 |
|
Holiday Events
| ALL AGES |
 Festival of Trees -- Pittsfield
Now through January 3, 2010
People from across the Berkshires have decorated scores of trees, inspired by the theme Silver Bells. The traditional Silver Bells theme rings with nostalgia, as do companion exhibitions of historical photographs of downtown Pittsfield in the late 1800s and selections from the Museum’s collection of antique silver decorative arts. Location: Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Information: 413-443-7171 |
 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. |
 The Ninth Annual Festival of Trees – Springfield
November 27, 2009 to December 13, 2009
Location: Tower Square.
Enjoy 100 enchanting holiday trees donated and decorated by area businesses, organizations and individuals. The Festival of Trees benefits the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, and visitors can buy chances to win trees valued at hundreds of dollars - some with gift certificates and/or a variety of prizes. All trees will be raffled off at the festival’s conclusion.
Information: www.visittreefest.com/ |
Festival of Trees and Holiday Market -- Worcester
November 28, 2009
Fun for the whole family. Pancake breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. Marketplace with artisan crafts all day. Decorated Christmas trees for auction. Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 24 Mulberry Street. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Admission is $5 per person, maximum charge of $20 per family. Admission to the Pancake Breakfast is an additional $5 per person. Information: www.babysbreathhome.org/trees2009 |
 Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009
The town of Stockbridge, made famous by Norman Rockwell's painting of the village during the holidays, becomes a magical New England setting decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights, as the town celebrates Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Highlights of the holiday celebration are holiday house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert. Capping off the weekend is a recreation on Sunday of the scene depicted in Main Street at Christmas. The day's activities include horse drawn rides, a visit from Santa, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas Food Booth and much more. Information: www.stockbridgechamber.org/christmas.html. Events include:
Holiday House Tour, December 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $15 per person. Visit some of the area's historic properties, B&B's, and inns. This year’s tour features The Former Rockwell House, The Campbell House, National Shrine of the Divine Mercy Residence, Orleton Farm Carriage House & Stables, Linwood House, the Stockbridge Country Inn and Merwin House.
Children's Holiday Story Time, December 5, 11-11:30 a.m. Come listen to tales of the season at the Stockbridge Library.
Caroling Luminaria, December 5, 6-7 p.m. Meet in front of The Red Lion Inn, Main Street with your candle or flashlight and join the festive caroling followed by a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church.
Holiday Concert, December 5, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 at the door. Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program held at the First Congregational Church. Featuring the Berkshire Lyric Chorus, the Blafield Children's Chorus; Gisella Montanez; Jack Brown; Joseph Rose.
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Re-creation, December 6, noon-2 p.m. See Main Street as Norman Rockwell did when he painted the famous Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Main Street becomes a magical New England village with over 50 antique cars parked along the street (weather permitting) and a full range of festive activities to delight the child in everyone. Enjoy holiday music, The Londontown Carolers, Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Children may create holiday fun at Santa's workshop sponsored by the Norman Rockwell Museum. Complete the day with a visit from Santa. |
 Christmas in Edgartown
December 11, 2009 to December 13, 2009
This annual holiday event is a Vineyard tradition, shared by young and old and enhanced by the glimmer of freshly fallen snow. This weekend event is bursting with festivities and shopping that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So come sing a carol, enjoy the holiday parade, sample some great chowder, visit Ole St Nick, tour an Inn and dance the night away at the ball! You will truly be enchanted. Information; 508-939-0199 |
| top of events |
| ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS |
 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. |
| top of events |
| CHILDREN & FAMILIES |
 A Holiday Celebration for Families – Stockbridge
December 5, 2009
Usher in the holiday season with an afternoon of art-making, tales of holiday celebrations past, and festive treats. At 3 p.m., Berkshire-based a cappella ensemble Quintessential performs a holiday concert featuring songs of the season and their original family-friendly opera "What Owls Do." Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission. Special tours of the historic Linwood House will also be offered for an additional fee.
Location: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road, Route 183.
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $15; college students, $10; seniors, $13.50; children under age 18, free with an adult.
Information: 413-298-4100 or visit www.nrm.org/ |
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. |
| top of events |
| HISTORIC |
 Thanksgiving Day Celebration -- Sturbridge
November 26, 2009
To mark one of just a handful of holidays on the early New England calendar, Old Sturbridge Village re-creates various activities from an early New England Thanksgiving Day, including cooking at the hearth, demonstrations of 19th-century table manners, a Thanksgiving sermon, and after-dinner entertainment.
Location: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road (off Route 20). Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: www.osv.org or call 508-347-3362. |
 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. |
| top of events |
| 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 |
 Vienna Boys Choir -- Worcester
December 13, 2009
Boys have been singing at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor since the early 15th century. This group features 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street.
Cost: $43.50-$55.50.
Information: 877-571-SHOW or visit www.thehanovertheatre.org/ |
| top of events |
| 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 |
| top of events |
| 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 |
| top of events |
| PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE |
 Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Fitchburg
Now through 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. |
 Dylan Thomas’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” -- Boston
November 27, 2009 to December 23, 2009
It is Christmas 1923 in Swansea, Wales. Will the fire in Mrs. Prothero’s kitchen finally burn the house down? Will a hole have to be cut into the roof for the Christmas pine? And who sent young Dylan that mysterious package? Originally commissioned and performed by the National Theatre of the Deaf, Clark’s new adaptation stays true to the best of Thomas’s vision, all the while leading us to new wonderments. A new adaptation by Burgess Clark.
Location: Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont Street. Dates: November 27-29; December 4-6, 11-13, 17, 22-23. Time: Performance times vary. Consult website. Cost: General admission, $35; students, $28.
Information and tickets: 617-933-8600 or visit www.bostontheatrescene.com |
 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. |
 “The Nutcracker” -- Worcester
December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009
Jump start the holiday season with Worcester's family tradition of The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Arts Worcester. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street.
Cost: $24-$34. Information: 877-571-SHOW or visit www.thehanovertheatre.org/ |
 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 Celtic Sojourn -- Worcester
December 11, 2009
Warm up your winter with seasonal dance, music, and poetry. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street.
Cost: $46-$58.
Information: 877-571-SHOW or visit www.thehanovertheatre.org/ |
Brenda Lee's Christmas Show -- Worcester
December 12, 2009
You will be rocking around the Christmas tree at Brenda Lee’s Christmas Show. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street.
Cost: $28-$50.
Information: 877-571-SHOW or visit www.thehanovertheatre.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 |
 “A Christmas Carol” -- Worcester
December 18, 2009 to December 23, 2009
A must-do family holiday tradition. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street. Dates: December 18, 19, 20, 22, 23.
Cost: $26-$48. Information: 877-571-SHOW or visit www.thehanovertheatre.org/ |
| top of events |
| 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 |
| top of events |
| VISUAL ARTS |
 Holiday Stories from the Saturday Evening Post – Stockbridge
December 26, 2009 to December 31, 2009
Gather round for readings of classic Saturday Evening Post stories that bring to life some of the many holiday covers Rockwell created for the magazine. Free for children. Adults free with Museum admission.
Location: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road, Route 183.
Time: Daily, 1:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $15; college students, $10; seniors, $13.50; children under age 18, free with an adult.
Information: 413-298-4100 or visit www.nrm.org/ |
| top of events |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
