Events INSIDER: Dec 24, 2012 – Jan 1, 2013

12/23/12 by
Ho Ho Holidays
My List of 60 Xmas Attractions
I list more ongoing Christmas light attractions and other Santa events than any other source. Most are not too churchy, just fun. Click to see or scroll way to the bottom of this page. My List of 60 Xmas Attractions All Over, , –.
Christmas Eve Caroling – Louisburg Square on Beacon Hill
In Beacon Hill’s Louisburg Square, the US tradition of Xmas Eve bellringing began in 1924. It’s not a widely publicized event, but a fun one. 7:30pm. Christmas Eve Caroling - Louisburg Square on Beacon Hill Boston, MA, .
Holiday Caroling on High Street Hill
It’s not too late for Xmas caroling! This one is always Christmas Eve at 5:45pm on the Upland Road Green. It’s been happening for 30 years at the same time. Holiday Caroling on High Street HillPhilbrick Square, at the corner of Upland and Maple Streets Brookline, MA, .
Secular Alternatives to Xmas
Singin’ in the Rain
Nothing to do on Christmas day? The Brattle’s open, and they’re showing a feel-good classic all day. Singin' in the RainThe Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, .
Moonlit Snowshoe Tour
I’ve never done this, but I’d really like to go! I have big feet already, but they are not snowshoe sized, so I will need to rent snowshoes. 7:30-9pm. Moonlit Snowshoe TourRoute 16, Pinkham Notch Grafton, MA, .
Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas Day
Walking around Beacon Hill sounds like a great Christmas alternative to me. 2pm with regular historic tours beforehand at 10am. Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas DayMilk St at Devonshire St Boston, MA, .
Museums Open Dec 24 or Dec 26
Plenty of museums only take Christmas Day off. See Concord Museum, http://concordmuseum.org; DeCordova Sculpture Museum, http://decordova.org; ICA Boston, http://icaboston.org; Museum of Fine Arts, http://mfa.org; Museum of Science, http://www.mos.org. Museums Open Dec 24 or Dec 26 All Over, , –.
Boxing Day at the Old Manse
Calling all ex-pats and Anglophiles! In honor of the traditional British holiday, the Old Manse is hosting a a celebration of British culture, feauturing plenty of tasty foodstuffs. 12-5pm. Boxing Day at the Old ManseThe Old Manse Concord, MA, .
Xmas Day Alternatives: Movies, Chinese Restaurants, and a few Bars
On Christmas Day itself, movie theatres and video rental shops may be open. Restaurants are closed by law but a few bars will be open such as The Fireplace in Brookline. Or try your local Chinese restaurant. Xmas Day Alternatives: Movies, Chinese Restaurants, and a few Bars All Over, , .
Steering Towards Victory at the USS Constitution Museum
During school vacation week, the USS Constitution museum commemorates the historic ship’s second victory in the War of 1812. 10am-5pm. Note that the museum is closed on Christmas day. Steering Towards Victory at the USS Constitution MuseumThe Boston Navy Yard Charlestown, MA, –.
Holiday Vacation Week at the MFA
During school vacation week, the MFA is offering a selection of educational games and crafts for children that relate to the museum’s current exhibitions. Free with admission. Holiday Vacation Week at the MFAMuseum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, –.
Holiday Luncheon and Sled Rides!
Someday I’ve got to visit this museum, which continually holds interesting events. This one has a bonfore, snowshoe rentals, wagon rides. (Looks like they really pulled out all the stops for that Santa costume, eh?). Holiday Luncheon and Sled Rides! Tamworth, NH, –.
More Ho Ho Holidays
BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Talk about Xmas bombardment! This ‘LED light & sound extravaganza’ features the Holiday Pops, with performances every half hour from 4-10pm. EVERY night. For SIX WEEKS. That might be a little too much holiday cheer for me. BLINK! At Faneuil Hall MarketplaceFaneuil Hall Boston, MA, –.
USS Constitution Wreath Laying Ceremony
They don’t list what this wreath ceremony is for, or even what time it is! It looks very serious, whatever it is. USS Constitution Wreath Laying CeremonyThe Boston Navy Yard Charlestown, MA, .
Traditionally Yours Holiday Celebrations
There are tastings, open houses, performances, sleigh rides, and other activities to get you in the holiday mood starting the day after Thanksgiving! Traditionally Yours Holiday Celebrations Jackson, NH, –.
Christmas in the Barnyard
This is a combination petting zoo and historical re-enactment museum. Today they put a special holiday twist on their usual ‘Breakfast in the Barnyard’ event. 9am, sharp. Try to arrive at least five minutes early. Christmas in the BarnyardCoggeshall Farm, Coggeshall Farm Road Bristol, RI, .
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Beginning this weekend through the New Year, the famous Newport mansions will be decked out for the holidays. Tours and events vary from estate to estate. Christmas at the Newport Mansions Newport, RI, –.
The Polar Express at Edaville USA
One of several Polar Express-themed train rides opens this weekend. It’s just a regular train ride where you wear pajamas, drink hot chocolate, and hear a reading and singing. But kids might really love it, especially if they’re fans of the book or movie. The Polar Express at Edaville USAEdaville USA Carver, MA, –.
Holiday Express Train Show
These model trains are on display all month, but this event is their opening celebration. 7pm. Holiday Express Train Show Fairfield, CT, –.
Winterfest Hartford
Can’t believe this is correct: 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.). Winterfest HartfordBushnell Park Hartford, CT, –.
Manchester Merriment
Normally I’d ignore an event so far away, but this time the Santa parade is a tractor parade! Horse and wagon rides, live music. Manchester Merriment Manchester, VT, –.
Giveaways & Features
Find 17 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). Find 17 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , –.
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 700 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2013 New England Guide All Over, , –.
Boston’s Largest High-Tech / Business Calendar
Do you network? Find Boston’s largest calendar of high-tech and business networking events in my free mobile app! Boston's Largest High-Tech / Business CalendarAll over Boston, MA, –.
New Years Eve
First Night at Frog Pond Skating Pink
Boston Common’s pond has ice skating all winter, including New Years Eve from 6pm. First Night at Frog Pond Skating PinkThe Frog Pond Boston, MA, .
First Night Boston
This is, of course, THE New Year’s event. Buy a pass and spend the last night of the year out on the town. Refer to the insanely jam-packed schedule to find the events that will please you most. First Night BostonVarious Locations Boston, MA, .
First Night Grand Procession and Fireworks
This parade is described as the ‘heart’ of the First Night festival. The cavalcade marches down Boylston at 5:30pm. First Night Grand Procession and FireworksFrom Hynes Convention Center to Boston Common Boston, MA, .
New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Folk Arts Center of New England
This folk dance party looks like a welcome relief from all the run-of-the-mill bro bar parties happening tonight! 9pm-1am. New Year's Eve Dance Party at Folk Arts Center of New EnglandChurch Belmont, MA, .
Boston’s Resolution Ball
If you have to go to a standard New Years party, this one’s the biggest and best- so they advertise, anyway. Boston's Resolution BallSeaport World Trade Center Boston, MA, .
Spirit of Boston New Year’s Cruise
If you’ve got a little money to throw around, watching the fireworks from a cruise ship sounds like a creative idea! Call for reservations. Spirit of Boston New Year's CruiseCommonwealth Pier Boston, MA, .
New Year’s Fireworks Cruise
Here’s another opportunity to cruise into the New Year. New Year's Fireworks CruiseLong Wharf, Boston, and Quincy Shipyards Boston, MA, .
New Year’s Eve Harbor Cruise with a Ranger
The Harbor Island folks are also having 45-minute cruises throughout the afternoon, a good option if you’re looking for something kid-friendly today. 2, 3, and 4pm. New Year's Eve Harbor Cruise with a Ranger Boston, MA, .
First Night Tours at Otis House
Free with your First Night button are tours at this historic 1796 mansion right in downtown Boston, 11am-9pm. First Night Tours at Otis House Boston, MA, .
New Years Eve with The Donkey Show
Everyone loves the Donkey Show, where they take Shakespeare and mix it with a disco performance and a dance party you can take part in! What a creative idea for New Years Eve. 9pm. New Years Eve with The Donkey ShowClub Oberon Cambridge, MA, .
Mayor’s New Year Open House
This is the closest alternative to Boston’s First Night that’s on public transit. 11:30am professional performance at the ice rink. 1:30-3:30pm free performances at City Hall. Mayor's New Year Open HouseCity Hall Newton, MA, .
Happy Noon Year
Another Children’s Museum is throwing a New Year’s party for the little ‘uns. This one looks cute: They even have their own ball drop! 10am-12pm. Happy Noon Year Boston, MA, .
Billerica Family First Night
In Billerica they’ll have ‘music and entertainment’ in front of city hall, but no town-wide performances. Not much info is given, but last year they had ice sculptures and a parade. 4-8pm. Billerica Family First Night Billerica, MA, .
Bessie’s New Year’s Eve PJ Dance Party
Have kids? Attend the Discovery Museum and dance around in your pajamas. 10am. Is it really at 10am?? Bessie's New Year's Eve PJ Dance Party Acton, MA, .
New Year’s Eve at the Irish Cultural Center of New England
This looks like a nightclubby experience but the Irish Cultural Centre generally has good entertainment. 7pm-1am. New Year's Eve at the Irish Cultural Center of New England Canton, MA, .
New Years’ Eve Contra Dances
Folk dances are a great alternative to nightclubs. The social dances are constructed so everyone can join in and meet people. 8pm-1am. New Years' Eve Contra DancesScout House Concord, MA, .
New Year’s Needham, MA
This one’s the closest real ‘first night’ to Boston. They have a trolley so you can get around without driving. 10am-12:30am. No fireworks, but there’s a Countdown Party at Powers Hall, 9-12:30am. New Year's Needham, MA Needham, MA, .
New Years Eve at Nashoba Ski Resort
More ski resort festivities. Skiing, riding, tubing until 11:30pm and then a parade and fireworks! Let’s hope the fireworks don’t start an avalanche. New Years Eve at Nashoba Ski Resort Westford, MA, .
New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk
This is so great! This church has both indoor and outdoor labyrinth and you can come do a 30-minute walk and reflect on life. I called and they swear it is not heavy-handed with religion. You can just show up and do it for fun. 5-7pm, but you can do their outdoor labyrinth anytime. New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk Franklin, MA, .
Beverly’s New Year
This one ends early; it runs 3-8pm. There’s a parade but there don’t seem to be fireworks. Beverly's New YearCabot Street Beverly, MA, .
New Years Rockport Eve
There will also be short 45-minute performances at 15 venues in the downtown area of Rockport. 6pm-midnight. They refuse to call it 2012 for some reason. New Years Rockport EveRockport Downtown area Rockport, MA, .
Wenham Museum’s New Years Countdown
Although it’s meant for kids, you could do worse than see a magic show and sing silly songs, all at a convenient 10am-1pm. That’s AM as in ‘morning’. :). Wenham Museum's New Years Countdown Wenham, MA, .
First Night Orange, MA
Orange has fireworks! And hayrides, and a parade with giant puppets! But no oranges. 6-11pm. First Night Orange, MA Orange, MA, .
City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve, New Bedford, MA
A national park in New Bedford will have arts, a parade, and fireworks, from 4:30-8pm. Several local restaurants have partnered with AHA! to offer entertainments from 9-midnight. Although it says 2012, this really is their ‘New Years 2013’ celebration, I promise. (Have you noticed that some websites say 2012 and some say 2013?). City Celebrates! New Year's Eve, New Bedford, MA New Bedford, MA, .
New Year’s Eve Party with Fireworks
Ring in the year in high style at a private party with fireworks at the Harbor View Hotel. Tickets are $75, the property is gorgeous, and the menu looks amazing. 8:30pm-1:30am. New Year's Eve Party with FireworksHarbor View Hotel Edgartown, MA, .
First Night Worcester, MA
Worcester has events all day, including, synchronized swimming, ice skating, a parade, live music, and fireworks. First Night Worcester, MA Worcester, MA, .
First Night, Jr. at Holyoke
This one’s also for kids, with a carousel, a magician, ice sculptures, juggler, and balloon animals. 10am-4pm. First Night, Jr. at HolyokeHolyoke Heritage State Park Holyoke, MA, .
Jiminy Peak New Years
A parade and fireworks are fine excuses to go skiing for New Years Eve! Jiminy Peak New YearsJiminy Peak Hancock, MA, .
New Years’s Jam at Earthdance
They claim this all-weekend dance festival sells out, so buy early. It’s an off-beat way to spend New Years. New Years's Jam at Earthdance Plainfield, MA, –.
First Night Northampton, MA
Further away but trying hard is First Night Northampton, with over 20 venues and performances. 12pm-12am, with fireworks at 6:15pm. First Night Northampton, MA Northampton, MA, .
New Year’s Eve at Wachusett Mountain
Most ski resorts are having a New Years celebration. The best ones like Wachusett Mountain have fireworks and let you ski at night until midnight! And they have snow tubing, too. There’s a shuttle from the Commuter Rail you can take if you don’t drive. New Year's Eve at Wachusett MountainWachusett Mountain Princeton, MA, .
First Night Chatham, MA
Not many NYE festivities down the Cape, but here’s one of only two, offical First Nights. There’s a full schedule of daytime events for kids and an evening schedule for adults. Fireworks at midnight over Oyster Pond. First Night Chatham, MA Chatham, MA, .
First Night Sandwich, MA
This is the FIRST First Night event in Sandwich! It’s a quaint town and the schedule looks especially arts-driven. If I were spending New Year’s down the Cape, this would be my first choice. 43pm-1am. First Night Sandwich, MA Sandwich, MA, .
Bright Night Providence
Celebrating the New Year in RI? Providence is the place to be, with a huge, town-wide First Night beginning at 2 and ending at midnight. No fireworks, sadly. Apparently, the state won’t allow it? Killjoys. Bright Night Providence Providence, RI, .
Cranapalooza
Every Saturday through mid-March this ski resort will have events and fireworks. They also have an indoor amusement park and snow tubing. CranapaloozaCranmore Mountain North Conway, NH, .
New Years at Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is an amusement park hosting a kids’ party today with a DJ and fireworks at 8pm. 4-9pm. New Years at Santa's Village Jefferson, NH, .
First Night Portsmouth, NH
I couldn’t find anything in Concord, the capitol of New Hampshire, but they’re having a First Night celebration in Portsmouth. 1-11:59pm. First Night Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth, NH, .
First Night Wolfeboro, NH
This is the only other one in NH that I found. First Night Wolfeboro, NH Wolfeboro, NH, .
First Night Hartford, CT
This one’s got a carousel, 16 venues of performances, and two fireworks displays — at 6pm and midnight. First Night Hartford, CTBushnell Park Hartford, CT, .
First Night Middletown, CT
Only in its second year, this event rivals Hartford’s First Night festivites. Events all day from 3pm-12am, with fireworks displays at 6pm and midnight. First Night Middletown, CT Middletown, CT, .
First Night Danbury, CT
This is a short First Night, with events only running from 4-8pm. Nothing mentioned about fireworks. :(. First Night Danbury, CT Danbury, CT, .
First Night Wesport, CT
Here’s a Connecticut First Night in Wesport! First Night Wesport, CT Westport, CT, .
Nudist resort New Years’
Or, perhaps you’d like to be adventurous and try a party at a nudist resort. The theme this year is ‘Toga Party.’ 7pm-1am. Nudist resort New Years' Woodstock, CT, .
Frostival, New Year’s Celebration in Danielson
Here’s another kids’ event at Danielson Town Hall. 5-8pm. Frostival, New Year's Celebration in DanielsonTown Hall Danielson, CT, .
L.L.Bean New Year’s Celebration
L.L. Bean brings it with live music and fireworks, but this event seems kids oriented. At least it’s from 10am-6pm, so you can put the kids to bed early. L.L.Bean New Year's CelebrationL.L.Bean Freeport, ME, .
Bangor Downtown Countdown
With live music, dancing, and street performers, this presumably outdoor celebration seems fun. 5-11:59pm. Bangor Downtown Countdown Bangor, ME, .
Belfast New Year’s By the Bay
This one’s got 12 venues performances. 12-11:59pm. Belfast New Year's By the Bay Belfast, ME, .
First Night Old Orchard Beach
This party on the beach features a bonfire,marshmallow toasting, and cocoa. It starts at 4:30pm with fireworks display at 6:30pm. First Night Old Orchard Beach Old Orchard Beach, ME, .
The Great Sardine and Maple Drop
Here’s a wacky one: During the countdown to midnight, Easport has two ‘drops,’ a red maple leaf for Canada (where New Year’s Eve happens first) and a big Sardine for Maine. Lots of other chamber of commerce and artisan events happen in conjunction. Midnight. The Great Sardine and Maple DropTides Institute and Museum of Art Eastport, ME, .
4th Annual Official Red Bull Party
This party at the 51 Wharf club is the largest New Year’s party in Portland. Not what I would have expected from such a quirky, artsy, and cool city. But if you’re looking for something clubby and special ‘VIP’ add-ons intrigue you, this is definitely the gig for you. 4th Annual Official Red Bull Party Portland, ME, .
New Year’s Eve at Sunday River resort
This resort party looks much more involved. There are kids events beginning at 3pm and a variety of adult-oriented activities that run until midnight. Fireworks at 8:30pm! New Year's Eve at Sunday River resortSunday River Ski Resort Newry, ME, .
Paul Revere Bell Ringing
One of the last events of Bath’s Old Fashioned Christmas is this 10th annual bell ringing. Be there with bells on. 12-1pm. Paul Revere Bell Ringing Bath, ME, .
New Year’s Pajama Party
Here’s another pajama party at a Children’s Museum in Portland. 11am-12pm. New Year's Pajama PartyChildren’s Museum and Theatre of Maine Portland, ME, .
First Night Burlington, VT
Vermont is getting in on the game as well. Theirs looks especially well organized, with 15 arts venues, 12pm-12am. There are two fireworks displays: One at 6pm and one at midnight. First Night Burlington, VTVarious Locations Burlington, VT, .
New Year’s Eve at Okemo Mountain Resort
Free skate rentals, marshmallow roasting, showshoeing, fireworks. Two separate parties: One at Jackson Gore from 5pm-9pm and then a dance party at the Roundhouse from 6:30pm-9pm. As the name implies, these are family-oriented events. New Year's Eve at Okemo Mountain ResortOkemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, VT, .
First Night Montpelier, VT
Burlington is not actually the capitol of Vermont. It’s Montpelier, the ‘smallest capitol in the nation’, which is hosting a First Night too. 12-10:30pm. First Night Montpelier, VTVarious Locations Montpelier, VT, .
First Night St. Johnsbury, VT
St. Johnsbury, VT is about as far north as Montpelier. Maybe you could visit and go skiing, too. They’ll have 50 performances, fireworks, and ‘dancing sky lanterns’. Intriguing! 4pm-12am. First Night St. Johnsbury, VTVarious Locations St. Johnsbury, VT, , .
New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade (Sugarbush Resort)
Oo! There’s a dog parade, live music, a parade of torchlights, and fireworks. 2pm-12am. New Year's Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade (Sugarbush Resort)Sugarbush Resort Warren, VT, .
New Years Day
L Street Brownies New Year’s Day Swim
Every New Years Day, crazy people go for a swim on New Years. Why not show up and cheer them on? What a way to eliminate a hangover. I list a few more below, as well. 9a registration, 10am swim? L Street Brownies New Year's Day SwimCurley Community Center Boston, MA, .
Joey’s Plunge
Here’s another one in Boston, this time to benefit kids with terminal illness. Crazy people jump into the water. Wow. Joey's Plunge Boston, MA, .
Seafarers
Let’s go for a cruise! 12-4pm. SeafarersRowes Wharf Boston, MA, .
Marx Brother’s Marathon
Ring in the year with some good ol’ fashioned slapstick at the Brattle. Marx Brother's MarathonThe Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, .
First Day Hike: Chestnut Hill Reservation
Meet at DCR’s Reilly Skating Rink at 12pm. First Day Hike: Chestnut Hill Reservation Brighton, MA, .
First Flag ceremony
This is interesting! After the American War of Independence, the first American flag was raised in Somerville. Re-enactors will be doing it again! Procession from City Hall at 11:30am then up to Prospect Hill for a ceremony at 12pm. Refreshments. First Flag ceremonyProspect Hill Park Somerville, MA, .
First Day Hike: Walden Pond
Meet at the Thoreau House Replica, come early to see a Living History Program, which will begin at noon and end in time for the hike at 1 p.m. First Day Hike: Walden Pond Concord, MA, .
New Year’s Day 1847 at Walden Pond
Not interested in hiking at Walden? ‘Thoreau’ will be entertaining guests at his one-room house on the pond from 12-1pm. New Year's Day 1847 at Walden Pond Concord, MA, .
First Day Hike: Breakheart Reservation
Meet at the Visitor Center and enjoy free clam chowder, coffee and hot cocoa at 12pm. First Day Hike: Breakheart Reservation Saugus, MA, .
Rocky Neck New Year’s Plunge
They haven’t updated their website from last year, but I assume this one’s happening at the same time. I tried to call: no answer. Rocky Neck New Year's PlungeRocky Neck Gloucester, MA, .
Wicked Frosty Four Race
There are also a bunch of New Years Day races. Here is one, a great excuse to check out Salem’s many attractions. Wicked Frosty Four RaceStarts at Old Town Hall Salem, MA, .
Hangover Classic (race and polar swim)
This one’s near Newburyport, MA on the North Shore. Sure, let’s both race AND swim in the cold. A doubly-bad idea. 11:30am. Hangover Classic (race and polar swim)Salisbury Beach Salisbury, MA, .
First Day Hike: Bradley Palmer State Park
Meet at the headquarters at 12pm. Following the hike, Willowdale Estates will host a reception for hikers. First Day Hike: Bradley Palmer State ParkAshbury Street Topsfield, MA, .
First Day Hike: Felix Neck Sanctuary
I’m amused that this resort town describes its First Day Hike as an ‘easy walk.’ 1-2:30 pm. First Day Hike: Felix Neck SanctuaryFelix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Edgartown, MA, .
First Day Hike: Blue Hills
But I’d rather go for a guided hike than a race.Here’s one in Milton. Meet in the Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot at 840 Hillside St. and follow First Day signs. Arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking and enjoy a free cup of soup beginning at noon. First Day Hike: Blue HillsBlue Hills State Reservation Milton, MA, .
First Day Hike: Dunn State Park
Meet at the Visitor Center at 12pm. First Day Hike: Dunn State Park Gardner, MA, .
First Day Hike: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Meet at the Visitor Center, which will open at noon for registration and a special interpretive program. First Day Hike: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park Uxbridge, MA, .
First Day Hike: Pittsfield State Forest
This hike takes off at 1pm. First Day Hike: Pittsfield State ForestSki Lodge Pittsfield, MA, .
First Day Hike: DAR State Forest
Meet at the Warming Hut in the day-use parking lot at 10:30am. First Day Hike: DAR State Forest Goshen, MA, .
First Day Hike: Nantasket Beach Reservation
Meet at the Mary Jeannette Murray Bathhouse at 12pm. First Day Hike: Nantasket Beach ReservationNantasket Beach Reservation, Route 3 Hull, MA, .
First Day Hike: Shawme Crowell State Forest
Meet at the Pavillion Area at 1pm. First Day Hike: Shawme Crowell State ForestShawme Crowell State Forest Sandwich, MA, .
Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Nothing to do? How about the zoo? Roger Williams Park offers half price admission January through February. Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, –.
Newport Polar Plunge
Crazy people dive into cold water for charity. 12pm. Newport Polar PlungeEaston’s Beach, Memorial Blvd Newport, RI, .
Seawall Splash at Oakland Beach Carousel
Also Rhode Island. Seawall Splash at Oakland Beach CarouselCarousel Beach Warwick, RI, .
New Years Day Kite Fly – Portland, ME
I’ve been to a kite fly. You’ll meet a lot of big hobbyists to show you how to fly properly, and you can get a two-stringed ‘stunt kite’! 12pm. New Years Day Kite Fly - Portland, MENo address given. South Portland, ME, .
Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach
And also in Maine at the beach. Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach Old Orchard Beach, ME, .
Performance
Review: Fully Committed
I love this show! I’ve seen it elsewhere. Review: Fully CommittedNew Repertory Theatre Watertown, MA, –.
Review: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra
It’s Queen, Bowie, and Zeppelin Night! Click for our review. Review: Ultrasonic Rock OrchestraRegent Theatre Arlington, MA, –.
Review: Rock n’ Soul Holiday Concert
It’s over, but there’s always next year! Click for our review. Review: Rock n' Soul Holiday ConcertRegent Theatre Arlington, MA, .
The Christmas Revels
Revels puts on a fantastic annual performance, usually with a medieval bent. This year, the theme seems to be centered around Irish immigrants during the early 20th century. themed. Whether you enjoy more highbrow and scholarly entertainments or are happy merely to sing carols at your local town tree-lighting, Revels never disappoints. The Nutcracker is the only other annual show of such quality with such a wide appeal. The Christmas RevelsSanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Hansel and Gretel
Following their successful run of ‘The Snow Queen’ last year, the advanced theatre grad student of the ART present another famous fable. It seems like a family-friendly show, but I’m guessing they emphasize the ‘grim’ in this Grimm’s fairy tale. Hansel and GretelOberon Cambridge, MA, –.
Jimmy Tingle: Live on Stage and Screen
Here’s your chance to see the popular local comedian’s documentary ‘Jimmy Tingle’s American Dream,’ followed by a Q&A and live performance. 10pm both nights. Jimmy Tingle: Live on Stage and ScreenCenter for the Arts at the Armory Somerville, MA, –.
Gala New Year’s Eve and First Day Concerts
If early music is your thing, you’ll want to spend your New Year’s Eve at the Sanders theatre. Gala New Year's Eve and First Day ConcertsSanders Theatre Cambridge, MA, –.
Travel
Ski Resorts open for Xmas Day, like Okemo
Call your favorite ski resort if you have one: Most likely, many are open Xmas Day. Here’s one. There will be Santa and sweets from 9am-12. Ski Resorts open for Xmas Day, like Okemo All Over, , .
Please support Johnny’s Big Diet
I’m employing peer pressure to help me with a new diet, but nobody’s written me lately. In early December I held steady and lately I’ve been gaining weight. Please support Johnny's Big Diet All Over, , –.