Events INSIDER: Dec 10-18, 2012

12/09/12 by
Johnny’s Picks
My List of 60 Xmas Attractions
I list more ongoing Christmas light attractions and other Santa events than any other source. Most are not too churchy, just fun. Click to see or scroll way to the bottom of this page. My List of 60 Xmas Attractions All Over, , –.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Haunted Mind
Literary historian, playwright, and re-enactor Rob Velella performs as Nathaniel Hawthorne in a reading of some of the author’s darker works. (Some?) 7pm. Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Haunted MindMerrimack Public Library Merrimack, NH, .
Ciclismo Classico Jingle Ride
Or perhaps you’d prefer to ride a bicycle than run in a speedo. This is a 22 mile ride from Arlington to Boston and back, while caroling, with a holiday party afterwards. 11am-2:30pm. RSVP. Rain date 7 days later. Ciclismo Classico Jingle RideFrom Jam N’ Java Arlington, MA, .
Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting House
The event of the week is protesting British tax on tea! Re-enactors will lead you through an old towne meeting and then sort of roleplay of actually dumping the tea (in which you stay warm indoors). 4pm. Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting HouseOld South Meeting House Boston, MA, .
Kendall Square Holiday on Ice
Did you miss the Frog Pond opening? I’ve been to the Kendall Square version twice and highly recommend it! The rink has been open since the 6th, so it’s not really an opening. Just free skating all day, with professional performances. Also, cocoa, as usual. 2pm. Kendall Square Holiday on Ice Cambridge, MA, .
Holiday Caroling with Arlington Street Church
And another concert at a church that’s Unitarian, so it shouldn’t be too heavy with spirituality. Also participatory. 1pm. Holiday Caroling with Arlington Street ChurchChurch Boston, MA, .
Illuminations Tour (Xmas Lights in Somerville)
In Somerville, take a 45 minute trolley tour around town to look at the most decorated houses. I’ve been and recommend it, but it’s best to buy a ticket in advance. Regular tours from 4:30-10pm. Illuminations Tour (Xmas Lights in Somerville)Somerville City Hall Somerville, MA, .
Skating Rink Opening at Charles Hotel
Nearby, The Charles Hotel is opening their ice rink with some free skating, Santa, and professional peformances. 12-3pm. Skating Rink Opening at Charles HotelCharles Hotel in Harvard Square Cambridge, MA, .
Geminids Meteor Shower
The Geminids are one of only a few annual meteor showers. This year they peak 11pm on Dec 13th. Make sure to go to a lake or big field: someplace without any street lights. Geminids Meteor ShowerGo somewhere without city lights All Over, , .
Free Star Parties
Look through a telescope and learn about the stars from a real astronomer! Note that these events are generally cancelled if the weather is cloudy. 7:30-10pm. Free Star PartiesMoose Hill Sharon, MA, .
Stars and Meteors at the Holidays: Geminids
Unsure about how to look for meteors? If you want some extra assistance and education, this state park has a yearly primer with an astronomer Pre-register to attend. 8:30-10:30pm. Cloud/rain date: 12/15. Stars and Meteors at the Holidays: GeminidsBroadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary Natick, MA, .
Handel’s Messiah Community Sing at Brandeis
Another opportunity to listen or sing along to Handel’s Messiah. Can you handle it? (Ha! Get it…? ) 4pm. Free. Handel's Messiah Community Sing at BrandeisShapiro Campus Center Atrium, Brandeis University Waltham, MA, .
Handel’s Messiah, Part I
This Messiah sing (yup, another one) focuses just on the ‘Christmas’ part and invites the audience to sing along with the Hallelujah bit. 7pm. Handel's Messiah, Part IFirst Church Congregational Cambridge, MA, .
The Prestige witih Physicist Peter Fisher
This is part of Coolidge Corner’s ‘Science on Screen’ series. A bit overlooked when it came out, The Prestige is a stylish period flick about two rival turn-of-the-century magicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Before the film, an MIT physicist will tell you about Nikola Tesla, whose experiments in electricity were groundbreaking and who is played in the film by DAVID BOWIE! Bowie as Tesla? Epic win. 7pm. The Prestige witih Physicist Peter FisherThe Coolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA, .
Giveaways & Features
Find 17 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). Find 17 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , –.
Boston’s Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar
Do you network? Find Boston’s largest calendar of high-tech and business networking events in my free mobile app! Boston's Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar Boston, MA, –.
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 700 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2013 New England Guide All Over, , –.
Ho Ho Holidays
Tree Lightings around Boston
I don’t really get tree lightings. Someone flicks a switch and a tree lights up. I guess that’s good? The best tree lightings include a visit from Santa, refreshments, singing, and more, but Boston’s tree lightings aren’t very well described. Here’s the complete list and I’ve highlighted several below. Tree Lightings around Boston Boston, MA, –.
Fort Point’s Holiday Sale (Open Studios)
What is possibly Boston’s best artist community has their annual open studios this weekend. Walk around South Boston and meet the actual artists in their private homes and work studios. The opening reception is Friday evening. Fri 5-8pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm. Fort Point's Holiday Sale (Open Studios) Boston, MA, –.
Brighton Center Tree Lighting
Oldies 103, hot cocoa, cookies, participatory caroling, tree lighting, and Santa on a fire truck. 6pm. Brighton Center Tree LightingBrighton Center Boston, MA, .
Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas Sing-Along
This country fusion act is another great-looking show at Club Passim this week. 8pm. Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas Sing-AlongClub Passim Cambridge, MA, .
Shop Inman By Moonlight
This one’s even better — I’ve been there and recommend it highly. They’ll have hot cider, wandering carolers, a scavenger hunt, and soaks in the hot tub (bring a bathing suit) at Inman Oasis. Santa will be there, too. At least, that’s what they did last year. This year? No description. 6-11:59pm. Features a walking tour. Shop Inman By MoonlightInman Square Cambridge, MA, .
Boston North End Christmas Parade and Santa Helicopter Arrival
Nothing kicks off a holiday parade like an arrival by Santa via helicopter. Italians do things big. Cannolis to follow? 1pm. Boston North End Christmas Parade and Santa Helicopter ArrivalNorth End Park Boston, MA, .
An Authentic Scandinavian Christmas Celebration
They wear candles on their heads! This Scandinavian holiday festival, the largest of its kind in New England, is sponsored by IKEA and Volvo. No, really! 10am-4pm. An Authentic Scandinavian Christmas CelebrationBoston Center for the Arts Boston, MA, .
Seven Times Salt’s Solstice Celebration
Another multi-cultural Solstice concert, this one by a world-class early music group. 8pm. Seven Times Salt's Solstice Celebration Watertown, MA, .
BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Talk about Xmas bombardment! This ‘LED light & sound extravaganza’ features the Holiday Pops, with performances every half hour from 4-10pm. EVERY night. For SIX WEEKS. That might be a little too much holiday cheer for me. BLINK! At Faneuil Hall MarketplaceFaneuil Hall Boston, MA, –.
Free Holiday Handbell Concerts
There are lots of handbell concerts happening this month, but there are two opportunities to see one for free. Friday at 10 am and Sunday at 2pm. Free Holiday Handbell ConcertsHancck United Church of Christ Lexington, MA, –.
Lexington Messiah’ Sing
Holy Handel! Another Messiah sing! At this one, you are free to join along, for the good or ill of the people standing next to you. 8pm both days. Lexington Messiah' SingCarey Hall Lexington, MA, –.
Holiday Sing Along in Newburyport
I love opportunity for participatory caroling. And Santa will be there! Just $3, and get tix early, because the event sells out. 11am. Holiday Sing Along in NewburyportFirehouse Center For The Arts, One Market Square Newburyport, MA, .
History Alive! Jingle Bell Jump
Tonight, HistoryAlive! conjures up the ’40s and ’50s for a holiday party with a big band and swing dancing lessons. There are amusements for kids, too. Not sure what the ’40s-’50s refreshments could be, but I hope it’s nothing that involves tupperware. 6:30-10:30pm. History Alive! Jingle Bell Jump Salem, MA, .
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. 3pm. Messiah Sing with Pilgrim Festival Chorus Plymouth, MA, .
Breakfast with Santa at Battleship Cove and Carousel
This one seems very kid-centric: There’s a carousel there, kids’ crafts, facepainting, Santa; etc. But Battleship Cove features a real WWII battleship turned into a museum, so that’s cool. If you want to participate in the breakfast, be sure to reserve a meal ticket in advance. 8am-12pm. Breakfast with Santa at Battleship Cove and CarouselBattleship Cove Fall River, MA, .
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. The Polar Express at Edaville USA Carver, MA, –.
Yuletide Festival at Winslow Farm
Holiday time at a petting zoo? I’ll bite, so long as the animals don’t. 12-3pm. Yuletide Festival at Winslow Farm Norton, MA, .
Holiday AHA!
Here’s a holiday open studios where you have as many opportunities to learn and create as to shop. 5-9pm. Holiday AHA! New Bedford, MA, .
Gingerbread Castle Competition
Why settle for a gingerbread house when you could build a castle? That means there’s more to eat afterwards, right? Stop by the Higgins Armory to see if anyone’s attempting a confectionary Hogwartz. 10am-3pm. Gingerbread Castle CompetitionHiggins Armory Museum Worcester, MA, .
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Beginning today and running throughout the month are special holiday evenings authentic to early New England. Whether you want to take the kids or have a romantic dinner, there’s lots of stuff. Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, –.
A Very Special Christmas WaterFire
Waterfire is a recurring event where metal baskets poke up on poles from the Providence River. Fill with wood and light on fire at night! Free cookies, Santa, caroling. 5-8:30pm. A Very Special Christmas WaterFire Providence, RI, .
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Beginning this weekend through the New Year, the famous Newport mansions will be decked out for the holidays. Tours and events vary from estate to estate. Christmas at the Newport Mansions Newport, RI, –.
Santacon (Newport, RI)
Here’s Rhode Island’s opportunity to descend upon a string of local watering holes in red velvet hats. 12pm. Santacon (Newport, RI)Washington Square Park Newport, RI, .
Messiah Sing at Portsmouth, NH
This is the last one this week. Promise. Incidentally, ‘Messiah’ is also a popular song by a black metal band called Hellhammer, so I keep imagining the hilarity of a hypothetical booking error. 7:30pm. Messiah Sing at Portsmouth, NHThe Music Hall Portsmouth, NH, –.
Traditionally Yours Holiday Celebrations
There are tastings, open houses, performances, sleigh rides, and other activities to get you in the holiday mood starting the day after Thanksgiving! Traditionally Yours Holiday Celebrations Jackson, NH, –.
Christmas at Canterbury
Here’s a day of holiday cheer, Shaker style. I bet their shop is stocked with lots of Simple Gifts. Christmas at Canterbury Canterbury, NH, –.
Oy Oy Oy
State House Menorah Lighting
Governor Patrick will attend the lighting the Menorah at the state house. 4pm. State House Menorah LightingState House Boston, MA, .
Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston Common
I worked hard to find some Hanukkah events as well. This menorah lighting on Boston Common occurs nightly from today through the 15th at 4:30pm. Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston CommonBoston Common near Park St. Subway Boston, MA, –.
Lights & Strikes Chanukkah Party
This Chanukkah party has got bowling and cocktails, and is aimed at the twenty-something crowd. 7:30pm. Lights & Strikes Chanukkah PartyJillian’s Boston Boston, MA, .
Chanukkah Wonderland
Meanwhile, this one is for kiddies and has lots of food and crafts. 3-5pm. Chanukkah WonderlandTemple Sinai Brookline, MA, .
Menorah Lighting on Needham Town Common
And this one also features Gelt. What is Gelt? It’s chocolate coins! And it features donuts. 6pm. Menorah Lighting on Needham Town CommonNeedham Town Common Needham, MA, .
Chanukah Festival of Lights – Majestic Theater Lobby
Not much info on this one, but it’s happening from 4-5pm. Chanukah Festival of Lights - Majestic Theater Lobby West Springfield, MA, .
Also Fun
Open House at Emily Dickinson Museum
The Emily Dickinson Museum celebrates the reclusive genius’s birthday each year with a special open house. Special features include long-stemmed roses for the first 100 guests and slices of coconut cake made from the poet’s own recipe. I didn’t know she had culinary talents! Guess she had to fill in the time between poems somehow. 3:30-5pm. Open House at Emily Dickinson MuseumEmily Dickinson Museum Amherst, MA, .
Jane Austen Holiday Tea and Tours
This popular 1806 estate is holding a special high tea, followed by a guided tour. There doesn’t seem to be anything particularly Austenish about it, but I think guests dress up! Bust out your Regency finest. Tea time is 1pm. Jane Austen Holiday Tea and ToursGore Place Waltham, MA, –.
Comicazi Bad Ass Bazaar
Like the Pandemonium Geek Faire, this is basically just a bazaar. :/ 10am-4pm. Comicazi Bad Ass BazaarDilboy VFW Somerville, MA, .
GeekFaire at Pandemonium
Hmm. I was expecting a bit more from a ‘Geek Faire’ than vendors selling fan materials. After all, Pandemonium sells stuff year-round, but I guess these vendors are really special. 1-6pm. GeekFaire at PandemoniumPandemonium Books Cambridge, MA, .
Panel Discussion – Programming and the Kinect Device in Artwork Creation
Now this is 3D modeling! Check out these technology-based art projects. 7:30pm. Panel Discussion - Programming and the Kinect Device in Artwork CreationMassArt’s Trustee’s Room Boston, MA, .
Kwanzaa Concert
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. Friday: 7pm and Saturday: 3pm. Kwanzaa ConcertRoxbury Community College, Media Arts Center Boston, MA, .
The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song
This concert explores the solstice mythologies of various different culures, including Greek, Celtic, and Scandinavian. 4pm. The Winter Solstice in Legend and SongThird Life Studio, Union Square Somerville, MA, .
Wenham Museum’s Gingerbread Contest
This is a gingerbread house contest, with all kinds of surprisingly large and intricate displays, including one with model trains. I’ve been to the Wenham Museum and it’s one of these New England-y places in the middle of nowhere with a world class attitude and really worth a visit. Wenham Museum's Gingerbread ContestWenham Museum Wenham, MA, –.
Anita Diamant reads from Day After Night
The author of The Red Tent reads from her new book, which is set in 1945 during the aftermath of WWII. Anita Diamant reads from Day After Night Gloucester, MA, .
Performance
Our Review: ChristmasTime
Music! Dancing! It’s Christmas! Click for our review. Our Review: ChristmasTimeReagle Music Theatre Waltham, MA, –.
Our Review: Of Mice and Men
. Our Review: Of Mice and MenBCA Plaza Theatre Boston, MA, –.
A Christmas Carol
Last year we gave it 5 stars! No place is better to see A Christmas Carol than the North Shore Music Theatre! A Christmas CarolNorth Shore Music Theatre Beverly, MA, –.
The Christmas Revels
Revels puts on a fantastic annual performance, usually with a medieval bent. This year, the theme seems to be centered around Irish immigrants during the early 20th century. themed. Whether you enjoy more highbrow and scholarly entertainments or are happy merely to sing carols at your local town tree-lighting, Revels never disappoints. The Nutcracker is the only other annual show of such quality with such a wide appeal. The Christmas RevelsSanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
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. Black NativityBlackman Auditorium, Northeastern University Boston, MA, –.
Massmouth Story Slam
There’s another Story Slam this week, kids. Maybe you can regale everyone with the woeful tale of how you embarrassed yourself at a Messiah sing? 7pm. Massmouth Story SlamClub Passim, Harvard Square Cambridge, MA, .
Travel
Solstice Stroll
A candlelit stroll through nature seems like a fine way to celebrate the darkest day of the year. But bundle up! 4-6pm. $5 for nonmembers. Solstice Stroll Mystic, CT, .
Stowe & Twain’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas
Events at the Mark Twain House are always outstanding, and this year they’re teaming up with the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center to throw a huge, Victorian-themed, weekend open house. Tours, re-enactors, crafts, etc. Saturday: 10am-4pm & Sunday: 12-4pm. Stowe & Twain's Olde-Fashioned ChristmasMark Twain House Hartford, CT, .
Holiday Express Train Show
These model trains are on display all month, but this event is their opening celebration. 7pm. Holiday Express Train Show Fairfield, CT, –.
Hartford Festival of Light
Can this be right? Hartford features free skating and free skate rentals for a month, plus professional skating shows every Friday and Saturday, 6-7pm. Awesome! Hartford Festival of Light Hartford, CT, –.
Winterfest with Fireworks
Night skiing, zipline tours, Santa, and ‘Eddey the Yeti.’. Winterfest with Fireworks Newry, ME, –.
12th Parade of Lights in Portland Harbor
A holiday boat parade in (aguably) Maine’s coolest city. Boats congregate off the Main Street Pier at 4:30 and the parade begins at 4:45. 12th Parade of Lights in Portland HarborTown center Portland, ME, .
Vermont Holiday Festival
Hmm. The centerpiece of a festival should not be the trees you auction off for charity. It should be the free horse-drawn sleigh rides! This one’s a lot more commercial than I’d originally hoped when spotting it. Friday: 4:30-8pm & Saturday: 12-8pm. Vermont Holiday Festival Killington, VT, –.
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. Manchester Merriment Manchester, VT, –.
Please support Johnny’s Big Diet
I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet. I figure if I post my weight to the blog every week I’ll be too embarassed to cheat. In early May, I weighed 354.6, three weeks ago I was 278, and after a bump I’m back at that weight now. My goal? 210. (I’m 6’4′, so that’s slim.). Please support Johnny's Big Diet All Over, , –.
Xmas Destnations & Santa Events
 Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region Mon 12/10 Tue 12/11 Wed 12/12 Thu 12/13 Fri 12/14 Sat 12/15 Sun 12/16 Mon 12/17
Stone Zoo’s ZoolightsStoneham, MA

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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Holiday Landscapes – The Lights at Wolf HillStoneham, 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 more
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Petting Zoo in front of Seasons Four Furniture StoreLexington, MA

This is a merchant event with a petting zoo, Santa, elmo, face painting, singers, balloon animals, etc. I called and they couldn’t be bothered to give me the dates, so this is my best guess.
1265 Massachusetts Avenue, 781-861-1200. more
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A “Little Women” Christmas at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard HouseConcord, MA

This event includes re-enactors portraying historical characters found in “Little Women”. Reservations suggested. December 1st, 8th, & 15th: 10:00am-4:30pm. December 2nd, 9th, & 16th: 1:00pm-4:30pm.
399 Lexington Road, 978.369.4118 x106. more
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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. more
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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 16th! Whoa. Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 2-9pm.
Pine Street, 877-EDAVILLE. more
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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 more
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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. more
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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. more
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Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MA

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, 508-347-3362. more
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A Christmas Journey at the Worcester EcotariumWorcester, MA

Trips at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm. Elves help you board the The Polar Express train ride, and afterwards there’s Santa and cookies. Note that tickets for this event do not include EcoTarium admission, which must be purchased separately.
222 Harrington Way, 508-929-2700. more
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Leicester ChristmasLeicester, MA

Over 50,000 lights and 12 inflatables. Santa is there on Saturdays! Nightly from 4:30pm-9pm.
Waite Street more
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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. more
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Santa’s HouseWest Springfield, MA

Mon-Fri 5:30-7:30pm. Sat & Sun 2:30-4pm, 5:30-7:30pm.
Mittineague Park more
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Look Park’s Winter WonderlandFlorence, MA

Hayrides, night lights, zoo. 39,000 bulbs. 4-9pm.
300 North Main Street, 413.584.5457. more
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Heritage Museum Gardens AglowSandwich, MA

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. more
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Cape Codder Enchanted VillageHyannis, MA

100,000 lights, daily to 10pm, 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, 888-297-2200. more
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Christmas at the Newport MansionsNewport, RI

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 3pm. Houses are closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Various locations more
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The Picozzi Family ChristmasWarwick, RI

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 more
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That Crazy Christmas HouseCoventry, RI

Over 63,000 lights and 64 computerized displaus. Tune in to 107.5. Every night until Christmas: 430pm – 11pm, Christmas Eve: 430pm-6am, and Christmas Night: 430pm-12am.
9 Blue Spruce Drive more
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Head Family ChristmasRumford, RI

Just a private home, but a big one!
Merchant Street more
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Lighted Winter Wonderland & Santas Big Party at Charmingfare FarmCandia, NH

Thousands of lights, a 30-minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer, Santa, costumed characters. Petting zoo. Evenings.
Route 27, 603-483-5623. more more
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Christmas at CanterburyCanterbury, NH

On weekends from November 10th to the 25th (and Friday the 23rd), enjoy a special Shaker Holday traditions tour, a discount from the Museum Shop, and a Shaker lunch. On December 8th and 15th, the real Christmas events happen: Candlelight stroll, horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, cider, music, performances, crafts, etc.
288 Shaker Road, 603-783-9511. more
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Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor SpeedwayLoudon, NH

More than a mile of LED lights to drive through in your car. Santa’s Village, costumed characters. Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday & holidays: 4:30pm-10pm; Sunday: 4:30pm-9pm.
1122 Route 106 North, 888-926-7403. more
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La Salette Shrine & CenterEnfield, NH

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”! 5-9pm except opening celebration 11/26.
410 NH Route 4A, 603-632-7087. more
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Santa’s Village Christmas MagicJefferson, NH

Lights display, Santa, reindeer, rides. Days & Eves. Special New Years event 12/31.
Route 2, 603-586-4445. more
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Polar ExpressNorth Conway, NH

This is a Polar Express-themed train ride that ends with a reading of the book at the “North Pole Theater.” Tickets available for the Lincoln ride only.
more
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Santa’s Holiday ExpressNorth Conway, NH

This is a more generic train ride- it’s just got Santa, elves, and hot chocolate.
more
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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! Saturdays 5-9pm, Sundays 4-8pm.
Marcy Street, 603-422-7514. more
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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. more
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Mousseau and RoyHudson, NH

Just a private home, but a big one!
75 Pelham Street more
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Lake Compounce plans holiday lights eventBristol, CT

There are light shows every half hour set to music 12 light displays for the 12 days of Christmas throughout the park. There are also rides, costumed performers, fire pits, a North Pole Railway, and the ubiquitous cocoa/cookies/shopping.
822 Lake Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, 860-589-7974. more
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Quiet Corner ChristmasBrooklyn, CT

This is a private home, but features lots and lots of lights! This year’s event benefits Paws for Purple Hearts. The show runs about 30 minutes and repeats continuously from 5pm-10pm. The show runs “a little later” on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on Christmas day.
251 Wauregan Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234 more
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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. more
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Hartford Festival of LightHartford, CT

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 10th, the skating rink will be open every day until January 1st. The Bushnell Park Carousel will also be open Fridays and Saturdays from 2-8m. Sanata will be present on December 10th & 11th and then at the Carousel on December 17th. Free hot chocolate!
99 Trinity St, Hartford, CT 06106, 860-232-6710. more
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Fantasy of LightsNew Haven, CT

Benefits the Easter Seals. Open nightly.
Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000. more
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WinterFest at Connecticut Trolley MuseumEast Windsor, CT

Trolley ride through holiday lights, sing-along carols and meet Santa. 5-9pm. After December 25th: 6-pm.
58 North Road, 860-627-6540. more
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Karl’s Light ShowManchester, CT

This one’s just a private home, but they play music over FM radio!
33 Jacqueline Drive, 860-655-1868. more
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Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard ParkMeriden, CT

Dawn to dusk. No admission, just you drive through this decorated park anytime.
Hubbard Park, 203-630-4259. more
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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 more
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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. more
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Lincoln LightsOrange, CT

The lights will be on Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-10:00pm and on Friday-Sunday 5:30pm-11:00pm. This year they’ll also be collecting donations for the Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
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Lights On LovleyPlantsville, CT

Drive up and tune your radio to 96.1FM. Daily 5-11pm.
14 Lovley Dr more
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Holiday Santa TrainsThomaston, 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.
242 E Main Street more
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A Grand Holiday at the Mansion- From Victorian to ModernNorwalk, CT

This is one of the best Victorian mansions in America that you’ve never heard of. Check out a picture! It is mighty impressive. There are holiday displays throughout the house with period rooms decorated to show the changing traditions from the 1850s-1890s. This year they’re including a 1930s room to honor the last resident of the mansion. Tours Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-4pm.
295 West Avenue more
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Waitsfield’s Grand IlluminationWaitsfield, VT

Begins daily at dusk. Apparently, the whole town lights up, including the oldest, still-functioning covered bridge in VT. It’s from the 1830s.
Townwide more
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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 more
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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. more
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Limington LightsLimington, ME

30,000 lights and an 18ft “Mega Tree.” Nightly from 4:30pm-10pm.
5 Coventry Drive more
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The Nubble LighthouseYork, ME

The famous Nubble lighthouse is lit up for Christmas throughout the season.
11 Sohier Park Road more
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