Events happening around Central Massachusetts in December!

Ice Skating on the Oval
Worcester Common’s 12,000-square-foot ice rink, opened in 2012, is back again this December. Bring the whole family out to skate the night away on the rink that’s 4,000 square feet larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center. Rent your skates there and enjoy music, concessions, holiday lights and more. worcesterma.gov/worcester-common-oval/ice-skating.

2018 Boston Pops Holiday Concert
The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart come to the Hanover Theatre this month to sing holiday classics like “Sleigh Ride,” as well as some new arrangements of holiday favorites. Sing along with Santa Claus and the Metropolitan Chorale, one of Metro Boston’s premier choral ensembles, to all your favorites. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; tickets start at $59; thehanovertheatre.org.

Winter Wonderland
Experience Southwick’s Zoo in a whole new way! The zoo will be decorated for the holidays, and guests will enjoy a train ride through the zoo ending at Santa’s house, where children can meet Santa Claus. You may even see a few of the animals that have the option to go outdoors during the winter such as the yaks, lions and tigers. A small portion of the zoo will also be open for guests to walk through. 4-8 p.m. Fridays and noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Southwick’s Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon; $25 for adults. $20 for seniors and children 3-12; southwickszoo.com.

Menorah Lighting
The Torah Center invites all to join the Chanukkah Menorah Lighting at Worcester City Hall and Common Oval on Dec. 4. Don’t miss the annual “Chanukkah On ICE Celebration” on Dec. 8 at the Worcester Common Oval. For more details, including times, visit facebook.com/pg/centralmasstorahcenter.

Home for the Holidays
The Mobile Adoption Unit from Second Chance Animal Shelter is coming to Klem’s! Be sure to stop by and say hi to some of the sweet dogs and cats looking for a new home. Here’s your chance to find your new best friend. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 21; Klem’s, 117 W. Main St., Spencer; kelmsonline.com or secondchanceanimals.org.