5 things to do this weekend, including a BIPOC Holiday Market and ice sculpture stroll

I first watched the musical “SIX” in my dorm room at Emerson College. My freshman-year roommate and I were waiting out a mandatory lockdown as COVID-19 was in full swing. She pulled up an illegal recording of the stage production on YouTube, and we bonded over the pop concert meets musical about Henry VIII’s ex-wives. The next time I saw the show was a live production at the Emerson Colonial Theatre where I was seated close to the stage thanks to student rush tickets. The date didn’t align with any of my friends’ schedules, so I went alone — but I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way. As a former theater kid, I was enthralled by the sultry, deeply moving performances and the structured punk yet regal costumes. I’m pumped to catch “SIX” again at the same venue this month. If you’re not a musical theater fan, there are plenty of holiday events happening, from an ice sculpture stroll to a holiday market featuring artisans of color.

Assembly Row visitors can wander through intricate ice sculptures this Thursday. A map will guide guests through nine sculptures — including Mickey Mouse, a Christmas gnome and a sculpture honoring the Celtics — placed across the retail complex. Guests can collect stamps on their map at each sculpture as they complete the walk. The first 3,000 guests to turn in their stamped maps will receive free ornaments. There will also be holiday-themed giveaways and free hot chocolate and cider for visitors to sip as they stroll. Assembly Row is also working with food pantry The Elizabeth Peabody House to collect food donations for those in need. They are accepting coffee, cooking oil, canned soups and more items listed on the event website. The event is free to attend.

Cambridge Arts and The Story Terrarium will host storyteller and educator Ben Cunningham for a story and art-making event at the Community Art Center in Cambridge. Cunningham will read real and magical stories about trees to children, immersing them in natural and fantastical worlds. Kids will then be able to design their own lanterns that tell their stories. The event is part of the City of Cambridge’s The Community Grafting Project, which pays homage to an apple tree removed in the reconstruction of Tobin Montessori and Darby Vassall Upper schools complex. “A Tree of Stories” is free and geared towards ages 3 to 9.

Local dumpling company Mei Mei will host a BIPOC Holiday Market this weekend at its factory in South Boston. Mei Mei will provide food samples and free hot drinks. Visitors can also order from the cafe menu. Many of the guest vendors are food-related, including Sweet London Bakery, Madhrasi Chai and Taqueria El Barrio. For non-foodies, there will be additional vendors to shop with toys and greeting cards from A Jar of Pickles and greenery from Emerald City Plant Shop. Entrance to the market is free. For more seasonal markets, check out WBUR Associate Producer Hanna Ali’s guide here.

If you’ve had your holiday lights up since November, this one is for you. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division’s “The Sounds of Christmas” concert at the Boston Kroc Center. The performance will feature the organization's 40-piece brass band, the Massachusetts Divisional Chorus and nearly 100 young artists from Salvation Army centers across the state. The Salvation Army’s music program provides vocal and instrumental lessons to all ages at no cost. This concert will showcase some of the talent the nonprofit is helping foster in Massachusetts. The performance is free.

There’s “No Way” you will want to miss “SIX” at Emerson Colonial Theatre this month. Think “Hamilton” meets girl band concert meets “Bridgerton.” The six ex-wives of Henry VIII tell their sides of the story through song in a competition-style performance, beginning and ending with vibrant group numbers. You will laugh, you will cry, you will leave ready to conquer your own kingdom. The performance is an hour and 20 minutes, and tickets range from $40 to $200.