Calendar

By Globe Staff, 12/2/2001

The following activities will take place in the area this week; future events are included as space allows.

Music

Acton: Acton Jazz Cafe, 452 Great Road (Route 2A), Collage Mall. Featured bands at 8 p.m. Live jazz and pop, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, pianist Joe Reid. Wednesday, Fred Bancroft Duo. Thursday, pianist Geoffrey Gee. Friday, pianist Alex Elin. Saturday, Zach Diamond Trio. Today jazz jam with Phill Argyris Group; at 8 p.m., Nando Michelin Brazilian Band. Dec. 4, Kaufman, Gertz, and Bergonzi Jazz Trio. Dec. 5, Peter Parcek Trio. Dec. 6, house band blues jam. Dec. 7, 9 p.m., Stanley Swann Group. Dec. 8, 9 p.m., Susan E. and Bluesliner. Dec. 9, at 4 p.m., jazz jam with Melissa Kassel & friends; at 8 p.m., Michael Williams and friends. Cover varies, $5-$12.50 after 9 p.m. Call 978-263-6161.

Andover: At Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St. Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., holiday concert featuring excerpts from the ''Messiah.'' $5; nonperishable food item for students and seniors. To benefit Neighbors in Need and the American Red Cross. Today at 4:30 p.m., ''Service of Lessons and Carols.'' Free. Call 978-749-4995.

Belmont: Belmont Open Sings at Payson Park Church, 365 Belmont St. At 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9, Handel's ''Messiah.'' Jan. 13, Gilbert & Sullivan's ''Mikado.'' Feb. 10, Mendelssohn's ''Elijah.'' April 7, Rutters's ''Requiem.'' $6; seniors and students, $4. Call 617-484-4696.

Chelmsford: The Chelmsford Community Band will perform a holiday concert Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the First United Baptist Church, 99 Church St. Free. Call 978-597-6250.

Concord: The Concord Band will perform a holiday pops concert Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at 51 Walden St. $15. For reservations, call 978-897-9969.

Concord: The Concord Chorus will perform works by Poulenc and Gregg Smith Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at SunBridge Auditorium, 57 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner. For ticket information, call 781-862-7186.

Concord: Voices for the Earth meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St. Ability to read music or previous singing experience not required. Call 978-371-1736.

Concord: The Boston Recorder Society-West will hold a coached consort session Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St. $10. Call 978-263-9926.

Lexington: The Master Singers will perform ''Noel: A French Christmas'' Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. the First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road. $14-$16. Call 781-862-6459.

Lexington: The Masterworks Chorale will peform ''Sing We All Joyous Together'' Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 21 Follen Road. $15; under 12, $5. On Dec. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., Handel's ''Messiah'' will be performed at St. Brigid's Parish, 2001 Massachusetts Ave. Free. Call 781-235-6210.

Lexington: The Boston Camerata will perform ''Noel, Noel: A French Christmas'' concert Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at Follen Church. $20-$38. Call 617-262-2092.

Littleton: The Spectrum Singers will perform Handel's ''Messiah'' Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at St. Anne's Church, 75 King St. $25. Call 978-486-0540.

Littleton: John Gorka will perform Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Firehouse Coffeehouse, First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster St. $18. Proceeds benefit church activities. Call 978-742-9957.

Lowell: The Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a ''Family Holiday Celebration'' concert Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Michael Church, Bridge and Sixth streets. $5-$15. Call 978-372-8237.

Lowell: The Middlesex Singers will perform Christmas carols from Slavik countries Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, 101 West Forest St. $5. Call 978-251-8923.

Medford: A ''Messiah'' community sing will be held Dec. 9 at the Congregational Church of West Medford, 400 High St. Rehearsal at 7 p.m.; sing at 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 781-395-3360.

Medford: At Tufts University: Dec. 3 at 8 p.m., Tufts Composers presents ''Tubamour II'' at Alumnae Hall. Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., Tufts Opera Ensemble performs scenes and arias at Alumnae Hall. Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., student recital at Alumnae Hall. All free. Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., Tufts Chorale and Symphony Orchestra perform Bach and Williams at Co hen Auditorium. $5. Free. Call 617-627-4042.

Methuen: The Merrimack Valley Players will present a holiday concert Dec. 8 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway. $8-$10. Call 603-893-6226.

North Andover: Gordon Bok will perform Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. at Crossroads Coffeehouse at North Parish Hall, 190 Academy Road. $12. Call 978-474-9195.

North Andover: At Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, 315 Turnpike St. on the Merrimack College campus. Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., New England Classical Singers perform ''Gloria!,'' a holiday concert. $10-$15. Call 978-474-6090.

Westford: The Westford Community Chorus will perform Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church on Church Street. and Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Blanchard Middle School on West Street. $3-$10. Call 978-692-6779.

Winchester: Performances at Winchester Community Music School's Nichols Performance Hall, 4-7 Highland Ave.: Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., pianist Olga Talroze, cellist Agneshka Dziubau and violinist Ala Bendercshi perform Bach, Beethoven, and Debuss y. Free. Call 781-721-2950.

Theater

Acton: Theatre III will present ''The Christmas Carol'' Dec. 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 8 p.m. and today and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., at 250 Central St. $15. Call 978-263-9070.

Arlington: The Arlington Friends of the Drama, 22 Academy St., will perform ''The Cripple of Inishmaan'' today and Dec. 7-9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. $15. Call 781-646-5922.

Chelmsford: Dinner theater performances of ''Phil & Rhonda's Gala Divorce'' will be presented Dec. 9 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Radisson Heritage Hotel, 10 Independence Drive. $42.50. Call 978-256-6472.

Lowell: At The Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack St. Through Dec. 29: ''Sanders Family Christmas.'' Performances: Wednesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4:40 and 8:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. For tickets, call 978-454-3926.

Children

Acton: The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St. At the Children's Museum: Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., art in the afternoon pine cone bird feeder project. Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m., toddler time activities. Free with museum admission. At both museums: Dec. 7, 5:30-8 p.m., Sharing Winter Warmth open house. Free admission; bring new hats, mittens, scarves for donation to Sylvia's Haven. Hours: Children's Museum: Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 1-4:30 p.m. Science Museum: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 1-6 p.m. Both museums: Saturday and Sunday, 9-4:30 p.m. $7 per museum; $10 per day for both. Call 978-264-4200.

Andover: The Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., will host a tree decorating and lighting party Dec. 7, 6:30-9 p.m. $21 per family. Preregistration required. Call 978-685-3541.

Belmont: The Boston Children's Opera will perform ''Hansel and Gretel'' Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Dec. 8 at 1 and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and today at 4 and 6:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 471 Trapelo Road. Tickets: $7; children, $3. Under 4, not admitted. Call 617-628-0063.

Burlington: Mother To Mother will host a preschool forum Dec. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Burlington Public Library, 22 Sears St. $2 for nonmembers. Call 781-272-2779.

Chelmsford: The Art Center of Chelmsford, 313 Littleton Road, offers fine arts classes for children and adults. Sessions start Jan. 14. Call 978-256-0464.

Concord: Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held Jan. 16 and 17. Open to all high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists. Requires memorization of complete concerto or work for performance with orchestra. For details and application form, call 978-371-1491.

Concord: Concord Youth Theatre will perform ''The Secret Garden'' Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; today and Dec. 8 and 9 at 2:30 p.m., at Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, 40 Stow St. $8.50-$12. Call 978-371-1482.

Lexington: The Lexington Preschool PTA offers a drop-in arts and crafts program for parents or caregivers with young children every other Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Bowman Elementary School cafeteria on Phillips Road. Fee: $2 per child. Call 781-402-0026.

Lowell: The University of Massachusetts at Lowell Center for the Arts Discovery Series at Durgin Hall, Pawtucket and Wilder streets. Dec. 16, 2 and 4:30 p.m., ''A Christmas Carol.'' $9. Call 978-934-4444.

Lowell: The Children's Textile Learning Center at The American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St., features a spinning and weaving center, exhibits, and a Saturday story hour at 2 p.m. For children under 12 with an adult. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday and most holidays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with admission: $6; students and seniors, $4; children under 6 free. Call 978-441-0400.

Historic Houses

Andover: The Andover Historical Society's Amos Blanchard House, 97 Main St., will host ''Winter Traditions and Holiday Customs,'' a family event of story-telling, tours, exhibits, silent auction and refreshments, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 8, 1-3:30 p.m. $5; members free. Call 978-475-2236.

Concord: Orchard House, 399 Lexington Road, home of the Louisa May Alcott family. House hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. $3.50-$6.50. Call 978-369-4118.

North Andover: The North Andover Historical Society, 153 Academy Road. today, 2-4 p.m., open house, opening of exhibit: ''Glimpses of a Good In-Land Town.'' The 1789 Johnson Cottage features exhibits on 19th-century New England, an archive, and library. The 1715 Parson Barnard House, 179 Osgood St., features period furniture and artifacts, 1715 to 1830. For fees and hours, call 978-686-4035.

Galleries

Acton: ''New Works'' by Jane Dahmen will be on exhibit through Dec. 8 at Powers Gallery, 342 Great Road. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free. Call 978-263-5105.

Andover: The Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus. Through Dec. 30: ''Secret Games: Wendy Ewald Collaborative Works with Children, 1969-1999.'' Through Jan. 7: ''do it,'' an interactive art exhibit. Free. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call 978-749-4015.

Carlisle: ''Hens of Estabrook,'' works by Laurel Hughes, will be on exhibit through Jan. 2 at the Gleason Public Library, 22 Bedford Road. Free. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday, 1-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 978-369-4898.

Concord: ''9/11 Artists React and respond,'' a juried exhibition, will be on display today through Dec. 30 at the Concord Library, 129 Main St. Opening reception: Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m. For hours, call 978-371-8782.

Lawrence: The Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Dec. 7 through Jan. 4, ''Under One Roof,'' works by Stephen LaPierre, Jack Welch, and Brett Hart. Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m., opening reception. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 978-685-2343.

Lexington: Francesca Anderson Fine Art, 56 Adams St., will present its 18th annual Almost Miniatures Show through Jan. 12. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m.; Sunday by appointment. Call 781-862-0660.

Lexington: ''Art Quilts/Earth Spirit,'' quilts by Barbara Lydecker Crane, will be on exhibit through Dec. 17 at The Munroe Center for the Arts, 1440 Massachusetts Ave. For hours, call 781-862-6040.

Lexington: The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham St., will present ''Holiday Marketplace 2001,'' a sale of handcrafted works by its members, Dec. 7 through Dec. 22. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 781-862-9696.

Littleton: Art by Gertrude F. Sanderson will be on exhibit through Dec. 9 at the Littleton Historical Society, 4 Rogers St. Hours: Wednesday, 1-4 p.m., and 2-4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Free. Call 978-486-4749.

Lowell: The Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St. Through Dec. 26: New work by Tom Gill and Janet Moore-Lambert. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. $2-4. Call 978-452-7641.

Lowell: University of Massachusetts at Lowell galleries: At University Gallery, 71 Wilder St.: Through Dec. 7, alternative photography by Susan V. Haas. Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. At Dugan Gallery at Dugan Hall, Broadway Street: Through Dec. 7, ''Paper Prayers Exhibit.'' Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Call 978-934-3491.

Lowell: At the Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St. Dec. 9, noon-4 p.m., open house. Through Jan. 3, ''Places of the Heart: A Survey of Paintings by Carol Boileau.'' Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Free. Call 978-459-7819.

North Andover: Works by Kevin Salemme will be on exhibit through Dec. 25 at McQuade Library Gallery at Merrimack College, routes 114 and 125. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Call 978-837-5255.

Westford: Photographs by David Fingerhut will be on exhibit Sundays in December, noon-2 p.m., at The Gallery at the Parish Center, 10 Lincoln St. Free. Call 978-692-6333.

Winchester: The Lee Gallery, 1 Mount Vernon St., will hold a holiday photograph sale through Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 781-729-7445.

Winchester: ''American Hollow: Photographs of an Appalachian Family'' by Steve Lehman will be on exhibit through Jan. 13 at the Arthur Griffin Center for Photographic Art, 67 Shore Road. ''American Hollow,'' a film by Rory Kennedy, accompanies the exhibit. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $5; seniors, $2; students, children, and members free. Free Thursdays. Call 781-729-1158.

Dance

Arlington: Dance Caliente will offer a swing dance class Dec. 4 and salsa class Dec. 11 at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Ave. For fees and details, call 781-646-1233.

Concord: Wild Asparagus will play for a contra dance Dec. 7, 8-11:30 p.m., at the Scout House, 74 Walden St. $12. Proceeds benefit the Scout House. Call 978-369-1232.

Lexington: The Dance Inn of Lexington will perform holiday dance performances to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Boston and Kids in Need Foundation. Dec. 4 at 4:40 and 7:30 p.m., at the Museum of Our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Road, $6-$10. Call 781-863-5360.

Westford: The Northern Ballet Theatre and the Indian Hill Symphony Orchestra will present ''The Nutcracker'' Dec. 8 and 9 at 2 p.m. at Westford Academy, 30 Patten Road. $15-$30. Call 978-486-0540.

Nature

Stoneham: ''Zoolights,'' holiday magic in the wildest of places, will be open through Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m., at The Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St. $3; under 2 free. Closed Dec. 25. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $6; seniors, $5; children, $4. Call 781-438-5100.

Courses

Concord: Upcoming programs at The Women's Well include ''Women's Spiritual Poetry.'' For fees and location, call 978-371-0469.

Lectures

Andover: Imam Salih Yucel will discuss ''An Educational Forum on Islam, Responding to Events Surrounding Sept. 11 and the War in Afghanistan'' Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Church, 6 Locke St. Free. Call 978-370-1134.

Bedford: Claire Loughheed will discuss considerations in sending children to art classes and camps, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Job Lane School, 66 Sweetwater Ave. Free. Call 781-275-4477.

Lawrence: The Claddagh Pub & Restaurant on Canal Street will host a free Irish lecture series. Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m., Raymond Flynn, ''The Accidental Pope: Portrait of Pope Paul II.'' Call 978-683-9007.

Lexington: Joann Gschwendter will discuss ''The Historic Districts Commission: Past, Present, and Future'' Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at 10 Barberry Road. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lexington. Free. Call 781-861-0123.

Medford: Michael Tougias will present a slide lecture on ''King Phillips War in America'' Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at The Medford Public Library, 111 High St. Free. Call 781-395-7950.

Benefits

Belmont: A dinner and silent auction to benefit the Belmont High School Advanced Placement Studio Art Class will be held Dec. 15, 5-8 p.m., at the high school at 221 Concord Ave. $10. Call 617-484-6099.

Chelmsford: A Christmas Fair will be held Dec. 7, 3-9 p.m., and Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Road. Call 978-256-9400.

Methuen: The Nevins Farm and Equine Centre MSPCA, 400 Broadway, will hold a winter festival through Dec. 9. Events include: Carriage Shed gift shop open Tuesday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Greenery rope-making class, today, 1-3 p.m.; Holiday pet photos with Santa today, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ($8 per photo). The play, ''The Night the Animals Talked,'' will be performed Dec. 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 9 at 2 p.m. at the Carriage Shed. $8; children, $4. Advance tickets required. Proceeds from all events benefit the center's animals and programs. Call 978-687-1150.

Museums

Concord-Lexington: The Minute Man National Historical Park's North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St. in Concord, and the Minute Man Visitor Center on Route 2A in Lexington are open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Both feature Revolutionary War exhibits and artifacts. At the Battle Road Center on Route 2A: ''The Road to Revolution,'' a multimedia presentation, is shown every half-hour, 9 a.m-4:30 p.m. Free. Call 978-369-6944.

Concord: The Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road. On exhibit through Jan. 1: ''Family Trees: Generations of Storytelling,'' trees decorated with inspiration from children's books. Dec. 5 and 12, 1 p.m., Once Upon a Tree; story hour for ages 3-5 with an adult, $5-$10, today, 1:30-4 p.m., Family Trees Authors and Illustrator's Day; Dec. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, and 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m., arts in the afternoon projects. Both programs free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6: ''Wild Flora,'' prints of pressed plants and antiquarian botanical books and collections. Museum hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m., $10; seniors, $9; students and children, $5; family, $25. Call 978-369-9763.

Lexington: The Museum of Our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Road. On exhibit: ''From Dairy to Doorstep: Milk Delivery in New England, 1850-1950.'' ''The Enchanted Clocks of George McFadden.'' Ongoing: ''Lexington Alarm'd,'' ''Initiating America: Three Centuries of Lodge Life.'' Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. Call 781-861-6559.

Lowell: The American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St. ''Stylish Hats: 200 Years of Sartorial Sculpture'' will be on exhibit through Dec. 30. Dec. 6, 7 p.m., historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich discusses ''The Age of Homespun: Objects and Stories in the Creation of an American Myth.'' Free with museum admission. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6; seniors and students over 6, $4. Call 978-441-0400.

Lowell: At the New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St. On exhibit through Jan. 12: ''Covering Connecticut: Connecticut Quilts and Quiltmakers.'' Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $4; seniors and students, $3. Call 978-452-4207.

Lowell: The Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 978-970-5000; TDD 978-970-5002.

Extra

Bedford: The Bedford High School Music Department will present a Mad rigal Dinner Dec. 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, at $13-$17, may be reserved by calling, 781-275-1700, ext. 130.

Billerica: Crafters interested in table space ($25) at the First Parish Church's Holly Fair Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., may contact 978-667-4231.

Burlington: The Women's Ministries of Immanuel Church of Chelmsford will hold a holiday event Dec. 15 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel. Includes breakfast and lunch sessions. $17. Reservations required by Dec. 8. Call 978-256-6463.

Reading: Artist Ron Straka will present an oil-painting demonstration Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Sanborn Street. Sponsored by the Reading Art Association. $3 for nonmembers. Call 781-944-3181.

Westford: The Westford Newcomers & Friends will hold a holiday cookie swap Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant St. Call 978-392-8610.

New Hampshire

Amherst: Works by Don Reed will be on exhibit through December at the Amherst Town Library, 14 Main St. Free. Call 603-673-2288.

Bedford: The Craftworkers' Guild will hold a holiday fair through Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the gray house at the back of the lower parking lot of Bedford Library. Free. Call 603-424-8511.

Derry: At the Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway. Dec. 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., ''Nutcracker Suite'' $7-$10. Call 603-437-0505.

Londonderry: The Children's Metamorphosis Museum, 217 Rockingham Road. Drop-in programs: preschool story hour Wednesdays at 1 p.m.; toddler fairy tale time Fridays at 10 a.m. Open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. $5; free for under 1; Friday 5-8 p.m., family rate: $9. Call 603-425-2560.

Hudson: Hudson Memorial High School's drama club will hold a craft and artisan's fair Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Table rentals for crafters available for $30. Call 603-886-1240.

Nashua: At The American Stage Festival, 14 Court St. ''Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol'' by Tom Mula, will be performed Dec. 13-23. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 603-886-7000.

Nashua: The American Stage Festival will hold an art auction Dec. 6 at 14 Court St. Preview at 6 p.m.; auction at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10. Proceeds benefit the theater company. Call 603-886-7000.

Nashua: Nashua Historical Society properties: Florence Speare Memorial Museum at 5 Abbot St. is open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Free. Call 603-883-0015.

Calendar listings should be sent three weeks in advance to Libbie Payne, NorthWest Weekly, Box 2378, The Boston Globe, 135 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02107-2378. Include date, time, location, and phone. Because of limited space, the Globe cannot guarantee publication. Priority is given to activities in the week ahead.

This story ran on page 12 of the Boston Globe's NorthWest Weekly section on 12/2/2001.
© Copyright 2001 Globe Newspaper Company.