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Holiday Events
| ALL AGES |
 Methuen Festival of Trees -- Methuen
November 21, 2009 to December 5, 2009
Visitors are invited from to attend the festival and view the 200 trees donated by individuals, businesses, organizations, and school groups from Methuen and several Merrimack Valley communities. Location: 13 Branch Street. Cost: Adults, $8; children under age 12, free. Information: www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com |
 Holidays at Heritage -- Sandwich
November 27, 2009 to December 13, 2009
This community event helps ring in the holidays and celebrate Heritage’s 40 years. Stroll the lighted paths, explore the Hart Family Maze and several lighting vignettes created by the area’s premier landscape companies. Location: Heritage Museums and Gardens, Grove Street. Time: 5-9 p.m. Cost: Adults, $6; children ages 4-12, $2.Information and tickets: 508-888-3300 ext. 159. |
 Nantucket Noel Celebration and Christmas Stroll Weekend -- Nantucket
November 27, 2009 to December 31, 2009
Nantucket is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when New England’s finest traditions come alive for Nantucket Noel from November 27 to December 31 and the Christmas Stroll Weekend on December 4-6. Nantucket Noel opens with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and community caroling on November 27 on Main Street. The Christmas Stroll Weekend is a community holiday celebration attracting visitors from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to the island via a Coast Guard vessel and ride up Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Town Crier. Carolers in Victorian costumes, bell ringers, student choirs and other musicians perform on the Main Street stage and through the town streets. Information: 508-228-1700. |
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| ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS |
Assumption Church Christmas Bazaar -- Marshfield
November 14, 2009
There will be more than 40 artisans represented, raffles, food items, a visit from Santa and fun for the kids with games and raffles. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking available.
Location: 40 Canal Street.
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Free |
 Festival of Wreaths – Nantucket
November 25, 2009 to November 29, 2009
The Festival of Wreaths marks the start of Nantucket’s winter holiday season. Held over Thanksgiving weekend, the festival welcomes more than 1,600 visitors, free of charge, to enjoy more than 80 beautifully decorated wreaths. The event showcases the remarkable talent of local artists, artisans, schoolchildren, merchants, and nonprofits that decorate and donate the wreaths, which are displayed as part of the silent auction. Throughout the festival, visitors bid on the wreaths and purchase tickets for the Raffle Wreath. Location: Whaling Museum, 15 Broad Street. Time: November 25, 27, and 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; November 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: www.nha.org/ |
 Arts and Crafts Fair -- Wilmington
November 27, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Huge holiday event with more than 300 booths of juried, American made arts, crafts, food and music. Location: Shriner’s Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road.
Information: 603-332-2616 or visit www.castleberryfairs.com |
 Vineyard Artisans Holiday Festival – West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard
November 27, 2009 to November 28, 2009
The festival features many of the Island’s top craftspeople, working in fiber arts, leather crafts, glass, home furnishings, painting, ceramics, paper, botanicals, mixed media, sculpture and photography. Highlights also include hay rides, food, weaving and craft demonstrations. Location: Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. rain or shine. Cost: Free admission. Information: 508-693-8989 or visit www.vineyardartisans.com. |
 Cultural Survival Bazaar – Cambridge
December 12, 2009 to December 13, 2009
This holiday season make a difference with your shopping. Shop a variety of fairly traded products handmade by indigenous artisans in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Items include jewelry, art and crafts, carvings, décor, hand-knotted Tibetan and Tribal Rugs, and much more. Enjoy live world music, live presentations, and ethnic foods. Location: 1730 Cambridge Street. Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: Free. |
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| CHILDREN & FAMILIES |
 The Nutcracker Ballet Day – Boston
November 11, 2009
Boston Ballet brings its music, dance, costumes, and hands-on, behind-the-scenes activities to the Museum for this day-long event. Visit Boston Ballet at Boston Children's Museum on November 11 to meet the Nutcracker, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Nutcracker ballet on KidStage, and take a ballet class with a Boston Ballet School teacher. The Nutcracker is recommended for ages 4 and older. Location: Boston children’s Museum, 300 Congress Street. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 617-695-6955. |
Santa’s Tea – Waltham
December 5, 2009 to December 19, 2009
The Santa’s tea at the Governor Gore Mansion will feature a special children’s menu and visit from Santa. Location: 52 Gore Street. Dates: December 5, 12, and 19. Time: 10:30 a.m. Cost: $30 per person. Tickets must be purchased at least one week before the event. Information and tickets: 781-894-2798 or visit www.goreplace.org. |
 New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Family Holiday Pops – New Bedford
December 19, 2009
These NBSO family-friendly performances will make the Holiday season sparkle with traditional Holiday favorite songs and carols, plus an audience sing-a-long, stunning Holiday decorations, enchanting stories, stirring singers and even an appearance by Santa Claus. Location: Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase Street. Time: 3:30 and 7 p.m. Information: 508-997-5664 or visit www.zeiterion.org. |
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| HISTORIC |
 Jane Austen Holiday Tea and Tour -- Waltham
December 4, 2009 to December 19, 2009
The Great Hall of Governor Gore mansion will be transformed into a 19th century tea room offering an authentic English tea of scones, sweets and savory sandwiches. Following the tea, guests will tour the mansion led by a guide in period costume using English author Jane Austen’s words to describe the Gore’s home and gracious lifestyle in the early 19th century. Location: 52 Gore Street Dates: December 4, 5, 11, 12, and 19. Time: Seatings at 1 and 3 p.m. Cost: $40 per person. Tickets must be purchased at least one week before the event. Information and tickets: 781-894-2798 or visit www.goreplace.org. |
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| MUSIC |
 Wynonna Judd Holiday Show – New Bedford
December 1, 2009
For 25 years the singer Wynonna Judd has been bringing her amazing voice, inspirational stories and unique blend of country, soul and good ‘ol Rock’n’Roll to the masses. Now she brings it to the Z with a holiday show to blow your socks off. Filled with old fashioned charm and big country pizzazz this is the performance for the holidays.
Location: Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase Street.
Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $60, $75, $89.50, $100.
Information: 508-997-5664 or visit www.zeiterion.org. |
US Air Force Holiday Show – New Bedford
December 12, 2009
This free concert is a beautiful gift from the Z straight to your family. A top notch performance of musicians and singers celebrating the holidays in the great American band and vocalist tradition. Location: Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase Street. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 508-997-5664 or visit www.zeiterion.org |
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| OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES |
 Lighting Ceremony at Faneuil Hall Marketplace -- Boston.
November 21, 2009
A gigantic Christmas tree and thousands of lights spanning all of Quincy Market will be switched on at 5:30 pm by Mayor Thomas Menino. All-day entertainment and special guest performers. Location: 1 Faneuil Hall Market Place. Time: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 617-523-1300 |
 Bright Nights at Forest Park -- Springfield, Massachusetts
November 25, 2009 to January 2, 2010
This is a renowned outdoor holiday lighting display in Springfield’s Forest Park. Celebrating its 15th year, Bright Nights will expand its already dazzling displays with a new exhibit called Winter Garden. Location: Forest Park, Sumner Avenue, Trafton Road. |
 Zoo Lights at Stone Zoo – Stoneham
November 26, 2009 to December 30, 2009
This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests will visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupines, lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children will want to make sure they visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle. Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through Dec. 23. After visiting with Santa, enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. Location: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street. Admission: Adults, $11; seniors, $9; children age 2-12, $7. Information: 617-541-LION or visit www.stonezoo.org |
Marblehead Christmas Walk -- Marblehead
December 3, 2009 to December 12, 2009
Traditional events include the Christmas Tree lighting Friday evening, the arrival by boat of Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday morning, and the Christmas Walk Parade. Open houses are generally held by the Marblehead Arts Association and the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society. The Harbor Row by Glover’s Marblehead Regiment commemorates the crossing of the Delaware. Craft fairs abound, including the Festival's Artisans' Holiday Marketplace; and street entertainment often includes musicians and carolers. Location: Downtown Marblehead. Information: 781- 631-2868 or visit www.visitmarblehead.com |
Marblehead Christmas Walk -- Marblehead
December 3, 2009 to December 12, 2009
Traditional events include the Christmas Tree lighting Friday evening, the arrival by boat of Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday morning, and the Christmas Walk Parade. Open houses are generally held by the Marblehead Arts Association and the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society. The Harbor Row by Glover’s Marblehead Regiment commemorates the crossing of the Delaware. Craft fairs abound, including the Festival's Artisans' Holiday Marketplace; and street entertainment often includes musicians and carolers. Location: Downtown Marblehead. Information: 781- 631-2868 or visit www.visitmarblehead.com |
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| PARTIES, DANCES, BALLS |
 Holly Days – Boylston
November 27, 2009 to January 3, 2010
Holly Days is Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s festive, light-filled annual celebration of the winter holidays. See countless holiday decorations at Tower Hill’s homage to global multicultural celebrations. Opening party for Holly Days is December 4, 6- 9 p.m. Cash bar, holiday attire, Joe Blanchard on the Steinway piano. Cost: $40. Tickets: 508-869-6111 ext. 136. At the party enjoy hearty, ethnically inspired appetizers by Pepper’s Fine Foods Catering, and a huge selection of authentically prepared international desserts from a variety of cultures. Take in the festively illuminated signature decorations while strolling the lush orangerie.
Holly Days is on view November 27 through January 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Location:
Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive. Information: 508-869-6111 ext. 110 or visit www.towerhillbg.org/index.html |
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| PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE |
The Nutcracker Ballet Day – Boston
November 11, 2009
Boston Ballet brings its music, dance, costumes, and hands-on, behind-the-scenes activities to the Museum for this day-long event. Visit Boston Ballet at Boston Children's Museum on November 11 to meet the Nutcracker, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Nutcracker ballet on KidStage, and take a ballet class with a Boston Ballet School teacher. The Nutcracker is recommended for ages 4 and older. Location: Boston children’s Museum, 300 Congress Street. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 617-695-6955. |
 Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Fitchburg
November 19, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Bring the entire family for an afternoon or evening of magic, music, and extraordinary entertainment. Location: Phillips Hall in the First Parish Church, 923 Main Street.
Dates: November 19-22, 27-29, December 3-6, 11-13. Time: Consult website for times. Cost: Adults, $18; students and senior, $15. Discount ticket prices available for Family Day on November 22 and Pay What You Can Day on November 28.
Information: 978-345-2915 or visit www.cpacfitchburg.org. |
 Charles Dickens's Great-Great-Grandson Performs "A Christmas Carol" – Sutton
November 28, 2009 to November 29, 2009
Gerald Charles Dickens is making a special trip to Vaillancourt Folk Art from London to perform his great-great grandfather's classic tale, “A Christmas Carol.” Dickens adopts different voices, expressions and mannerisms to portray each of the story's 26 characters in this acclaimed one-man show. Not recommended for children under the age of 8 years old. There is a reception after each performance where you can meet Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens.
Location: Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main Street, Suite 1-H.
Time: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 6 p.m.
Cost: $25.
Information: 508-476-3601. |
 Hansel and Gretel -- Boston
December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Just in time for the holidays, the New England Conservatory Opera's performs a fully staged production of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Performed in English, and recommended for children age 5 and older. Location: Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street. Time: Friday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 5, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 6, 2 p.m.
Cost: Adult, $20; students and seniors, $16; children age 10 and younger, $10; family pack of four tickets, $45. Information: 800-233-3123 or visit http://necmusic.edu. |
 “A Christmas Carol 2009” – New Bedford
December 5, 2009
This spectacular holiday celebration returns to the Zeiterion for a performance of this widely popular musical production. It is the classic tale of a soul lost and found, featuring the stingiest man alive, Ebenezer Scrooge, with Tiny Tim, and the Cratchit Family, and the Ghosts of Christmas, Past, Present and Future.
Location: Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase Street. Time: 2 and 7 p.m. Cost: $15, $25, $31.
Information: 508-997-5664 or visit www.zeiterion.org. |
 “A Christmas Carol” -- Stockbridge
December 12, 2009 to December 30, 2009
This is fast becoming a Berkshire County holiday tradition and is fun for the whole family. Featuring a cast of Berkshire Theater Festival favorites, including 15 local school kids. Location: Berkshire Theatre Festival, Main Street. Information: 413-298-5536 or visit www.berkshiretheatre.org |
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| SCIENCE & NATURE |
 ZooLights 2009 – Stoneham
November 26, 2009 to December 30, 2009
This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests will visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupines, lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children will want to make sure they visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in Santa’s Castle. Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through December 23. After visiting with Santa, enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. Location: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street. Time: 5-9 p.m. Information: www.stonezoo.org |
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