Monday Essentials: Celebrate Season at Blithewold, With 'Nutcracker'

Here are some things to know about this week, Dec. 16-22, in and around Bristol and Warren:

Christmas at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum holds the third of three traditional holiday story times on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 4 pm in the beautifully decorated living room. This year, Blithewold is featuring classic holiday stories that have been told and retold during Christmases through the years. Free with a regular mansion admission.

Take a guided tour of the holiday decorated mansion at Blithewood Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol on Thursday at 11:30 am. Rates for the tours are family -- 2 adults, 2 youths, $40; adults, $16; AAA members, $15; seniors/military/students, $14; youths age 6 to 17, $5; children 5 and under, free. Tours depart from the front hall of the Mansion.  

Come in and sign up on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 9 am for the winter session of story times at Rogers Free Library in Bristol, which run from Jan. 6 to Feb.13. Programs for 2- and 3-year olds are held on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 (choose one). A program for 4- and 5-year olds is held Thursday mornings at 9:30. Children must be the appropriate age for their group at registration time. Siblings under the age of one are welcome at these story times.

Festival Ballet Providence presents four performances of “The Nutcracker” this weekend, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 pm, at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St. Buy tickets at www.PPACRI.org, by calling 401-421-ARTS, or in person at PPAC.