Dec 13-21, 2010: Santacon, Winter Solstice, Caroling, Harry Potter, Xmas Parades & Fireworks, Holiday Lights, and Revels Tix Giveaway
12/13/10 by
Johnny Monsarrat
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| The Week in Weird | ||||
| Wed 12/15Boston MetroFree movie preview tickets: The Tempest, True Grit, Yogi Bear, TRON |
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| I have free tickets for movie previews in Boston! TRON & Yogi Bear (both TONIGHT, Mon Dec 13), The Tempest (Tue Dec 14) with Helen Mirren, and True Grit (Wed Dec 15). Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com. Boston, MA. |
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| Dec 17-29Boston MetroChristmas Revels and tickets to give away |
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| But more importantly, if you’re going to see one Christmas Concert this season, it should be with Revels. I have two pairs of tickets to give away for the show Tuesday, December 28. Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Thu 12/16 – Thu 12/23Boston MetroLove Seasonally at ImprovBoston – Ticket Giveaway |
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| And I also have two pairs of tickets to give away for the December 16 show of Love Seasonally, an edgy musical comedy about the joys and stresses of the Holiday season. Email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com. ImprovBoston, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroKendall Square Holiday on Ice |
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| Did you miss the Frog Boston opening? I’ve been to the Kendall Square version twice and highly recommend it! Skating is free 11am to 9pm, with professional performances at 2pm and 6pm and carolers at 3:30pm. With hot chocolate! 300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA.617 492-0941. more more |
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| Sun 12/19Boston MetroMerry Christmas Caroling Mob – Loose Canon Chorale |
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| My favorite Xmas Caroling group this week is coming up Sunday. 4pm. RSVP appreciated. Meet at the Forest Hills MBTA stop, Boston, MA. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroBoston Santacon | ||||
| Hundreds of people dressed as Santa or another holiday character go bar hopping and on a spontaneous parade. 1pm-5am? There’s some problem with the website but they seem to be working on it. Start at Faneuil Hall (Purple Shamrock), Boston, MA.206-769-2092. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroIlluminations Tour (Xmas Lights in Somerville) |
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| The holiday event of the week is in Somerville, where you can take a 45 minute trolley tour around town to look at the most decorated houses. I’ve been and highly recommend it, but you need to buy a ticket in advance. And although it’s the best metro attraction, if you’re willing to drive outbound, any of the holiday light attractions is better. They will also have caroling and refreshments and a bicycle tour of the same locations. tours leave regularly from 4:30 to 9:15pm. Somerville City Hall, Somerville, MA.617.625.6600 ext. 2985. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroWinter Solstice Celebration (Belmont) |
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| 1-3pm. This one claims to have “traditional solstice activities”. Traditional? How traditional, like a human sacrifice? Habitat, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA.617-489-5050. more |
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| Tue 12/21Boston MetroWinter Solstice Celebration (Mattapan) |
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| This one’s cooler though, because it will be at sunset. 6:30-8:30pm. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA. more |
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| Tue 12/21Metro WestBoxborough Winter Solstice Sunrise |
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| This one sounds really beautiful, if you’re able to get up this early. At a state park, watch the sun rise through stone structures that are possibly of Native American origin. 7-8am. Half Moon Meadow Brook, Depot Rd, Boxborough, MA.978-443-5588. more |
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| Sat 12/18North ShoreSolstice Stroll |
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| Although quite far from Boston, you can’t beat a candlelight stroll through a park and s’mores and hot chocolate around a fire. RSVP. 4-6pm. 481 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA.978.281.8400. more |
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| Sun 12/19North ShoreWinter Solstice Lantern Wallk |
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| Gee, this one looks even nicer. When’s the last time you bothered to stop to watch a sunset? Preregister for this one. You walk with lanterns and they’ll have a campfire! 4-6pm. Ipswich River, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA.978-887-9264. more |
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| Tue 12/21SpringfieldSolstice Celebration |
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| There’s a bonfire at this one, too. I love bonfires but I haven’t seen one since I was a kid. I really want to go! 5:30-8:30pm. Arcadia, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA. more |
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| Sat 12/18WorcesterFIRST Lego League Massachusetts State Championship |
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| What’s better than Lego? Robots made of Lego!! This is the state championship for building machines that don’t do much but are fun to watch. Their website is impossible to navigate but I got a press release so this event must be happening. WPI, Harrington Auditorium, Worcester MA. more |
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| Ho Ho Holidays | ||||
| Sun 12/19Boston MetroChristmas Caroling at Hayes Park |
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| OK, now on inevitably to Christmas events. There are several in Boston this year, and here is the first, right downtown. 4-6pm. It looks like this will be outdoors and they’ll serve hot cider. Yum!! Warren Avenue at West Canton St, Boston, MA. more |
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| Fri 12/17 – Mon 12/20Boston MetroCaroling at Brighton Main Streets |
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| And here’s another. Meet December 17, at 5pm at D14 Brighton Police Station, and walk down Washington Street. It’s a chamber of commerce but the event seems fairly non-commercial. They’re having another one December 20 at 7pm. Meet at Police Station 14, Brighton, MA. more |
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| Sun 12/19South ShoreMessiah Sing with Pilgrim Festival Chorus |
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| 4pm. Visit Plimoth Plantation and then join in singing Handel’s Messiah. 8 Town Square, Plymouth, MA. more |
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| Sat 12/18North ShoreHoliday Sing Along in Newburyport |
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| 11am. La la la. Sing sing sing. Just $3, and get tix early, because the event sells out. Firehouse Center For The Arts, One Market Square, Newburyport, MA.978-462-7336. more |
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| Sat 12/11North ShoreMain Street Caroling in Salem |
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| But Salem is more of a destination, and closer to Boston. Visit and while you’re in town, they’ll have participatory caroling! Start at the Xmas Tree on Essex St in front of the Mall. I called in about this event and it is definitely participatory singing. 1pm. Meet at the holiday tree at corner of Essex St and Washington St, Salem, MA. more |
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| Tue 12/21New HampshireMessiah Sing at Portsmouth, NH |
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| I’ve been to an event like this elsewhere. Join a community and sing-a-long to Handel’s “Messiah”. Website says bring your own score?? Um, for $14, you’ll be handing out scores, right? Note: this one’s serious, you will need to be able to read music at least a little. The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH. more |
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| Sat 12/18 – Sun 12/19Southeast MassYuletide Festival at Winslow Farm |
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| In Norton, the Winslow Farm, which is a petting zoo and open to the public, is having their own Xmas event with a warm fire, night tours, and caroling, which I assume is participatory. Old fashioned Santa 12-3pm, and hang out with the animals, a campfire, and hot chocolate. 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA.508-285-6451. more |
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| Sat 12/18WorcesterSanta Claus is coming to Wachusett Mountain |
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| Santa arrives in a way that they say is a secret, except for the helicopter photograph, at this popular skiing site, not the biggest but probably the best close-ish to Boston. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, MA. more |
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| Wed 12/15 – Sun 12/19Rhode IslandChristmas Boat Parade and Fireworks |
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| I’ve seen boat parades before, and they are spectacularly slow. Boats go 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 to end the last night! Lovely! Newport, RI. more |
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| Sun 12/19Rhode IslandCaroling | ||||
| Before the Newport event perhaps you could swing by this caroling event. 5-6pm. It’s not on the website but I called to confirm. East Greenwich, RI.401-885-0545. more |
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| Tue 12/21SpringfieldSnowfire |
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| What is this? I don’t really get it. It is a bonfire in the snow? Well, they’re celebrating! Amelia Park, Westfield, MA. more |
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| Thu 12/16SpringfieldDickens Dinner: “A Christmas Carol |
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| If you had to go see a Christmas Carol yet again, what better way to spice it up than with a real victorian dinner served while you watch. 6:30 pm. School Street Bistro, 29 School Street, Westfield, MA.413-562-2277. more |
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| Fri 12/17ConnecticutHoliday Sing-Along in Norwich, CT |
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| I’ve searched far afield for Christmas Caroling you can join in on, and this is probably the furthest, but if you’re in the area, hey. Norwich, CT. more |
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| Sun 12/19ConnecticutCommunity Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport |
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| Whereas Mystic is worth a visit and it’s not that far from Boston. Concert 2pm. Participatory carol sing 3-4pm. Mystic, CT. more |
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| Also Fun | ||||
| Thu 12/16 – Fri 12/17Boston MetroAnnual Kwanzaa Concert |
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| This one’s not participatory, which is a shame, because it’s the only Kwanzaa event I’ve heard of. I don’t really get Kwanzaa, but I haven’t really tried to. Maybe if I went, I’d learn something. Roxbury Community College, Media Arts Center, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA. more |
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| Thu 12/16 – Fri 12/31Boston MetroHarry Potter Scavenger Hunt | ||||
| Harvard’s Museum of Natural History has extended their Harry Potter event through the end of December. It’s free with admission and an excuse to roam through the museum pretending you’re magical rather than learning something about the real world. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroMysteriosos Holiday Gift Swap |
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| Misteriosos is a pranks group that’s strangely secretive even about their non-prank events like this holiday party. No details are given, but it’s hopefully creative. 2pm. Boston, MA. more |
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| Sun 12/19Boston MetroChantey Sing |
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| Tired of singing carols? Come sing old-timey sea chanteys! MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. more |
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| Sun 12/19New HampshireWinter Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge USA |
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| I’ve been to this place and if there’s one thing the experts agree on, if it’s not a hoax exactly, it can’t be as interesting as the New Age Mysticism implies. Still, it’s a fun activity if you’re in the area, and it certainly is weird. They have an alpaca farm, and it’s open year-round, too. A bunch of insane paranormal types will pull the gullible along. Might be a fun show. 105 Haverhill Road, Salem, NH.603-893-8300. more |
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| Sat 12/18Boston MetroHoliday Benefit at the Regent Theatre |
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| There’s a benefit for a charity that supports kids whose loved ones have passed away happening at The Regent Theatre. I only half-believe it, but they tell me that as well as the concert, it will be a social mixer. Well, no doubt it’s a good charity, and perhaps you’re a fan of The Vivs, Bill Goffrier, or Carrie Bradley, who are playing. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington, MA.781-646-4849. more |
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| Wed 12/8 – Sat 12/11Boston MetroReview of Twelfth Night at the Boston Conservatory |
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| I try to stick to pre-press, giving you the heads up on what’s coming soon, but here are a few updates on things past. Let’s start with a review of Twelfth Night, at the Boston Conservatory! Although the show is over, get ready for two free performances this week, Dec 16 & 17, that they are hosting. Boston Conservatory, Boston, MA. review more |
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| Thu 12/16Boston MetroThe McGladrey Culinary Challenge for Charity |
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| So this is how the rich live! A local accounting firm invited me to a night of live music and celebrity chefs, in an attempt to raise $200,000 for charity — various charities, one per chef team. It was large, glamorous, delicious, and I even saw a performer playing bagpipes all by himself in the elevator lobby, which made it an official weird event, too. McGladrey is the biggest accounting firm that’s not one of the “big four”, and although they’re headquartered in Minnesota (who knew?), their acquisition of local Boston firm Caturano & Company, which makes them a Boston hometown expert as well. I was able to confirm that Caturano & Company won the “Best Firm To Work For: Satisfaction” award from Vault in 2008 and 2009, which made me think, can any accounting firm really be a desirable place to work? Apparently so. McGladrey, Boston, MA. more |
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| Thu 12/2Boston MetroThe Kevin Smith Bingo Prank |
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| Last week, some friends and I went to the stand-up show by Kevin Smith, fanboy comedian, podcaster, and film director. We handed out Bingo Cards with his trademark phrases and hilarity ensued. Read all about it on ZUG, the Web’s #1 comedy website. Email me to get involved with the next prank. House of Blues, Boston, MA. more |
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| Holiday Lights | grade | Mon 12/13 | Tue 12/14 | Wed 12/15 | Thu 12/16 | Fri 12/17 | Sat 12/18 | Sun 12/19 | Mon 12/20 |
| Metro WestMillis, MAMillis Wonderland | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| This is a private home, not a commercial “attraction”, but still good. Slowest nights are Tuesday-Thursday. 60 Causeway Street more |
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| Metro WestLexington, MAPetting Zoo in front of Seasons Four Furniture Store | ? | S | S | ||||||
| It’s a merchant event with a petting zoo, Santa, elmo, face painting, singers, balloon animals, etc. 1265 Massachusetts Avenue, 781-861-1200. more |
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| Metro WestConcord, MAA Visit from St. Nicholas at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House | ? | S | S | ||||||
| This event includes re-enactors portraying historical characters, plus old timey Santa. 399 Lexington Road more |
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| North ShoreStoneham, MAStone Zoo’s Zoolights | B- | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 2010: Daily 5-9pm. 250,000 lights and lots of animals. But the animals are mainly sleeping in their holes and the rest are poorly lit. Only OK. Santa is available. 149 Pond Street, 617-989-2000. more |
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| North ShoreStoneham, MAHoliday Landscapes | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 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 more |
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| South ShoreCarver, MAEdaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of Lights | A+ | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| The biggest and best “holiday lights” display in New England. It’s 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. 2010: They have 7 million lights, and fireworks December 3, 10, and 17. See website for coupons. Daily. I’ve been and it’s a ton of fun even for adults who are kids at heart and like people-watching. Rt 3S to exit 6, Rt 44W for 8 miles to Rt 58 for 8 miles. 2010: 4-9pm M-F, 2-9pm Sat, Sun. Pine Street, 877-EDAVILLE. more |
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| South ShoreBridgewater, MABridgewater Festival Of Lights | ? | F | S | S | M | ||||
| Free. 200,000 lights with a walk-through village. Santa and free coffee and hot chocolate by an outdoor fireplace. At the private home of Dale and Cindy Higgins. 2010: 5-8:30pm M-F, 5-9:30pm SS. 55 Alexander Drive, 508-279-2894. more |
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| South ShoreWest Bridgewater, MAForest of Lights Holiday Hayride | ? | F | S | ||||||
| 2010: Rides leave at 5,6,7pm. Matfield Maple Farm, 107 Matfield St., 508 588-9858. more |
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| South ShoreAvon, MAEnchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 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. Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr more |
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| Southern MassAttleboro, MALa Salette Shrine Festival of Lights | B+ | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 2010: 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. more |
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| Southern MassSturbridge, MAChristmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| 2010: 4-9pm. Participatory caroling, Father Christmas, sleigh rides. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, 508-347-3362. more |
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| Western MassSpringfield, MASpringfield’s Bright Night at Forest Park | A | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 2010: Sun-Thu, 5-9pm, Fri-Sun, 5-11pm. 550,000 lights. Surprisingly good though — the 2nd to Edaville. Check out Springfield Museums or zoo (open during school holidays in Dec) at same time. Daily. And check out the holiday lights at Dunn & Phillips, 185 Belmont Ave., Springfield. Rt 83, 413-733-3800. more |
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| Western MassFlorence, MALook Park’s Winter Wonderland | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| Hayrides and lights at night. Look Park Zoo. 38,000 bulbs. 2010: Breakfast with Santa 12/4. 300 North Main Street, 413.584.5457. more |
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| WorcesterWorcester, MAA Christmas Journey | ? | S | S | ||||||
| 2010: Trips at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm. Elves help you board the The Polar Express train ride, and afterwards there’s Santa and cookies. 222 Harrington Way, 508-929-2700. more |
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| Cape CodSandwich, MAHeritage Museum Gardens Aglow | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| 1 million lights. Not happening in 2008 & 2009. 67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300. more |
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| New HampshireCandia, NHLighted Winter Wonderland at Charmingfare Farm | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| They have a 30 minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer. Petting zoo. Evenings. Route 27, 603-483-5623. more |
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| New HampshireEnfield, NHLa Salette Shrine & Center | B | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| Another very religious site has 45,000 evening lights spread across 30 acres. Here’s the idea. Two kids said they saw the Virgin Mary, and the parents based an entire church on that. And I couldn’t even get away with “the dog ate my homework”! , 603-632-7087. more |
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| New HampshireNorth Conway, NHPolar Express | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| This is a train ride. Nice views, I’m sure, but how exactly is this a Xmas event? Oh, they add elves and Santa. They take your $10 and then you enter a lottery where you may not get a ticket? Is that even legal? more |
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| New HampshirePortsmouth, NHCandlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke | A+ | S | S | ||||||
| Strawbery Banke is a re-enactment museum where you’ll meet actors dress as people from history. This event features the 18th century and has live music, a bonfire, participatory caroling, demonstrations on ancient musical instruments and the Masons, hundreds of candles, a gingerbread house contest, and more. Sounds really great! 2010: Saturdays 5-9pm, Sundays 4-8pm. Marcy Street, 603-422-7514. more |
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| ConnecticutNew Haven, CTAnnual Fantasy of Lights | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| Benefits the Easter Seals. Was not able to confirm this is their 2009, not 2008, calendar. Open nightly. Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, (203) 777-2000. more |
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| ConnecticutEast Windsor, CTWinterFest at Connecticut Trolley Museum | ? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Trolley ride through holiday lights, sing-along carols and meet Santa. 2010: 5-9pm. 58 North Road, 860-627-6540. more |
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| ConnecticutMystic, CTChristmas by the Sea | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 2010:10am-4pm. Re-enactors sing sea chanteys and tell old timey stories. Gingerbread lighthouse contest. more |
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| ConnecticutMystic, CTLantern Light Tours | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| This is a walk through a re-enactment museum portraying Christmas eve 1876! Wow!! 2010: 5-8:15pm. more |
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