Events INSIDER Nov 24 – Dec 2, 2014

11/24/14 by
Johnny’s Picks
Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction
I’ve seen this and it was surprisingly good for an amateur competition! Hobbyists build elaborately complicated machines called Rube Goldberg devices. That’s when the candle heats the air going into the balloon, which bursts, surprising the bird who tips over a bucket, sending water onto a cat, who yowls and pulls a string, releasing a bowling ball to roll.. you get the idea. Register to join in, or show up close to the end to watch. 1pm. Friday After Thanksgiving Chain ReactionRockwell Cage Gymnasium, 120 Vassar Street Cambridge, MA, .
Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins
I love events that are participatory. Here’s another. Mary Poppins, the classic musical, is being shown in Arlington along with printed lyrics so you can sing along. There’s also a ‘march along’ and ‘play along’ to ensure the most interactive moviegoing expierence since that time you threw popcorn at the ending of The Dark Knight Rises . Pick your day. Sing-a-Long Mary PoppinsRegent Theatre Arlington, MA, –.
Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge
And here’s the worst exercise possible. There’s nothing like exposing your body to extremes to break down your health. Insane people will be dipping into the ocean at Nantucket Island and running right back out! Apparently it benefits charity. Vice President Biden usually comes to Nantucket for Thanksgiving and usually attends! 10am. Nantucket Cold Turkey PlungeChildren’s Beach, Harborview Way Nantucket, MA, .
Lowell City of Lights Parade and Holiday Art Stroll
And Lowell has a parade too! Various merchants and museums will be open — these events are typically driven by the chamber of commerce — and you’ll find trolley rides, a parade, Santa Claus, a hot chocolate competition, street performers, theatre, and more. Plenty of free parking! 10am. Lowell City of Lights Parade and Holiday Art StrollDowntown Lowell Lowell, MA, .
LEGO Extravaganza at Acton
Pop in at any time during the day to participate in Science Discovery Museum’s LEGO Zone. Cool! LEGO Extravaganza at Acton Acton, MA, –.
Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation
Don’t miss this weekend’s re-enactment of a 1621 harvest dinner. You’ll see all kinds of old-timey food preparation. And pilgrims. And Native Americans. 5:30pm. Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims at Plimoth PlantationPlimouth Plantation Plymouth, MA, –.
The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade
Food, fun, and a big parade are set for Saturday in Brockton. Don’t miss it! 9am. The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade Brockton, MA, .
America’s Thanksgiving Dinner at Plimoth Plantation
Plimouth Plantation (with an ‘i’ fancy!) presents its delicious Thanksgiving event. The full course meal features delectable delights like creamed onions, wood pressed apple cider, harvard beets (none of those ninny Yale beets for us, thank you!), and Turkey. Sold out this year. register early for next year! 11am. America's Thanksgiving Dinner at Plimoth PlantationPlimoth Plantation Plymouth, MA, .
Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons
The city that brought you the world’s largest pancake brings you some really big balloons the day after Thanksgiving, in parade form! Eat that, Macy’s. 11am. Tower Square Parade of the Big BalloonsMain Street, from Lyman Street to Locust Street Springfield, MA, .
Ho Ho Holidays
Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting
Tired of giant, lit-up holiday trees? Well, here’s a trellis lighting for you, then! Expect music, fun, snacks, and the Mayor himself. 5:15pm. Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis LightingChristopher Columbus Park Boston, MA, .
BLINK! At Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Don’t 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. 2-9pm. BLINK! At Faneuil Hall MarketplaceFaneuil Hall Boston, MA, –.
Peabody Square Tree Lighting Celebration
Caroling, refreshments; they flick a light and the tree turns on. It’s tree lighting time in Dorchester! 7pm. Peabody Square Tree Lighting CelebrationAshmont Street & Dorchester Avenue Dorchester, MA, .
TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil Hall
There are a lot of Boston tree lightings, but here’s my favorite: a concert with over 200 tubas! 2pm. TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil HallFaneuil Hall Marketplace Boston, MA, .
Winthrop Holiday Lighting Festival
Community music and dance performances, Santa himself, and lots of other holiday fun at this lighting festival. 3pm. Winthrop Holiday Lighting FestivalFrench Square Winthrop, MA, .
ZooLights
Stroll lit up tree-lined paths, meet real reindeer, and maybe even see Santa! It’s ZooLights, through January 4th. 5pm. ZooLightsStone Zoo Stoneham, 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, –.
Gardens Aglow
Music, dance, a model train and more compliment this holiday lighting event. Fun for everyone! 4:30pm. Gardens AglowHeritage Museums & Gardens Sandwich, MA, .
Lantern Light Tours
This is a walking play inspired by A Christmas Carol, with small groups making for a truly unique experience. 5pm. Lantern Light ToursMystic Seaport Mystic, CT, –.
Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms
This farm open to the public has a train ride, carolers, the ubiquitous face painting, free hot chocolate, kids crafts, apple cider donuts (or apple cider AND donuts, the jury’s out) and Santa lights the tree. 2pm. Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms North Andover, MA, .
Gingerbread House Classes
This has a chef, A CHEF – who went to school for years – teaching you to make Gingerbread houses. That’s like Tom Brady teaching 4th grade gym class, folks. If you (or your kid) have a fastidious eye for art, cooking, confections, and architecture *and* won’t eat the dang thing the moment you get home, this may be the one of the coolest craft events in town. Gingerbread House ClassesZebra’s Bistro Medfield, MA, –.
Holiday Pops Features The Cape Ann Symphony Chorus
Sunday’s concert is sold out, but you can still get your fill of holiday music Saturday in Manchester-by-the-Sea! Holiday Pops Features The Cape Ann Symphony ChorusManchester-Essex High School Auditorium Manchester, MA, –.
Thanksgiving Day Artisan Festival
Meet the artists at this festival that’s full of hand made gifts including soap, sweaters, vintage leather bags, *and* your 2.00 parking fee goes to a scholarship fund. 10am. Thanksgiving Day Artisan FestivalAgricultural Hall West Tisbury, MA, –.
Thanksgiving Weekend
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. Thanksgiving WeekendOld Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, –.
Holidays at Worcester Art Museum
WAM, the Worcester Art Museum, isn’t kidding around. Expanded Cafe Hours, seasonal decorations, changing programming for the kiddies, if you’ve never been, now’s the time to go, and and if you have, why not check out what changed! Holidays at Worcester Art MuseumWorcester Art Museum Worcester, MA, –.
Also Fun
Science and Cooking 2014 Lecture Series
If they’re going to talk about foams and molecular gastronomy, I am so in. See great chefs and food experts talk about their trade! Science and Cooking 2014 Lecture SeriesHarvard Science Center Cambridge, MA, –.
Goya – Order and Disorder
A major exhibition of the works of Spanish master Francisco Goya opens this week at the MFA. Don’t miss it! Goya - Order and DisorderMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, –.
Bridge and Tunnel
Check out the Opening Reception on 11/8 or just stop by to see amazing photos of the urban landscape just to tthe north of Boston. Bridge and TunnelPearl Street Gallery Chelsea, MA, –.
Boston Turkish Festival: Colors of Anatolia
Here’s 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, –.
Corn Maze: An Eye For An Ear
Did you know there was a metaphysicality to corn mazes? Check it out in this photo collection! Corn Maze: An Eye For An EarWashington Street Gallery Somerville, MA, –.
Boston Volvo Village 5k Road Race
This road race raises money for MS. Think of it as pregame for your Turkey Day nap! 7:30am. Boston Volvo Village 5k Road RaceBoston Volvo Village Brighton, MA, .
Half-Price Day at Franklin Park Zoo
The day after Thanksgiving is half-price at these two zoos. The Franklin Park Zoo especially is nice in the winter, open all year ’round, with both indoor and outdoor locations. Half-Price Day at Franklin Park ZooFranklin Park Zoo Jamaica Plain, MA, .
Turkey Trot 5k
Raise money for good community causes and work off your turkey feast first thing in the morning at this Turkey Trot 5k! 9am. Turkey Trot 5kFranklin Park, One Circuit Drive Dorchester, MA, .
Half-Price Day at Stone Zoo
The day after Thanksgiving is half-price at these two zoos. The Franklin Park Zoo especially is nice in the winter, open all year ’round, with both indoor and outdoor locations. Half-Price Day at Stone ZooStone Zoo Stoneham, MA, .
Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race
This one’s a 4-mile road race for charity, which begins and ends in Davis Square. If you want to join in, you must sign up in advance. Sounds fun! 9am. Gobble Gobble Gobble Road RaceThe Burren Somerville, MA, .
Medway Turkey Trot
Yet another Thanksgiving road race. Don a turkey costume if you wish and get ready to run at 7:30 AM. Medway Turkey Trot Medway, MA, .
Concord Turkey Trot
This Thanksgiving day 5K race is for all ages and benefits theOpen Table Food Bank. 8:30am. Concord Turkey Trot Concord, MA, .
Winner’s Circle Running Club Wild Turkey Trot
At this race, walkers are welcome, so everyone can get out and exercise before feasting with family! 8:30am. Winner's Circle Running Club Wild Turkey TrotEasy access off Rte. 95 on Rte. 113 West Newbury, MA, .
Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run
This 5-mile ‘Wild Turkey’ run promises to be a haunting good time in Salem, MA. with some of the proceeds benefiting the Boys &Girls Club of America. Also it’s something to do in Salem that doesn’t involve Halloween, so there’s that. 8am. Wild Turkey 5 Mile RunFairly flat course along scenic waterfront route Salem, MA, .
Maudslay Turkey Trot
Joppa Flatts running club is putting on this 1100 hundred strong Thanksgiving day race! Joppa Flatts is also a legendary blues-man of the future. 8:20am. Maudslay Turkey TrotMaudslay State Park Newburyport, MA, .
Family Gratitude Turkey Trot 5K
Make sure to bring a bag of non-perishable food for charity to this Thanksgiving road race! 7:15am. Family Gratitude Turkey Trot 5KThe Endicott Estate Dedham, MA, .
Alternative House’s 5k Run/Walk
This Thanksgiving day run in Lowell will have raceday registration, so if you’re in a running mood on Thanksgiving, head over as early as 6:30am! 8am. Alternative House's 5k Run/WalkThe Lowell Elks Lowell, MA, .
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights
All Holiday season long you can head to Edaville USA to see their light display. This might be a great thing to check out after you visit their Polar Express adventure. Plus, you get to see beautiful lights from a warm, dry train…now that is ideal! Edaville's Christmas Festival of LightsEdaville USA Carver, MA, –.
National Day of Mourning
Since the American Indian Movement of the 1970s, Native American Rights activists gather in Plymouth to protest the Thanksgiving holiday and raise awareness about the continued plight of the Native population in this country. Regardless of how you choose to observe this holiday (or not), it’s good to be aware that this is happening! National Day of MourningColes Hill Plymouth, MA, .
Fall Festival at Felix Neck
Come early at 9am for a bird walk, then stay for a day of fun family outdoor activities! 11am. Fall Festival at Felix NeckFelix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Edgartown, MA, .
Mythbusters: Behind the Myths
The Mythbusters are in town with a one of a kind show sure to amaze and educate the audience! 7:30pm. Mythbusters: Behind the MythsThe Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Worcester, MA, .
Bright Nights in Springfield
Bright Nights appears to be a drive-through safari, but instead of wild animals, you’re checking out thousands of Holiday lights. And if the website is to be believed, there’s a ‘Dr. Seuss’ land. Bright Nights in SpringfieldForest Park Springfield, MA, –.
Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree at Lopes Square
I don’t know what a lobster pot tree is but it’s getting lit up. Enjoy a fun night in Provincetown! Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree at Lopes SquareLopes Square Provincetown, MA, .
Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument
Celebrate the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World with this unique lighting ceremony. This event also celebrates Provincetown fishing heritage. Meet at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum(PMPM). 5pm. Lighting of the Pilgrim MonumentPilgrim Monument 1 High Pole Hill Rd Provincetown, MA, .
Thanksgiving Weekend
Here is a whole weekend of Thanksgiving fun in Provincetown, including the lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree! Thanksgiving WeekendProvincetown, Commercial St Provincetown, MA, –.
Dreamcatcher Classic Road Race
Here’s one of the few turkey trots on the South Shore, bright and early fun at 8am! Don’t miss it. 8am. Dreamcatcher Classic Road RaceWeymouth Elks Club Weymouth, MA, .
Traditional Shaker Supper
Gastronomical time travel takes place at this Shaker musuem, with a tour by re-enactors, an authentic dinner, and acappella Shaker music from the 1830s. 4pm. Traditional Shaker SupperHancock Shaker Village Hancock, MA, .
Taste of Rhode Island
Enjoy some of Rhode Island’s most famous foods on this culinary adventure in Providence. Yum! 11am. Taste of Rhode IslandVisitor Information Center at the Rhode Island Convention Center which is located at 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903. Providence, RI, –.
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. National Novel Writing MonthCheck Their Slow Website All Over, , –.
Performance
Review: Awake and Sing!
Anyone who has ever dreamt of a brighter future for their family will identify with Awake and Sing! Follow this unique family on their journey to happiness. Review: Awake and Sing!Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Review: Bad Jews
Here’s a scathingly funny family drama that ought to prepare anyone for holidays at home! Review: Bad JewsCalderwood Pavilion Boston, MA, –.
Review: Evita
Argentina’s controversial First Lady is the subject of this dynamic musical masterpiece. As an illegitimate fifteen year old, Eva escaped her dirt-poor existence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires. Driven by ambition and blessed with charisma, she was a starlet at twenty-two, the president’s mistress at twenty-four, First Lady at twenty-seven, and dead at thirty-three. Eva Peron saint to the working-class, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military’ was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy unique in the 20th century. Told through a compelling score that fuses haunting chorales with exuberant Latin, pop and jazz influences, EVITA creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself. Review: EvitaThe Umbrella Community Arts Center Concord, 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, –.
Review: The Trip to Bountiful
There is no home like your childhood home. Join one woman on her quest to see it one last time in The Trip to Bountiful. The Trip to BountifulCutler Majestic Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Phdre by Jean Racine
A classic Greek tragedy full of drama, lust, passion, and of course, consequences opens Wednesday in Boston! Phdre by Jean RacineFirst Church In Boston Boston, MA, –.
Review: Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
See the tale of an allergist’s wife unfold on stage in…The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Promise it’s better than going to the allergist! The Tale of the Allergist's WifeThe Lyric Stage Boston, MA, –.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
The Musical of Musicals lends from the best of the best to create one amazing show! The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)Boston Center for the Arts’ Plaza Theatre Boston, MA, –.
SLAMBoston Winter Edition
Sixteen plays. Three nights. One winner. Which performance will take home the gold? SLAMBoston Winter EditionBoston Playwrights’ Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Aerosmith Legacy Show
Relive the legacy that is Aerosmith. They had some really great hits, no one can really deny that. The band Draw The Line will perform some of their greatest hits at Brighton Music Hall! 8pm. Aerosmith Legacy ShowBrighton Music Hall Allston, MA, .
Still on the Levee Band Tour
This blues and folk icon performs with The Motivators in this afternoon show at the Sinclair. 2pm. Still on the Levee Band TourThe Sinclair Cambridge, 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, –.
A Christmas Carol
Don’t 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
Here’s 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, –.
Signature Sounds 20th Anniversary Concerts
Three days, four shows and over seventeen artists? Now that’s a 20th anniversary celebration! Signature Sounds 20th Anniversary ConcertsThe Academy of Music Northampton, MA, –.
Travel
Moonlight Magic
Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls has become a traditional event across the region. It’s the kick-off to the holiday season that includes Lighting of the Village, the Parade of Lights, Santa’s Workshop, carolers, and street performers. 4pm. Moonlight MagicDowntown Shelburne Falls Shelburne Falls, MA, .
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Instead of Black Friday madness, enjoy a different kind of crazy – 20+ acrobat craziness. Fun! Golden Dragon AcrobatsSpruce Peak Performing Arts Center Stowe, VT, .
Xmas Lights & Santa Events
 Holiday Light Displays & Santa Events – click map above to set region Mon 11/24 Tue 11/25 Wed 11/26 Thu 11/27 Fri 11/28 Sat 11/29 Sun 11/30 Mon 12/1
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Santa’s Arrival & Holiday ParadeProvidence, RI

Usher in the holiday season with the Jolly Old Elf himself at Roger Williams Park Zoo! See Santa arrive in grand style in our parking lot at 9am. Then stick around for a festive holiday parade through the Zoo.
1000 Elmwood Avenue, 401-941-4998 ext 316, or 401-785-3510 ext 343. 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Parade of LightsWaterville, ME

Downtown Waterville’s annual holiday parade, held the evening after Thanksgiving, has drawn thousands of families to Main Street for many years and serves as a fun and festive kick off to the holiday season. What better time of the year to get together and show our community spirit and support for one another! Waterville Main Street is continuing this wonderful tradition, and we would like to invite you to participate.
Downtown 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.