Monday (29th) – The JFK Library’s Celebrate series presents Alex the Jester, a “colorful trickster” who speaks his own language - Grammelot! The 10:30a.m. program is intended for young audiences ages 5 and up. To make a reservation, call 617-514-1644 or go to jfklibrary.org.

• Leave the winter chill behind and warm up inside the always-balmy Tropical Forest, home to western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy hippos, and much more! Enjoy winter-themed arts and crafts, and be sure to stop by the Education department’s conservation station to learn more about animals and habitats. On January 3rd, children will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite winter princesses at the Hippo Theater inside the Tropical Forest. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite fairy-tale inspired outfits for this day of fun! There will also be winter-themed crafts and storytime. One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester.

Tuesday (30th) – Kids and their parents can ring in the New Year at Adams St. Library today at 3 p.m. The librarians at the branch at 690 Adams St. will help you make party hats and noisemakers, creating a wall of resolutions, and snapping photo booth pictures with fake moustaches and other silly props. This program is recommended for children ages 4 to 13.

Thursday (1st) – The 3rd annual Leahy Holloran Community Center Polar Bear Plunge in memory of Brian Leahy will be held at Tenean Beach. The plunge takes place at 8 a.m. Registration is $20/person. Proceeds benefit the Leahy Holloran Community Center. Breakfast immediately following at the Deadwood Brewery, sponsored by the owners of Boston Bowl. For more information and pre-registration, contact Craig Galvin at craig@galvingroupre.com

The state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation hosts a First Hike at Pope John Paul II Park on January 1 at 12 noon. The all-ages event kicks off the new year with a brisk, 1.5 mile walk in the great outdoors. Enjoy scenic views of the Neponset River along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate at the McKeon Post at 4 Hilltop Street. For those just born or fresh-in from Florida, please come prepared for cold weather by dressing in layers and boots. Friendly dogs are allowed on leashes not to exceed 7 feet. The hike starts promptly at 12 noon. Meet at the Hallet Street entrance to Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester. For more information, call 617-333-7404, ext. 104 or visit mass.gov/dcr.

Holiday Schedule at DCR Ice Rinks
The Department of Conservation and Recreation has expanded public skating hours at the agency’s eight indoor ice skating rinks over the December Holiday School Vacation week. At the Devine Rink in Dorchester, the open skate hours are Wednesday, Dec. 24 12-3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, 12- 3 p.m. and 7-9p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 27, 7 - 9p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 28 2-4p.m.; Monday, Dec. 29 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesday Dec. 30 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 31 9a.m. - 3 p.m.