10 things to go see around Boston this December
From spoken word to holiday theater, here are 10 performances to check out this month.
ELF The Musical
This musical based on the iconic Christmas film opened in November, but there are still tickets for some of its December shows. VIP packages include photos and meet-and-greets with Santa. (Closes Sunday, December 10; Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston; $37+; All ages)
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker
The Boston Ballet will be performing one of Christmas’s most iconic stories all month, with a special accessible performance on December 19. This is Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen’s sixth time presenting the show in Boston. (Closes Sunday, December 31; Boston Opera House, Boston; $35+; all ages, children must be at least 2)
Aurora Borealis: A Festival of Light and Dance
This collaboration between Boston University’s School of Theatre and Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance explores the relation of light and form. The performance will include student classwork and instructor solo pieces. (Monday, December 4, at 7 and 9 p.m.; Boston University Dance Theater, Boston; free; all ages)
Holiday Pops
This performance will include holiday favorites, a sing-along, and a visit from Santa. Kids matinees also include a post-concert meet-and-greet and special treats. (Opens Tuesday, December 5, at 8 p.m.; Boston Symphony Hall, Boston; $33+; all ages)
Holidazed Cabaret
Berklee students will perform a free night of musical theater. Selections will include Broadway favorites and originals. (Friday, December 8, at 8 p.m.; Red Room at Cafe 939, Boston; free; all ages)
Kendall Square Holiday on Ice World Dance Party
Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square will open its season with a professional ice dance performance. After the show, attendees can rent skates and join the stars on the ice. (Saturday, December 9, at 2 p.m.; Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square, Cambridge; free; all ages)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The next chapter of one of Hollywood’s most iconic series arrives this month. The most committed fans can see it an hour early by attending a double-feature premiere, marathon, or fan event. (Thursday, December 14, at 7 p.m.; various locations; PG-13)
It’s A Wonderful Life
The Brattle Theatre will show the classic holiday film six times over a weekend this month. See it in 35 mm film projection during this special engagement. (Opens Friday, December 15, at 7 p.m.; The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge; $9+; PG)
MassLEAP Spoken Word Brunch
The brunch will feature a buffet, book bazaar, live music, and multiple spoken word performances. Tickets and book purchases will support MassLEAP, a nonprofit that runs literacy and youth voice initiatives in Boston. (Saturday, December 16, at 11 a.m.; Bill’s Bar and Lounge, Boston; $30; 16+)
No Rest for the Wicked Funny
This 24-hour improv festival is a fundraiser for Globe Santa. (Editor’s note: Boston.com shares ownership with The Boston Globe.) Admission allows attendees to come and go as they wish during the performance. (Thursday, December 21, at 7 p.m.; Improv Asylum, Boston; $25; 18+)
