Stu Rosner

Holiday Pops.

December 5

LET’S PLAY THE MUSIC

The red POPS sign is going up on Symphony Hall, which means it’s finally time for Keith Lockhart and company to join Santa as they ring in the season with the Holiday Pops. Tickets range from $29 to $129. 617-266-1200; bso.org

December 6

THIS IS A THING NOW

The Concord Cheese Shop’s third annual Crucolo Parade, in which a 400-pound wheel of Italian cheese arrives on Walden Street via horse-drawn wagon — accompanied by dancers and a choral group — begins at 3:30 p.m. The wheel is ceremoniously rolled down a red carpet and then chopped up and given as free samples (it’s usually $19.99 a pound). Best. Parade. Ever. 978-369-5778; concordcheeseshop.com

SHOP LOCAL

Three great holiday markets and the kinds of gifts you’ll find at them:

December 6-9

Harvard CeramicsProgram Holiday Show and Sale

Harvard Ceramics Studio, 219 Western Avenue, Allston, 617-495-8680. The event is free. ofa.fas.harvard.edu

> Glazed “donuts” porcelain vases

> Stoneware birds’ nests with eggs

> Geometric wall art

December 7-9

Craftboston Holiday Show

Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-266-1810. General admission is $15. societyofcrafts.org

> colorful hats of 3-D felt flowers

> mod mini-dresses

> silver and resin turquoise owl earrings

> silver-inlaid beach-stone necklaces

December 8-9  

SoWa Holiday Market

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, 41 Berkeley Street, Boston. Admission is $5. sowaholidaymarket.com

> Funky handbags

> custom silver jewelry

> handmade soaps and lotions

> bright scarves

December 7-8

MAKE A KID’S HOLIDAY MERRY

At 8 p.m., Improv Asylum embarks on its annual 24-hour show, No Rest for the Wicked Funny, to benefit the Boston Globe’s Globe Santa program, which last year bought gifts for children from 32,240 local families. Tickets start at $20, but give more if you can. 617-263-6887; improvasylum.com

December 8

LIGHT THE LIGHTS

Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah as the Chabad House of Greater Boston leads the Grand Menorah Lighting at 7 o’clock on Boston Common near Brewer Fountain and the Park Street T Station.

SHARE YOUR EVENT NEWS. Send information on Boston-area happenings at least two weeks in advance to week@globe.com.