/15
FREE

Families can join in on a winter holiday sing-a-long, a seasonal craft and a cookie potluck*; be sure to bring your favorite treats to share! [Details]

Teddy Bears on Display - Cambridge
Sun 12/15
FREE

Each year, Salvation Army volunteers dress over 400 Teddy Bears to bring smiles to children and adults alike! The Teddy Bears are prepared by residents of Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington and other surrounding communities. Teddy Bear “fashion designers” stitch together creative, unique and beautiful outfits for our stuffed little friends.

Kids can take a look at the bears, and get their pictures taken with Santa Claus and all the Teddy Bears. Plus, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and old fashioned Christmas caroling led carolers dressed in authentic Victorian attire. This is the only time to see the bears…when the event is over, all the bears will be given to needy children in communities served by the Salvation Army. [Details]

The 240th Anniversary Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment - Old South Meeting House, Boston
Mon 11/16
Adults $15; Children (under 13) $12        

Visitors can take on the role of Patriot or Loyalist in a spirited reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. Hear from John Hancock, Francis Rotch, Joseph Warren, and Samuel Adams. Then, witness a re-enactment of the historic event.

The reenactment begins at the Old South Meeting House with a Meeting of the Body of the People. Then, participants march to Griffin’s Wharf, just as the colonists did centuries ago. Finally, everyone will have the opportunity to throw tea overboard on the authentically restored Tea Ship the Beaver at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Meet the colonists and enjoy the performances by costumed actors as you participate in this iconic event that forever changed American history. Purchase tickets in advance online or by phone. [Details]

Image: Model Train Weekend,Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library