Top Weekend Picks: The Nutcracker & More

Top Weekend Picks: The Nutcracker & More

Can you hear the jingle bells? We can, and this weekend is full of holiday events. Here are the six you can't afford to miss.

Best Dance Pick

Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker, Providence
Friday-Sunday
You've done Christmas Carol, you've done your town's tree lighting… now make your holiday trifecta complete with this holiday classic. Fri 8pm, Sat 2 and 7pm, Sun 1pm. Tickets $23-98, Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St, Providence. For more information, go to ArtTix, here.

Best Family Pick

Family Holiday Open House, Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, Providence
Sunday
Preserve RI puts on a FREE event for families to join in a Victorian-inspired holiday event, with events for the kids and even an elf reading of a holiday story. Cookies, snack, and beverages. 3-5pm, Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 199 Hope St, Providence, 453-0688.

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Best Comedy Pick

Ocean State Follies, How the Linc Stole Christmas, West Warwick, Johnston
Friday, Sunday
Special holiday show! A talented cast of five use song, parodies, skits, and audience interaction to poke fun at and celebrate the great state of Rhode Island. Reservations required. Visit the Ocean State Follies Web site for more information. Fri 6:30pm at

West Valley Inn, 4 Blossom St, West Warwick, $42 includes dinner; call 353-3330 to book;  Sun 6:30pm at Luigi's, Hartford Ave, Johnston; $39.95 includes dinner, call 861-3850 to book.

Best Historic Pick

Holiday Lantern Tours, Newport
Friday
Now's the best time to enjoy this professionally guided tour of the history of Newport's holiday traditions. Bundle up, stroll, and learn. Begins 5pm, the Museum and Shop at Brick Market, 127 Thames St, Newport; NHS members $10, non-members $12, children 12 and under $5. Call 841-8770 or visit Newport Historical Society Web site for more.

Best Local Culture Pick

The Dancing Cop, Providence
Friday

He's back! From 12-1:30 pm Providence's most balletic police officer will be at the corner of Smith St and Academy Ave. Bring the kids. Bring your iPhone and grab some film. It's a classic.

Best Music Pick

Aurea's A Child's Christmas in Wales, First Unitarian Church of Providence, Providence
Friday
Don't miss the best combination of music and the classic Dylan Thomas story, featuring festive chamber music and carols by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, Granger, Rebecca Clark and others. 8pm, First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent St, Providence. Tickets $25, seniors $20, students $15, children $5.