Events INSIDER: Dec 8-16, 2014

12/08/14 by
Johnnys Picks
Chiming Concert
Enjoy a whole week of outdoor chiming concerts to celebrate the season! Chiming ConcertChristian Science Plaza Boston, MA, –.
Carol Singing
Heres a church-led carol sing-a-long! At least, it looks like you dont have to stand outside and sing in the cold. Carol SingingChurch Boston, MA, .
The 241st Anniversary Boston Tea Party Reenactment
Happy Anniversary! Its the 241th year since Bostonians introduced sea life to the wonders of Caffeine- or the Boston Tea Party for you history nuts. The event of the week is protesting British tax on tea! Nothing says, Screw you guys, like turning the local harbor into a giant pot of Darjeeling, right? Re-enactors will lead you through an old towne meeting and then sort of role-play actually dumping the tea into the harbor (though you stay warm indoors). The 241st Anniversary Boston Tea Party ReenactmentOld South Meeting House Boston, MA, .
Tea with Santa
Enjoy a three-tiered tea and a tour of the mansion, plus Santa! Fun for all ages. Tea with SantaGore Place Waltham, MA, –.
Moose Hill After Dark
Watch the forest come alive at night without help from a flashlight! Make sure to bundle up. Moose Hill After DarkMoose Hill Sharon, MA, .
Polar Express
This Sherlock Holmes Dinner Part is a Cumbernatch-ural choice for fans of the BBC series, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyales iconic sleuth in general. Too bad they dont list any a place or time, but if youre a fan, — track em down yourself, Sherlock! Polar ExpressThe Polar Express Train Ride Station Woonsocket, RI, –.
Stars and Meteors at the Holidays
Catch both a meteor shower and Orions belt at this fun night under the stars. Make sure to dress warm! Stars and Meteors at the HolidaysBroadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary Natick, MA, .
Star Gazing at Frosty Drew Observatory
Dress for frigid temperatures but be ready for heart warming amazement under a sky full of meteors. Star Gazing at Frosty Drew ObservatoryFrosty Drew Observatory Charlestown, RI, –.
Caroling at the New England Wireless and Steam Museum
Bring some cookies or other goodies to this community caroling session! Caroling at the New England Wireless and Steam Museum1822 Meeting Hall East Greenwich, RI, .
Ho Ho Holidays
Gingerbread House Workshop
Join pastry chefs and bloggers as kids learn to create gingerbread masterpieces in Chestnut Hill. Gingerbread House WorkshopDavios Chestnut Hill Chestnut Hill, MA, .
Christmas Caroling at Hayes Park
It looks like this will be outdoors and theyll serve hot cider. Yum!! And the caroling is participatory. Just dont carol with a mouth full of cider. Unless youre a ventriloquist, thats gross. Christmas Caroling at Hayes ParkHayes Park Boston, MA, .
Jingle Ride 2014
This is a 22 mile ride from Arlington to Boston and back, while caroling, with some snacks available along the way. Dress up and decorate your bike for a fun day. Jingle Ride 2014The Kickstand Cafe Arlington, MA, .
SoWa Holiday Market
There should be something for everyone at this holiday market in one of Bostons most artistic neighborhoods. SoWa Holiday MarketBenjamin Franklin Institute Boston, 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 and often times with olive oil. Cannolis to follow? They better. This event has clowns, T.V characters, and free candy! Boston North End Christmas Parade and Santa Helicopter ArrivalPuopolo Park, Ball Fields Boston, MA, .
The Nutcracker
This magical version of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker is back again! With shows all December, dont miss it! The NutcrackerBoston Opera House Boston, MA, –.
Illuminations Tour
A trolley tour of local, holiday decorated houses? Im listening. It ends with choral music, hot cocoa, and cookies at Somerville City Hall? Im sold! Theres also a bike tour. Illuminations TourSomerville City Hall Somerville, MA, .
Holiday Tea at Gore place
Enjoy a traditional English tea with a holiday twist at Gore Place. Holiday Tea at Gore place1806 Governor Gore Mansion Waltham, MA, –.
Christmas Cavalcade
Bands and families get together to hear Christmas music and raise money for the homeless. Christmas CavalcadeJohnny Ds Somerville, MA, .
Funky, Groovy A-NO-NE Christmas
For a completely different take on the holiday season, check out this worldly and groovy night of music. Funky, Groovy A-NO-NE ChristmasRyles Jazz Club Cambridge, MA, .
ZooLights
Stroll lit up tree-lined paths, meet real reindeer, and maybe even see Santa! Its ZooLights, through January 4th. ZooLightsStone Zoo Stoneham, MA, –.
A Family Christmas with the Piano Guys
This family Christmas celebration is brought to you by Utahs Piano Guys with new twists on old standards! A Family Christmas with the Piano GuysWang Theatre Boston, MA, .
Aimee Manns Christmas Show
This celebrated Christmas show full of surprises is returning in full force Tuesday at the Wilbur Theatre! Aimee Manns Christmas ShowWilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Country Christmas Sing-Along
Got a little bit of country in you? This Country Christmas Sing-A-Long may be just what you need. Country Christmas Sing-AlongClub Passim Cambridge, MA, .
Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting
Stroll through Beacon Hill and do some holiday shopping while enjoying carolers, music, and more. Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting Boston, MA, .
Holiday Jam with Jerrod Niemann & Gloriana
Check out this holiday jam at the House of Blues featuring some awesome acts. Holiday Jam with Jerrod Niemann & GlorianaHouse of Blues Boston, MA, .
A Visit from St. Nicholas
Santa Claus doesnt miss this annual tradition that includes the famous POPs sing-a-long. A Visit from St. NicholasSymphony Hall Boston, MA, –.
Christmas Time
Celebrate every aspect of Christmas with this cast of 200 alongside a live orchestra! Christmas TimeReagle Theatre Waltham, MA, –.
BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Dont Blink! Ok, ok, you can blink. The lights will be on through January 4th but the fun gets going on November 22rd with all day fun including musical and dance performances. BLINK! At Faneuil Hall MarketplaceFaneuil Hall Boston, MA, –.
Gingerbread House Classes
This has a chef, A CHEF – who went to school for years – teaching you to make Gingerbread houses. Thats 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* wont eat the dang thing the moment you get home, this may be the one of the coolest craft events in town. Gingerbread House ClassesZebras Bistro Medfield, MA, –.
A Christmas Carol at the Wayside Inn
No space of regret can make amends for one lifes opportunity misused, and you definately dont want to miss out on the chance to watch an authentic, Victorian era production of A Christmas Carol using Mr. Dickens original script and stage direction. No Muppets here! Theres also a second, shorter, more musically oriented version for kids. A Christmas Carol at the Wayside InnLongfellows Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA, .
Tuba Christmas
Heres another Totally Tubular Tuba event in Ayer! Going strong for 41 years, this is not one to be missed. Tuba ChristmasAyer Town Hall Ayer, MA, .
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Its hard enough to decorate my house for Christmas, how do they decorate these mansions? In any case, for a really huge holiday display, tour these Newport mansions all month long. Christmas at the Newport MansionsVarious Locations Newport, RI, –.
Edavilles 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! Edavilles Christmas Festival of LightsEdaville USA Carver, MA, –.
Nantucket Noel & Christmas Stroll
All the way through New Years Eve, Nantucket will be having lots of holiday activities that even include things like ghost walks. Nantucket Noel & Christmas Stroll Nantucket, MA, –.
Home for the Holidays
Visit some well known inns decorated for the season and serving refreshments. Neat! Home for the HolidaysNantucket Island Chamber of Commerce Nantucket, MA, .
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
During the month of December, Old Sturbridge Village puts all its effort into Christmas by Candlelight, even closing during the day. Meet Santa, and enjoy an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride (weather permitting). Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, –.
Holidays at Worcester Art Museum
WAM, the Worcester Art Museum, isnt kidding around. Expanded Cafe Hours, seasonal decorations, changing programming for the kiddies, if youve never been, nows the time to go, and and if you have, why not check out what changed! Holidays at Worcester Art MuseumWorcester Art Museum Worcester, MA, –.
Upstreet Holiday Festival
Decorate cookies, ride the roaming railroad, and get your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at this holiday festival! Upstreet Holiday FestivalPalace Park parking lot Pittsfield, MA, –.
Holiday Celebration with Peter Blanchette
Celebrate the holiday season with a composer/archguitarist in Westfield. Sounds cool! Holiday Celebration with Peter BlanchetteWestfield State Downtown Art Gallery Westfield, MA, .
Westfields Christmas Concert
Westfields Christmas Concert features bands and singers from local schools and churches. Cool! Westfields Christmas ConcertSecond Congregational Church Westfield, MA, .
A Christmas Carol: the Musical
This musical version of A Christmas Carol is a holiday tradition for many, dont miss it in Westfield! A Christmas Carol: the MusicalWestfield Womans Club Westfield, MA, –.
Winterfest
Winterfest is made up of several local choruses and bands all ready to share their holiday music and spirit. WinterfestDever Stage, Parenzo Hall Westfield, MA, .
Bright Nights in Springfield
Bright Nights appears to be a drive-through safari, but instead of wild animals, youre checking out thousands of Holiday lights. And if the website is to be believed, theres a Dr. Seuss land. Bright Nights in SpringfieldForest Park Springfield, MA, –.
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. Country Christmas Open HouseThornton W. Burgess Society East Sandwich, MA, –.
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! Glassblowers ChristmasSandwich Glass Museum Sandwich, MA, –.
Christmas at the Museums on the Green
This Christmas at the Museum is a full Colonial extravaganza that lasts a whole week. Check it out! Christmas at the Museums on the GreenFrancis Wicks House Falmouth, MA, –.
Messiah Sing at Portsmouth Music Hall
Join in this community sing-a-long featuring many singers and help make it a happening. Messiah Sing at Portsmouth Music HallThe Music Hall Portsmouth, NH, .
Santas Holiday Express
All aboard Santas Holiday Express for hot chocolate, cookies, elves, and one great train ride. Santas Holiday ExpressConway Scenic Railroad North Conway, NH, –.
Brickyard Jingle
This fun event features a wandering Santa, singing princesses, music, and more! Brickyard JingleParticipating Backyard Stores Epping, NH, .
Lights on the Hill
Food, shopping, music, and more make this event one for the entire family. Lights on the HillSmyth Building Candia, NH, .
Christmas at Canterbury
Heres 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? Ill go now. Christmas at Canterbury Canterbury, NH, –.
Polar Express
Relieve the Polar Express as you ride the rails around a Christmas wonderland sipping hot chocolate. Awesome! Polar ExpressConway Scenic Railroad North Conway, NH, –.
Wolfeboro Festival of Trees
See more than 65 trees decked out to the nines in this fun and spirited event that runs all weekend. Wolfeboro Festival of TreesWright Museum Wolfeboro, NH, –.
Also Fun
Boston Turkish Festival: Colors of Anatolia
Heres a six-week long festival to celebrate the beauty of the Turkish culture. This years theme, Colors of Anatolia embodies the diversity and richness of the Turkish culture. There will be something for everyone – art exhibits, musical performances, film screenings and more! Boston Turkish Festival: Colors of AnatoliaVarious Places Boston, MA, –.
GP4CP Winter Fundraiser
Attend this charity event with videogames, board games, roleplaying, and food — and somehow this gets toys to kids in a hospital. Theyll have 20 different kinds of games, from Rock Band to ping pong. If thats not enough, theres also booze. GP4CP Winter FundraiserMicrosoft NERD Cambridge, MA, .
Kwanzaa Concert
Kwanzaa honors the Nguzo Saba which contains seven principles including unity, creativity, peace, self determination, cooperative economics, and more. This Kwanzaa concert is not participatory, which is a shame, because its the only Kwanzaa event Ive heard of. Kwanzaa ConcertRoxbury Community College Roxbury, MA, .
Model Train Weekend
With miles and miles of model trains, theres sure to be something the whole family will love. Model Train WeekendNational Heritage Museum Lexington, MA, –.
Wrap Around Sale
Help the homeless in Somerville by purchasing handmade goods at this special sale. Wrap Around SaleNave Gallery (Teele Square) 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. 2012: 1-6pm. GeekFaire at PandemoniumPandemonium Books Cambridge, MA, .
Goya – Order and Disorder
A major exhibition of the works of Spanish master Francisco Goya opens this week at the MFA. Dont miss it! Goya - Order and DisorderMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Brookline Arts Centers Artist Marketplace
Two weekends of art and activities are on deck in Brookline. Have fun and do some holiday shopping! Brookline Arts Centers Artist MarketplaceBrookline Arts Center Brookline, MA, –.
Celebrate Frame the Garden Project
Help support the folks behind a great Bostonian art project with a night of fun, food, and art. Celebrate Frame the Garden ProjectAbby Lane Food & Spirits Boston, MA, .
A STEAM Fundraiser
Check out this fundraiser for a future music academy and enjoy DJing, top notch equipment, and more! A STEAM FundraiserMmmmaven Cambridge, MA, .
Third Life Choreographer Series
Enjoy this series of informal and experimental dance performances it would be difficult to find in another setting! Third Life Choreographer SeriesThird Life Studio Somerville, MA, .
Holiday Cookie Tour
Cookie…tour? As in, an entire tour dedicated to cookies? Am I dreaming? I feel like Im dreaming. Visit 14 inns across New Hampshire, all offering various cookie treats, and receive a special reward (no, not XXL pants), for doing so! Youre encouraged to make a weekend out of it, with lodging rates and dinner available. Holiday Cookie TourDarby Field Inn Albany, NH, –.
Gingerbread Express Model Train Layout & Contest
This is a gingerbread house contest, with all kinds of surprisingly large and intricate displays, including one with model trains. Ive been to the Wenham Museum and its one of these New England-y places in the middle of nowhere with a world class attitude and is really worth a visit. Gingerbread Express Model Train Layout & ContestWenham Museum Wenham, MA, –.
Lights of Hope: Luminaries
Remember a loved one and their fight against cancer at this illuminating and uplifting fundraising event. Lights of Hope: LuminariesGenesis Center Westfield, MA, .
Victorian Open House
Music, tea, other refreshments, and more are in store at this Victorian Open House. Victorian Open HouseWestfield Athenaeum Westfield, MA, .
The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song
Hear classic evergreen lore plus music and songs from around the world at this unique seasonal event! The Winter Solstice in Legend and SongWellfleet Library Wellfleet, MA, .
Performance
Review: The Sleeprunner
A dynamic dreamworld awaits if you email giveaways@eventsinsider.com and win tix to The Sleeprunner! Review: The SleeprunnerMulticultural Arts Center Cambridge, MA, –.
Review: The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
The Musical of Musicals lends from the best of the best to create one amazing show! Review: The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Candlelight Carols
This hundred year old tradition is a bit on the religious side, but sure to be beautiful/. Candlelight CarolsSanctuary Boston, MA, –.
Natural Selections: Work inspired by Forms in Nature
Take a look at nature in several different ways from realistic to inventive and imaginary in this new exhibit. Natural Selections: Work inspired by Forms in NatureWashington Street Somerville, MA, –.
Review: Tale of the Allergists Wife
See the tale of an allergists wife unfold on stage in…The Tale of the Allergists Wife. Promise its better than going to the allergist! Review: Tale of the Allergists WifeThe Lyric Stage Boston, MA, –.
Meet Me in St. Louis Christmas
Meet Me in St. Louis Christmas. Meet Me in St. Louis ChristmasStoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, –.
Boston Gay Mens Chorus presents Noel
Hear the classic holiday tunes along with some new ones at this performance by the Boston Gay Mens Chorus. Boston Gay Mens Chorus presents NoelJordan Hall Boston, MA, –.
Quality Holiday Revue
The Paradise will be having a night of holiday music in this Quality Revue! Quality Holiday RevueParadise Rock Club Boston, MA, .
Science on Screen? Program
Science on the Screen is back with a night all about aviation – from Airplane! to MIT. Science on Screen? ProgramCoolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA, .
Its a Wonderful Life
Experience Its a Wonderful Life in a completely different format – as a radio broadcast. Cool! Its a Wonderful LifeArmory Cafe/Arts at the Armory Somerville, MA, –.
The Little Prince
In this new take on the classic story of the Little Prince, enchanting music and heartfelt lyrics will make you experience the tale like never before. The Little PrinceCharles Mosesian Theater Watertown, MA, –.
Obsessive Political Correctness
Politics, family, and core beliefs come to a head in this new play opening in Cambridge Friday! Obsessive Political CorrectnessLoeb Drama Center Cambridge, MA, –.
How the Sith Stole Christmas
Find out how the Sith stole Christmas in this fun musical event fit for the whole family. How the Sith Stole ChristmasCharlestown Working Theater Charlestown, MA, –.
Distant Neighbors
A big backyard fence doesnt mean much when aliens land in your neighborhood! Distant Neighbors become fast friends (or do they?) in this new production. Distant NeighborsBoston Playwrights Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
You know all the Christmas stories, but have you ever seen them in one night? Heres your chance. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)Winthrop School of Performing Arts Winthrop, MA, –.
Review: Necessary Monsters
Heres a darkly humorous look at the human psyche and its often violent tendencies. Interesting! Necessary MonstersCalderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts Boston, MA, –.
Alice In Wonderland
Enjoy the classic tale live on stage in Provicetown through the 21st. Alice In WonderlandThe Provincetown Theater Provincetown, MA, –.
13 Things About Ed Carpolotti
A devoted widow starts to question her husband when debtors begin calling in this comic musical. 13 Things About Ed CarpolottiMerrimack Repertory Theater Lowell, MA, –.
Back Bay Ringers – Holiday Show
Listen to holiday tunes as they were intended – by handrung bell. Awesome! Back Bay Ringers - Holiday ShowAmazing Things Arts Center Framingham, MA, .
Review: A Christmas Carol
A celebrated tradition on the North Shore, A Christmas Carol is back for another run starting Friday night. A Christmas CarolNorth Shore Music Theatre Beverly, MA, –.
Henri Smith New Orleans Christmas
Celebrate Christmas New Orleans style with great music, a fun atmosphere, and more! Henri Smith New Orleans ChristmasThe Larcom Theatre Beverly, MA, .
A Christmas Carol
Dont be a Scrooge! Catch a showing of this Christmas Classic through the end of the year at the Chace Theater in Providence. A Christmas CarolChace Theater Providence, RI, –.
Barefoot In The Park
Heres a fast-paced and witty romantic play that sounds great for a date night. What are you waiting for? Barefoot In The ParkDowling Theater Providence, RI, –.
Discussion with Holly Bellebuono
Learn all about the world of natural medicine and healing from a woman who lived it! Discussion with Holly BellebuonoFirst Parish Meeting House Wayland, MA, .
Travel
Christmas Movie Showings
Holiday Inn and Its a Wonderful Life, are playing this month at Bowtie Cinemas in New Haven CT. Wait? CT? Thats really far away from me! Ooohhhhhh…Fuuuuu….dge! Christmas Movie ShowingsBow Tie Cinemas New Haven, CT, –.
Olde Mistick Villages Festival of Lights
Enjoy music and refreshments as you walk around a lit-up, magical looking winter wonderland. Olde Mistick Villages Festival of LightsOlde Mistick Village Mystic, CT, .
Lantern Light Tours
This is a walking play inspired by A Christmas Carol, with small groups making for a truly unique experience. Lantern Light ToursMystic Seaport Mystic, CT, –.
Sugarloaf Holiday Gift Bazaar
Sugarloaf is having a holiday bazaar all weekend and is sure to have some interesting finds. Sugarloaf Holiday Gift BazaarSugarloaf Mountain Carrabassett Valley, ME, –.
Picnic Holiday Sale
Have your photo taken with a yeti and enjoy food and drink while shopping at this holiday sale. Picnic Holiday SalePortland Company Complex Portland, ME, .
Country Christmas in Bethel
County Christmas in Bethel, ME has a living nativity, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a Christmas tree lighting, suit you? Country Christmas in BethelDowntown Bethel Bethel, ME, –.
Old Fashioned Cookie Walk
Stop by this Hampton Inn for some fresh cookies, with proceeds going to a good cause. Old Fashioned Cookie WalkHampton Inn Bath, ME, .
Full Moon Hike
See the amazing scenery on your snowshoe hike, then enjoy roasted marshmallows under the full moon. Full Moon HikeJackson Gore Village Ludlow, VT, .
Irish Christmas in America
Enjoy a cast full of pure Irish talent in this ten-year-strong show with dance, music, song, and more! Irish Christmas in AmericaSpruce Peak Performing Arts Center Stowe, VT, .
Xmas Lights & Santa Events
 Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region Mon 12/8 Tue 12/9 Wed 12/10 Thu 12/11 Fri 12/12 Sat 12/13 Sun 12/14 Mon 12/15
Enchanted Village at Jordan’s FurnitureAvon, MA

Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Jordan Marsh displayed the Enchanted Village in its Downtown Crossing store. The heart-warming display quickly became an integral part of New England’s seasonal celebrations. Until 1972, when Jordan Marsh closed the display, a trip to The Village was a traditional event.
Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr more
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Stone Zoo’s ZoolightsBoston, MA

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, Canada lynx (including three kittens born earlier this year), 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. 2014: 5-9pm.
149 Pond Street, 617-541-5466. more
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Holiday Lights at Lake CompounceBristol, CT

The park will be covered in lights; thousands of bulbs and 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!
822 Lake Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, 860-583-3300. more
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Edaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of LightsCarver, MA

Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights.
Pine Street, 508-866-8190. more
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WinterFest at Connecticut Trolley MuseumEast Windsor, CT

Join hundreds of others and start a family tradition of coming for a trolley ride during the holiday season. Whether you ride a closed car or brave the cold to ride the open “electric sleigh”, we promise you a good time and one that you’ll remember for years. Join your motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols as the trolley makes its way through the “Tunnel of Lights”. Returning to the Visitor Center, it’s always a race to get into the warmth and enjoy a nice steaming cup of hot cocoa as you listen to the entertainment and admire all the model trains and displays.
58 North Road, 860-627-6540. more
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Holiday Light FantasiaHartford, CT

This 4th annual park-wide lighted celebration captures the true spirit of the season! We hope our festive show offers an enchanting evening of fun for family and friends 2013: 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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Christmastime at Santa’s VillageJefferson, NH

Come see some Special Shows, great Yuletide Festivities, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Be sure to dress warmly, it’s cold in Northern New Hampshire at Christmastime.
Route 2, 603-586-4445. more
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Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor SpeedwayLoudon, NH

Get the entire family into the Christmas spirit by heading to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and seeing how over-the-top decorating looks while being able to brag you’ve driven around the track.
1122 Route 106 North, 765-664-3918. more
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That House in MilfordMilford, CT

5:00 to 10:00 Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 to 11:00 Friday and Saturday. Also 5:00 to 11:00 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

Join us for the 35th annual theatrical production of Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport. Set on Christmas Eve in 1876, this play unfolds through five scenes in exhibits around the Museum’s 19th-century maritime village. Both young and old will enjoy seasonal delights that include a horse-drawn carriage ride, a spirited holiday dance, the beautiful glow of lanterns that light the way and, just perhaps, a visit with old St. Nick!
Mystic Seaport, 860-572-5365. more
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Fantasy of LightsNew Haven, CT

Check out over 60 attractions that include animated and LED light displays! While you’re there, share your experience with your friends on social media using #fantasyoflights. You can show off your favorite displays all while participating in a great cause. So whether it’s your first or twentieth year enjoying the Fantasy of Lights, get ready to be dazzled by over 100,000 lights!
Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000. more
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Christmas at the Newport MansionsNewport, RI

The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions.
Various locations more
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Santa’s Holiday ExpressNorth Conway, NH

Santa is on board with his mischievous elves, who will share their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They’ll also take your picture, if you ask nicely, so be sure to bring your camera!
38 Norcross Circle, 603-356-5251. more
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A Grand Holiday at the Mansion- From Victorian to ModernNorwalk, CT

Come join us for a guided tour of our historic period rooms, displaying Victorian holiday traditions decade by decade. See how the small table-top trees of the 1850s transformed into the magnificent floor-to-ceiling trees of the 1890s. Learn about the different types of gifts that were enjoyed throughout the era, and discover the origins of some of your own favorite traditions. As a special feature this year, the Magnificent Victorian Holiday at the Mansion will connect to the mansion’s Hidden Treasures exhibit of exquisite artifacts belonging the Lockwood and Mathews families.
295 West Avenue more
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Lincoln LightsOrange, CT

Come see our Christmas synchronized display. There are 15 songs that will play. Tune your radio to 98.1FM and enjoy the show. Please don’t turn around in our neighbors driveways. And all donations go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The lights will be on Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday-Sunday 5:00pm-10:00pm. Opens on Thanksgiving Night– Not sure when it ends.
Lincoln Rd more
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Heritage Museum Gardens AglowSandwich, MA

Join us for our annual holiday event, featuring more lights and decorations than ever! New this year: The Holiday Train, a festive model railway display that will travel through the Special Exhibitions Gallery along elevated tracks and over a spectacular bridge made of all-natural materials. Enjoy music and dance performances at 6:30 in the Automobile Gallery. St. Nick will hold court in the Model T. Gingerbread houses created by local companies and students will be on display. Holiday crafts, carousel rides, Hidden Hollow by moonlight, and marshmallow roasting over a fire pit all add up to a great holiday celebration.
67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300. more
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Springfield’s Bright Night at Forest ParkSpringfield, MA

Bright Nights at Forest Park” is the Northeast’s premier holiday lighting experience with nearly three miles of lighting displays.
Rt 83, 413-733-3800. more
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Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageSturbridge, MA

Escape the frenzy of a modern Christmas with an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride (weather permitting). Meet Father Christmas and chat with Santa Claus (bring your camera!). In order to focus on the evening holiday events, Old Sturbridge Village will be closed during the day from December 2-25, 2014. The Village will return to a daytime schedule for its popular school vacation week activities Dec. 26, 2014– Jan. 4, 2015.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, 800-733-1830. more
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Holiday Santa Trains/Northern Lights LimitedThomaston, CT

Our evening “Festival of Lights” is both inside and outside the train as we invite children of all ages on a journey to Santa’s Train Workshop, where Santa will board and greet everyone during the hour and a quarter trip with a gift for each child. Mrs. Claus and our elves all join in on the fun along your journey. What a great way to celebrate the holiday spirit this December in Connecticut! Northern Lights tickets are just $25 per person, children 2 and under are free! Groups with 20 or more automatically receive a discount of $1 off per ticket when purchasing online or by phone.
242 E Main Street 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. Does not say when it ends.
75 Gristmill Rd more
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Boston’s concert season is rocking this year! Some of the concerts in Boston you can get tickets to online include John Legend at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Fleetwood Mac, teen superstar Justin Bieber and even Tom Petty at Fenway Park. Boston seems to always have lots of events going on, even stuff for the kids like Disney on Ice Frozen at the Fleet Center.