The holidays are rapidly approaching, and we haven’t even checked our lists once. To stave off some of that oncoming shopping dread, hit up the biggest and most festive market of the season, head to Tremont to watch a streetful of Santas run a mile (and celebrate their accomplishment afterward), or just relax with a burrito and some really awesome punk polka.
Hook & Smee
Feeling it’s about time to return to Neverland? We do. In this new take on the iconic J.M. Barrie tale, we learn how the infamous Captain Hook meets his nonconformist, Irish boatswain Mr. Smee. Along with appearances by Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, T. Paul Lowry’s kid-friendly play follows Hook’s band of pirates as they become the villainy of the Land of Pan, while still managing to be merry in spite of “The Boy Who Won’t Grow Up.” It’s probably the only bromance between buccaneers we’ve seen this year. $15. Through Dec. 18. Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Talespinner Children’s Theatre, 5209 Detroit Ave., talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org
Tremont Brew HaHa
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing the hops. For three days in the West Side district, pop-up shops, Lolly the Trolley rides and craft beer takes over with a holiday tinge. On each of the 12 corners of Tremont, festivities run amuck — from food specials at the South Side and Prosperity Social Club, a themed afternoon mile run/jog/walk/crawl with hundreds of Santas, and cheerful Greek dancers at the Annunciation Orthodox Church. Oh, and did we mention $5 Great Lakes Brewing Christmas Ale galore? Free. Friday & Saturday. Pop-up Shop and Party, Fri. 5-11 p.m. Santa Shuffle, Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 6-9 p.m., Tremont, tremontbrewhaha.com
Cleveland Bazaar at 78th Street Studios
Christmas shopping will be winding down (or getting frenetic) shortly. Take a whack at the special folks on your list by heading to Cleveland Bazaar’s third holiday-themed pop-up of the season, this time at Gordon Square Art District’s three-story art warehouse. With about 150 vendors touting house-made holiday jams and Christmastime soaps, to Eastern-inspired ceramics and upcycled jewelry, it may be the ideal stop to find that hard-to-find gift and support local crafters, artists and artisans in the process. Can’t make it this weekend? Check out Bazaar’s “lab” space open daily in Tremont. Free. Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., clevelandbazaar.com
Polka Brunch
Nothing complements a breakfast burrito and bananas Foster better than top-tier punk polka. The Chardon Polka Band, probably the only rock ‘n’ roll 20-somethings touring the Czech music circuit, takes on Music Box for the waltziest brunch buffet you’ll have in December. With accordion and banjo-laced tunes such as “You Can’t Drink Beer in Space” and comical renditions of “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” the CPB is probably the coolest five-piece accompaniment to your bloody mary. $10 at the door. $18 for buffet. Sat. 11 a.m. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., musicboxcle.com
John Cleese at Akron Civic
What is the true distinction between an African and European swallow? Does a 10th century English witch actually weigh the same as a duck? Along with a very special screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, legendary British comedian and actor John Cleese is hosting an evening of conversation and Q&A, an on-stage tell-all examining the nearly six decade career of the Python star, from Flying Circus days to Spamalot. A night to be filled, we’re told, with many absurdities as humanly possible. $79-$95. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com