Win: 5 pairs of tickets available for Saturday 11/16 show. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Check out our review here: https://bostonevents.org/2013/11/world-premiere-of-vonneguts-ma.html Find out why the rarest commodity of all may be human interaction! Boston Center for the ArtsBoston, MA, –.more
Win: An Evening with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
Win: Two tickets to An Evening with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters! Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! Blues music is often overlooked and under appreciated but Ronnie Earl makes it cool and interesting. He’s preformed with some of the greats – Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana so you really can’t go wrong! Arlington Regent Theater, 7 Medford St.,Arlington, MA, .more
Win: The Turn of the Screw
Win: We are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the 11/17 show and one pair for the 11/21 show. Email giveaways@eventsinsider.com to win! There are two different locations – The Gibson House Museum and Taylor House Bed and Breakfast. If the promotional material is any indication, I think this show will be a real fright. Do you ever wonder how much control we have over our imagination and subconscious? What if we see ghosts no matter what we tell ourselves to think? Gibson House Museum 137 Beacon Street and Taylor House Bed & Breakfast 50 Burroughs StreetBoston, MA, –.more
Johnny’s Picks
Wolf Hollow – Full Moon Howl
Trust me: SEE THIS! You get to ‘meet’ and howl along with real wolves at night. You may even notice wolfpacks interacting similar to human families. 6pm. Wolf HollowIpswich, MA, .more
Fenway Studios Open Studios
Fenway will have one in just one single building. Isn’t that more like an art fair and not an open studios? Regardless, this open studios is unique because live Berklee musicians will be joining in on the fun! 2013 11am-5pm. Boston, MA, .more
Spartan Race at Fenway Park
I guess an extreme obstacle course is an inventive way to make room for all that holiday weight you might gain! Forget the medal and t-shirt, people do Spartan races for the bragging rights and battle scars. Not ready to trudge through the mud or climb a wall? Spectators can watch for free but you must RSVP to reserve your spot. 7am. Fenway ParkBoston, MA, .more
India Cultural Day
Celebrate Indian culture all day long with arts and crafts, theatre, music, and of course, dancing! They’ll have great vendors doing things like hair braiding and henna. 10am-4:30pm. Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue,Newton, MA, .more
A Knight to Remember
What a very clever play on words! This gala is a great excuse to check out the Higgins Armory Museum before. And if you’ve been and liked it you should go to support them! They’ll have food, drinks, and a Scottish comedian. RSVP today. 7-9:30pm. Higgins Armory Museum, 100 Barber Avenue,Worcester, MA, .more
Model Rocket Launch at Amesbury
Another model rocket launching event in Amesbury. It is a pretty cool thing to watch these rockets fly off into the air. Just be sure to watch out below! Woodsom Farm ParkAmesbury, MA, .more
Leonids Meteor Shower
When you watch a meteor shower, go someplace without city lights, like a big pond or open field in the suburbs. The best viewing this year is between 2am and twilight. 2013. All Over, , –.more
Watertown Open Studios
Here’s another open studios in Watertown. 11am-5pm. Arlington StWatertown, MA, –.more
Amesbury Open Studio Tour
70 artists and performers sounds like a lot. It’s important to support the arts especially if it’s something you don’t normally do. 11/16 11am-5pm 11/17 12pm-4pm. Amesbury Cultural Center, Upper MillyardAmesbury, MA, –.more
Full Moon Twilight Hike & Bonfire
Oo! A night hike and a bonfire. I’ve never seen a really good bonfire. A hike would be a great opportunity to see a great bonfire too. These can fill up fast so be sure to reserve your spot! 7pm. Hilltop OrchardsRichmond, MA, –.more
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! All Over, , –.more
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). All Over, , –.more
Also Fun
Proustfest 2013 @ The Swann’s Way Centenary
This isn’t so much a fest as a series of talks about Proust and his epic, six-volume masterpiece Remembrance of Things Past (or In Search of Lost Time, depending on whom you ask). I wonder if they’ll have madeleines and lime blossom tea for the purists? Providence Athenaeum Library,252 Benefit StreetProvidence, RI, –.more
Thanksgiving Weekends at OSV
You should never need an excuse to visit my favorite re-enactment museum, Old Sturbridge Village, which is holding some authentic 1830s style Thanksgiving dinners. There’s also a shooting match and an 1830s wedding. Sturbridge, MA, –.more
Strike Out Hunger Bowl-a-thon
Bowling for a cause is definitely something that I support, although they chose a poor week to do it. You bowl so others may eat. Project Bread’s Strike Out Hunger Bowl-a-thon fundraiser at Jillian’s 5:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. This event is 18+. Lucky Strike Lanes / Jillian’sBoston, MA, .more
Fall Family Night Hikes
I bet nature walks at night must be really cool. I also bet that I would trip on something and fall flat on my face. If a night walk piques your sense of adventure, check this out! NRT’s Sheep Pasture, 307 Main Street,North Easton, MA, –.more
Boston Jewish Film Festival
Like the many other film festivals we’re lucky enough to enjoy in Boston, this one features plenty of directors and celebrities coming to speak and take questions. So it’s not just sitting in a dark room idly watching movies. Just mostly. Coolidge Corner TheatreBrookline, MA, –.more
National Novel Writing Month
Do you want to write a book? Join other procrastinators and break through by doing it all in just one month. (Don’t worry, you can revise it later.) They’ll have several local events for writers to meet each other, be inspired, and even work side-by-side in a ‘you can do it’ environment. Check Their Slow WebsiteAll Over, , –.more
Boston Turkish Festival: Colors of Anatolia
A month 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! Various PlacesBoston, MA, –.more
Behind the Scenes in Stitches: Special Textiles-Only Tour
Are you a textile enthusiast? This tour allows you to see production equipment, including examples of spinning wheels, reels, sewing birds, pincushions, and more up close and in person. You’ll be able to see how the industry has evolved from the 18th century to now. 2pm-4pm. Haverhill Facility 151 Essex StreetHaverhill, MA, .more
Book Club at Museum of Science
Feeling inquisitive? Looking for good conversation? Love science and books? The Book Club for the Curious is just the thing for you. 2013 at 5:30pm. One BroadwayCambridge, MA, .more
Medora Screening
An in-depth look at life in a small rural town through the eyes of a struggling basketball team. Sounds like a sob story. But you should find out for yourself. The filmmakers will be there for any questions you might have. 11/14 at 8pm. Brattle Theater 40 Brattle StreetCambridge, MA, .more
Boston Latino International Film Festival
NOT MUCH INFO I’m not much on sitting idle in the dark, but this film festival will have several Q&As with directors and casts, in addition to just showing movies. Cambridge, MA, –.more
Full Moon Tour: Living in the Dark at Gore Place
This historic mansion in Waltham has a ton of creative events. This one is a special tour that shows how people used to live at night before electric lights. 7:30pm. $14, $10 members and ages 5-12. Waltham, MA, .more
Renaissance Family Game Night
We’re not talking Monopoly or The Game of Life here. Joing the MA Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies for a night of Renaissance-era board games like Nine Men’s Morris. Bond with your family while learning a few historical facts. Even board games play a role in history! 7pm. The Renaissance CenterAmherst, MA, .more
Stories in the Stars
Did you know you can only see some stars at certain times of year? See what legends of the night sky are lurking in the fall. Weather permitting, you might discover a new star! Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street,Bristol, RI, .more
Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair
Are you a bibliophile? This is your Mecca. You’ll see everything from $10,000 first editions to an entire booth devoted to antique books bound in red and gold leather. It’s all for sale, but you won’t spend less than $100 on a single volume. Even if you can’t buy, it’s exciting just to look. Also, there are free book appraisals! Complimentary passes are available at the Bratte Book Shop. Hynes Convention CenterBoston, MA, –.more
Boston Bhangra Competition
Bollywood dancing! This will be one of the largest South Asian events in New England. It just looks like fun! Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Place,Boston, MA, .more
City Of Bright Nights Ball
The good news: the holiday lights in Springfield are well worth supporting, as they bring in a lot of business. So you would think the local chamber would support it without a fundraiser? Hmm. Anyway, I’m sure it will be a great ball, but it’s $250 — or buy two tickets for only $500! Ouch. Sheraton SpringfieldSpringfield, MA, .more
Big Tom Turkey Hunt
There are five paper turkeys hidden in Burlington today, and you have to find the live one! A scavenger hunt for poultry? Okay! After pre-registering, meet at the Recreation Center at 1:00pm to receive your packet of clues. Recreation CenterBurlington, MA, .more
Norumbega Lodge Scandinavian Fair
You don’t often hear about Scandinavian culture in Boston, but there’s been a thriving metrowest community since the 19th century! I’d love to see a fair that includes all the Scandinavian countries, but this one in Concord focuses on Norway. 10am-3pm. High SchoolConcord, MA, .more
Wonderland: 2013 Artists’ Market
These artists don’t just want to show off their crafts, they want you to buy some of their work that is probably winter or christmas themed! They promise unique finds that will dazzle and amaze so check it out for yourself and see if they’re right. 10am-5:30pm. DeCordova Sculpture Park and MuseumLincoln, MA, –.more
Boston’s Transgender Day of Remembrance
Community speak-out, candlelit vigil, and hosted reception 4-7pm. St Paul’s Episcopal CathedralBoston, MA, .more
Turkey Lurkey Time
This audubon is geared towards 7-11 year olds and teaches you everything you could possibly know about turkeys, from what their feathers look like under a microscope to how to imitate their calls. Walk-ins welcome but pre-registration is encouraged. 2pm-3:30pm. Boston Nature CenterMattapan, MA, .more
Community of Song Intergenerational Choir Concert
The Gordon College Children’s Choir, Men’s Choir and Women’s Choir will all be performing today along with special guests. You won’t just be sitting and listening, guests are encouraged to join in! 3pm. Gordon College Music Department 255 Grapevine Road,Wenham, MA, .more
Li’l Rhody Runaround
This 8 mile train run loops around Watchaug pond for a beautiful distraction from the running you’ll be doing! It’s chilly in mid November so bundle up and join them for hot soup and refreshments after the race. Awards given to the best in certain age groups. Burlingame State Park, Sanctuary RoadCharlestown, RI, .more
Edward Everett: The Other Speaker at Gettysburg
The often forgotten Edward Everett is honored at this event followed by a walk to his grave. He gave a 2 hour speech before President Lincoln even opened his mouth. 3pm. Mount Auburn CemeteryCambridge, MA, .more
Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation @ A Conversation with Dan Fagin
Esteemed author Dan Fagin visits the MOS learn about the human health impacts of chemicals in our environment. 1:15pm. Cahners Theatre 1 Science ParkBoston, MA, .more
DCR Adaptive Skating – Games on Ice
Ice skating is really for everybody now. So bring your wheel chair, sled, or skates for a fun afternoon of games on ice. They could also use volunteers if you’d like to help! Cronin Skating Rink 850 Revere ParkwayRevere, MA, –.more
Blint Bolyg The Ghosts in the Machines
Opening ceremony was 10/17 but the event run through 12/13. Boston Cyberarts Gallery, 141 Green Street,Jamaica Plain, MA, –.more
Ho Ho Holidays
Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting
Also unable to wait to Thanksgiving is Faneuil Hall. As a local, I sort of avoid Faneui Hall. You guys know it’s just a mall, right, placed where a museum should be? However, they’ll have bellringers! And caroling! I like that!! OMG! It’s CHRISTMAS! I should buy something! Faneuil Hall Boston, MA, .more
Concord, NH Christmas Parade
NO 2013 INFO — Lauren, could you research & call the town hall? Loudon RoadConcord, NH, .more
Glassblowers Christmas
See the beauty of hundreds of glass ornaments all the way through christmas. Ornaments are a great way to honor memories and this event could be a great way to make some new ones! Sandwich Glass MuseumSandwich, MA, –.more
Performance
Review: The Turn of the Screw
Do you ever wonder how much control we have over our imagination and subconscious? What if we see ghosts no matter what we tell ourselves to think? Click for our review of this show! Gibson House Museum 137 Beacon Street and Taylor House Bed & Breakfast 50 Burroughs StreetBoston, MA, –.more
Review: The After-Dinner Joke
Discover the charity of politics with this witty BBC production. The Charlestown Working Theatre, 442 Bunker Hill Street,Charlestown, MA, –.more
Review: Miss Saigon
Can a soldier in the Vietnam War fall in love with an asian local? Click for our review of the famous musical. North Shore Music TheatreBeverly, MA, –.more
Review: Someone to Watch Over Me
The director hopes to show that the ultimate triumph of the human spirit in face of the adversity is timeless. You’ll have to find out for yourself at the show! Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. 527 Tremont Street,Boston, MA, –.more
Review: The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
This political thriller occurs during the AIDS crisis in NY. Sounds interesting but potentially sad. The Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Black Box TheaterBoston, MA, –.more
Review: The Hobbit at Wheelock Family Theatre
We can all learn something from Bilbo Baggins sense of adventure. Fall in love with this classic story all over again at the Wheelock Family Theater. 10/25 to 11/24. Wheelock Family TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Review: Outlaw Jean by MJ Kaufman
The story behind a dangerous outlaw. Who might not turn out to be so dangerous after she returns home to face her past. The Factory TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
Boston Comedy Festival
The Boston Comedy Festival was SO much fun the year I went. Highly recommended! The really big deal is finals night, the last night of the week. Various downtown venuesBoston, MA, –.more
Mrs. Mannerly
Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 35th season continues with Mrs. Mannerly by Jeffrey Hatcher, a tart and charming comedy that runs October 24 – November 17. Nancy L. Donahue TheatreLowell, MA, –.more
Emilie: La Marquise Du Chtelet Defends Her Life Tonight
WAM Theater in Pittsfield will be performing Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight by Lauren Gunderson. A play that is described as fiercely inquisitive and joyfully sexy’ sounds like a fun date night or maybe even a girls night out event! What’s also great about WAM is that they will be having an ASL show and also donates a portion of proceeds to an organization that benefits women and girls. Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts CenterPittsfield, MA, –.more
Puppets at Night: The Orphan Circus
Not many puppet shows come through town so it may be worth while to see this one. This certainly wont be a kid friendly kindergarten puppet show as many of the puppets are pretty freaky looking. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St.,Brookline, MA, –.more
FAB! or whatever
A play about a fabulous indie film party and all the starlets that come along with it. So not exactly a quality story line but it might be a great production! It’ll be worth supporting the arts at Suffolk University if nothing more. Suffolk University’s Modern TheatreBoston, MA, –.more
The How and the Why: A Site Specific Production
Explore the difficult choices women of all ages have to make. This play is site specific, in an office at Harvard University and in the basement of the Harvard Square Tasty Burger. The Barker Center, 12 Quincy Street,Cambridge, MA, –.more
From White Plains
Take an in depth look at the pasts of four male individuals – some straight, some gay, all of whom have past demons they need to face before moving forward in life. the play also becomes a thoughtful meditation on pride, shame, and the dynamics of love and sexual identity. Chelsea Theatre Works, 189 Winnisimmet St.,Chelsea, MA, –.more
Aerosmith Legacy Show at The Norwood Theatre
Relive the legacy that is Aerosmith. They had some really great hits, not one can really deny that. The band Draw The Line will perform some of their greatest hits while original guitarist Ray Tabano shares some great stories. 8pm. Norwood Theatre, 109 Central St,Norwood, MA, .more
Historic Newton Presents: An Evening with Livingston Taylor & Chelsea Berry
This is a fund raising concert with tickets starting at $45. It’s also a chance to see Livingston Taylor & New Noise with Chelsea Berry perform. So maybe it’s worth the money? 7:30-9:15pm. Historic Newton MuseumNewton, MA, .more
Wedding Band: A Love-Hate Story in Black and White
Talented actors who has won awards such as Boston’s Best in 2012 and have starred on shows like CSI Miami join forces to perform a story of inter-racial love in the south in 1962. Loeb Drama CenterCambridge, MA, .more
Review: Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me
. Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St.,Boston, MA, –.more
Comics Come Home Fundraiser
While he’s in town, our own Denis Leary, along with Jimmy Fallon and other stand up stars, is doing a benefit for cancer research at BU’s enviable arena. 7:30pm. Agganis ArenaBoston, MA, .more
Travel
Vermont and the Civil War
Vermont author and Civil War historian Howard Coffin addresses the Vermont contribution to the Civil War. EastView at Middlebury Community RoomMiddlebury, VT, .more
Gobble-Con
This is what, exactly? It’s a Japanese anime festival with an emphasis on steampunk culture. Because they LOVE Thanksgiving in Japan. Sheraton HotelStamford, CT, –.more
Apple Harvest Festival
Apples! Apples! Come get your fresh apples! Pick your own to bring home. 9am-5:30pm. Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry FarmSharon, CT, –.more
Wagon Ride Weekends at Billings Farm & Museum
This event is probably best for kids and true animal lovers. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather with a wagon ride before its too cold. There’s also an operating dairy farm and farm life exhibit so be sure to check those out too! Billings Farm and MuseumWoodstock, VT, –.more
National Theatre Live – Macbeth
A new take on this Shakespear classic with Kevin Branagh as the title role. Manchester International Festivals production of Macbeth will be featured on Woodstock’s biggest screen. 11/17 and 11/24 at 7:30pm. Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, 31 The Grn,Woodstock, VT, –.more
Rolling Slumber Bed Races
Rolling slumber bed racing is exactly what is sounds like – people pushing beds along in cool themed costumes. I wonder who came up with this whacky event. It definitely sounds like a lot of fun if you have a group that’s willing to dress up. There are prizes for best time and best overall entry. 11am. Park RowBrunswick, ME, .more
Maine Harvest Festival
Presentations and demonstrations galor! There’s your typical pie contest but also more unique events like how to cook wild game. You’ll be getting your money’s worth for sure as it’s only $6 at the door. 10am-4pm. Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main Street,Bangor, ME, –.more
Late 18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re a history buff who loves to eat, here’s a pretty sweet opportunity to combine your passions! The dinner is $75, but how often do you get to experience a period-accurate meal? Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main Street,Wethersfield, CT, .more
Aladdin & Other Enchanted Tales
The classic tale of Aladdin is recreated by 6 actors playing over 45 characters. This performance is set to the music of Rimsky-Korsakov which will make it enjoyable for both parents as well as kids. 3pm. Collins Center for the Arts, 5747 Collins Center for the Arts,Orono, ME, .more
Holiday Lights & Santa Events
Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region
Sat 11/16
Sun 11/17
Mon 11/18
Tue 11/19
Wed 11/20
Thu 11/21
Fri 11/22
Sat 11/23
Edaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of LightsCarver, MA
2013. The biggest and best “holiday lights” display in New England is quite non-religious, with Santa letting kids sit on his lap but also plenty of generic fare like Frosty the Snowman and a tip of the hat to Hannukah. They have a train ride, ferris wheel, carousel, and other rides, with 7 million lights. Tons of fun even for adults! Begins as early as November 22! Whoa. Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 2-9pm. Pine Street, 877-EDAVILLE.
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Enchanted Village at Jordan’s FurnitureAvon, MA
2013. Free! It’s a 1958 Jordan Marsh display that’s been restored to health by Jordan’s Furniture. Website is unclear for how long the display goes. Santa will be on hand every day; see the website for specific times. Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr
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Christmas at the Newport MansionsNewport, RI
2013. The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House will be decorated in period detail for the holidays and open daily for tours. On Christmas Eve, the last tour begins at 4pm. Houses are closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Various locations
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Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor SpeedwayLoudon, NH
Drive more than two miles in your car past 2.5 million lights in 400 displays. Santa’s Village, costumed characters, free s’mores, arctic village. 2012: Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday & holidays: 4:30pm-10pm; Sunday: 4:30pm-9pm. 1122 Route 106 North, 603-783-4931.
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Santa’s Village Christmas MagicJefferson, NH
Lights display, Santa, reindeer, rides. Days & Eves. Special New Years event 12/31. Nov. 24, Plus all Sundays in Dec., except 29th: 11 am 6 pm; Nov. 23, 29, 30, Plus all Satudays in Dec., except 28th: 11 am to 7 pm. Route 2, 603-586-4445.
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Polar ExpressNorth Conway, NH
This is a Polar Express-themed train ride that ends with a reading of the book at the “North Pole Theater.” Tickets available for the Lincoln ride only. North Conway: First tour starts at 4:30 pm, and the second tour starts at 7:00 pm.North Conway: November 29 – December 1 (Afternoon Show ONLY), December 6-8, December 12-15, December 20-22; Lincoln: November 29 & 30, December 1 (Afternoon Show ONLY), December 6 & 7, December 8 (Afternoon Show ONLY), December 13-15, December 20 & 21, December 22 (Afternoon Show ONLY).
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Horse and Wagon Rides at the Rocks EstateBethlehem, NH
Free horse-drawn wagon rides are reserved for package customers up until Sunday at noon, and open to the general public after. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Basically a marketing ploy to get you to buy a tree. The Rocks Estate, 4 Christmas Lane, 603-444-6228.
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Holiday Light FantasiaHartford, CT
You drive through this one. Sun-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm. $12 per car, $25 per limousine… Wait, what? That’s a thing that happens?! 1130 Maple Ave, 860-742-2267.
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Fantasy of LightsNew Haven, CT
Sunday to Thursday- 5:00-9:00 pm, Friday to Saturday- 5:00-10:00 pm. Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000.
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WinterFest at Connecticut Trolley MuseumEast Windsor, CT
Trolley ride through holiday lights, sing-along carols and meet Santa. Friday-Sunday 5-9pm. After December 25th: 6-pm. 58 North Road, 860-627-6540.
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That House in MilfordMilford, CT
5:00 to 9:30 Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 to 10:00 Friday and Saturday. Also 5:00 to 10:00 on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Years Day. 75 Meadows End Road
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Lincoln LightsOrange, CT
The lights will be on Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm and Sunday 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. This year they’ll also be collecting donations for the Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
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Waitsfield’s Grand IlluminationWaitsfield, VT
Begins daily at dusk. The whole town lights up, including the oldest, still-functioning covered bridge in VT. Townwide