Friday (11th) – Jose Mateo Theatre Company’s The Nutcracker opens at Dorchester’s Strand Theatre, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Other dates include: Sat., Dec. 12 at 2p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 13 at 2p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec.18 at 7p.m.; Sat., Dec. 19 at 2p.m. & 6p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. See ballettheatre.org or call 617-354-7467.

• Tony Williams Dance Center presents the Urban Nutcracker at John Hancock Hall, 7:30 p.m. Performances through Dec. 27. Tickets at backbayeventscenter.com

Saturday (12th) – The Dorchester Running Club, along with PAL and BCYF, host a Halfway to Dot Day 5K fundraiser race at Pope John Paul II Park, 9 a.m.. This race will raise money for local charities, especially those dedicated to children and families experiencing homelessness in our community. See dotrunner.org for more info.

• Third annual Friends of Mayor Martin J. Walsh holiday toy drive, 9 a.m.-12 noon at Florian Hall. Donation: $20 and unwrapped toy for a child. All proceeds to benefit the Boston Center for Youth and Families.

• The Polish American Citizens Club hosts its annual Toys for Tots party at 8 p.m. featuring live music by The Dons. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy. Prizes for ugliest sweater. 82 Boston St., Dorchester.
Sunday (13th) – Dorchester Historical Society Holiday Part, 2-4 p.m. at 195 Boston St., Dorchester. Join the Dorchester Historical Society for a holiday party with traditional music and refreshments.

• The Shirley-Eustis House annual open house holiday gathering featuring Gary Poholek’s Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, 1-4 p.m. at 33 Shirley St., Roxbury. For more information or the reserve a seat, please contact Patti Violette at 617-442-2275 or email at governorshirley@gmail.com.

Tuesday (15th) – The Polish Triangle’s John W. McCormack Civic Association will hold its December meeting and holiday party at 7 p.m. at the New England Regional Council of Carpenters center at 750 Dorchester Ave. Next meeting: Jan. 19 at parish hall of Blessed Mother Teresa.

Wednesday (16th) – Open house for Mattapan campus of St. John Paul II Catholic Academy, 120 Babson St., 8:30 a.m. All families interested in the Academy are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact the Mattapan Campus at 617-265-0019 x7202.

Thursday (17th) – Area B-3 Boston Police will host their annual Christmas party at the Mildred Avenue School, 5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan from 4-8 p.m. The community service office is looking for donations of toys. Call Officer Kenneth Sousa at 617-343-4711.

Sunday (20th) – The Friends of Cedar Grove Cemetery plan the 35th annual Christmas Mass in memory of the deceased at 11 a.m. in the Gilman Chapel at Cedar Grove Cemetery. A concert of Christmas music begins at 10:45 a.m. Coffee and pastry will follow the Mass, which will be celebrated by Rev. John Connolly.