There’s plenty of fun to be found across Massachusetts. Any time of the year, festivals, shows, exhibits and more keep everyone entertained. Here is a roundup of some of 2016’s biggest events in January. Stay up-to-date about happenings the whole year through with our searchable online calendar at BostonParentsPaper.com and our print calendar in Boston Parents Paper.
January
Wild Africa, through summer. Go on a spectacular IMAX ride across, over and through the most dramatic continent on Earth: Africa. Discover the fascinating secrets of this enchanted continent: learn how spectacular thermal geysers help turn thousands of flamingos pink, creating the perfect conditions for breeding; why the heat beating down on waterless dunes in the Namib Desert forces a lizard to dance; and why it snows on the Equator. Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston; 617-723-2500; mos.org.
Blue Man Group, through December. A visually stunning show combining music, technology and comedy to create a form of entertainment that defies categorization and appeals to all ages. Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston; 617-426-6912; boston.broadway.com.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jan. 6-10. A beautiful fairy tale about Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town, and the Beast, a young prince transformed by an enchantress as punishment for his insensitivity. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the curse will be lifted and he will be transformed to his former self. If not, he and his palace of servants will remain under the spell for eternity. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston; 617-259-3400; bostonoperahouse.com.
Boston Parents Paper 2016 Camp & Summer Expo, Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dedham Health and Athletic Complex, 200 Boston Providence Hwy., Dedham.; BostonParentsPaper.com/campfair.
Revels Twelfth Night Celebration, Jan 9. Put the holidays to bed and wrap up the Twelve Days of Christmas at this festive celebration that features singing, dancing, a visit from Father Christmas and other Twelfth Night traditions. Grace Vision Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown; 617-972-8300, ext. 31; revels.org.
Belmont World Film’s Family Festival, Jan. 15-18. Check out fun and educational films for kids ages 3 to 12, plus don’t miss a visit from children’s book author and illustrator Peter Reynolds. Watch animated versions of some of his most well-known books, including The Dot and The North Star, followed by a talk by Peter and a book signing. Two locations: Studio Cinema in Belmont, 376 Trapelo Road, and Regent Theater in Arlington, 7 Medford Street; belmontworldfilm.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18. Choruses from around the area, including Boston Children’s Chorus, lift their voices in tribute to our nation’s civil rights leader. Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston; 617-585-1260; bostonchildrenschorus.org.
Shen Yun, Jan. 22-24. Ancient legends of virtue and modern tales of courage are brought to life by more than a dozen dances and songs, making for one extraordinary, uplifting and unforgettable experience. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston; 617-259-3400; bostonoperahouse.com.
Mary Poppins, Jan. 29 – Feb. 28. Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks family doorstep just in time! Using a little bit of magic combined with common sense, she teaches the family the importance of each other. Enjoy the street smart performance with a few adventures along the way. Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston; 617-879-2300; wheelockfamilytheatre.org.
