THE BOSTON GLOBE – Mark Your Calendar – South of Boston:
PLYMOUTH Meravelha, an ensemble devoted to medieval music, performs “Music Heard on the Winter Solstice” at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. The free performance features the vielle (a medieval fiddle), harp, percussion, winds, and vocalists to bring wonder and light to a season of darkness.
WALPOLE Regional history author Anthony Sammarco speaks on “Christmas Traditions in Boston,” his book about ways Bostonians have celebrated the holiday season, at Walpole Public Library, 143 School St., on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Originally banned in Boston by the city’s Puritan founders, Christmas celebrations grew in the 19th century to include Christmas trees and cards, handbell ringing and caroling, and finally elaborate displays in department stores. The talk is free.
BROCKTON Massasoit Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Story” at Massasoit Community College’s Fine Arts Building, located at 1 Massasoit Blvd., on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, the popular holiday tale follows the childish exploits of Ralphie Parker as he dodges a schoolyard bully, copes with his cranky old man, and dreams of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Tickets are $18, $16 for students and seniors. Visit massasoit.edu/boxoffice.
PLYMOUTH Americana Theatre Company presents the holiday season musical “The Gift of the Magi,” based on the classic story by O. Henry of two poor young people who sacrifice their most valued possessions for one another. The theatrical version adds songs and a knowing newsboy-narrator. Performances take place at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 12-15, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. Visit americanatheatre.org/tickets.
By Robert Knox
