Event of the week: A wise elf once said, ‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.’ Perhaps quoting the now-classic 2003 film ‘Elf’ is another way to spread that cheer, and the Coolidge Corner Theater is finding a way to make that happen with their ‘Elf’ Quote-a-Long Friday night. What better way to get in the spirit than belting out ‘Santa’s got a brand new bag’ and ‘You smell like beef and cheese! You don’t smell like Santa’ with around 50 other people? (Plus, sugary snacks will be served). 290 Harvard Ave., Brookline; midnight; $10; 617-734-2500.
Thursday, Dec. 10 – The Brookline Booksmith plays hosts contributors from Dennis Lehane’s new book ‘Boston Noir.’ Dana Cameron, Russ Aborn and Brendan DuBois will discuss Boston culture, class conflict and crime in the book of stories compiled by the author of ‘Mystic River,’ a novel that was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie in 2003. 279 Harvard Ave., Brookline; 7 p.m. Free; 617-566-6660.
Friday,’ Dec. 11 – In a rare big-screen viewing opportunity, the independent Brattle Theatre in Cambridge screens the 1946 holiday classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ In the movie, George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart), a despairing and depressed businessman, is given a look at what his life in his town would have been like if he had never existed. The price of admission includes what the Brattle’s website describes as a ‘special Winter Indulgence gift.’ Enticing, isn’t it? 40 Brattle St., Cambridge; 4 p.m.; $15; 617-876-6837.
Saturday,’ Dec. 12 – In Boston, there never seems to be a shortage of quirky variations on classic holiday stories. Last week, The News covered ‘The Slutcracker,’ and this week, we’re recommending you check out ‘Three (Un)Wise Men.’ The play, presented by the 11:11 Theatre Company, is a re-telling of the traditional story, with three wise men setting out to meet Joseph the Carpenter ‘- not to meet his new messiah baby, but because he owes them money. The play runs at the Factory Theatre, which is right around the corner from campus, from Dec. 11 to 13 and 17 to 18. 791 Tremont St.; 8 p.m.; $12; 617-240-6317.
Sunday,’ Dec. 13 – Need a holiday gift for someone not-so-mainstream? The 6th annual Sowa Holiday Market features over 80 arts and crafts vendors selling handmade jewelry, handbags, silk-screened T-shirts and pottery. It’s held at the Cathedral High School Gymnasium, located in Boston’s trendy Sowa arts and media district, which is at the center of even more original holiday gift venues. 74 Union Park St.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $5; 800-403-8305.
Monday, Dec. 14 – While 3-D movies have become fairly common, the 3-D concert movie is a bit more of a rarity. Opening Dec. 11 and coming to Boston this week is the Dave Matthews Band movie ‘Larger Than Life.’ The movie features performances from the Austin City Limits music festival along with musicians Ben Harper at All Points West and Gogol Bordello at Lollapalooza. It will be in theaters only until Dec. 17. AMC Loews, 175 Tremont St.; various showtimes; $12; 617-423-5801.
Tuesday,’ Dec. 15 – With last week’s snowstorm under Boston’s belt and the sub-freezing temperatures of last week, hot cocoa season has officially started. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for Swiss Miss. Finale, a dessert-only restaurant in Coolidge Corner, hosts a hot chocolate tasting today. On the menu are some mind-blowing hot chocolates paired with equally tantalizing desserts: hazelnut chocolate with chocolate decadence, orange white chocolate with raspberry tart and chocolate lush with milk chocolate mousse. Finale recommends making reservations ahead of time. 1306 Beacon St., Brookline; 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $19.99 per person; 617-232-3233.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 – An interdisciplinary art exhibit that showcases images of commuters on mass-transit in over a dozen countries and cities, including Boston, ends this week in Jamaica Plain. ‘Riders on the Train,’ at the Axiom Center for New and Experimental Media, ends Dec. 19 so there is still time to check it out. The Axiom Gallery, which is always free, is appropriately located off the Green Street T stop on the Orange Line. 141 Green St.; 6 to 9 p.m. Free; 617-676-5904.
