Events INSIDER: Dec 15-23, 2014

12/14/14 by
Giveaways & Features
Win: The Christmas Revels
Want to spend a night in the Crystal Palace, set in Victorian London? Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com for a chance to win a pair of passes to The Christmas Revels! Your pick of dates 12/27 or 12/28. Sanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Johnnys Picks
Tea with Santa
Enjoy a three-tiered tea and a tour of the mansion, plus Santa! Fun for all ages. Gore Place Waltham, MA, –.
Its a Wonderful Life
See the Christmas classic as it was intended, on the big screen! This weekend at the Brattle. The Brattle Theatre Cambridge, 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). Old South Meeting House Boston, MA, .
Solstice Stroll
You cant beat a candlelight stroll through a park at sunset and smores and hot chocolate around a fire. RSVP. Ravenswood Park Gloucester, MA, .
FLL Championship: RoboNautica
What does it take to win the First Lego League championship? Find out Saturday! WPI – Sports & Rec Center Worcester, 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! The Polar Express Train Ride Station Woonsocket, RI, –.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge USA
Join this Winter Solstice celebration at Americas Stonehenge for an enlightening afternoon. Americas Stonehenge Salem, NH, .
Ho Ho Holidays
ZooLights
Stroll lit up tree-lined paths, meet real reindeer, and maybe even see Santa! Its ZooLights, through January 4th. Stone Zoo Stoneham, MA, –.
Holiday Bell Ringing Concerts
There are bell-ringing concerts all over New England like this one in Boston. Check them out if you like your caroling a little more jingle-bell-i-fied. Commonwealth Avenue Mall Boston, MA, –.
Holiday Tea at Gore place
Enjoy a traditional English tea with a holiday twist at Gore Place. 1806 Governor Gore Mansion Waltham, MA, –.
Lexington Messiah Sing
Holy Handel! Another Messiah sing! At this one, you are free to join along, for the good or ill of the people standing next to you. Grace Chapel Lexington, MA, –.
Yule Ball X
This is probably your best bet for a Harry Potter Holiday Season. Potter-themed bands all night, and that Yule Ball spirit! Middle East Cambridge, MA, .
Chris Isaaks Christmas Show
Its no wicked game that Chris Isaak is in town with a Christmas themed show at the Wilbur. Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, .
Candlelight Christmas at Old South
Heres a candlelight procession and lots of beautiful music. Its Christmas at Old South Church! Old South Church Boston, MA, .
Another Kuchar Xmas
See the holidays through the eyes of prolific artist George Kuchar at this film presentation. Harvard Film Archive Cinematheque Cambridge, MA, .
Holly Days with The Moody Street String Band
Sing along with a night of great live music and traditional holiday tunes from across the pond. Gore Place Waltham, MA, .
Ugly Christmas Sweater Holiday Party
Heres an Ugly Sweater party that benefits an LGBT charity. Expect a fun night and even funnier sweaters! Promise Place School Boston, MA, .
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs
Fifty artists bring their best handmade wares to Harvard Square for you to enjoy! Dont miss this holiday shopping event. First Parish Unitarian Church Cambridge, MA, –.
Christmas Concert
Enjoy a concert of holiday music from around the world and participate in the fun singalong! St. Johns Episcopal Church Jamaica Plain, 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. Faneuil Hall Boston, MA, –.
Caroling Mob: Loose Canon Chorale
My favorite Xmas Caroling group this week is coming up. I went one year and it was awesome! Fun, creative, harmonic, and not too religious. Various Locations Jamaica Plain, MA, .
Santa and Holiday Teas at Gore place
Tea with Santa. I guess the big guy would drink tea as opposed to coffee, and its nice of him to share his drink of choice with the masses. For 35 dollars you, yes *you* could sip with Santa. Governor Gore Mansion Waltham, MA, –.
The Nutcracker
This magical version of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker is back again! With shows all December, dont miss it! Boston Opera House Boston, MA, –.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
Santa Claus will sing-a-long with you and the Boston Pops this season. Symphony 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. Zebras Bistro Medfield, MA, –.
Holiday Delights
See some of Gloucesters best and brightest youth performers in this showcase featuring dozens of talented locals. Gloucester Stage Gloucester, MA, –.
Rockport Holiday Sing Along
Free and open to the public, come up to Rockport for this community sing along! Rockport, MA, .
Christmas Tours at the Gables
Holiday Tours in Salem are always fun, its 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 houses secret passage once and it almost became the House of Seven gables and a chubby 8th grader who should walk sideways through tight corners. The House of the Seven Gables Salem, MA, .
Late Night Catechism – The Mystery of the Magis Gold
CSI Bethlehem comes to Beverly in this one of a kind rendition of the biblical Christmas story. The Larcom Theatre Beverly, MA, –.
Olde World Christmas at Plimoth Grist Mill
Travel back to the simple times before electricity, modern medicine, and telecommunications via Plimouth Plantations Olde World Christmas, with real Sugar Plums! Ive never had one before! Plimoth Grist Mill Plymouth, MA, –.
Messiah Sing
Join in this Messiah Sing at the Church of the Pilgramage in historic Plymouth. Church of the Pilgrimage Plymouth, MA, .
Open Mic Holiday Party
Celebrities! Karaoke! A good cause! How could this event not be fun? Showcase Live Foxborough, MA, .
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! Edaville 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, MA, –.
Nantucket Noel
Watch 100 trees come to life in the night to the sounds of a youth choir in Nantucket! Top of Main Street Nantucket, MA, –.
Polar Express at Wachusett Mountain
Santa arrives via helicopter at this popular skiing site. Arts and crafts, caroling. Im glad they arent saying Santas means of arriving is a secret anymore. It wasnt much of a secret with that photo of Santa in a helicopter. Wachusett Mountain Princeton, 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). Old 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! Worcester Art Museum Worcester, 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. Forest Park Springfield, MA, –.
Upstreet Holiday Festival
Decorate cookies, ride the roaming railroad, and get your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at this holiday festival! Palace Park parking lot Pittsfield, MA, –.
Polar Express
Live the Polar Express story, complete with Santa himself, who greets everyone upon their arrival to Christmas Town. Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot Hyannis, MA, –.
Holly Folly Boston Gay Mens Chorus
This GLBT Holiday festivals got a Santa speedo run, Ptowns gay mens chorus, drag Bingo, and Bostons 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. New England Conservatorys Jordan Hall Provincetown, 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! Sandwich Glass Museum Sandwich, MA, –.
Holly Days Home Tour
In addition to Holiday Home Tours, Holly Days in Sandwich, MA, taught me a new word. Docent. Do you know what a docent is? No? Well every single home tour will have one stationed inside it. You can cheat and google, or you can actually go and find out for yourself. The Fessenden House Sandwich, MA, –.
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 youd come to expect from such events are present and accounted for. Heritage Museums and Gardens Sandwich, 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. Thornton W. Burgess Society East Sandwich, MA, –.
Christmas at Blithewold
Theres a different theme every year at Christmas at Blithewood. The 18 foot tall Christmas tree and every room in this sprawling mansion is decorated with this theme in mind. This year, the theme is you are invited, so go! Blithewold Mansion Bristol, RI, –.
A Very Special Christmas WaterFire
Chestnuts would LOVE to roast over these open fires…on the water! Friday night in Providence. Waterplace Park Providence, RI, .
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. Various Locations Newport, RI, –.
Dinner & A Movie – Its a Wonderful Life
Its a wonderful life when you get dinner AND Its a Wonderful Life! M&D Productions North Conway, NH, .
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Theres a whole day dedicated to ugly Christmas sweaters in East Madison, NH. At least everyone stays warm! King Pine Purity Spring Resort East Madison, NH, .
Vintage Christmas Gingerbread House Contest
Vintage gingerbread houses? Vying for first place? This must be a sight to see. Discover Portsmouth Portsmouth, NH, .
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. The Music Hall Portsmouth, NH, .
A Christmas Carol
The classic Christmas tale is on stage in North Conway through 12/21! M&D Productions North Conway, NH, –.
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 NHs Vintage Christmas the most post-modern event of the Holiday Season. Strawbery Banke Visitors Center Portsmouth, NH, –.
The Santa Claus Chronicles
Go behind the scenes at the North Pole in this fun and family friendly Christmas play. North Conway Village North Conway, NH, –.
Santas Holiday Express
All aboard Santas Holiday Express for hot chocolate, cookies, elves, and one great train ride. Conway Scenic Railroad North Conway, NH, –.
Polar Express
Relive the Polar Express as you ride the rails around a Christmas wonderland sipping hot chocolate. Awesome! Conway Scenic Railroad North Conway, NH, –.
Oy Oy Oy
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
The MFA is offering a night of art and activities all celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
Lighting of the Hanukkah Candles
Join others in the Atrium for a ceremonial candle lighting event. SCC Atrium Waltham, MA, –.
State House Menorah Lighting
The State House has an eighteen foot tall Menorah, and you can see it light up at 4pm. Massachusetts State House Boston, MA, –.
Menorah Lighting on Needham Town Common
Music, dancing, and refreshments are part of this townwide Menorah lighting ceremony. Needham Town Common Needham, MA, –.
Chanukah Festival of Lights
Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight-day celebration. West Springfields celebration will be Monday night! Majestic Theater Lobby Springfield, MA, .
Also Fun
Cookie Swap for a Cause
All the flavor of a cookie swap, and all the good karma of helping people in need. Im in! District Hall Boston, MA, .
Candle Lighting Service
This annual ceremony offers comfort and solidarity to those who are struggling from the loss of loved ones. The holidays can be painful under such circumstances, so Im glad this event exists. Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge, MA, .
Story Slam: Tipping Point
Come to hear the stories, or toss your name in the hat and perhaps tell your own! Will your favorite tale be the nights winner? Mother Brook Arts & Community Center Dedham, MA, .
The Saturday Local Artist Market (SLAM)
Spend a Saturday afternoon exploring local art face to face with the artists who make it! The Burren Somerville, MA, –.
Boston Area Chantey & Maritime Sing
Prepare for a night of the finest sea chanteys and a lot of fun at this maritime singalong! USS Constitution Museum Charlestown, MA, .
Goya – Order and Disorder
A major exhibition of the works of Spanish master Francisco Goya opens this week at the MFA. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Rockports Christmas Pageant
This is one of the oldest Christmas pageants in the country, full of tradition, spectacle, and great food afterwards. Rockport, MA, .
Winter Solstice Celebration
Spend the solstice outside enjoying nature, with stories, snacks and hot cocoa too! Moose Hill Sharon, MA, .
Interactive Dickens Dinner
This is an interactive A Christmas Carol dinner in Westfield, a Dickensian good time! The Carriage House at Genesis Spiritual Center, Westfield, MA, .
Performance
Meet Me in St. Louis Christmas
Meet Me in St. Louis Christmas at the Stoneham Theatre. Stoneham 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. Jordan Hall Boston, MA, –.
The Buttcracker
Heres a one of a kind show focused entirely on the human backside in a variety of mediums. Not joking. Oberon Cambridge, MA, .
Festival of Light
Reggae legend-in-the-making Matisyahu brings his Festival of Light to the House of Blues for just one night. House of Blues Boston, MA, .
Louder than Words
See the dreams of the communitys youth performed on stage in this powerful emotional and creative event. BCA Plaza Theater Boston, MA, .
Christmas from Dublin
A tenor in training since the age of seven arrives in Cambridge with a musical Christmas from Dublin. Sounds great! Regattabar Cambridge, 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! The Lyric Stage Boston, MA, –.
Stories Without Roofs: Writing Home
In this new play homeless residents of Boston have an opportunity to share their insight – what will you see? Boston Playwrights Theatre Cambridge, 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. Charles Mosesian Theater Watertown, MA, –.
An American Christmas
Its An American Christmas with the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra. Hear classics and new tunes at this benefit concert. Emmanuel Church Boston, MA, .
Review: The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
The Musical of Musicals lends from the best of the best to create one amazing show! Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Seven Times Salts Solstice Celebration
Oh my gosh! Is that a lute?! Sign me up. Take my money, Im there! This is another multi-cultural Solstice concert, by the world-class early music group Seven Times Salt. Seven Times Salt Boston, MA, .
The Christmas Revels
What was Christmas like in Victorian London? Find out firsthand at the Christmas Revels! Sanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Tafuta!
Follow a young boy as he searches for the true meaning of Kwanzaa in Tafuta! Roxbury Community College Roxbury, MA, –.
Obsessive Political Correctness
Politics, family, and core beliefs come to a head in this new play opening in Cambridge Friday! Loeb Drama Center Cambridge, MA, –.
Review: Necessary Monsters
This Monstrous play gives a dark humor look at the human psyche. Merry Xmas! Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts 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. Washington Street Somerville, MA, –.
13 Things About Ed Carpolotti
A devoted widow starts to question her husband when debtors begin calling in this comic musical. Merrimack Repertory Theater Lowell, MA, –.
Rockapella Holiday Show
Rockapella, of Carmen SanDiego fame, is in Natick for an top notch a capella holiday concert! Natick Center for the Arts Natick, MA, .
Appalachian Christmas Concert
A bluegrass quartet and 60-voice mens chorus should make this Appalachian concert something to remember. Casey Theater Weston, MA, .
Review: A Christmas Carol
A celebrated tradition on the North Shore, A Christmas Carol is back for another run starting Friday night. North Shore Music Theatre Beverly, MA, –.
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
Hear the Celtic sounds of Christmas at this local tradition and much loved performance. The Zeiterion Theatre New Bedford, MA, .
NBSO Family Holiday Pops
Kids should attend the interactive matinee for extra fun, but the whole family will enjoy this holiday Pops concert. The Zeiterion Theatre New Bedford, MA, .
A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre
This performance of A Christmas Carol is running through 12/28 in Worcester! The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Worcester, MA, –.
Alice In Wonderland
Enjoy the classic tale live on stage in Provicetown through the 21st. The Provincetown Theater Provincetown, MA, –.
Holiday Jazz Concert
Well known on the cape as a performer and supporter of the arts, Bart Weisman presents a holiday jazz concert Saturday in Provincetown. Provincetown Art Association and Museum Provincetown, MA, .
Chorus of Westerly: Christmas Pops
Hear holiday favorites played by the pops and sung by the choir; two shows Sunday afternoon. George Kent Performance Hall Westerly, 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? Dowling Theater Providence, RI, –.
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. Chace Theater Providence, RI, –.
Holiday Pops Variety Show
Heres a jazzy Pops variety show sure to play some holiday favorites. Through 12/21. Concord City Auditorium Concord, NH, –.
Travel
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce
Thousands of lights, holiday music, and rides for the whole family! Now thats a holiday celebration. Lake Compounce Bristol, CT, .
Breakfast with Santa
Two seatings with Santa are available for this holiday brunch. Who doesnt want to have breakfast with Santa? The Shoppes at Farmington Valley Canton, CT, .
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! Bow Tie Cinemas New Haven, CT, –.
Lantern Light Tours
This is a walking play inspired by A Christmas Carol, with small groups making for a truly unique experience. Mystic Seaport Mystic, CT, –.
Ice Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Come see this Menorah sculpted before your eyes…out of ice. And then lit! Seriously, this is a thing. Chabad of Fairfield Fairfield, CT, .
Creative Holidays At The Luckey + Merrill Studio
Creative holidays or last minute shopping? Either way, there should be some interesting creations at this open house. Branford, CT, .
Festival of Silver Lights
More than 200,000 lights await visitors by car and by foot at this lit-up masterpiece. Beaches and Parks Meriden, CT, –.
Lantern Light Tours
I dont 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. Mystic Seaport Mystic, CT, –.
Fire and Ice Chanukah Celebration
Watch a giant Menorah get sculpted from ice from the warmth of a heated tent. Sounds backwards but pretty neat. Blue Back Square Isham Road West Hartford, CT, .
Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Heres a list of Menorah Lighting Ceremonies in several Connecticut towns and cities. All over Connecticut All Over, , –.
New Haven Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet
Holiday favorites played by a brass quartet? Sounds like a great night of music. Yale Center for British Art New Haven, CT, .
David Beam & The Custom House Gang
Expect blues and bluegrass tunes out of this performance in Portland. Andys Old Port Pub Portland, ME, .
Holiday Bazaar
Explore the friendship and Christmas traditions shared by Longfellow and Dickens at this fun and informative event. Maine Historical Society Museum Store 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? Downtown Bethel Bethel, ME, –.
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. Dont miss a winter visit to the farm. Billings Farm & Museum Woodstock, VT, –.
Visit With Santa
Santa makes a pit stop to chat with children before heading to the North Pole for final preparations! Jackson Gore Village Ludlow, VT, .
Santa Balloon Parade
On Christmas Eve Eve, Santa and his elves will be handing out balloons @okemomountain! Jackson Gore Village Ludlow, VT, .
Xmas Lights & Santa Events
 Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region Mon 12/15 Tue 12/16 Wed 12/17 Thu 12/18 Fri 12/19 Sat 12/20 Sun 12/21 Mon 12/22
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
M T W R F S S M
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
M T W R F S S M
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
F S S
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
M T W R F S S M
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
F S S
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
M T W R F S S M
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
S S
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
M T W R F S S M
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
M T W R F S S M
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
F S S
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
M T W R F S S M
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
M T W R F S S M
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
S S M
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
W R F S S
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
M T W R F S S M
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
F S S
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.