FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

HawkFeather Dancers - Modern Native American Dances and Customs - JFK Library and Museum, Boston
Friday, 11/25        

Join hoop dancer Pete TwoFeathers and other members of the Mohawk Tribe as they share contemporary Native American dances, music, clothing, and customs as seen at powwows and other Native gatherings. Find out what American Indian culture today is all about. Reservations required; call or register via the website. Free

F.A.T. Chain Reaction - MIT Museum, Cambridge
Friday, 11/25

For the F.A.T. (Friday After Thanksgiving) Chain Reaction, participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – it’s like watching a giant domino demonstration. People can join the fun by registering as participants to bring their own contraptions or just planning to attend as spectators. Artist and inventor Arthur Ganson, renowned chain reaction creator, is on hand to help with connections and play master of ceremonies for the action. Cost: Spectators: Adults $15; Children (5-18), Students, Seniors $5

FRIDAY 11/25 TO SUNDAY 11/27

Sing-Along Mary Poppins - Regent Theatre, Arlington
Friday, 11/25 - Sunday, 11/27

A restored 35mm print of the classic 1964 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics so audiences can join in the fun by singing along. A movie host introduces the film and leads the crowd through audience participation activities and demonstrates the use of the complimentary bag of interactive props. To complete the Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins experience, audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite Mary Poppins character – or in a costume inspired by the movie. Cost: $12-$15

Jack and the Beanstalk - Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline
Friday, 11/25 - Sunday, 11/27

Spring Valley Puppet Theater presents the classic tale of Jack and the magic beanstalk he climbs it to find adventure and fortune. Cost: $10

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27        

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting - Newburyport
Sunday, 11/27

Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in the most fitting way for this seaport town - by US Coast Guard boat. Santa and Mrs. Claus dock at the boardwalk and begin to parade through downtown Newburyport, then gather in Market Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols. Free

SEASONAL FAVORITES OPENING THIS WEEKEND

Family Trees - Concord Museum, Concord
Opens this weekend and runs through January 1

The Museum’s galleries are filled with 36 fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. Cost: Adults $15; Seniors $10; Children (4-18) $6. Includes admission to museum

Make a Holiday Ornament Keepsake - USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown
Begins 11/25; Daily through 12/24        

Museum visitors can create an anchor keepsake ornament for your family tree with craft supplies at the Museum or make a weatherproof ornament for the holiday tree onboard Old Ironsides. The Museum will collect ornaments to decorate USS Constitution’s annual tree, for the official “lighting” on December 4th. After this date, any ornaments made at the Museum can be placed on Constitution’s tree by visitors themselves. Cost: Anchor keepsake ornaments $5 to make; USS Constitution weatherproof ornaments free

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Boston Opera House, Boston
Opens Friday, 11/25

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is just one of the several Nutcracker performances that opens this week. Boston-area families have multiple choices for joining Clara on her magical journey through an enchanted winter wonderland. See website for ticket prices

Historic Holiday Stroll - Boston
Thursdays through Sundays through 12/24

Led by a costumed tour guide dressed in 19th century Dickensian garb, visitors learn how holiday traditions evolved in Boston while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. The tour concludes with the chance to warm your bones with hot chocolate, tea, or wine and Boston Crème Pie offered at the historic Omni Parker House Hotel. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. Purchase tickets online or by phone. Cost: Adults $29; Children $19

ZooLights - Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Opens Thursday, 11/24; daily through 1/1/12

Visitors stroll along tree-lined paths past the lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Children can visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle - a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. (Jolly Old St. Nick is available for photos through Dec. 23.) Cost: $4-$6