By Megan O’Brien, deputy inside editor
Event of the Week: Monday, Dec. 7
Brass Union restaurant in Somerville is continuing its series Movie Mondays series this week with “Elf,” the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell. Ferrell plays Buddy, a man raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City in search of his father. Attendees can enjoy the holiday comedy on a 70-inch screen with full surround sound and complimentary popcorn. Themed food and beverage specials centered around the movie will be available for purchase, so anticipate a plate of spaghetti drowned in syrup. 70 Union Square, Somerville; 8 – 10:30 p.m.; free; 21+.
Thursday, Dec. 3
Boston’s 74th annual official tree lighting is the opportunity to witness dancing elves, Canadian police on horseback, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and pyrotechnics all at once. Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Gunning, Berklee College of Music a cappella group Pitch Slapped! and cast members from “Elf: The Musical” will perform before Walsh, Premier of Nova Scotia Stephen McNeil and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The crown jewel of the holiday decorations is a 49-foot spruce donated from Nova Scotia. A fireworks display will conclude the evening. Boston Common; 6 – 8 p.m.; free.
Friday, Dec. 4
Bostonians missing the outdoor markets of summer and early autumn will feel like the holidays have come a little early. Chrismukkah @ SoWa, a three-day holiday festival in the South End, will offer up everything the SoWa Artists Guild and community has to offer. A 6,500 square-foot heated tent on Harrison Avenue is set to be packed with 50 local artisans. Strolling the surrounding streets will lead visitors to 90 artist studios, 60 boutiques and galleries and the SoWa Vintage Market. Food trucks The Dining Car, The Bacon Truck, Daddy’s Bonetown Burgers and Moyzilla will be in the area for hungry attendees. 450 Harrison Ave.; 5 – 9 p.m.; free.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Celebrate Scandinavian style this weekend at Swedish Yuletide – The Swedish Women’s Educational Association Fair & Holiday Celebration. Pulling in crowds of thousands, this event blends elements of traditional and contemporary Sweden in the form of food, crafts, gifts and musical entertainment. Swedish cafes at the event will be offering Nordic style sandwiches, Swedish meatballs, Swedish waffles and glögg – also known as mulled wine. Gifts ranging from home accessories and clothing to books and jewelry will be available for sale. Cyclorama/The Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St.; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $10.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Hanukkah starts Sunday and Boston will premiere its first Jewish public art project: 8 Nights, 8 Windows. For nine days leading up to Dec. 14, certain windows at locations throughout the city, including The West End Museum and Pavement Coffeehouse on Gainsborough Street, will be decorated with luminous installations by local artists. Hanukkah-themed events occur in conjunction with the project. The Museum of Fine Arts is offering free admission on Dec. 9 featuring gallery talks, music, film and a virtual reality art installation. Boomerangs Special Edition in the South End is throwing a celebration complete with wine, cheese and jelly doughnuts. Various locations; various times; free.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Take a break from studying and liven up a Tuesday night by participating in the Bluegrass Pickin’ Party put on every week by the Cantab Lounge. Upward of 15 musicians representing all instruments of the bluegrass family, including the guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle, come out to play with their fellow bluegrass enthusiasts. A featured band, which varies from week to week, plays a 50-minute set at 10 p.m., but the two hours prior to and following the show are free for open pickin’. Playing is welcome, but not required. The event is free, but a $7 voluntary donation is requested to fund the feature band’s performance. 738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 8 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.; free.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
“ONCE,” the 2012 Best Musical and winner of seven Tony Awards, opens this week at the Shubert Theatre with 100 Guitars, an open concert session for people to sing and play the musical’s hit “Falling Slowly.” The musical’s plot follows a Dublin street musician ready to forfeit his dream until he meets a woman who inspires his music. Cast members play their instruments live during the production, inspiring 100 Guitars. The first 100 people to register will be awarded two tickets to the musical, and everyone else who signs up and participates will receive a buy one, get one free voucher. Participants need to bring a guitar and be prepared to both play and sing the song. 265 Tremont St.; 12:30 p.m.; free.
Photo courtesy New Line Cinema
