URBAN NUTCRACKER

Arguably Greater Boston’s most diverse reimagining of the E.T.A. Hoffmann tale, Anthony Williams’s lively “Urban Nutcracker’’ is a multicultural mix of classical ballet, flamenco, tap, hip-hop, and jazz. Set it to a score alternating between Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington, the ballet traces the journey of young Clarice through a magical urban landscape. Dec. 16-31, $25-$85. Tony Williams Dance Center at John Hancock Hall. 888-596-1027, www.urbannutcracker.com KAREN CAMPBELL

Pop & Rock

KISS 108 JINGLE BALL Megaconglomerate iHeartRadio brings its rotating pop tour to town. This year’s Boston installment is headlined by teen queen turned “Dangerous Woman’’ Ariana Grande. Also on the bill: up-from-Vine strummer Shawn Mendes, Joe Jonas’s funk-pop vehicle DNCE, and serial beat-appropriator Diplo. Dec. 11, 6 p.m. Tickets: $21-261. TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.tdgarden.com

SAD13 Speedy Ortiz’s Sadie Dupuis crafts fizzy, witty pop songs that cock an eyebrow at conventional ideas of womanhood, couplehood, personhood, and other prescribed ideas of existence while brimming with hooks and verve. Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. Middle East Upstairs. 617-864-3278, www.mideast offers.com

THE OH HELLOS This Texas-born brother-sister duo spiced up their ornate folk-pop with some Yuletide cheer on 2013’s “The Oh Hellos’ Family Christmas Album.’’ This year, they’re taking their holiday act (and many bandmates) on the road with a seasonally appropriate variety show. Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Tickets: $18. Paradise Rock Club. 617-562-8800, www.crossroadspresents.com

MAURA JOHNSTON

Folk & World

SUZY BOGGUSS The singer who made her mark as a country neo-traditionalist has seasonal offerings on tap with this “Swingin’ Little Christmas’’ show, which will mix holiday fare with her own hits and renditions of classics featured on her recent tribute album to Merle Haggard. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $38. The Bull Run Restaurant, Shirley. 877-536-7190, www.bullrun restaurant.com

SARAH SHOOK & THE DISARMERS Shook and company hail from North Carolina, fertile ground back in the day for the emergence of alternative country, and in drummer John Howie Jr. they have a direct link to one of that era’s bands, Two Dollar Pistols. Shook calls her version country music with a punk rock soul; if you’re a fan of Lydia Loveless, you’ll enjoy what you hear. Dec. 11, 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Atwood’s Tavern, Cambridge. 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com

THE HUNTRESS AND HOLDER OF HANDS MorganEve Swain began this project as a way to cope with her grief when her husband, David Lamb, succumbed to leukemia, and to carry on the artistic work that they had begun as Brown Bird. Fittingly, its name comes from the lyrics of a song that Lamb recorded for her as a Christmas present. Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Charles River Museum, Waltham. 781-893-5410, www.charlesrivermuseum.org STUART MUNRO

Jazz & Blues

DOMINIQUE EADE The sublime vocalist marries the cool tone of June Christy with the uncanny musical agility of Sarah Vaughan. The intimate gig includes guitarist Jon Wheatley and ubiquitous bassist John Lockwood. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Jocko’s Jazz at the Sahara Club, 34 Bates St., Methuen 603-898-1591, www.jockosjazz.com

SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES Led by red-hot harmonica player and singer Sugar Ray Norcia, with the searing guitar of Monster Mike Welch and smoking keyboards of Anthony Geraci, the Bluetones are a superbly seasoned outfit that house-rockingly ranges the blues landscape. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. $15. Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main St., Woonsocket R.I. 401-765-1900, www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com

RAN BLAKE & LUKAS PAPENFUSSCLINE Having recently commenced his ninth decade, nonpareil pianist, composer, and educator Blake is still exploring new ground, here in the debut of his duo with former student Papenfusscline, a husky-voiced folk singer deeply immersed in American roots music while incorporating classical, jazz, and world elements. NYC-based singer Sami Stevens and guitarist Steven Bilodeau open. Dec. 17, 8 p.m. Tickets: $10-$20. Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 617-395-1393, www.lilypadinman.com

KEVIN LOWENTHAL

Classical

YEVGENY KUTIK The Russian-American violinist, joined by cellist Julian Schwarz and pianist Marika Bournaki, performs trios by Mozart and Shostakovich. Kutik will also play the Boston premiere of Michael Gandolfi’s “Arioso Doloroso/Estatico,’’ featured on his recent album “Words Fail.’’ Dec. 11, 3 p.m., Temple Emanuel, Newton. 617-558-8100, www.templeemanuel.com

BLUE HERON The early-music vocal ensemble returns to its popular holiday program of 15th-century Christmas music from France, including works by Du Fay, Josquin, and Obrecht. Dec. 16-17, First Church in Cambridge, Congregational. 617-960-7956, www.blueheron .org

CANTATA SINGERS The chorus’s seasonal program includes not only favorites by Monteverdi, Distler, and Victoria but also a rarity: Schoenberg’s lush, early “Friede auf Erden.’’ Dec. 16-17, 8 p.m., multiple venues. 617-868-5885, www.cantatasingers.org

David Weininger

ARTS

Theater

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Austin Pendleton, who was in the original 1964 Broadway cast of “Fiddler,’’ directs a vibrantly alive production that adds up to one of the most rewarding theatrical experiences of the year hereabouts. Jeremiah Kissel gives it everything he’s got — and that’s a lot — as Tevye, a Jewish dairyman in an early 20th-century Russian shtetl called Anatevka, sweating and struggling to cope with convulsive change in every corner of his life and his world. Through Jan. 1. New Repertory Theatre, Mainstage Theater, Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-923-8487, www.newrep.org

MURDER ON THE POLAR EXPRESS Ryan Landry plays Shirley Holmes, “the world’s greatest she-tective,’’ whose imperious presence on a North Pole-bound train does absolutely nothing to prevent a spate of mysterious murders. Twisted versions of familiar Christmas characters emerge as suspects and victims alike in Landry’s most fully realized musical sendup-mashup since 2013’s “Mildred Fierce.’’ Directed by Larry Coen, “Polar Express’’ features a terrific cast and costumes by the indispensable Scott Martino that are downright inspired. Through Dec. 21. Ryan Landry and the Gold Dust Orphans at Machine nightclub, Boston. www.brownpapertickets .com/event/2627363

MURDER FOR TWO A clever musical spoof of the murder-mystery genre that allows Jared Troilo to showcase his comedy chops while portraying an ambitious police officer determined to solve the fatal shooting of a hated novelist in a New England mansion. The versatile Kirsten Salpini portrays more than half-a-dozen suspects. Directed by A. Nora Long. Through Dec. 24. Lyric Stage Company of Boston. 617-585-5678, www.lyricstage.com

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS This year’s theme is “An Acadian-Cajun Celebration of the Winter Solstice,’’ inspired by the original Acadians, French immigrants who were expelled from the Canadian Maritime provinces and ultimately wound up in Louisiana, paving the way for Cajun culture. The 100-member ensemble includes musician and song leader David Coffin, the Revels chorus (adults and children), fiddler Lisa Ornstein, Acadian singer Josee Vachon, and Cajun fiddler David Greely. Also: traditional favorites like “Lord of the Dance’’ and the Sussex Mummers Carol. Dec. 9-27. Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, Cambridge. 617-496-2222, www.revels.org

DON AUCOIN

Dance

HOLIDAY DANCE ALTERNATIVES Two companies alternate performances at the Boston Center for the Arts in delightful season offerings that dance on the irreverent side. Peter DiMuro / Public Displays of Motion’s “Gumdrops & The Funny Uncle’’ is a multigenerational holiday show through an LGBTQ lens. David Parker and The Bang Group’s “Nut/Cracked’’ is a hilariously skewed and stylish version of “The Nutcracker.’’ Dec. 14-18, $12-$30. Boston Center for the Arts. 617-266-0800, www.boston theatrescene.com

A PALO SECO FLAMENCO COMPANY This dramatic New York-based troupe returns to Boston with its show “Esencias’’ (“Essences’’). Led by choreographer/dancer Rebeca Tomas and music director Pedro Cortés, the company imbues deeply rooted Flamenco traditions with contemporary flair. Dec. 16, $35-$40. Multicultural Arts Center, Cambridge. 617-577-1400, www.multi culturalartscenter.org

KAREN CAMPBELL

Galleries

WENDY JACOB: CALM. SMOKE RISES VERTICALLY. Pushing art beyond the visual, Jacob’s installation includes walls that vibrate, architectural models for the blind, and real-time audio weather reports, together intended to heighten viewers’ senses and expand their perceptions. Through Jan. 14. Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, 8 Garden St., Cambridge. 617-495-8212, www.radcliffe. harvard.edu

FATMA BUCAK: AND MEN TURNED THEIR FACES FROM THERE Bucak was born on the Turkish/Syrian border, and her works – principally video performances – explore our unease with borders, touching on issues of immigration and violence. Through Feb. 5. David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown University, 64 College St., Providence. 401-863-2932, www.brown.edu/bellgallery

CONCERNING THE SPIRITUAL IN ABSTRACT ART Taking its cue from painter Wassily Kandinsky’s similarly titled treatise, this show examines abstraction as a conduit for spirituality, and spotlights works by artists such as Willem de Kooning and John Walker. Through Dec. 31. Matter & Light Fine Art, 450 Harrison Ave. 857-990-3931, www.matter lightfineart.com

CATE McQUAID

Museums

CHRISTIAN MARCLAY: THE CLOCK A masterpiece of our time, Marclay’s 24-hour montage of clips from film and television is its own timepiece: Almost every clip contains some reference to the actual time as you watch it. Unmissable. Through Jan. 29. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. 617-267-9300. www.mfa.org

BEYOND WORDS: ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS IN BOSTON COLLECTIONS This three-venue exhibition displays medieval and Renaissance illustrations that appear in rare books held in local libraries and museums. The exhibition, which inaugurates the new home of Boston College’s McMullen Museum of Art, is also at Harvard’s Houghton Library and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The most extensive selection is at the McMullen, with more than 180 exquisite works on display, many for the first time. Through Dec. 11. (At the Gardner through Jan. 16). McMullen Museum of Art, 2101 Commonwealth Ave. 617-552-8587, artmuseum@bc.edu

MOUNT WASHINGTON: THE CROWN OF NEW ENGLAND The first exhibition devoted exclusively to depictions of Mount Washington. Includes prints, photographs, illustrated guidebooks, and paintings by such artists as Thomas Cole, Albert Bierstadt, John Frederick Kensett, Winslow Homer, and George Inness.Through Jan. 16. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, N.H. SEBASTIAN SMEE

EVENTS

Comedy

SOMETHING BIG PRESENTS CARMEN LYNCH New York comedian Lynch may seem familiar to “Conan’’ fans from her performance on the show in March, or from her album taping at ImprovBoston a few years ago. Hosted by Nick Chambers and Al Park. Dec. 15, 8 p.m. $13. The Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Somerville. 617-684-5335, www.therockwell.org

NATE BARGATZE His clever, straight-faced standup has made the former Boston Comedy Festival winner a staple on Comedy Central and on late night TV. Dec. 15 at 8 p.m., Dec. 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $25-$39. Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston. 617-725-2844, www.laughboston .com

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS In what has become somewhat of a holiday tradition, the filmmaker brings his one-man show back to Boston, reveling in his particular style of perverse joy in the season. Dec. 17, 8 p.m. $26-$125. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-747-2261, www.berklee.edu/BPCNICK A. ZAINO III

Family

What the Dickens! Growing tired of the holiday season? Feeling like a bit of a Scrooge? Let the Cambridge Youth Dance Program shake things up with their modern take on “A Christmas Carol.’’ Featuring dance styles from ballet to flamenco, this brand new version of a family classic is a true Christmas present. Dec. 16- 18, 7 p.m. $35. Boston University Dance Theater, 915 Commonwealth Ave. 617-616-5124. www.cydp.org

Boston Tea Party Get ready to party like it’s 1773! We all know how it goes: Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, unfair taxes, and tea in the harbor but on the 243rd anniversary this year, history comes alive. Join a procession of reenacters as you march to Griffin’s Wharf and watch the Sons of Liberty toss that tea. Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. $30. Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St. 617-482-6439 www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org

Free Latkes The weather’s getting colder so why not keep warm with some homemade potato pancakes? Come celebrate Hanukkah in Harvard Square with plenty of free treats, good friends, and festive klezmer music. Dec. 17, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Free. Brattle Plaza, 31 Brattle St. Cambridge. 617-491-3434. www.harvard square.comCarly Sitrin

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Dec. 26 The Roots at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com

Dec. 28-30 The Mighty Mighty Bosstones at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com

Dec. 30-Jan. 22 “The Scottsboro Boys’’ at Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion www.bostontheatrescene.com

Dec. 31 Diarrhea Planet and Vundabar at The Sinclair www.axs.com

Dec. 31 Lettuce at House of Blues concerts.livenation.com

Jan. 6-Feb. 5 “A Doll’s House’’ at BU Theatre www.huntington theatre.org

Jan. 12-15 Guster at Paradise Rock Club www.ticketmaster.com

Jan. 13 Kings of Leon and Deerhunter at TD Garden www.ticket master.com

Sonia Rao