Events INSIDER: Dec 16-31

12/15/13 by Johnny Monsarrat

Giveaways & Features

Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra: A New Year’s Eve Spectacular

The Ultra Sonic Rock Orchestra is about as bombastic as you imagine. Bright lights, crazy arrangements of classic rock tunes from Queen, Zeppelin, and many more. AND We have one pair of tickets to giveaway. Can you think of a better way to spend New Years? I didn’t think so. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win 9:30pm. Arlington, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Johnny’s Picks

Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting House

Happy Anniversary! It’s the 240th year since Bostonians introduced sea life to the wonders of Caffeine- or the Boston Tea Party for you history nuts. The event of the week is protesting British tax on tea! Nothing says, ‘Screw you guys,’ like turning the local harbor into a giant pot of Darjeeling, right? Re-enactors will lead you through an old towne meeting and then sort of role-play actually dumping the tea into the harbor (though you stay warm indoors). 6:30pm. Boston, MA, Mon 12/16.more

Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas Day

I played ‘Lox’ for 24 points in Scrabble word the other day, and it got me excited for this event! Take a Christmas day walking tour of Boston with an eye toward Jewish history, culture, and achievement. 2:30pm with regular historic tours beforehand at 10am. Boston, MA, Wed 12/25.more

Die Hard on Xmas

Nothing to do on Christmas day eve? The Brattle’s open, and they’re showing the feel good holiday classic ‘Die Hard’. Yippie Ki Yay! 9:30pm. Cambridge, MA, Wed 12/25.more

Boxborough Winter Solstice Sunrise

Watch the sun pour through two century old, possibly Native American in origin stone structures like that scene in ‘Raiders of The Lost Arc’. This one sounds really beautiful if you’re able to get up this early.They call the 20 minutes of the day when the sun rises and sets ‘magic hour’ in film and TV land, and you can experience it for yourself in Sudbury. 7-8am. Boxborough, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Boxing Day at the Old Manse

Calling all ex-pats and Anglophiles! In honor of the traditional British holiday, the Old Manse is hosting a a celebration of British culture, featuring plenty of tasty foodstuffs. Expect plenty of geeking out about The Tardis, Benedict Cumberbatch, and that dreamboat Idris Elba. AND they have Branston Pickle, which if the Internet is to be believed, is the tastiest thing since Vegemite. 12pm-6pm. Concord, MA, Thu 12/26.more

Solstice Stroll

You can’t beat a candlelight stroll through a park at sunset and s’mores and hot chocolate around a fire. RSVP. 4-6pm. Gloucester, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Winter Solstice Celebration

A non-denominational celebration of the shortest day of the year with Hot cocoa and a hike. Skis and / or snow shoes encouraged. 3 @ 5 p.m. North Andover, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Solstice Sunset Celebration

4-6pm. Here’s another solstice celebration with ‘solstice stories’, a campfire, songs and hot chocolate. You can reserve snowshoes ahead or bring a sled, if there’s snow. You can bring a sled if there’s no snow, but you’d look a bit silly. Sheffield, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Winter Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge USA

I’m not one to judge, but this looks really silly in the best way. Silly in the ‘Let me braid my armpit hair’ way. Silly in the ‘Oh I made this herbal tea using a centuries old cauldron and secrets herbs only I know about’. This event takes place at America’s ‘Stonehenge’, new Age-y types will be holding a lengthy solstice ritual, and if you’re into this kind of thing, or aren’t and want to have a couple of yucks, this event could be a good way to spend your solstice Ouija Board optional. 12-3pm. Salem, NH, Sat 12/21.more

Welcome Winter Solstice

This nature hike also comes with a big ole bonfire, cider, cocoa, and cookies. This is free too. Though they would appreciate a non-perishable food item. 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Easthampton, MA, Sat 12/21.more

FLL Championship: RoboNautica

What’s better than Lego? Robots made of Lego!! This is the state championship for building machines that don’t do much, but more than you’d expect, and are super fun to watch. Movies, sculptures, Rube goldberg machines, robots, is there anything Lego can’t do?! I’m pretty sure it’s free. 7am. Worcester, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Get the 2014 New England Guide

Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! All Over, , Tue 1/1–Tue 12/31.more

Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter

Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). All Over, , Tue 1/1–Tue 12/31.more

Oy Oy Oy

Matzoball Event

The deliciously punny Matzo-ball is the premiere Jewish singles event across the country. If this is as cool as it looks, I think I’m converting! Wowza! 9pm. Boston, MA, Tue 12/24.more

Ho Ho Holidays

Country Christmas Open House

Country Christmas is almost always a code word for rustic decorations and delicious treats. This one has jams and mulled cider, along with a gift shop with all manner of jellies and relishes. If you or someone you know is an HGTV fanatic, this could be a fun adventure. 10am-4pm. Sandwich, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/22.more

BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Talk about Xmas bombardment! The lights will be on through January 5th but the fun gets going on November 23rd with all day fun with various musical and dance performances. 12pm for 11/23 day long event, lights will be on every night after through 1/5. Boston, MA, Sat 11/23–Sat 1/5.more

Santa and Holiday Teas at Gore place

Tea with Santa. I guess the big guy would drink tea as opposed to coffee, and it’s nice of him to share his drink of choice with the masses. For 35 dollars you, yes *you* could sip with Santa. Waltham, MA, Sat 12/14–Sat 12/21.more

Holiday Bell Ringing Concerts

There are bell-ringing concerts all over New England like this one in Boston. Check them out if you like your caroling a little more jingle-bell-i-fied. 5-6pm. Boston, MA, Tue 12/17–Thu 12/19.more

A Holiday Musical Event at Gore Place

7:30pm. Classic Holiday music from three regions: Ireland, Scotland, and New England via The Moody Street String Band, who play so many different places across New England I think they’re Time Lords. 2013: 7:30pm. Waltham, MA, Wed 12/18.more

Caroling Mob: Loose Canon Chorale

My favorite Xmas Caroling group this week is coming up. I went one year and it was awesome! Fun, creative, harmonic, and not too religious. 4pm RSVP appreciated. Jamaica Plain, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Vintage Christmas Show

The 5th annual ‘Vintage Holiday Film’ on 12/22 is the highlight of Harvard’s hodge-podge of a film festival curated to give you a break from the banality of the holidays. Most of these films are appropriate for children but not mind-numbing for adults- and really obscure to boot! 3pm. Cambridge, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Christmas Caroling at Hayes Park

It looks like this will be outdoors and they’ll serve hot cider. Yum!! And the caroling is participatory. Just don’t carol with a mouth full of cider. Unless you’re a ventriloquist, that’s gross. 3pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Free Holiday Handbell Concerts

What’s a handbell? Exactly what you think it is. In fact, there are lots of handbell concerts happening this month, but there are two opportunities to see one for free – this is one of them. 2pm. Lexington, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Glassblowers Christmas

See the beauty of hundreds of glass ornaments all the way through christmas. Ornaments are a great way to honor memories and this event could be a great way to make some new ones! Sandwich, MA, Tue 11/19–Mon 12/30.more

Gardens Aglow Celebration of Lights

Santa on a train, Santa on a boat, Santa in a sleigh, and now, Santa in a Ford Model T at the Heritage Museums and Gardens. A vintage carousel adds entertainment value, as does live music and dance performances. Also the crafts and decorating you’d come to expect from such events are present and accounted for. 5-9pm. Sandwich, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

A Christmas Carol

A Readers’ Theatre adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ gives way to actual chestnuts roasting over an open fire and brass music. Readers’ Theatre is an interesting way to put on a show, as it normally includes a narrator and extra-textual elements. If you’re curious, check it out! 3pm, 6pm, or 7:30pm. Orleans, MA, Fri 12/13–Sun 12/22.more

Gingerbread House Classes

This has a chef, A CHEF – who went to school for years, teaching you to make Gingerbread houses. That’s like Tom Brady teaching 4th grade gym class, folks. If you (or your kid) have a fastidious eye for art, cooking, confections, and architecture *and* won’t eat the dang thing the moment you get home, this may be the one of the coolest craft events in town. 9am. Medfield, MA, Sat 11/30–Sun 12/22.more

The Gift of Lights

I’m not a Christian, but I do love these Xmas nighttime attractions of lights. This is one of the largest displays of holiday lights in New England. Loudon, NH, Fri 11/15–Sat 1/5.more

Christmastime at Santa’s Village

This is where Christmas memories that last a lifetime are made. They have 14 different rides including a carousel and bumper cars. This year they’ve added a 3-D movie. Jefferson, NH, Sat 11/23–Sun 12/22.more

Santa Express Trains at Hobo Railroad

The Hobo railroad is national treasure, with foilage trains being something like the leaf peeping superbowl. The holiday train is decorated for the season, and Santa and his elves are onboard for the ride, too. 1pm. Lincoln, NH, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

Santa’s Holiday Express at Conway Scenic Railroad

Another Holiday train, this time offering cookies, pictures, hot chocolate, Santa, and elves. Conway railroad is a New England institution, and if you’ve never been, maybe a little ho-ho-holiday fun could be just the excuse! 2013:11:30am. North Conway, NH, Fri 11/29–Mon 12/23.more

Polar Express

This event seems pretty adamant about the fact they’re the first ever ‘Polar Express’, that they’re really going to the North Pole, and when you get there, the main character from ‘The Polar Express’ will read the book about his Christmas journey to passengers in a special North Pole theater. Wild. I appreciate the dedication – and so does everyone else, judging by the limited ticket availability. Jackson, NH, Sat 11/30–Sun 12/22.more

Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth & Candlelight Stroll

Vintage Trolleys, vintage lighting techniques (candles), vintage holiday cheer, a parade, tree lighting, and a candle light stroll with vintage Christmas carols, vintage transport (horses!), vintage craftsmen (a Tinsmith!), makes Portsmith NH’s Vintage Christmas the most post-modern event of the Holiday Season. 1:30-10:30pm. Portsmouth, NH, Wed 12/4–Mon 12/30.more

TubaChristmas – NH

Here’s another Totally Tubular Tuba event! See the website for other events all over New Hampshire, and the rest of New England. Keene, NH, Sat 12/7–Sat 12/21.more

Holiday Lights at ‘The Farm’

HEAD to Chesterfield NEW HAMPSHIRE to look at THOUSANDS of holiday lights at ‘THE FARM’. Admission is FREE but cash and food donations are ACCEPTED and will go to a local FOOD PANTRY. Sorry, the website is just so enthusiastic I wanted to ensure I communicated that here, so I copied their pattern of capitalizing the fun words. Seriously though, this looks great! 6pm-9pm. Chesterfield, NH, Fri 12/13–Sun 12/22.more

Christmas Tours at the Gables

Holiday Tours in Salem are always fun, it’s such an eerie place. This tour takes you through the holiday decorated House of Seven Gables and provides a brief history of how Christmas has changed through the years. Aside: I got stuck in this house’s secret passage once and it almost became the House of Seven gables and a chubby 8th grader who should walk sideways through tight corners. 10am-5pm. Salem, MA, Sun 12/1–Tue 12/31.more

Caroling with Julie Dougherty

Christmas Eve Caroling in the Hawthorne’s Grand Hall that doubles as a tavern, hosted by someone named Julie Dougherty. I don’t know she is, but I bet she knows all the words, so that’s good. 4-7pm. Salem, MA, Tue 12/24.more

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

These mansions are beautiful, especially when they’re decked out in lights and thousands of decorations. Admission to all three decorated mansions is $28 for adults and $9 for kids 6 and older. Newport, RI, Sat 11/23–Sat 1/5.more

Christmas Boat Parade and Fireworks

I’ve seen boat parades before, and they are spectacular…and spectacularly slow. But the lights at night will be lovely, I don’t doubt, and they’re doing it 5 nights in a row, from 6:30-9pm. They’ll have fireworks on Sunday, the last night, too! Newport, RI, Wed 12/18–Sun 12/22.more

Christmas in the Barnyard

This is a combination petting zoo and historical re-enactment museum where you are encouraged to ‘turn out the turkeys’ (?), hunt for eggs, brush cows, and eventually cook johnny cakes. Try to arrive at least five minutes early. 9-10:30am. Bristol, RI, Tue 12/24.more

Olde World Christmas at Plimoth Grist Mill

Travel back to the simple times before electricity, modern medicine, and telecommunications via Plimouth Plantation’s Olde World Christmas, with real Sugar Plums! I’ve never had one before! Fridays and Saturdays, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 4 to 8 p.m. Plymouth, MA, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/21.more

Holidays on the Green

Free ‘Reindog Parade’, where dogs are dressed up in costume as Reindeer. Cute overload. Earlier in the day there’s pancakes with Santa, and caroling, and a petting zoo throughout the day, too. Lots of other holiday events are happening at Pine Hills, too! 8am-5pm. Plymouth, MA, Sat 12/7–Tue 12/17.more

Messiah Sing with Pilgrim Festival Chorus

Even the folks at OSV, one of the top tourist destinations in the state, is getting in on the Messiah action. Yes, you can sing along. 3-5pm. Plymouth, MA, Sun 12/22.more

The Polar Express at Edaville USA

One of several Polar Express-themed train rides opens this weekend. It’s just a regular train ride where you wear pajamas, drink hot chocolate, and hear a reading and singing. But kids might really love it, especially if they’re fans of the book or movie. Carver, MA, Fri 11/22–Sat 12/28.more

Holidays at Worcester Art Museum

WAM, the Worcester Art Museum, isn’t kidding around. Expanded Cafe Hours, seasonal decorations, changing programming for the kiddies, if you’ve never been, now’s the time to go, and and if you have, why not check out what changed! Worcester, MA, Fri 11/29–Tue 12/31.more

Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride – Someone should write a song about that! It sounds delightful. Running throughout this month are special holiday evenings authentic to early New England in Old Sturbridge Village. Whether you want to take the kids or have a romantic dinner, there’s lots of stuff to see (and do – including ye olden games!). 4pm – 9pm. Sturbridge, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/22.more

Polar Express at Wachusett Mountain

Santa arrives via helicopter at this popular skiing site. Arts and crafts, caroling. I’m glad they aren’t saying Santa’s means of arriving is a ‘secret’ anymore. It wasn’t much of a secret with that photo of Santa in a helicopter. 2013:11am-2pm. Princeton, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Jingle Ride

A Holiday bike ride that encourages singing, riding, silly costumes, and good cheer! Check it out if you own a bike, like to dress up funny, or love singing ‘The 12 days of Christmas’ as loudly (and poorly) as you can. 10:15am-2:30pm. Arlington, MA, Sun 12/22.more

Also Fun

Wonderland: Artists’ Market

These artists don’t just want to show off their crafts, they want you to buy some of their work that is probably winter or christmas themed! They promise unique finds that will dazzle and amaze so check it out for yourself and see if they’re right. I’m pretty sure this will be outdoors in the sculpture park. 10am-5:30pm. Lincoln, MA, Sat 11/16–Tue 12/31.more

Belmont World Film’s The Good Man

The Good Man’ is a….’finely tuned, extremely well balanced script is bolstered by powerful yet understated performances and straightforward storytelling.’ if Film Ireland is to be believed, and I believe them. Catch the New England Debut 12/16. Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbhkBN00ayQ&feature=player_embedded 7:30pm. Belmont, MA, Mon 12/16.more

Candle Lighting at Mount Auburn Cemetery

This annual ceremony offers comfort and solidarity to those who are struggling from the loss of loved ones. The holidays can be painful under such circumstances, so I’m glad this event exists. 4-5:30pm. Cambridge, MA, Wed 12/18.more

An Officers’ Life for Me: December School Vacation Week

Live as the sailors did! well, watch them demonstrate how they lived during school vacation week. You’ll get to write with a quill pen and use a homemade compass! Great for kids who learn through doing. Scurvy not included. 10am-5pm. Charlestown, MA, Sat 12/21–Tue 12/31.more

Holiday Vacation Week at the MFA

During school vacation week, the MFA is offering a selection of educational and entertainment…al crafts for children that relate to the museum’s current exhibitions with three quirky characters designed to make learning fun. There’s also a behind the scenes video exhibit so you can learn all the hard work that goes into curating such an experience. Sounds unique, that’s for sure. Boston, MA, Thu 12/26–Tue 12/31.more

Marx Brothers Marathon

The Marx Brothers are kind of like like the old-timey equivalent of Adventure time. Silly, over-the-top, creative, and ribald. The Brattle Theater is doing a New Years Day Marathon. Check it out! 12:30pm and7:30pm. Cambridge, MA, Tue 1/1.more

The Future

I watched ‘The Future’ about a week before I had to move to live back home. It’s about an early 30s something couple who struggle with the idea of adult hood, achieving your dreams, and so on. Oh! The boyfriend has the power to stop time and it’s told from the perspective of a talking cat. 7pm. Provincetown, MA, Tue 12/17.more

Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights

All Holiday season long you can head to Edaville USA to see their light display. This might be a great thing to check out after you visit their Polar Express adventure. Plus, you get to see beautiful lights from a warm, dry train now that is ideal! Carver, MA, Fri 11/22–Tue 1/1.more

Bright Nights in Springfield

Bright Nights appears to be a drive-through safari, but instead of wild animals, you’re checking out thousands of Holiday lights. And if the website is to be believed, there’s a ‘Dr. Seuss’ land. 11/27 is opening night, and offers over half off admission. Springfield, MA, Wed 11/27–Sat 1/5.more

Higgins Armory is Closing

The Higgins Armory is closing at the end of 2013! Come explore the weapons, suits of armor, and learn old-timey combat from re-enactors. Worcester, MA, Sun 12/1–Tue 12/31.more

Performance

Arabian Nights

Based on One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of folk tales from the Middle East and Asia, Arabian Nights is rich with suspense, romance and hilarity @ stories irresistible for all ages, At its heart is the power of the imagination to heal, inspire, and transform. Cambridge, MA, Thu 11/14–Sun 12/29.more

Becky’s New Car

When a wealthy suitor presumes she is a widow, she finds herself leading a double life that quickly accelerates out of her control. Boston, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

Boston Holiday Pops

The Boston Pops are a tradition! I went in 5th grade, fully expected to dislike it because I was, ya know, a kid, and loved every minute of it. It’s a real treat. Boston, MA, Wed 12/4–Sun 12/29.more

A Christmas Carol at Anthem Theatre

This version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ features traditional Victorian Hymms and carols, and remains authentic to Dickens’ intentions. You can see it for yourself, too! We have two pairs of tickets to giveaway to the 12/11 show. Boston, MA, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/21.more

Legally Blonde: The Musical

The enduring messages of Legally Blonde are 1) Don’t judge a book by its cover, and 2) Every good idea deserves a musical. This one has gotten good reviews, and seems to have all the glitz, glamour, and bombastic pagentry you’d want from a broadway production. 8pm 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 at 4pm. Arlington, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/22.more

The Slutcracker

Yes. The Slutcracker is a real show. Yes it’s probably what you think it is, combining the classic Nutcracker Suite with burlesque-y things, ribald humor, and zany, over-the-top antics. And of course you want to see it! Thus we’re giving two pairs of tickets to the 12/19 show. Thank me later, and enter to win via giveaways@Eventsinsider.com. Somerville, MA, Mon 12/9–Fri 1/11.more

The Nutcracker – Boston Ballet

Boston’s Nutcracker suite is one of the most popular events in town during the Holiday Season. Boston, MA, Mon 12/9–Sun 12/29.more

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th street is kind of like a kiddie version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ where a girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, well…I’lll let you find out for yourself. Win two pairs of tickets to the December 26th peformance. E-mail giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Stoneham, MA, Mon 12/9–Sun 12/29.more

Black Nativity

Black Nativity isn’t any more crazy than White People Nativity, since Jesus was Middle Eastern. See this performance of theatre, singing, dancing about the baby who took over the world. (Or something like that.) Seems pretty religious. 3:30pm or 8pm. Boston, MA, Fri 12/13–Sun 12/22.more

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus: Haul out the Holly

This is your last day to see this year’s holiday revue – ‘The Twelve Gays of Christmas’ (puns, I love em’!) – by the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. 8pm. Kid’s show: 1pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/15–Sun 12/22.more

Seven Times Salt’s Solstice Celebration

Oh my gosh! Is that a lute?! Sign me up. Take my money, I’m there! This is another multi-cultural Solstice concert, by the world-class early music group Seven Times Salt. 7:30pm. Boston, MA, Tue 12/17.more

THE EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues

Sex, lies, Antlers! Now that’s a tag line! ‘The Reindeer Monologues’ features an accusation of sexual harassment at the North Pole, and as the media gets involved, everyone starts pointing fingers…erm hooves. This has the potential to be a great satire and pretty funny too. 2pm, 4pm, and 8pm shows. Boston, MA, Tue 12/17–Sun 12/22.more

Speakeasy Circus

The insane speak easy circus returns with more stunts, more lights, more colors, and more incredible feats! Cambridge, MA, Fri 12/20–Thu 2/7.more

Tingle Bell Rocks 2013 – Jimmy Tingle Returns to the Regent

With a name like Jimmy Tingle, you better be funny. This show looks to reflect back on the year that was 2013 via comedy, insight, and surprisingly profound thought. This guy gave speeches at Harvard, so you know he’s a little more than just a jokester! 8pm. Arlington, MA, Sat 12/28.more

Gala New Year’s Eve and First Day Concerts

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and his Coffee CantataIf performed on New Years eve by musical virtuosos. I don’t know either of those pieces, but if you do, and classical music is your thing, you’ll want to spend your New Year’s Eve at the Sanders theatre. Cambridge, MA, Tue 12/31–Tue 1/1.more

Stella and Lou by Bruce Graham

Win two tickets to this play about world-weary bargoers. There are 2 pairs of tickets available to win for the 12/8 performance at 7PM! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win. Just don’t shot shout out ‘Shots! Shots!’ inbetween acts. 7:30pm. Lowell, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre

There is no place is better to see A Christmas Carol than the North Shore Music Theatre. Beverly, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/22.more

Holiday Jazz Concert

Eat your heart out, Brian Setzer. Province Town’s Art Association and Museum brings Klezmer *and* Holiday Swing to its shores on 12/21. For the curious (of which I include myself), Klezmer music is typically associated with Jewish Culture, and you’ve likely heard those kinds of tunes in plays like ‘Fiddler on The Roof’ if wikipedia is to be believed. 2pm. Provincetown, MA, Sat 12/21.more

Travel

Ski Resorts open for Xmas Day, like Okemo

Call your favorite ski resort if you have one: Most likely, many are open Xmas Day. Here’s one. Calvin The Cantamount(?) and his friends deliver candy to all the good little boys and girls skiing the slopes. All Over, , Wed 12/25.more

Fantasy of Lights

Another light spectacle to start off the Holiday season. This one is cool because they give you 3-D glasses so you can better appreciate the lights. New Haven, CT, Fri 11/22–Tue 12/31.more

Winterfest Hartford

Hartford features free skating and free skate rentals for a month, plus professional skating shows every Friday and Saturday, 6-7pm. (Until recently, this event was known as the Hartford Festival of Light.). Hartford, CT, Fri 11/29–Fri 2/1.more

Holiday Lights

Music is great. Light is great. Music in tune with blinking Christmas Lights is sublime. Lake Compounce puts on such a show every half hour this holiday season, along with covering the whole park with lights and holiday displays. Some rides will be open too. 5-9pm. Bristol, CT, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

Santa’s Trolley

Santa on a trolley! I mean, Santa’s always been a ‘green’ cat anyway. His sleigh uses no fossil fuel for example. Hopefully someone informs Mr. Claus that the Shore Line Trolley is actually a musuem, and not a valid form of transportation. The good news: With him stationary, you can visit, get a photo with Santa and your kids, AND your child gets get a toy out of it, too. 10:30am – 7pm. East Haven, CT, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

Lantern Light Tours

I don’t know what a tavern dance is, but I love it. Take a historical lantern light tour with Victorian era costumes and hundreds of lanterns, plus the promise of surprises along the way. Mystic, CT gets all the cool stuff. Santa on a tugboat, now this. 5pm. Mystic, CT, Sat 11/30–Fri 12/27.more

Holiday Movies and Mimosas at Criterion Cinemas

White Christmas’, ‘A Christmas Story’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ and…’The Sound of Music’ (okay…) are playing this month at Bowtie Cinemas in New Haven CT. Wait? CT? That’s really far away from me! Ooohhhhhh…Fuuuuu….dge! New Haven, CT, Sat 11/30–Sun 12/29.more

Mystic Community Carol Sing

A participatory caroling event backed by a brass quintet and all manner of talented singers in ye olden garb, as well as a planetarium exhibit about reconciling the…fantastical elements of religion with the more…data focused world of science as it pertains to astronomy. Awesome! I’ll give you three guesses where this is taking place, and the first two don’t count. Mystic, CT. It’s always Mystic, CT. 3-4pm. Mystic, CT, Sun 12/22.more

Run Into The New Year: 5K

This ‘run into New Years’ event is a little misleading. It’s a 5k that starts in the morning, so you’re only running into the next year if you’re *really* *really* *really* *really* slow. 10am. Danbury, CT, Sat 12/28.more

Polar Express

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, take your kids on Maine’s Polar Express. Hot Chocolate, Santa Claus, a good cause (see what I did there?), and a reading of the caldecott winning ‘The Polar Express’ ensure an adventure to remember. Multiple times available 4pm. Portland, ME, Thu 11/28–Mon 12/23.more

Country Christmas in Bethel

County Christmas in Bethel, ME has a living nativity. How does that work? Is there a script? Do they live the fifteen minutes before Christmas over and over again? An endless loop of receiving Gold, Frankensense, and Mir? If that ponderment doesn’t saw you, how does live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a Christmas tree lighting, suit you? Bethel, ME, Fri 11/29–Wed 12/25.more

Festival of Trees at the Dyer Library and Saco Museum

I assure you Maine’s ‘Festival of Trees’ has very little (probably nothing) to do with that annual Phish concert they have there. Instead it’s dozens of professionally decorated trees, a month-long drawing contest, music, and free hot cocoa. 5pm. Saco, ME, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/29.more

Light up the Holidays

Rick Charette and the Bubblegum band performs at this holiday tree lighting. Is his band made of bubblegum? Probably not, but don’t you want to see for yourself? 5:30 pm. Portland, ME, Fri 11/29–Mon 12/30.more

Christmas by the Sea at Old Orchard Beach

Another parade where Frosty and Rudolph get top billing over Santa and Mrs. Claus on a fire engine. Someone better call their agent! 1pm. This one’s pretty close to Boston, less than a 2-hour drive. Old Orchard Beach, ME, Sun 12/8–Fri 12/20.more

Christmas Vacation Week at Sugarloaf

New England’s most delicious sounding Ski resort delivers a slew of Christmas vacation events, with FIREWORKS(Yes!), live music, gold medal winning Olympians, and many other nightly activities for kids and adults. Heck, I don’t ski and I want to go! Carrabassett Valley, ME, Wed 12/25–Tue 12/31.more

Manchester Merriment

Normally I’d ignore an event so far away, but this time the Santa parade is a tractor parade! Horse and wagon rides, live music. Because it’s 6 weeks long, there is plenty of time to plan a trip there! You can even travel by tractor and get there in time! Manchester, VT, Fri 11/29–Tue 1/1.more

Lights of Christmas

A monument lighting with another live Navitiy on 11/29 in Vermont. I wonder how you audition for that gig? Royalton, VT, Fri 11/29–Tue 12/31.more

New Years Eve

New Years’s Jam at Earthdance

Peace, love, and New Years at this Plainfield, MA, event. I’m not saying this is for hippies, but if you like Dave Matthews Band and Phish, this is probably for you. They claim this all-weekend dance festival sells out, so buy early. It’s an off-beat way to spend New Years. Plainfield, MA, Fri 12/27–Tue 1/1.more

First Night Northampton, MA

Further away but trying hard is First Night Northampton, with over 20 venues and performances. 2pm-12am, with fireworks at 6:15pm. Northampton, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Jiminy Peak New Years

Cinnamon Buns (Take that cookies and s’mores!), a parade and fireworks are fine excuses to go skiing in Hancock, MA for New Years Eve! 10pm. Hancock, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Spirit of Boston New Year’s Cruise

If you’ve got your sea legs from summer and money to throw overboard, watching the fireworks from a cruise ship that has its own buffet and DJ sounds like a creative idea! Call for reservations. 8pm-1am. Boston, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Folk Arts Center of New England

Folk Dancing! Folk Music! Fiddles! Yeehaws! Soeeeeiees! This is my kind of New Years Party! Also, my sister tells me ‘It is not necessary to attend with a partner’ is code for limber bachelors and bachelorettes will be on hand! Looks like a welcome relief from all the run-of-the-mill bro bar parties happening tonight! 9pm-1am. Stoneham, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Boston’s Resolution Ball

If you have to go to a standard New Years party, this one’s the biggest and best, hosting over 50,000 people since its inception. Nothing like loud music and crowded spaces to promote good will toward men! 8pm – 2am. Boston, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Years Eve with The Donkey Show

Everyone loves the Donkey Show – and for those of you that have seen ‘Bachelor Party’ NO it is not THAT ya creep. This ‘Donkey Show’ takes Shakespeare and mix it with a disco performance and a dance party you can take part in! So it’s like seeing ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ without the movie part. What a creative idea for New Years Eve! 10pm. Cambridge, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Mayor’s New Year Open House

This is the closest alternative to Boston’s First Night that’s on public transit. Free performances at City Hall, and Balloon Animals! 1:30-3:30pm. Newton, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Grand Procession and Fireworks

This parade is described as the ‘heart’ of the First Night festival. The cavalcade marches down Boylston at 5:30pm, then from Hynes Convention Center to Boston Common, and then the party *really* starts. 5:30pm. Boston, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Boston

This is, of course, THE New Year’s event. Buy a pass and spend the last night of the year out on the town. Refer to the insanely jam-packed schedule to find the events that will please you most, my pick is The Blind Boys of Alabama. 1pm-12mn. Boston, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Tours at Otis House

Free with your First Night button are tours at this historic 1796 mansion right in downtown Boston. Boston, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Sandwich, MA

Yes! There’s puppeteers and magicians at the second ever First Night event in Sandwich! Those guys make a festival complete. Sandwhich is a quaint town and the schedule looks especially arts-driven. If I were spending New Year’s down the Cape, this would be my first choice. 4:30pm-1am. Sandwich, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Chatham, MA

Over 4 dozen entertainers, 14 special events, a pumpkin village make Chatham quite the quaint New Years Eve celebration. There aren’t many NYE festivities down the Cape, but here’s one of only two, official, First Nights. There’s a full schedule of daytime events for kids and an evening schedule for adults. Fireworks at midnight over Oyster Pond. 1pm -12 mn. Chatham, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Middletown, CT

While the website on the twitter and facebook will not load, if 2012 is to be believed, this event rivals Hartford’s First Night festivities. Events all day from 3pm-12am, with fireworks displays at 6pm and midnight. Middletown, CT, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Danbury, CT

New Year’s Eve with a traditional vaudeville act and ventriloquist? I’m there! There’s also arts, crafts, and street performers for those of us who don’t hold the days of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Abbott and Costello in high regard. 4-8pm. Danbury, CT, Tue 12/31.more

Frostival, New Year’s Celebration in Danielson

Here’s kids’ event at Danielson Town Hall that has a bouncy house, clowns, free candy, music and hates the oxford comma. 5-8pm. Danielson, CT, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Westport, CT

See what’d you’d look like as a cartoon animal via Pat Mason, Animal cartoonist. Or maybe you’d prefer to hear Dennis The Train man tell fascinating stories about model trains and model train history. Or, maybe you want to partake in the bouncy house, see if the ventriloquist’s lips move, or rub The Magic Genie’s belly (do not rub his belly). This First Night celebration in Danbury has quite the mix of entertainers. A little something for everyone. If you go, be well aware I am jealous of you. 4-10pm. Westport, CT, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Hartford, CT

A carousel, 16 venues of performances, caricaturists, raconteur Cowboy Billy, and two, count em’, TWO fireworks displays — at 6pm and midnight. I’m not saying Mystic, CT should be shaking in their boots or nothing, but Hartford may just win New Years this year. Hartford, CT, Tue 12/31.more

Nudist resort New Years’

Perhaps you’d like to be adventurous and try a New Years party at a nudist resort. The menu includes shrimp, ribs, and breasts. I can’t make this stuff up. The theme this year is ‘Leather & Lace.’ which is kind of conservative all things considered. 7pm-1am. Woodstock, CT, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at Northern Outdoors

Sounds pretty basic: Buffet, champagne, a DJ, etc. But there is a brewery here, so if you really like skiing and beer, check it out.They are offering a special NYE weekend package. But please, Ski responsibly. 2013:. The Forks, ME, Sun 12/29–Tue 12/31.more

The Great Sardine and Maple Drop

Take your balls and shove em’! This is how we get down on New England! During the countdown to midnight, Eastport has TWO ‘drops’; a red maple leaf for Canada (where New Year’s Eve happens first) and a big Sardine for Maine! Lots of other chamber of commerce and artisan events happen in conjunction – like a sardine tasting festival! Midnight. Eastport, ME, Tue 12/31–Tue 1/1.more

Belfast New Year’s By the Bay

This one’s got over half a dozen performance venues with dancing and life music. It also prides itself on being chem-free, which may not mean what I think it means. 2pm-12am. Belfast, ME, Tue 12/31.more

L.L.Bean New Year’s Celebration

Over 25 thousand lights set to music and other awesome attractions at…L.L. Bean?! Really? Alright. Well, L.L Bean brings it with live music and fireworks, at this kid-and-commerce oriented event that ends early enough that you can put the wee ones to bed early before the real festivities begin. 11am-6pm.
. Freeport, ME, Tue 12/31.more

Galumpha New Year’s Eve Show

What happens when you combine mime, acrobatics, special effects, and comedy? Something called…Galumpha at Sugarloaf. This looks nuts, with all sorts of crazy tumbling and strength demonstrations by the aforementioned Galumpha performing arts Troupe. 7:30pm. Carrabassett Valley, ME, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve Bash at Mt. Abram Resort

Ahhhh skiing, fireworks, and music from a country where it doesn’t snow. Check out Mt. Abram’s New Years Eve fireworks and reggae music spectacular! 9pm-12:30am. Greenwood, ME, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at Sunday River resort

Sunday River’s Holiday Dinner claims there’s more Champange then I’d know what to do with. What Sunday River doesn’t know is that I’ve always wanted a champagne moat. Just cause. Once you’ve had your fill, there’s a organ-driven rock band, fireworks, and general ski-resort related debauchery until 2014, and probably for several minutes after. 4pm-12:30am. Fireworks at 8:30pm! Newry, ME, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Pajama Party

Trick your kids into going to bed early via their New Year’s at noon pajama party! Get this: There’s a balloon drop instead of a ball drop! Nice! Children’s Museum in Portland. 12pm. Portland, ME, Tue 12/31.more

Paul Revere Bell Ringing

Another pre-midnight New Year’s Eve celebration, in the form of an annual Paul Revere bell ringing. Be there with bells on. 2013:12-1pm. Bath, ME, Tue 12/31.more

Bangor Downtown Countdown

With live music, dancing, street performers, their own ball drop, and a Paul Bunyan look-alike contest, this presumably outdoor celebration seems fun. 5-11:59pm. Bangor, ME, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Old Orchard Beach

This party on the beach features a bonfire,marshmallow toasting, Cotton Candy (there’s a new one!), and cocoa. It starts at 4:30pm with fireworks display at 6:30pm. 4:30-6:30pm. Old Orchard Beach, ME, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Day Labyrinth Walk

This is so great! This church has both indoor and outdoor labyrinth and you can come do a 30-minute walk and reflect on the maze that is life. I called and they swear it is not heavy-handed with religion. You can just show up and do it for fun. 5pm-7pm, but you can do their outdoor labyrinth anytime. Franklin, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Years’ Eve Contra Dances

Folk dances are a great alternative to nightclubs. The social dances are constructed so everyone can join in and meet people – and if 6 ‘Step Up’ movies are any indication, there’s nothing more romantic then dancing! 8pm-1am. Concord, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Bessie’s New Year’s Eve PJ Dance Party

Have kids? Attend the Discovery Museum and dance around in your pajamas with special guest ‘Bessie’ who is likely a cow of some kind. 10am. Acton, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Years Eve at Nashoba Ski Resort

Skiing, riding, and tubing until 11:30pm, and then a parade and fireworks! Let’s hope the fireworks don’t start an avalanche! 5pm-11:30pm. Westford, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at the Irish Cultural Center of New England

Irish music, a buffet, and Champagne toast at the sprawling Irish Cultural Center. The coolest part about this venue is that there are lots of little nooks and crannies to explore for the adventurous, or romantically inclined – including a covered bridge! Not that I’d encourage such debauchery, but I’m encouraging such debauchery. That aside, the Irish Cultural Centre generally has good entertainment. 7pm-1am. Canton, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Needham, MA

This one’s the closest real ‘first night’ to Boston, with live music, dance, a quilter’s guild (what?) and lots more. They have a trolley so you can get around without worrying about driving, too. No fireworks, but there’s a Countdown Party at Powers Hall. 9:30pm. Needham, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Cranapalooza

Cranmore is more than just a ski resort, with a roller-coaster, swings, zip-lines, and a tubing park. Every Saturday through mid-March this ski resort will have events and fireworks. North Conway, NH, Sat 12/28–Fri 3/8.more

End of Year Special Fireworks Display On the Beach!

I wouldn’t normally top-list a festival of arts & crafts vendors. Buuuuut this takes place at a beach, and they’ll have fireworks – other details are sketchy, so if you like surprises, check this out! 8pm. Hampton, NH, Tue 12/31.more

New Years at Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village is an amusement park hosting a kids’ party with a DJ and fireworks at 8pm. 4-9pm. Jefferson, NH, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort

King Pine is having a number of family-oriented New Year’s events including night skiing, tubing, and fireworks. 4pm-9:30pm,. East Madison, NH, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Portsmouth, NH

This has Ice sculptures! There’s something neat about creating these works of art that will only be around for a week or so before melting away into memories.This First Night celebration in Portsmouth also has magic, puppet shows, and mentalism! Nice! 4pm-12am. Portsmouth, NH, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Wolfeboro, NH

Here’s some good, clean, alcohol free fun, with food, banners, all sorts of illuminations. get tipsy off of holiday cheer and community, and ring in the New Year clear eyed and bushy-tailed. Fireworks at 5pm and midnight! 2pm-12am. Wolfeboro, NH, Tue 12/31.more

New Years Rockport Eve

‘New Years Rockport Eve’ is a great pun, and fun festival, too. There’s reggae and several bluegrass music bands, sea shanty singing, puppeteers, and more. 45-minute performances at 15 venues in the downtown area of Rockport. 6pm-midnight. Rockport, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Beverly’s New Year

Here’s another kids oriented New Years Festival, with clowns, a train, and admission to various museums reduced. Seems cool for wee ones who might not be able to make it to Midnight for the real deal. There’s a parade but there don’t seem to be fireworks. 2013:3-7pm. Beverly, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Wenham Museum’s New Years Countdown

Although it’s meant for kids, you could do worse than see a magic show and sing silly songs, all at a convenient 10am-1pm. That’s AM as in ‘morning’. 🙂 10am. Wenham, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Starry Starry Night

Orange has fireworks! And hayrides! And a parade with giant puppets! And it’s named after my favorite Van Gough painting! But no oranges! What gives!. 1pm-12am. Orange, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve

Dinner at the Hawthorne, A party on a boat house, something called a Gulu ball all make New Years Eve in Salem worth checking out! 6-10pm. Salem, MA, Tue 12/31–Tue 1/1.more

New Year’s Eve Gala at the Ocean House

This black tie affair features gourmet food paid ‘special’ attention by the chefs. I feel all important and junk, so much so I’ll be sure to wear pants and a shirt, along with my black tie. This is pricey, but definitely looks to be worthwhile for a certain kind of clientele. 7:30pm-1am. Watch Hill, RI, Tue 12/31–Tue 1/1.more

New Year’s Eve Annual Bonfire

Hey it’s a bonfire in Charlestown, RI! Cool! Not much else is known, but there’s nothing quite like glancing into a fire and reflecting upon a year well done. 4:30-7:30pm. Charlestown, RI, Tue 12/31.more

City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve, New Bedford, MA

Local restaurants and AHA (not the band that did ‘Take on Me’) combine for a free, delicious, event. Ice carving, fire dancing, magic, and fireworks! Sounds like the perfect South Shore New Years party to me! 2pm-Midnight. New Bedford, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve Party with Fireworks

Ring in the year in high style at a private party with fireworks at the Harbor View Hotel. Tickets are $75, the property is gorgeous, and the menu looks amazing. 8:30pm-1:30am. Edgartown, MA, Tue 12/31.more

First Night, Jr. at Holyoke

This one’s also for kids, with a carousel, a magician, ice sculptures, juggler, and balloon animals. 10-4pm. Holyoke, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Years Eve Chili Cookoff

Make New Years Eve a ‘gas’ with this Chili Cook off from various Montpelier Restaurants! Then partake in the Disco Ball drop, and hat making! 1-3:30 pm. Montpelier, VT, Tue 12/31–Tue 1/1.more

First Night Burlington, VT

This event has a ‘Cartoon Fest’! Playing classic Looney Tunes! Score! For the more…mature, it also has Bill Mares, a New England public radio ponderer, and a variety of other low-key, arts focused events. Vermont is getting in on the New Years Eve thing, and they’re especially well organized, with 15 arts venues. 12pm-12am. There are two fireworks displays: One at 6pm and one at midnight. Burlington, VT, Tue 12/31.more

First Night St. Johnsbury, VT

St. Johnsbury, VT is about as far north as Montpelier. Maybe you could visit and go skiing, too. They’ll have 50 performances, fireworks, and ‘dancing sky lanterns’. Intriguing! 4pm-12am. St. Johnsbury, VT, , Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade (Sugarbush Resort)

In addition to being my stripper name, Sugarbush is offering up a dog parade, live music, street performers, a parade of torch-lights, and fireworks. 3pm-12am. Warren, VT, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at Okemo Mountain Resort

Wayyyyy down in Okeeemooo, you got Free skate rentals, marshmallow roasting, show-shoeing, games, and fireworks. Two separate parties: One at Jackson Gore from 5pm-9pm and then a dance party at the Roundhouse from 6:30pm-9pm. 5-9pm. Ludlow, VT, Tue 12/31.more

First Night Worcester, MA

Worcester has events all day, including, synchronized swimming, ice skating, a parade, live music, and two fireworks shows. 10am-12mn. Worcester, MA, Tue 12/31.more

New Year’s Eve at Wachusett Mountain

Most ski resorts are having a New Years celebration. The best ones like Wachusett Mountain have fireworks and let you ski at night until midnight! And they have snow tubing, too. There’s a shuttle from the Commuter Rail you can take if you don’t drive, which is nice for those paranoid about having one too many cups of kindness for auld lang syne. 9-12pm. Princeton, MA, Tue 12/31.more

Xmas Lights & Santa Events

Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region	Mon 12/16	Tue 12/17	Wed 12/18	Thu 12/19	Fri 12/20	Sat 12/21	Sun 12/22	Mon 12/23
Stone Zoo’s ZoolightsBoston, MA Daily 5-9pm. ZooLights promises to dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season. Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to bald eagles, North American porcupines, reindeer and arctic foxes. Meet Stone Zoo’s reindeer up close during nightly photo opportunities.* Visit with Santa, who awaits your 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. 149 Pond Street, 617-541-5466.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Holiday Landscapes – The Lights at Gudzevich ResidenceStoneham, MA It’s a private home but a really expansive lights display, with lights that flash in rhythm to music broadcast over an FM transmitter. 83 Franklin St	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
The Sachs Family Light DisplayBellingham, MA Just a private home, but they play music over FM radio. Tune in to 101.7 FM to “listen! 21 Mann Street, (617) 595-7167.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
A “New England Soldier’s” Christmas at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard HouseConcord, MA This event includes re-enactors portraying historical characters found in “Little Women”. Reservations suggested. December 7th, 14th, & 21st: 10:00am-4:30pm. December 8nd, 15th, & 22nd: 1:00pm-4:30pm. 399 Lexington Road, 978.369.4118 x106.						S	S
Millis WonderlandMillis, MA This is a private home, not a commercial “attraction”, but good. Slowest nights are Tuesday-Thursday. 6-10pm. 60 Causeway Street	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Enchanted Village at Jordan’s FurnitureAvon, MA Free! It’s a 1958 Jordan Marsh display that’s been restored to health by Jordan’s Furniture. Website is unclear for how long the display goes. Santa will be on hand every day; see the website for specific times. Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Edaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of LightsCarver, MA The biggest and best “holiday lights” display in New England is quite non-religious, with Santa letting kids sit on his lap but also plenty of generic fare like Frosty the Snowman and a tip of the hat to Hannukah. They have a train ride, ferris wheel, carousel, and other rides, with 7 million lights. Tons of fun even for adults! Begins as early as November 22! Whoa. 2012: Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 2-9pm. Pine Street, 508-866-8190.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
La Salette Shrine Festival of LightsAttleboro, MA 5-9pm. Very religious: it’s a shrine. But I’ve been and it was nice anyway. Over 300,000 lights covering 10 acres. Trolley rides Fri-Sun. 947 Park Street, 508-222-5410.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Holiday ZOObileeNew Bedford, MA 11-4pm Dec 7th, 14th and 21st. And many daytime visits by Santa, see Web site. Precise range of Xmas lights unknown, but here is their operating schedule. 425 Hawthorn Street, (508) 991-6178.						S
Visit with Santa at Smolak FarmsNorth Andover, MA Lots of different holiday events throughout the season, from a Roaming Railroad train and hayrides with Santa, to cookie decorating and crafts and a Santa’s workshop. Many family-oriented things to choose from. Tree lighting is November 24th this year. 2012. Smolak Farms, 315 South Bradford St, 978-682-6332.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Leicester ChristmasLeicester, MA Over 50,000 lights and 53 inflatables. Santa is there on Saturdays! Nightly from 4:30pm-9pm. Waite Street	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MA 2013. Participatory caroling, Father Christmas, sleigh rides, magic shows, and more at my favorite re-enactment museum — an entire village of old-timey actors and buildings! 4-9pm. Ticket prices range from $10-$15 for non-members. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, 800-733-1830.					F	S	S
Springfield’s Bright Night at Forest ParkSpringfield, MA Sunday to Thursday- 5pm to 9pm. Friday, Saturday and Holidays- 5pm to 11pm 550,000 lights. Great! 2nd best to Edaville. Check out the Springfield Museums or zoo (open during school holidays in Dec) while you’re there. Rt 83, 413-733-3800.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Santa’s Trains at Look ParkFlorence, MA Model trains and locomotives whirling by displays of a whimsical wonderland of Christmas favorites and village landscapes 4-8pm, except 12/24 10-2pm. 300 North Main Street, 413.584.5457.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Santa’s HouseWest Springfield, MA Mon-Fri 5:30-7:30pm. Sat & Sun 2:30-4pm, 5:30-7:30pm. West Springfield Municipal Office Building, 26 Central Street, Suite 19, 413-263-3284.	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Heritage Museum Gardens AglowSandwich, MA 2013. 1 million lights. Toast marshmallows. Carousel. Santa in a Model T Ford. New this year, the Hidden Hollow is open to visitors. Music. 5-9pm. 67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300.					F	S	S
Cape Codder Enchanted VillageHyannis, MA 2013. 100,000 lights with caroling and Santa on Fri-Sat 5:30-8:30pm, Sun 5-7pm. The holiday events end on December 23rd, but the lights will remain on display until January 2nd. 1225 Iyannough Road, 855-861-4370.					F	S	S
Christmas at the Newport MansionsNewport, RI 2013. The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House will be decorated in period detail for the holidays and open daily for tours. On Christmas Eve, the last tour begins at 4pm. Houses are closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Various locations	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
That Crazy Christmas HouseCoventry, RI Over 63,000 lights and 64 computerized displays. Tune in to 107.5. Every night until Christmas: Mon-Thu 5pm – 9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm, Christmas Eve: 5pm-2am, and Christmas Night: 5pm-12am. 9 Blue Spruce Drive	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
The Picozzi Family ChristmasWarwick, RI 2013. Another private home light display. Tune in to 97.1 FM to “listen” to the display. Donations will be accepted for the Make a Wish Foundation. They do cancel for inclement weather, so check the website before you go. 75 Gristmill Rd	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Head Family ChristmasRumford, RI Mon-Thu: 5-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5-9:30pm, Sun: 5- 9pm. Just a private home, but a big one! Collecting donations to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Merchant Street	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor SpeedwayLoudon, NH 4:30pm-9pm daily. Drive more than two miles in your car past 2.5 million lights in 400 displays. Santa’s Village, costumed characters, free s’mores, arctic village. 1122 Route 106 North, 765-664-3918.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Christmastime at Santa’s VillageJefferson, NH Lights display, Santa, reindeer, rides. Friday Nov 29, 11am-7pm. Plus all Saturdays and Sundays from Dec 1st to 22nd. Saturdays 11am-7pm. Sundays 11am-6pm. Route 2, 603-586-4445.						S	S
Mousseau and RoyHudson, NH Just a private home, but a big one! Mon – Sun: 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm. 75 Pelham Street	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Santa’s Holiday ExpressNorth Conway, NH This is a more generic train ride- it’s just got Santa, elves, and hot chocolate. 38 Norcross Circle, 603-356-5251.						S	S	M
Christmas Lights at La Salette Shrine & CenterEnfield, NH Opening weekend Nov 30-Dec 1, 5-9pm. Nightly Dec 6-Dec 31 5-9pm. 45,000 evening lights spread across 30 acres. . 410 NH Route 4A, 603-632-7087.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Lighted Winter Wonderland & Santas Big Party at Charmingfare FarmCandia, NH Sat 7 & Sun 8, Thur 12, Fri 13, Sat 14 & Sun 15, Thur 19 – Tues 24th (Christmas Eve). Various Check-In Times 5pm – 9pm. Thousands of lights, a 30-minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer, Santa, costumed characters. Petting zoo. Evenings. 774 High Street, 603-483-5623.				R	F	S	S	M
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery BankePortsmouth, NH Strawbery Banke is a re-enactment museum focusing on the 18th century. This event features live music, a bonfire, participatory caroling, performances on period instruments, Masonry, hundreds of candles, a gingerbread house contest, and more. Sounds really great! 2013: Saturdays 5-9pm, Sundays 4-8pm. Marcy Street, 603-422-7514.						S	S
Horse and Wagon Rides at the Rocks EstateBethlehem, NH Free horse-drawn wagon rides are reserved for package customers up until Sunday at noon, and open to the general public after. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Basically a marketing ploy to get you to buy a tree. The Rocks Estate, 4 Christmas Lane, 603-444-6228.						S
Holiday Light FantasiaHartford, CT You drive through this one. Sun-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm. $12 per car, $25 per limousine… Wait, what? That’s a thing that happens?! 1130 Maple Ave, 860-742-2267.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Fantasy of LightsNew Haven, CT Sunday to Thursday- 5:00-9:00 pm, Friday to Saturday- 5:00-10:00 pm. Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
That House in MilfordMilford, CT 5:00 to 9:30 Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 to 10:00 Friday and Saturday. Also 5:00 to 10:00 on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Years Day. 75 Meadows End Road	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Lincoln LightsOrange, CT The lights will be on Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm and Sunday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. This year they’ll also be collecting donations for the Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Holiday Lights at Lake CompounceBristol, CT The park will be covered in lights, thousands of bulbs Spectacular light shows every half hour set to music. A selection of children’s and family rides will be open. Find all “12 Days of Christmas” – 12 light displays throughout the park. Meet Santa! Fridays: 5pm to 9 pm, Saturdays: 4 pm to 9 pm. 822 Lake Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, 860-583-3300.					F	S	S
WinterFest at Connecticut Trolley MuseumEast Windsor, CT Trolley ride through holiday lights, sing-along carols and meet Santa. Friday-Sunday 5-9pm. After December 25th: 6-pm. 58 North Road, 860-627-6540.					F	S	S
A Grand Holiday at the Mansion- From Victorian to ModernNorwalk, CT A Victorian mansion, where there are holiday displays throughout the house with period rooms decorated to show the changing traditions from the 1850s-1890s. Tours Wednesday-Sunday, 1pm-3pm. 295 West Avenue			W	T	F	S	S
Lantern Light ToursMystic, CT This is a walk through a re-enactment museum portraying Christmas eve 1876! Wow!! 5pm to 8pm. Tours fill up; register in advance. Mystic Seaport, 860-572-5365.	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Holiday Santa Trains/Northern Lights LimitedThomaston, CT Santa visits ALL December train rides! Just pick your date. There is also a special “Northern Lights Limited to Santa’s Train Workshop” trip. Dates are as follows: Saturday, November 30 at 5 &7 PM, Sunday, December 1 at 5 PM, Saturdays & Sundays, December 7-22 at 5 & 7 PM. 242 E Main Street						S	S
Lights On LovleyPlantsville, CT Drive up and tune your radio to 96.1FM. Sunday-Thursday 5-10pm and Friday-Saturday 5-11pm. 14 Lovley Dr	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Limington LightsLimington, ME 30,000 lights and an 18ft “Mega Tree.” Nightly from 4:30pm-10pm. 5 Coventry Drive	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
The Nubble LighthouseYork, ME The famous Nubble lighthouse is lit up for Christmas on November 30th starting at 5pm. Shuttles running from Ellis Park at Short Sands Beach from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. 11 Sohier Park Road	M	T	W	R	F	S	S	M
KringlevilleWaterville, ME Visit Santa. Kicks off with Parade of Lights. Downtown	M	T	W	R	F	S	S
Waitsfield’s Grand IlluminationWaitsfield, VT Begins daily at dusk. The whole town lights up, including the oldest, still-functioning covered bridge in VT. Townwide	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Rutland Area Christmas and Holiday Lights TourWallingford, VT A heated bus will take you on a two-hour tour of the area to show you all the best lights. Tours leave Rutland at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 each evening in December and are $15 per person. Reservations are necessary. 2788 South Main Street Rt. 7	M	T	W	T	F	S	S	M
Christmas at the FarmWoodstock, VT Various events are scattered throughout the month of December, all focusing on Vermont’s 19the century heritage. Think crafts, food, and sleigh rides. Billings Farm, Route 12 & River Road, 802.457.2355.					F	S	S	M

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Events INSIDER: Dec 16-31