Lower Mills Branch Library Holiday Party
Bring your family and build a graham cracker gingerbread house and create Christmas decorations at our holiday party on Sat., Dec. 10 from 11-1 p.m. Pizza will be served at noon. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Lower Mills Branch Library and Senator Linda Dorcena Forry.

Strand Theatre hosts Jose Mateo’s The Nutcracker
The holiday classic The Nutcracker — produced by the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre company— returns to Dorchester’s Strand Theater for ten performances— including several matinees— from Dec. 9-18. Got to ballettheatre.org or call 617-354-7467 for tickets.

Memorial Mass at Cedar Grove’s Gilman Chapel
The 36th annual Christmas Mass in memory of the deceased will be celebrated Sunday, December 18 at 11 a.m. in the Gilman Chapel at Cedar Grove Cemetery. A concert of Christmas music will begin at 10:45 a.m. Following the Mass, coffee and pastry will be served in the office.

Boston Police District B-3 Kids’ Christmas Party
Music, entertainment, refreshments, and a visit from Santa himself is in store for youngsters thanks to Captain Haseeb Hosein and the Area B-3 Boston Police. The event is Thurs., Dec. 15 from 4-8 p.m. (no entry after 5:30) at the Mildred Community Center. Toddlers through 12-year-olds. For more information: contact B-3 police at 617-343-4717. Please come into District 3 to pre-register your children.

Fields Corner Civic Holiday Party & Toy Drive
Join Fields Corner Civic Association for their monthly meeting and holiday party on Tues., Dec. 13 at Home.stead Bakery & Café from 6-8:30 p.m. Have some cookies & cocoa with your neighbors. Please bring a new and unwrapped toy with you for the C-11 toy drive for our neighborhood kids.

Carols at All Saints Church on Dec. 18
The annual Service of Nine Lessons & Carols at All Saints, Ashmont starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. Your ears will be delighted by sounds from both of the parish’s organs--the C.B. Fisk gallery organ and lovingly-restored Skinner chancel organ--along with the Choir of Men & Boys. Visit allsaints.net for more info.

Greater Four Corners Action Coalition Celebration
A holiday tree lighting and party is planned for all ages at the Greenwood Memorial Methodist Church on Sat., Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free food, arts & crafts, and more. For more information call 617-436-0289.

Barking Crab event benefits BGCD
Santa is coming to the Barking Crab on Sat., Dec. 17 from 12-4 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy or donation to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester and get your picture taken with Santa.

DRIVE/Boston & Youth in Crisis Holiday Event
Every child present will receive an item for the holidays on Sun., Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center. Child must be present to receive a gift. First come, first serve. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to register email communityholidayevent@gmail.com. Thank you to Toys for Tots and other sponsors.

Black Nativity at the Paramount
Black Nativity opens Friday, Dec. 2 at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston at 8 p.m. The National Center of Afro-American Artists stages the 46th season of Langston Hughes’ holiday classic through Dec. 18 Save 10 percent on tickets by using the code DOT at paramountboston.org.

Urban Nutcracker opens on Dec. 16
Tony Williams Dance Center stages the Urban Nutcracker at John Hancock Hall Friday, Dec. 16-31. Tickets at backbayeventscenter.com.