5 Great Things to Do in the Area Dec. 7-9

1. Night of Laughs. The early winter air will come alive on Friday, Dec. 7, as The Merrimack Police Union, New England Police Benevolent Association Local 12 presents a special "Night of Laughs" comedy show for mature audiences only. The show features three of the Boston area's best stand up comedians who have appeared on Letterman, Leno, Sirius Radio and more at Alpine Grove, in Hollis. Proceeds from this special fundraiser will benefit community programs such as food baskets for needy families at Thanksgiving, youth scholarships, programs supported by the Merrimack NEPBA Local 12 and more. There will be two shows. One will be at 7 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. For more information, e-mail alex@ecmgevents.com. Alpine Grove is located at 31 Baboosic Lane, Hollis.

2. Holiday Babershop Chorus show. The Nashua Granite Statesmen Barbershop Chorus will present it's 23rd annual Christmas Cabaret on Saturday, Dec. 8, with two shows: 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Church, 777 W. Hollis St., Nashua. Featured performers are: The Granite Statesmen and New England Voices in Harmony chorus with Showcase and On Air barbershop quartets. The afternoon matinee will feature a visit from Santa Claus and a performance by the Fairgrounds Middle School Select Chorus of Nashua. Ticket prices are: for the matinee $15 adults, $12 seniors, $3 children. Evening performances are: $18 adults, $15 seniors, and  $6 for children. For more information, visit The Granite Statesmen Barbershop Chorus or contact rdginc@tiac.net or (603) 886-SING (7464).

3. Breakfast with St. Nick. The Knights of Columbus Council 10896, is sponsoring its “18^th annual Breakfast with St. Nick” on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at St. John Neumann Parish (behind the McDonalds on Route 101A). Come and have your picture taken with St. Nick and enjoy a full breakfast with buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, hot cocoa and coffee. Enjoy all kinds of fun holiday activities like balloon-making, holiday crafts and face painting, provided by the SJN Youth Ministry. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids, children under 2 years old are free. Please consider bringing a canned food donation for the food pantry.

4. Merrimack VFW Craft Fair. The Merrimack VFW will hold a holiday craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the VFW's scholarship program. Crafts include pottery, holiday crafts, seashell artwork, jewelry, artwork, knitted items, glass painted items, soups and sweets, raffles and bake sales and much more. For more information, contact Mary Ellen Dubeau at missmel4@msn.com.

5. Brunch with Santa. The Crowne Plaza Nashua will serve its regular brunch this Sunday with a very special visitor: Santa. Enjoy brunch with the big man in red on Sunday, Dec. 9, 16 and 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call today for reservations 603-595-4155. Brunch is $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children and free for those younger than 5. Contact pwilliams@cpnashua.com for more information.