Events INSIDER: Dec 3-10, 2013

12/03/13 by Johnny Monsarrat

Giveaways & Features

Win: 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. I have two pairs of tickets for this. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Boston, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.more

Win: A Christmas Carol

Win: Two pairs of tickets for the 12/6 show! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! here is no place is better to see A Christmas Carol than the North Shore Music Theatre. Last year we gave it 5 stars! T. Beverly, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/22.more

Win: Not Jenny

Win: a pair of tickets for the 12/11 7:30 PM showing of Not Jenny. E-mail giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Boston, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/15.more

Johnny’s Picks

Frog Pond Opening Day and Skate Performance

There’s an ice skating rink on Frog Pond in Boston Common that is refrigerated and open in warm or cold weather from this week through March. For opening day, they bring professional ice skaters to perform, the Mayor will give a speech, and skating for the day is free! It’s a wonderful event — highly recommended! 6pm. Boston, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Lightwaves Opening and After Party

This art installation uses Plankton – the thing Whales eat, along with video projection and more to create incredible light displays. Wild. This an annual holiday light show in the Greenway is accompanied by two works by Boston CyberArts! It opens at 6 and then there’s an after party at 7pm at the Long Wharf Hotel. 6pm-7pm Rain date: 12/12. Boston, MA, Thu 12/5.more

ICA First Fridays: 80s Night

Cowabunga! Calling all fans of Don Johnson, David Bowie, neon pinks, and pastel blues! To celebrate their exhibit on ’80s art, the Institute for Contemporary Art is hosting a two-floor ’80s dance party with a photo booth, video presentation, live music, and tours. 80s attire encouraged, but keep that ‘Members Only’ jacket in mothballs – please. That thing was always dag. Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Humanist Hub Grand Opening Preview Event

Calling all Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics, there’s a new place to converse, socialize, and ponder the world, The brand new Humanist Hub opens December 8th. Even better? It’s at Harvard, so everyone’s probably really smart! Or make ‘Dem Apples’ jokes all the time. Either way, great stuff! Cambridge, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Science on Screen: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit merged Disney and Warner Brothers, and live action and animation so perfectly that it’s a fantastically entertaining film AND fascinating behind-the-scenes production story. Learn a little bit about this spectacular film, and the laws of cartoon physics at the Coolidge Corner Theater. 7:00 pm. Brookline, MA, Mon 12/9.more

New England Model Train Expo

Grown-ups still need toys! Check out these model trains for perhaps the biggest event of this type of the year. More than 200 dealer tables, Santa Claus, and plenty of displays. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Marlborough, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Free Star Parties

Ever since ‘Star Trek’ went all action movie, it’s upto regular folks to endear the joys of our nebulous, fabulous, possibly infinite universe to the masses, and this event is a great way to do so. 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. 2012’s times were: 7:30-10pm, but the site lists no specific 2013 hours. Call ahead! Sharon, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Pearl Harbor Day at Battleship Cove

On a more somber note, this week we remember those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. A small and dignified ceremony will be performed on the Battleship Massachusetts at 12:55pm, the exact time of the strike. Fall River, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Navy Christmas

Eat like World War II’s American heroes did, in the galley of the USS Massachusetts, with a Turkey Dinner made from the same recipe seamen of the 1940s used. All this needs is a little Bette Midler and Bob Hope to set the mood. While the website doesn’t list a time (military or otherwise), you can call call 508-678-1100 x 101 for info and reservations. Fall River, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Get the 2013 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

Review: John Singer Sargent Watercolors

Watercolors: we all learned them in kindergarten. Maybe that’s where John Singer Sargent mastered them? Boston, MA, Sun 10/13–Sun 1/20.more

Ho Ho Holidays

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

Boston Common Holiday Lighting

This tree lighting ceremony is a lot more than just flicking a switch on! Performers include (not quire) New Kid on The Block Joey McIntyre, American Idol alum Erica Van Pelt, The Blue Man Group, and a Nova Scotia’s ‘Squid Precision Drumming’ ensemble. 6pm-8pm. Boston, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Newton’s Holiday tree lighting begins with a 4pm sing-a-long (someone ask for ‘Freebird’, please!), and culminates with a tree lighting. Admission is a non-perishable food item. If you ask me I’d bring something spicy. Like chili. Spice up some one’s life, ya know? 4pm. Newton, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Tree Lighting Pre-Show at Frog Pond Skating Rink

The cool thing about figure skating is that it combines gymnastics, dance, fast speeds, and sharp objects. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a triple Axel and double sow-cow in person. 5pm. Boston, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Holiday Open House

Confession time: I am unsure what *exactly* a Victorian Christmas entails, so I asked, and the word of the day is ‘elaborate’. Thus Longfellow House’s Victorian Christmas, featuring crafts, seasonal refreshments, and carols, is likely quite the extravagant adventure. 4pm-7pm. Cambridge, MA, Thu 12/5–Fri 12/6.more

A Christmas Carol at Faneuil Hall

It’s not Christmas without Scrooge! Be he Bill Murray, Captain Picard, or Michael Caine, the story of a grouchy man who is visited by three ghosts, and finds appreciation for his world and fellow man, can warm the coldest soul – also, this one has singing! 7pm. Boston, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Old South Meeting House Holiday Open House

This festival is a good excuse to visit this historic museum if you’ve never been. It’s not as good an excuse as their Boston Tea Party re-enactment next month, though. 2013 10am-4pm. Boston, MA, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

Lexington Holiday Festival Night

Basically, this is a merchant event where stores stay open late. But Santa’s coming to Depot Square 6:30 for a tree lighting, and there are ‘holiday pops’ concerts at 4pm and 8pm. 4-9pm. Lexington, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Boston Santacon

This raucous event is basically a Santa-themed flash mob and bar crawl. Starts at noon and ends at last call, I suppose! Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Swedish Yuletide

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. Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Le March de Nol

Yes, more holiday-themed food and shopping. But it’s all lovely French things. The only french sentence I know is Bonjour! Je suis le nouveau pingouin dans la ville. Which is ‘Hi! I’m the new Penguin in town!’ Try it out in Boston and get many, many, many looks. Some impressed, most confused. Worth going. 10am-5pm. Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Red Sox Natives Holiday Party

Celebrate the early Christmas gift of a Red Sox World Series win at The Bleacher Bar, where they’ll be decorating a Holiday tree, serving free appetizers to early arrivers, and taking donations to support the Run to Home Base program, which helps veterans with PTSD. 12pm-4pm. Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Santa Comes to Roslindale and Train show

Holiday train show you say? Santa arriving in elegant style you say? A railroad museum you say? If my dad knew how to work a computer, or what social media was, or what I do for a living, he’d be begging me to go to this thing. I should probably tell him about it. You tell your friends too, this looks cool! 11am-3pm. Roslindale, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Singalong Messiah!

These folks in JP claim that theirs is the only uncut performance of Messiah this season. 4pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Burlington Tree Lighting at the Town Common

Christmas music, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Santa, Frosty, Candy canes, and childlike joy at Burlington, MA’s tree lighting. 4pm. Burlington, MA, Sun 12/8.more

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 and often times with olive oil. Cannolis to follow? They better. This event has clowns, ‘T.V characters’, and free candy! It’s dedicated to the memory James Pallotta, who had a hand in helping with the Red Sox / Jimmy Fallon flick ‘Fever Pitch’. 1pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Holiday Tea with Best American Short Stories

Tea with B.A. Shapiro, award-winning author of ‘The Art Forger’ and Margaret Burchenal, the Curator of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. $45, which is pretty much a standard price for high tea at a fancy hotel. 2pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/8.more

USS Constitution Tree Lighting

The 19th century war ship the USS Constitution, also known as Old Iron-sides, is the oldest active duty ship in the nation… And they have an annual tree lighting ceremony! Why show up outside some city hall and watch them flick a switch, when you could watch the USS Constitution crew fire the cannons?! Beforehand, there is a period-themed open house at the Commander’s house. 1-4:30pm. Take public transit, parking is limited. Charlestown, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Brighton Center Tree Lighting

Oldies 103, hot cocoa, cookies, participatory caroling, tree lighting, and Santa on a fire truck. 6pm. Boston, MA, Mon 12/9.more

Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas Sing-Along

This country fusion act is another great-looking show at Club Passim this week. 8pm. Cambridge, MA, Tue 12/10.more

Boston Common Tree Lighting

Boston Common’s pond has ice skating all winter, including New Years Eve from 6pm. Boston, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Holiday Open House

seasonal refreshments in the Longfellow Carriage House, crafts for kids of all ages, and the house will be decorated in the manner of a Victorian Christmas. 4-7pm. Cambridge, MA, Thu 12/5–Fri 12/6.more

Santa Paws & Grinch Photos

Do police dogs need a bulletproof vest? I suppose that depends on how likely a police dog is to be shot. What do I google to learn that? Well, this Santa Claus fundraiser helps dogs that (maybe) need it. Canton, MA, Sat 11/16–Sun 12/15.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

A Christmas Carol at the Wayside Inn

‘No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused’, and you definately don’t want to miss out on the chance to watch an authentic, Victorian era production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ using Mr. Dicken’s original script and stage direction. No Muppets here! There’s also a second, shorter, more musically oriented version for kids. 2pm and 7pm
. Sudbury, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Holiday House Tour

Check out a number of elaborately decorated Victorian era homes in Concord, MA 2013 : 11:00 AM. Concord, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Messiah Sing

I think people just like these things so that they can belt out the ‘Hallelujah!’ part that everyone knows. It’s like the high-brow equivalent of ‘Fiiiive gooolden rings!’ Anyway, a rehearsal takes place Friday and then the ‘show’ happens Sunday, 3-6pm. Sudbury, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Dover Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Another standard town tree-lighting event. Dover, MA, Tue 12/10.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

Essex Holiday Festival

Essex is a good place to attend a holiday event if you like antiques and seafood restaurants. Santa’s coming by boat for breakfast, storytelling and caroling. (But is it participatory?) Ooh! They have a bell choir, too. And they light a ‘Memory Tree’ to honor lost loved ones — that’s really touching! 6:30pm. Essex, MA, Thu 12/5–Sat 12/7.more

Marblehead Christmas Walk

Tree lighting, gingerbread house display, Santa arrives by lobster boat, and tour local rich people homes. The packed calendar includes singing sea shanties and lighting the ‘lobster trap’ Christmas tree. Check out the website for an extremely detailed schedule of events. 5-8pm, Lighting: 7pm. Marblehead, MA, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas at Gordon: Bell Lighting

A bonfire, make your own s’mores (is that the correct spelling?), carols, hayrides, and hot cocoa make a trip to Gordon College a quality Holiday experience. 7pm. Wenham, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Christmas-by- the- Sea

Another merchant event with Santa and a tree lighting. I’d hit up other Cape Ann events before this one, to be honest. The only thing in Manchester-by-the-Sea is a really cool bookstore. 2013:4pm. Manchester by the Sea, MA, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas in Salem

The real main event of ‘Christmas in Salem’ are the spice tastings at The Picklepot. How does one taste a spice? do you ask for a smidge of saffron? A dollop of dill? a ration of rosemary? A morsel of mustard? Pinch of parsley? I’ll stop. Anyway, when you’ve had your fill of fennel, you can check out the carolers (possibly participatory?) and Santa will descend ‘off’ the Hawthorne Hotel. In a reversal of the traditional Santa gift-giving role, then Santa will lead everyone to a place they can spend money. 5pm-8pm. Salem, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas in Salem House Tour

Declaring that Salem has more than just Halloween, these history buffs will give you tours of local historic homes, all dressed up for the holidays. And inevitably, the tour ends where you can spend money. (Eyeroll.) Merry Giftmas! 10:30am – 4:30pm. Salem, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Greening of the Great House: Crane Estate Holiday Open House

Visiting Castle Hill at any time of the year is a great opportunity — I’ve been and highly recommend its glorious view of the ocean. It’s an old and beautiful mansion. They’ll have a wood turning demonstration, crafts, and live jazz music, but basically the ‘event’ here is to get to walk around the wonderful grounds. 12-4pm. Ipswich, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Tomseen Foley’s Celtic Christmas

A Celtic (with a hard K, not the Basketball team) Christmas recreates the ‘joy and innocence’ of Christmas eve with steel guitar, flutes, Kathleen Keane, a world renowned Irish Fiddler and holiday stories. Sounds like story time for grownups if you ask me, and I love me a good story, and love it more when there’s music involved. 8pm. Beverly, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Rockport Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting

Santa arrives by lobster boat. I mean, um, ‘LOBSTAH boat!’ Then a parade on a fire engine, carols, tree lighting, and concert! I’d give ya more but the link on the website links to another site that links back to the first one. 3:45pm. Rockport, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Haverhill Annual Christmas Stroll

This one’s also a straightforward merchant event but is supplemented with street entertainers, and Reindeer games! Actual reindeer games! The long-standing mystery is finally solved. 5-8pm. Haverhill, MA, Sat 12/7.more

ICS North Pole Express

Wanna see what a sea of elves looks like? Hop aboard the ICS North Pole Express on Dec. 7th, and find out. You’ll meet Santa, and hear a rendition of ‘The Night Before Christmas’… On The Polar Express. Hey, at least it’s different! Trains start at 11:35am. Newburyport, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas Holiday Gallery Stroll

If you’re looking for a holiday stroll, Rockport is a quaint, seaside place to do it, and Santa arrives via Lobster Boat. Lots of other great towns are nearby and it’s close to Boston! 12pm-4pm. Rockport, MA, Sun 12/8.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

Christmas in the Square – Hingham

This one seems to be heavy on shopping and children’s amusements, but then again, taking a hayride to a GAP or a Gamestop could be fun in an absurd kind of way. 6pm. Hingham, MA, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.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

Family Breakfast with Santa!

Woah! Look at that menu! Have breakfast with Santa and eat like a king! Eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, granola, home fries, and assorted breakfast pastries. Dibs on the cheese danish. Seriously, I will fight Santa and an army of elves for a cheese danish. 10am-12pm. Plymouth, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Pembroke Tree Lighting

Here’s a creative one! You can roast marshmallow over an open fire, there will be hay rides, participatory caroling, local historians, and Santa comes in on a fire truck for the tree lighting. 2-5pm. Pembroke, MA, Sun 12/8.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. Click for our review! Carver, MA, Fri 11/22–Sat 12/28.more

Nantucket Noel

The 40th anniversary of this event features ‘..Crisp sea air spiced with wood smoke drifting through a historic village’s cobblestoned streetslined with glittering trees and brightly lit shops while, in the distance,church bells chime familiar carols’ – I don’t know who’s writing Nantucket’s event copy, but they deserve a cookie or award. I want to be there *now*. Santa arrives via Coast Guard boat, is accompanied by the town Crier (Yes, they have a town crier in Nantucket), to historic Jared Coffin House. From there he’ll meet eager kids while the adults can check out the capoeira demonstration (what?) or partake in the Victorian costume contest. Fantastic. Simply fantastic. 10am-5pm. Nantucket, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Santa’s Farm Follies

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Grinch (who is the original Grumpy Cat) come to Achusnet, a town that is surprisingly sprawling and very easy to get lost in, bring hot cocoa, hayrides, and facepainting with them. 10am-4pm. Acushnet, MA, Sat 12/7.more

New Bedford Downtown Holiday Stroll

Antique fire trucks rides, a candlelight tour, and Santa. ‘Stroll the streets, shop the stores’… That pretty much says it all. This is a merchant event. Again, Merry Giftmas! 12pm. New Bedford, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Lights On – Taunton Christmas Celebration

A giant Santa Claus on a giant, 100th anniversary cake in Taunton! It’s huge…and scablable if you’re adventurous and don’t mind geting arrested.This is a real festival and a Bristol county tradition. Hay rides, Mrs. Claus, participatory caroling, and 20 different performance sites, some of which will surely be outdoors. 12PM. Taunton, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Easton Lions Reindog Parade

Dawww puppppy. Here’s another ‘reindog’ parade event. You dress up your dog and hope it’s not traumatizing. For the record the population of *actual* deer in Easton is very high and they seem to love crossing the road in the middle of a foggy night. 12pm-1pm. Easton, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Holidays at the WAM

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

Worcester Tree Lighting and Caroling

Tree lighting and performance. You would think ‘ho hum’, but when you toss in free ice skating at the Common Oval, you got yourself something a little special. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Worcester, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Sutton Chain of Lights

Forget the festival, Here’s a chain of Lights. Not closest to Boston, but possibly the best. Some big events happen in small towns and this is the kick off for whole chain of holiday events. 10am-4pm. Sutton, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Grafton Celebrates the Holidays

This one’s very merchant-y, with gingerbread houses, tree lighting, caroling, and a variety of in-store merchant events. But they provide a schedule and map so you can easily find what you like. 3pm. Grafton, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Springfield’s Festival of Trees

A ‘festival of trees’ that features quite a lot of trees – some would say a forest, all decorated and donated by folks eager to support the cause. 11am -3pm. Springfield, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/15.more

Caroling on the Green at West Springfield

What’s better than an Elvis impersonator? An Elvis, Bobby Darin, Garth Brooks, Chubby Checker, and Toby Keith impersonator singing Christmas carols. Have Mercy! If you ask me, this is THE Caroling event of the season. 5:45pm. Springfield, MA, Thu 12/5.more

Court Square Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Five dollar horse-drawn carriage rides, a ‘Peace on Earth’ themed Holiday parade, and a tree lighting by Mayor Springfield mayor Joe Quimby, I mean…Ted Byrd, who will say some words. Looks like Byrd’s the word. 5pm – 7:30pm. Springfield, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Yuletide at Storrowton Village

Here’s a fine choice for re-enactment enthusiasts, history buffs, and antiquarians: Tours of 18th and 19th century buildings decorated for the holidays. Lots of old-fashioned festivities for kids, too. 10am-4pm. Springfield, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Festival of Trees at Berkshire Museum

Hundreds. HUNDREDS of Christmas trees in Pittsfield, MA. 5:30 – 7:30pm. Pittsfield, MA, Sat 11/23–Wed 1/2.more

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

Nice! This event is recreating a Norman Rockwell painting with authentic cars and era-authentic decoration! Once that blows your mind, head to West Stockbridge and go caroling on a ‘luminaria walk’ — carrying lanterns, I hope, not those crazy Swedish candle hats — and all kinds of Santa events styled like a Dickens village, with horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and a concert. Stockbridge, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.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

Sandwich Carol Sing

Sandwhich has a proverbial deli’s worth of Holiday events, but this one is all about the music – then fill your tummy with tasty cookies and cider, then carol your heart out. 6pm. Sandwich, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Falmouth Christmas Parade

Falmouth hosts Southeastern Massachusetts’ largest holiday parade, with floats, animals, hopefully free candy, and an appearance by the big red guy with the white beard himself, Santa Claus. 12pm. Falmouth, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Carol Sing in Sandwich Center

Sing along to Christmas classics followed by hot cider and cookies at the Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa. Rain date 12/8. 7pm. Sandwich, MA, Fri 12/6.more

Falmouth Holidays by the Sea Weekend

There’s an entire weekend of events in Falmouth, including participatory caroling, a parade, a tree lighting, and Santa’s arrival by boat – I guess the sleigh gets crummy gas mileage. Falmouth, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Holly Folly

This GLBT Holiday festival’s got a Santa speedo run, Ptown’s gay men’s chorus, drag Bingo, and Boston’s Gay Men Chorus. G,L,B,T, or not, this sounds like an absolute blast if you want a little silly with your Holiday cheer. Provincetown, MA, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Mashpee Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade

I love parades! This one has community floats and seems real, not overly commercial. 5:30pm. Mashpee, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll and Boat Parade

Holy cow! If you have children, this is the holiday fair to attend this weekend. TONS of crafts and workshops, Santa, carriage and trolley rides, face paintings, cookies, a petting zoo; you name it. 10am-6pm. Hyannis, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Yarmouth Port Christmas Stroll Open House

Decorations, treats, and a friendly atmosphere will hopefully endear you toward supporting local business during this Holiday stroll in Yarmouth, MA prior to their 5pm tree lighting. 12-4pm. Yarmouth Port, MA, Sun 12/8.more

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

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’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

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

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

Antrim Festival of Trees

Over 100 holiday trees, wreaths and displays grace our stately library for the season. Antrim, NH, Sat 11/30–Fri 1/4.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

Midnight Merriment and Join-in Caroling

And here’s another thinly veiled ‘stores stay open late’ event. Merry Giftmas! 5:30pm-12am. Concord, NH, Fri 12/6.more

Christmas in the Village at Remick Museum

Tamworth is pretty far north, but if you’re heading up to the White Mountains for skiing, you’ll find wagon rides, storytelling, kids activities, and a bonfire at this museum event. 1-4pm. Tamworth, NH, Fri 12/6.more

Plymouth Holiday Parade and Fireworks

Even better than a parade — fireworks! They’ll have 36 parade units throwing candy and parading down Green Street, around the rotary, and to South Main Street. Santa will arrive on a fire truck, and afterwards they’ll have soups and Santa events at the Senior Center. Saturday, parade at 5pm and fireworks, then Sunday 1-3pm, ‘Skate with Santa’! Plymouth, NH, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Messiah Sing at Portsmouth Music Hall

Do you think Christmas caroling is serious business? Do you give death stares to anyone who chimes in with a ‘Batman Smells, Robin laid and egg’? Then this is for you. Show off your pipes by caroling your heart out with people who also want to carol their hearts out. 7:30pm. $16.25. Portsmouth, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees

60 uniquely decorated Christmas trees on two floors at the Wolfboro Wright museum, along with samples of local restaurant’s ‘best fare’. All you need to get me anywhere is that last part! Wolfeboro, NH, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/15.more

Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Portsmouth, NH brings you yet another Holiday tree lighting, light parade, marching band, and all the fixings. This one ends at a playground, so if you ever wanted to see a parade as a resting bird does, get to the jungle-gym early. Also bring food for the less fortunate, and a toy for a tot, if you’re so inclined. And you should be. 6pm. Portsmouth, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas at Canterbury

Here’s a day of holiday cheer, Shaker style, with a silent film event with live organ accompaniment. I bet their shop is stocked with lots of Simple Gifts and baked goods – get it? Shake and bake? I’ll go now. 3pm-8pm. Canterbury, NH, Sat 12/7–Sat 12/14.more

Tilton Holiday Parade

Tilton, NH’s Holiday parade flyer looks like a random note, but promises hot cocoa, light refreshments, a Santa visit, the aforementioned parade, and free pictures. Just be sure to bring small, unmarked bills just in case. Tilton, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers’ Green

North Conway, NH takes the time to remind us Santa is busy this time of year (obviously, he’s making…over a hundred personal appearences this week!), but he’s making time for this Tree Festival where professional tree decorators compete for fabulous cash and prizes. If you’re a little tired of trees, you can hit the powder at the mini snow-tubing park, nibble on a Candy Cane, or take a wagon ride with the big guy himself. 11am-3pm. North Conway, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Hampstead NH Christmas Parade

Another holiday parade. This one begins at 2pm and its theme is the oddly specific ‘Christmas in 1938’. Hampstead, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Spirit of New Hampshire Christmas Parade and The Ghostbusters

This is the largest float parade in New Hampshire, but is there a root beer float? 4pm. Manchester, NH, Sat 12/7.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

Exeter, NH Holiday Parade

This is primarily a children’s event, although the website boasts that it’s bigger and better than ever. The good news: Candy must be handed, not thrown. No ‘Hunger Games’ scrum for edible stuff in Needham, no sir. 5pm-7pm. Exeter, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Hampton, NH Christmas Parade

Hampton’s NH’s holiday parade’s theme is…’Vintage Hampton Christmas Parade’. I miss the bad puns. So…Check out what Vintage Hampton is all about on 12/7. 1pm. Hampton, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Conway Village Festival, Parade, Tree Lighting

This one has a parade and Santa, but with ice skating and professional ice skate performances. Conway, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Rochester, NH Holiay Parade

Frisbie Memorial Hospital sponsors this Holiday tree lighting, which is the most joyful name for such a place since the Gesundheit! Institute. Mayor Thomas ‘TJ’ Jean reads a story, lights the tree, Santa stops by, there’s dancing and caroling (no mention of free cider or cocoa..) and friends and family of those serving overseas are encouraged to play an ornament on the soon-to-be lit Christmas tree. Seems like a well meaning event. Check it out! 5:30-6:30
. Rochester, NH, Sun 12/8.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

Wickford Festival of Lights

This tree lighting actually kicks off an entire weekend’s worth of events that includes breakfast with Santa, hay rides with Santa, a live nativity (Do you get a S.A.G card for that?), and a Holley Jolley Trolley ride which is as delightfully alliterative as it gets! 6pm. North Kingstown, RI, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/8.more

Pawtucket Winter Wonderland

What would *you* ask an 18 foot tall talking Frosty The Snowman? I’d ask him if he wanted a free hot cocoa, then drink mine in front of him while cackling in glee at the delicious treat he could never have. After that I’d take a ride on their historical Carousal, and squeeze myself into their miniature train while giving the big frosty dude a raspberry. He knows what he did. He knows. 4-8pm. Pawtucket, RI, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/15.more

Santacon (Newport, RI)

Santacon is a nontraditional, nonreligious, and nonsensical gathering of folks dressed as Santa for no reason.’ – That line fills me with Holiday cheer and makes me smile, and here’s Rhode Island’s opportunity to descend upon a string of local watering holes in red velvet hats. 12pm. Newport, RI, Sat 12/7.more

Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting

Frosty the snowman, participatory caroling, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus arrive for a tree lighting. Low key, like a baritone. 4pm-6pm. Newport, RI, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas at the Castle

North Kingstown, RI, brings us ‘The History of the Christmas Carol’ via it’s Christmas at the Castle event, along with seeing Smith’s Castle decorated to the nines with Holiday things! Educational and visually stimulating, like my 8th grade Health Teacher. North Kingstown, RI, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas in Kingston / Holiday Fair

‘Everyone you know will treasure gifts created by Fayerweather Craft Guild artisans.’ Says the official website. Who am I to argue with such confidence? There’s free refreshments to sweeten the deal, too. No time listed, but e-mail workshop@fayerweathercraftguild.com for info. Kingston, RI, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Jingle Bell Run

I am unsure if this Jingle Bell run forces every runner to wear actual Jingle Bells, but it should. They should also be forced to run in tune, and be docked several seconds every time they’re not. Actually that’s a Stephen King story, ‘The Long Walk’. 11am. Narragansett, RI, Sun 12/8.more

Oy Oy Oy

Everyone Loves Latkes Party

This event hands out free latkes (A latke is a potato pancake, from Jewish Eastern Europe) in Harvard Square, and has over a half dozen local restaurants offering creative condiments and…nuances to the classic potato pancake – which is great if you’re sick of all that cocoa and apple cider!. Last year they had dancing to klezmer music, too. 1-3pm. Cambridge, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Also Fun

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

Wonderland: 2013 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

Bold Enough to Fail

Failing is the sour that makes success sweet. ‘Bold Enough to Fail: Empowering Success through Adversity’ seeks to energize those of us who have tried and tried and tried and maybe haven’t quite broken through the brick wall to success. There’s speakers, social activities, and workshops This could be salve for the student-loan stymied soul. Ticket includes appetizers, desserts and an open bar! 7PM – 10PM. Cambridge, MA, Tue 12/3.more

America’s Test Kitchen

America’s Test Kitchen’ is sort of Julia Child for culinarily challenged – they make things simple, and now, they’re answering questions at Harvard while promoting The America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook. I need this. I burn cold cereal, and though Al Dente was a weatherman until a week ago. 4pm. Cambridge, MA, Wed 12/4.more

Winter Open Studios

Does homemade chili and art mix? I don’t know. But I DO like Chili, and I DO like art, and maybe you do, too. If so, check out this art studio exhibit. Just try not to touch anything. 12-6pm. Somerville, MA, Sat 12/7.more

Charlestown Open Studios

And yet another. ‘Please Buy from Us’ is their main artistic theme. Merry Giftmas! 11am-5pm. Charlestown, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Get your picture taken with Rags the Santa-Cat

I don’t usually feature stuff like this and encourage you to shop, but I do support great local businesses like The Garment District! There’s a Santa cat, and while you’re there from 12-3pm, look into their Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest! Cambridge, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Harvard Book Store Winter Warehouse Sale

I almost never list shopping events, but I’m happy to encourage you to buy books and to support one of Boston’s best local businesses. The HBS warehouse sale is not to be missed, whether you’re looking for a bestseller, a coffee table book for a Christmas present, or a scholarly title. 10am-6pm. Somerville, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature

Picture book themed Christmas trees highlight this Children’s literary wonderland that starts Nov. 27th in Concord, Ma. Concord, MA, Wed 11/27–Tue 1/1.more

Free First Wednesdays

DeCordova’s sculpture park and museum offers free admission the first Wednesday of every Month. I took a gander at some of these creations, and they gotta be seen in person to be truly appreciated. 10am – 4pm. Lincoln, MA, Wed 12/4.more

Gorse Mill Open Studios at Needham

You won’t stroll anywhere in this open studios, which is in one building, but they’ll have glass blowing and pottery demonstrations! Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Needham, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

1820s Holiday House Tour

The Old Manse is a historic home that’s fun to visit anytime, but with costumed re-enactors, it becomes an even more entertaining way to learn more about history! 1pm and 3pm tours. Concord, MA, Sun 12/8.more

ARTfull Explorations

This ARTfull event inspires you via ‘floatilla’ a gorgeous, watercraft-focused wall drawing, then challenges participates to make their own floating creations using arts and crafts. Great for families with kids who like building things with legos and blocks. 1-3 pm. Lincoln, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Country Christmas

A festive Farmhouse style dinner, Captain Enoch Remick House tour filled with lots of hot cocoa and cookies. 5:30-8pm. Tamworth, NH, Fri 12/6.more

Sunapee Harbor Magic and Looney Plunge

It’s dry here in Boston but there’s plenty of snow in the mountains of New Hampshire, and ski season has begun. Perhaps going up to New Hampshire for some skiing and a dip in the lake would suit you, if you are insane. 1pm-4pm. Sunapee, NH, Sat 12/7.more

Winter Celebration

While the museum itself is small, it’s worth stopping by for this festival, especially if you’re traveling up to the White Mountains for skiing. Lots of games for kids, and you really haven’t lived until you’ve had an authentic fry bread. 10am-4pm. Warner, NH, Sat 12/7.more

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 is really worth a visit. 10am-4pm. Wenham, MA, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/15.more

Annual Holiday Open House

In Peabody, there will be a number of historical demonstrations, children’s amusements, and an art auction for the grown-ups. No, Garfunkle is not up for bids. 1-4pm. Peabody, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Nikkomo

Nikkomo is the closest thing in Native American culture to the celebration of Thanksgiving or Christmas. Come see it for yourself, and bring a small gift for the less fortunate. They’ll have music, ethnic gifts for sale, and traditional foods. 10am-2pm. Exeter, RI, Sat 12/7.more

Open Studio Day at Shady Lea Mill

Just in time for Holiday shopping, Shady Lea Mill’s artists open their studios to the public to gander, marvel, and purchase all manner of crafted goodies from glass blowers, guitar makers, goldsmiths, and collagists. I don’t know what that last one is. I’d google it but I like surprises. 12pm-5pm. North Kingstown, RI, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Review: 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

Review: 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

Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton

There are too many charity walks and runs for me to list them all, but this one caught my attention because they’re serving 2,500 cups of hot chocolate, or 200+ gallons of mouth scorching chocolate goodness.. It’s a 2 mile walk and a 5 mile run. 9:30am walk, 10am run. Northampton, MA, Sun 12/8.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

From White Plains

Take an in depth look at the pasts of four male individuals – some straight, some gay, all of whom have past demons they need to face before moving forward in life. the play also becomes a thoughtful meditation on pride, shame, and the dynamics of love and sexual identity. Chelsea, MA, Fri 11/15–Sat 12/14.more

The Slutcracker

Here’s your last chance to catch this hugely popular holiday burlesque show this year! Somerville, MA, Sat 11/30–Tue 12/31.more

The Chronic Single’s Handbook

An original comedy by Randy Ross about a never-married hypochondriac who takes a trip around the world looking for the woman of his dreams, putting a creative spin on the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ formula or taking a wild journey to find yourself – for hopeless romantics this could be chicken soup for the lovelorne soul. 7pm. Boston, MA, Wed 12/4.more

Fiddle Super group Childsplay

What’s the difference between a Violin and a Fiddle? Pizazz. Watch ‘Childsplay’, a group with over a dozen fiddlers, play their hearts out at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington. Rumor has it this show is incredible, and tickets go quick, I’d check them out sooner rather than later. 7:30pm. Lexington, MA, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/8.more

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Win: 2 pairs of tickets to ‘Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol’ presented by the Anthem Theater. E-mail giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Boston, MA, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/29.more

Festivus of Comedy

Improv comedy is great. If you’ve liked ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway?’, definately give this a gander – it has a ‘festivus for the rest of us’ theme, too – so prepare for an airing of grievences, and awkward compliment themed stylings. 3pm – 9:30pm(ish). Somerville, MA, Sat 12/7.more

An Intimate Evening with Art Garfunkel

John C. Reily – I mean Art Garfunkle regales audiences with songs, poetry, spoken word prose, and takes questions from the audience for a special two night engagement. Only balcony seats remain, so get to ticket buying. Also, someone ask him about that hair. That fabulous, fabulous hair. 7pm. Arlington, MA, Sat 12/7.more

New England Ringers Handbell Concert – Berklee College of Music

I’ve never seen a real bellringers concert. This one is at Berklee College of Music – a real breeding ground for talent! And more concerts all across New England — see the website. 7:30pm. Boston, MA, Sat 12/7.more

A Far Cry performs at the ISG

We’ve featured A Far Cry before, and that’s because they’re awesome and unusual. They’re playing a John Cage- heavy program tonight at the ISG, where they are the chamber orchestra in residence. 1:30pm. Boston, MA, Sun 12/8.more

Also Handel’s Messiah with Boston Baroque

This one starts at 3pm. Tix range from $5-$45. Boston, MA, Sun 12/8.more

The Dark Ground Show

It appears there’s a show called ‘The Dark Ground Show’ occurring this day at ‘Store 54’ – a book store with a performance space. I have no idea what this is, or what it’s about, so…if you’re into surprises, check it out! Allston, MA, Sun 12/8–Fri 1/4.more

Miracle on 34th Street

When Kris Kringle agrees to serve as a last-minute replacement for Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, he is so convincing that he is offered a job as the Santa for Macy’s Department store. Stoneham, MA, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/29.more

The Chronic Singles Handbook with Randy Ross

Join HI-Boston for an exclusive performance with a nationally acclaimed comedian. Boston, MA, Wed 12/4.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

Travel

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

Gingerbread House Festival

This is a tease. FREE admission to an entire festival of totally-not-allowed-to-eat Gingerbread houses, New England’s biggest, in fact. I mean, I can just nab that there Gum Drop mailbox. No one will miss it, right? Right…? Thru December 15th, 2pm. South Windsor, CT, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/15.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

Nook Farm Book Talk: ‘A Mark Twain Christmas’

Mark Twain doesn’t strike as much of a ‘Holiday Cheer’ guy, but Author Carlo DeVito will likely prove me wrong with his ‘A Mark Twain Christmas’ book reading and signing. The Mark Twain house is killing it this month with more cool events than the Winter Olympics. 5pm. Hartford, CT, Wed 12/4.more

Benefit Evening of Dinner and Comedy to support CityCenter’s First Night Danbury

A gourmet meal where the entertainment literally keeps their mouth shut? That’s just cruel. This charity event features ventriloquist Kenny Warren, and a feast of Goat Cheese Croquettes, Shrimp Scampi, Filet Mignon or Fresh Grilled Salmon, along with wine, for $68 dollars that goes to support Danbury’s ‘First Night’. Could be quite the evening! 7pm. Danbury, CT, Thu 12/5.more

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Express Train Show

Free.Glow.Necklaces. Fairfield, CT drops the Holiday tree lighting mic at 7pm, then picks it up with elaborate, holiday themed, model train displays (including antique ones). The model trains are on display all month, but this event is their opening celebration. 7pm. Fairfield, CT, Fri 12/6.more

Festival of St. Lucia

Here’s a Saint Lucia festival, a traditional Swedish Christmas celebration. This one looks pretty religious, though, so if that isn’t your thing, you might be better off staying home and watching Fanny and Alexander. (Nothing says Christmas cheer like an uplifting Bergman film, right?!) 5pm and 8pm performances. Hartford, CT, Fri 12/6.more

Firelight Festival

The Firelight Festival features real fire light by way of a BYOM (Marshmallow) bonfire! There’s warm drinks, a reading of ”Twas The Night Before Christmas’, and the opportunity to craft a ‘natural’ holiday ornament, which if my pre-school experience is any indication, likely includes a pine cone. 4pm-8pm. Guilford, CT, Fri 12/6.more

LEGO KidsFest

I still have all my Lego’s in two big crates containing half-built spaceships, makeshift light-sabers, and a million memories. Those plastic bricks are the building blocks of a world of possibility and imagination, and LEGO KidsFest kicks it up quite a few notches, with interactive exhibits and incredible, large-scale Lego models. Just pick up after yourself. Ever step on one of those suckers? Youch! Hartford, CT, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

Milford Lamplight Stroll

A Holiday event with an eye toward warming your hearts with free refreshments, and eeking dollars out of your wallet via fabulous deals and local business specials. Some folks dig this kind of thing, in which case, have at it, there’s even a gift basket giveaway! 5pm-9pm. Milford, CT, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

Frosty’s Big Night Out

Holiday BFFs Frosty The Snowman and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer return to Danielson, CT for caroling, socializing, and cheer. 5:45pm. Danielson, CT, Fri 12/6.more

THE MOuTH with Chion Wolf: I Fought The Law

The MOuTh is an NPR tradition, and features stories of triumph, tragedy, humanity, and everything in between, and this event, hosted by Chion Wolf will highlight run-ins with the law. As a former speech and debator, these kinds of events are powerful and intensely entertaining. If you wish stand up comedy was a little more serious, and got five dollars buring a hole in your sofa, I’d check it out. 7pm. Hartford, CT, Fri 12/6.more

Stonington Borough Holiday Stroll

Wadawanuck Square is an actual name for an actual place. Really. Its Holiday celebration’s got free cocoa and cider, along with wagon rides, open stores, and a tree lighting! Come for the celebration, stay to see how many different ways folks pronounce Wadawanuck. No time listed, Wadawanucks up with that? Call 860-572-9578 for info. Stonington, CT, Fri 12/6.more

AnonyCon

Do you like gaming? So do these people! At least some of them are live role-playing games,which is sort of a improvisational theatre in which the audience is all the other actors, but also sort of like a bunch of grown-ups playing make-believe. Stamford, CT, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Groton Lights Parade

A night parade with firetrucks, decorated floats, marching bands, music, and an educational Rock n’ Roll show (Wha?) ensure that if you live anywhere near Groton, CT you’re not sleeping that night, so you might as well go and enjoy yourself. It’ll be fun. Honest. 5pm. Groton, CT, Sat 12/7.more

Winter Faire

Crafts. Collectibles. Products. This Bolton, CT event’s flyer keeps it short, sweet, and mysterious, not unlike a half eaten candy bar under the sofa. 10-3pm. Bolton, CT, Sat 12/7.more

The Society for Creative Anachronism’s Bergental/BBM Yule

Who says you can’t relive the past?! The Society for Creative Anachronism is a club for people who like to re-enact how history was, or maybe should have been, with caroling, sparring, fencing, dancing, games, and kids activities. Oh, and merchants, of course. 9am-9pm. New Britain, CT, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas Lights Spectacular

This family home is going pro with amazing Christmas lights, carolers, and free cookies and cocoa. Check out similar displays on my Xmas Lights list! 4-7pm. Killingworth, CT, Sat 12/7.more

Holiday Culinary Walking Tour

This is genius. Eat a little, walk a little, eat a little, walk a little. Sample 9 of New Haven, CT’s restaurants while taking a leisurely 1.5 mile walk. Burn calories, then ingest them. This is gonna catch on, mark my words you’ll see a treadmill at your local McDonalds soon. 10:45am. New Haven, CT, Sat 12/7.more

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play

A radio version of ‘It’s a wonderful life’ with a LIVE Foley artist is too good to pass up. ‘Its a Wonderful Life’ is a flick that resonates with you more and more the older you get, as reality and personal dreams tend to intersect in unwanted ways with increasing frequency. Seeing it live, via the radio play format could make George Bailey’s yearning to change the world for the better, and his nearly endless optimism all the more special. 2pm and 7pm. Hartford, CT, Sat 12/7.more

TubaChristmas – CT

Every thing’s better with a Tuba, and the proliferation of Tuba events proves that… See the website for all locations. 2pm. Old Saybrook, CT, Sat 12/7.more

33rd annual Friends of The Mark Twain House and Museum Annual Holiday House Tour

Tour the houses of American treasures Mark Twain and Katharine Hepburn, along with other notable Hartford Connecticut luminaries thanks to the Mark Twain house and Museum. For the record, if Mark Twain and Katharine Hepburn had a baby, it’d be the coolest freakin’ kid ever, writing American classics with one hand, while the other pilots a rickety raft down a harrowing white water rapids course cracking wise. Hold on, I have a screenplay to write. 11am-8pm. Hartford, CT, Sun 12/8.more

Heights and Lights, Rappelling Santa

Santa moonlights as a spelunker. he’s rappelling down a 22-story building! Then offering unspecified ‘activities’ for kids. (Unspecified activities are ALWAYS the best!) And a tree lighting with singing. 5pm. Stamford, CT, Sun 12/8.more

Mystic Stroll

Another quality event from Mystic! Stroll through the village, take in the caroling, and revel in the holiday joy of a bygone era. 6pm. Mystic, CT, Tue 12/10.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 gets get a toy out of it, too. 10:30am – 7pm. East Haven, CT, Fri 11/29–Sun 12/22.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

Winter Wonderland

A ‘Winter Wonderland’ with a pasta dinner, ‘surprise’ visit from Santa (blew that one, didn’t ya, Fairfield?), ice cream, and… a magician!? Sign me up! I loves me some magic. I keep trying to pull coins out of my ears but all I get are these pesky cobwebs. 5-7pm. Fairfield, CT, Fri 12/6.more

Christmas Town Festival

The event map and schedule for this Bethlehem, CT event is ‘coming soon’. It better hurry up, the event is less than a week away! Bethlehem, CT, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

East Lyme Light Parade & Winterfest

It’s a Brawl for the ages. In one corner, Chili – with beans and sauce and spices, and its tummy warming properties, vs. New England favorite Clam Chowder, with its creamy taste, and savory clam bits. Who wins this battle of the titans? Visitors to East Lyme, CT’s Winterfest, which has a Chili / Chowder cook off *AND* Magicians AND ice sculptures. This event is after my own heart. 2pm. East Lyme, CT, Sat 12/7.more

Olde Mistick Village Holiday Carnival

Mystic Village is a living history/re-enactment attraction, like Plimoth Plantation. They run a number of holiday events, and they’ll have a one day carnival with street performers, hayrides, a stilt-walking Santa, and a bunch more! All just a 2 hour drive from Boston. 1pm, see schedule for specific performances. 2013: 1pm. Mystic, CT, Sat 12/7.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

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

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

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

Christmas at Victoria Mansion

Tasty treats, a heated back porch, and a tour of a glorious mansion make this event a highlight for the architect in us all. 6pm. Portland, ME, Wed 12/4.more

Festival of Lights

A ‘Winter Wonderland’ parade with judges and everything followed by a tree lighting, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and then snacks and crafts for kids. You should know I literally stuck my neck out for you on this one. The whole PDF is sideways. 5-6:30pm. Bridgton, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Yuletide Tree lighting

The Belfast Bay Fiddlers provide the soundtrack to Stockton Spring’s Yuletide tree lighting, with an Ugly sweater contest, sleigh rides, and wagon rides. 1:00Pm – 6:00Pm. Stockton Springs, ME, Sun 12/8.more

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

The Kennebunkport Prelude takes place this weekend and also the following two. This is a good one for a couple who want a quiet, Christmassy weekend getaway. It’s a beautiful town, but there’s nothing to do here but eat, buy useless trinkets, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Well, there’s a historic Trolley ride on the 6th, but it’s Mister Rogers or bust with that kind of thing. Kennebunkport, ME, Thu 12/5–Sun 12/15.more

Skowhegan Holiday Stroll

Skowhegan’s Holiday stroll comes with a Google Map! It also has cheap movies (Arthur Christmas), a bon fire, a parade, a petting zoo, cookie decorating, glitter tattoos, hip-hop dance classes, a Reader’s Theater, a bike giveaway and ‘Yummy snacks’ . I like how it’s not *all* Christmas-related activities, and the idea of a free hip-hop dance lesson, or glitter tattoo, is more appealing to me than it probably should be. 8am – 7pm (when the parade starts). Skowhegan, ME, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

First Friday Art Walk

I guess a ‘Red Trouser Show’ isn’t what I thought it was. It’s actually part of this bombastic sounding Holiday ‘art walk’ with acrobats, performers, tumbling, and local artisans. Check it out! 6pm and 7pm. Portland, ME, Fri 12/6.more

Annual Harbor Lights Festival

Lighted boat parade, Santa, free horse-drawn wagon rides, participatory caroling, civil war exhibit, and ‘live nativity’. Boothbay Harbor is a cool town, but if you’re coming from Boston, this is a hike! You’d have to make a weekend out of it. events from 9am-8pm. Boothbay Harbor, ME, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Sparkle Weekend

Here’s a cool slate of events. You have a classic comedy ‘Radio Hour’ where classic routines of the 40s, 50s, and 60s will be performed, then a light show where 30,000 lights are synced to classic Christmas tunes (What? no WHAM?), a free screening of the Mo-cap classic The Polar Express, free wagon rides, and naturally, a visit by Santa Claus. 10am – 7pm. Freeport, ME, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas By The Sea – Camden

Lobster, sleigh bells Ho ho ho? Ho hum. Just your traditional Christmas tree lighting with a parade. Camden, ME, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Chester Greenwood Day Parade & Celebration

Sweet and savory combine in Farmington, ME with a Gingerbread House contest and Chili challenge. In fact, the entire ‘Chester Greenwood’ day looks to be a blast. Baton twirling, streamers, a polar bear plunge, ‘big girl dances’, crafts, ice fishing, sledding, a snowball fight, fun run, caroling – toss in a parade that’s not directly tied to Christmas things (‘Winter activities in Maine’) and I’m about ready to organize a road trip. Aside: Curious who Chester Greenwood is? He invented the earmuffs – there’s even an earmuff fashion show!. That’s the most ‘Maine’ thing I’ve ever heard. 9am-6pm. Farmington, ME, Fri 12/6–Sat 12/7.more

Farmington Rotary Club’s Annual Festival of Trees

Farmington’s Festival of Trees. There’s…trees. Not much info on the website, but I believe it rolls into the Chester Greenfield day festivities, which are awesome. Also to my surprise a rotary club isn’t a group of people really, *really* in favor of round-a-bouts. Also (also) to my surprise, the Farmington town chair is named Tom Sawyer. Neat! Farmington, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Holiday Bazaar at Sugarloaf

A Holiday Bazaar at a ski resort poses a great holiday shopping opportunity, and a great setup for a horror film. In this case it’s probably the former. Probably. Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Holiday Light Parade

Yet another night parade, it appears Mr. Potato head will be there. Random. 6pm. Presque Isle, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Saco Spirit Holiday Fest & Parade of Lights

Lots of community floats at this parade. That’s always a good sign. (Merchants tend to reign back on the awesomeness of their events, wanting to Scrooge out a little profit.) Holiday events from 1pm-6pm; parade at 5:00pm. Saco, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas at the Mason House

An old house with candles, authentic for the era decorations, and refreshments. If you like your Holiday with a (very) retro flare, this could be for you. 3:30-6:30pm. Bethel, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas by the Sea Celebration

A holiday festival with arts, crafts, AND wine and cheese tasting? Hickory Farms is gonna be so jealous. 2-6pm. Ogunquit, ME, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/15.more

Christmas By The Sea – Ogunquit

Another great travel option! In addition to all the holiday events you might expect, it’s close and there are a lot of good restaurants and antique shops to visit along a weekend long scavenger hunt, and wine and sweets tastings. I hope there’s peanut brittle! Ogunquit is also, of course, very LGBT friendly. Thumbs up! 2pm-8pm depending on the day. Ogunquit, ME, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/15.more

Santacon (Portland, ME)

There’s a street parade for Santas in Maine, too. 4pm-12:30am. Portland, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Demo Days at Sugarloaf

If you’re a skier, this is a great! Demo top of the line equipment, talk to representatives from all the major ski equipment producers for only $5, then go back to your own skis and feel inferior while knowing the greatness that’s out there. However, the hours for this event are elusive. Get there early! Stay late! Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

York’s Holiday Season Festival of Lights Parade

Woah. Festival of Gingerbread houses, a Holiday film festival, and painting with Santa at a place called…Naked Plates are just a few of the wholly unique activities that make York, ME’s Holiday festival, well, unique! York is a good choice for travel since it’s relatively easy to get to, is close to other cool places in Maine, and has lots to offer tourists. York, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas in the Valley Parade, first Sunday

Oh (ginger)snap! Another Holiday Parade where there must be a winner! Floats will be judged on how well they depict the ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme. I assume a Game of Thrones float wouldn’t go over like a red wedding after Labor Day. 10am-6pm. Rumford, ME, Sat 12/7.more

Annual 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

19th Century Christmas at Norlands

Another 18th century Holiday festival, this time with crafts, parlor games (Liars Dice? I hope there’s Liars Dice!) and the opportunity to bring home a bag of time-traveling cookies for five dollars. The Norlands’ historical center recently lost its Barn in a fire, so if you’re feeling charitable, patronize them early and often. It’d be a Mitzvah. 11am-8pm. Livermore, ME, Sun 12/8.more

Santa Sunday at Sunday River

Santas. Santas everywhere and as far as the eye can see. Dress as Santa and receive a free lift ticket! The rules on the website go into great detail about what constitutes a Santa, and are worth taking a look at for the yucks alone. 7:30am. Newry, ME, Sun 12/8.more

Running of the Bells

A holiday run for even the least athletic among us, this one mile holiday fun run / walk / trot encourages attaching bells to every possible article of clothing you can. Trophies to be awarded for not for the best runners, but the best costumes. Too bad they didn’t do that in sophomore year Gym class. 6:30pm. Saint Albans, VT, Thu 12/5.more

Town of Jay Tree Lighting and Holiday Caroling

This annual tree lighting ceremony is automatically cooler than all the other ones because last year’s was followed by a MOONLIT HIKE! Gotta love Vermont. 6:00pm-7:00pm. Jay, VT, Fri 12/6.more

Vermont International Festival

Uh oh, Essex Junction’s International festival is offering of all sorts of ethnic cuisines, which code for my belt size will grow three sizes that day. Honestly I can’t wait. There’s also a celebration of international dance, culture, and crafting to partake in while not mowing down on that awaze tibs, naan, and Pho. I hope with all my heart there’s Pho. Essex Junction, VT, Fri 12/6–Sun 12/8.more

Waterbury Holiday Stroll

Holiday strolls are great for couples or hopeful couples. Waterbury’s Shiny lights, cold weather, arts and crafts, free coffee, cider, and donuts, and live music will warm even the most cynical of soul. Heck, lets send Randy Ross! Waterbury, VT, Sat 12/7.more

Christmas in Weston

This festival has it all: Music, food, crafts, a scavenger hunt, gingerbread house making, Santa, sleigh and wagon rides, art exhibitions, historical home tours Looks like this one was a Top Ten Winter events winner two years in a row for a reason. Excellent option if you’re looking to get out of the city this weekend! 2013:. Weston, VT, Sat 12/7.more

Burklyn Arts Craft Fair

Pottery, glass blower, basket weavers, AND a nationally renowned clown make this Lyndonville, VT a sight to see. Bonus points if you show up in a tiny little car and have 15 people jump out of it. 10am-4pm. Lyndonville, VT, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.more

Christmas at Billings Farm (weekends)

Learn how Christmas was celebrated in late 19th century Woodstock in the farmhouse and linger in the cozy kitchen as treats are baked in the woodstove. Holiday programs and making historic ornaments. Don’t miss a winter visit to the farm. 10am-3pm. Woodstock, VT, Sat 12/7–Tue 1/1.more

River of Light Lantern Parade

This ‘Creatures Under the Sea’ themed lantern parade is the kind of thing you see in Disney movies like ‘Tangled’ or the recent ‘Thor: The Dark World’ dozens of lanterns on the river, illuminating and reflecting off the water is the kind of visual you need to see to believe. 5pm. Waterbury, VT, Sat 12/7.more

Traditional Christmas in Stowe

How *do* they make Candy Canes? They never covered that one in Willie Wonka, did they? Thankfully, Stowe Vermont’s Traditional Christmas celebration will show you that, along with Santa on a Wagon (what, no boat?), the grand opening of an Ice Arena, caroling, free hay rides, and cookie making. Now *that’s* a Holiday celebration. 9:30am-8pm. Stowe, VT, Sat 12/7–Sun 12/8.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

Holiday Lights & Santa Events

Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region	Tue 12/3	Wed 12/4	Thu 12/5	Fri 12/6	Sat 12/7	Sun 12/8	Mon 12/9	Tue 12/10
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.	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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					S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
Leicester ChristmasLeicester, MA Over 50,000 lights and 53 inflatables. Santa is there on Saturdays! Nightly from 4:30pm-9pm. Waite Street	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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
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.					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.		W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
Wickford Village Festival of LightsNorth Kingstown, RI 2013. A real grab-bag of holiday events throughout this brief festival: Santa’s arrival, a town tree lighting, hayrides with Santa, an ongoing live Nativity scene, an elf parade, and more. Dec 5 -6pm, Dec 6- 5:30-8:15pm, Dec 7 – 8am-4pm. Dec 8- 12:30-4pm. Wickford Village, 877-295-7200.			T	F	S	S
Pawtucket Winter WonderlandPawtucket, RI See 400 decorated Christmas trees, twenty Victorian buildings, and a talking snowman, and enjoy free visits and photos with Santa, train rides, hay rides, carousel rides, food court, and entertainment. Free admission and parking. 4-8pm. Slater Park, Armistice Blvd, 401-728-0500 x251.					S	S
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.	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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
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.				F	S	S	M	T
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.					S	S
Christmas at CanterburyCanterbury, NH December 7th and 14th. 3-8pm. Candlelight strollthrough the Village, watching an old-time magic show, riding in a horse drawn wagon, and watching a silent film with live organ accompaniment by Peter Krasinski. The event will also include music performances, story telling, craft demonstrations and activities, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and cider, chats with Village characters like Dr. Seth Miller, 19th century physician and more. Attendees have the option of having dinner at The Shaker Table, where reservations are required, or enjoying lighter fare at the Shaker Box Lunch & Farm Stand. 288 Shaker Road, 603-783-9511.					S
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	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.	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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.	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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
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.	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
Limington LightsLimington, ME 30,000 lights and an 18ft “Mega Tree.” Nightly from 4:30pm-10pm. 5 Coventry Drive	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
KringlevilleWaterville, ME Visit Santa. Kicks off with Parade of Lights. Downtown	T	W	R	F	S	S	M	T
Waitsfield’s Grand IlluminationWaitsfield, VT Begins daily at dusk. The whole town lights up, including the oldest, still-functioning covered bridge in VT. Townwide	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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	T	W	T	F	S	S	M	T
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.					S	S

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