What’s Hot in the City Dec. 15th

The winter season is upon us and the city is abuzz with a host of live performances from art shows and plays to concerts and festivals. Here’s a look at what’s hot this week!

Tonight, it’s the annual Boston Holiday Pops celebration at Symphony Hall beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$97. To purchase go to, www.bso.org.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17 see the brand-new hit stage show “I Love Lucy” Live on Stage at the Citi Emerson Colonial Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $24-$99. For more information, go to www.citicenter.org.

Lauryn Hill performs at Royale on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets: General Admission, $75. It’s an 18+ show. To order, go online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Jose Mateo Ballet Theater presents the timeless and classic holiday show “The Nutcracker” this Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Strand Theatre at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.strandboston.com.

The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour starring Beyoncé is back at the TD Garden on Friday, Dec. 20. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

The ICA presents a screening of “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” this Friday at 7 p.m. with a pre-reception screening and conversation with the film’s producer Anant Singh and actor Riaad Moosa at 6 p.m. Tickets: $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers.

This Saturday, Dec. 21 “Black Nativity” wraps its final weekend at Blackman Auditorium at Northeastern University at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.blacknativity.org.

If you’re into blues music, check out the Open Blues Jam on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club in Somerville.