Nov 21-29, 2011: 15 Xmas Parades, LEGO fest, Thanksgiving outings, Nutcracker giveaway, & Santa Tree Lightings, & Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins

11/21/11 by

This week I’ve created a much nicer layout, giving every event its own details page that you can share on Facebook. Please email me your feedback! Seriously, the last time I asked for feedback, nobody wrote me. Drop me a note at johnny@eventsINSIDER.com and let me know how you use the website, what works for you, what needs improving. Thanks!

Don’t just sit around with the family this Thanksgiving holiday. There are plenty of active events to get you out of the house! Sure, it’s colder, but let’s face it, it’s not going to be this warm again until late March. So enjoy the outdoors.

I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!

-Johnny

p.s. Love this blog? Subscribe to email, , or and if you help get the word out, I’ll put you on my priority list to win free stuff and send you the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won’t find in the blog!


Show All, or show only:  Boston Metro  Metro West  North Shore  Lowell  South Shore  Worcester  Springfield  Berkshires  Cape Cod  New Hampshire  Rhode Island  Connecticut  Maine  Vermont
The Week in Weird

Worcester
Fri 11/25 – Sun 11/27

The Nutcracker – tix giveaway

The Nutcracker - tix giveaway at Boston Events INSIDER

If you’re ever going to see a ballet show, make it The Nutcracker, a Christmas fantasy where children witness gingerbread soldiers fighting the mice, and are carried by dolphins to a Land of Sweets. I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com and tell me what performance date you’d like to win. (Try not to make it Saturday.). Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour – tix giveaway

Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour - tix giveaway at Boston Events INSIDER

Massachusetts offers the 2nd best discount to movie studios and as a result a ton of great films have been shot here. Now take a tour around town to see the sites for The Town, Good Will Hunting, The Departed, and more. Tours run regularly — see the website — and I’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away for the one Saturday, November 26 at 2:30pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win! Boston, MA. more info

Springfield
Fri 11/25

Springfield’s Parade of the Big Balloons

Springfield's Parade of the Big Balloons at Boston Events INSIDER

I would so love to see this! Probably the best event after Thanksgiving is the parade in Springfield. The non-metro towns that try the hardest to lure in tourists are Springfield, Quincy, Salem, and Lowell. You can bet whenever an event happens in any of these places, it’ll be good. 11am, down Main Street from Lyman Street to Locust Street. Then 2pm fest at Tower Square with carolers, costumed characters. Main Street, Springfield, MA413-733-3800.Main Street, Springfield, MA. more info

Lowell
Sat 11/26

Lowell City of Lights Parade & Holiday Art Stroll

Lowell City of Lights Parade & Holiday Art Stroll at Boston Events INSIDER

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. 2-9pm, with parade at 4:30pm. Plenty of free parking! Merrimack & Central Streets, Lowell, MA978-674-1481, 978-446-7162.Merrimack & Central Streets, Lowell, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sun 11/27

Quincy Christmas Lights Festival & Parade

Quincy Christmas Lights Festival & Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

And right on cue, another town that tries hard, Quincy, has a Christmas festival. Kids festival and lighting ceremony Fri Nov 25, 4-8pm. Santa arrives by parachute Sat Nov 26, 12:30pm at Pageant Field, and a parade Sun Nov 27, 12:30pm, from School St & Elm St up Hancock St to North Quincy. It’s more of a draw if you put all this stuff together into one day, in my opinion. Quincy, MA617-376-1990 Chris Walker.Quincy, MA. more info

South Shore
Sat 11/26

The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade

The Greater Brockton Holiday Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

At 1pm, Brockton represents the South Shore better with a parade with floats! Activities and Santa photos all day. Brockton, MA508-587-4322 or 508-580-7840.Brockton, MA. more info

Metro West
Sat 11/26

Santa Parade and Fireworks over Choate

Santa Parade and Fireworks over Choate at Boston Events INSIDER

Right after you think, “Where the hell is Medway” (between Framingham and Foxboro), you think, “Fireworks!!” Parade at 5:00pm up Holliston St to Choate Park, with fireworks afterwards over Choate Pond, Santa, tree lighting. Choate Park, Medway, MA508-533-3275.Choate Park, Medway, MA. more info

Metro West
Fri 11/25 – Sun 11/27

LEGO Extravaganza at Acton

LEGO Extravaganza at Acton at Boston Events INSIDER

Can we back up just a second? It’s not ALL about Christmas and as a favor to non-believers, I will separate out the Xmas and non-Xmas events all month. For example, there’s a festival of building giant sculptures in Acton, with LEGOs. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer! They say it’s for all ages even though it’s at a children’s museum. I want to go!! 177 Main St, Acton, MA978-264-4200.177 Main St, Acton, MA. more info

South Shore
Thu 11/24

Plimoth Plantation is open on Thanksgiving

Plimoth Plantation is open on Thanksgiving at Boston Events INSIDER

Don’t just sit around on Thanksgiving! New England owns Thanksgiving because the original feast was in Plymouth, Massachusetts. And now there’s a historical re-enactment museum with dozens of live actors — and it’s open on Thanksgiving Day. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA508-746-1622.137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25

Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction

Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction at Boston Events INSIDER

I saw this last year 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. 1-4pm. MIT Campus, Rockwell Gymnasium, 120 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25 – Sun 11/27

Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins

Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins at Boston Events INSIDER

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. How fun!! Pick your day. Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Thanksgiving Contra Dance

Thanksgiving Contra Dance at Boston Events INSIDER

Some fun exercise is this folk dance in Watertown. I’ve been to many contra dances, which are line dances meant to facilitate people meeting each other, and they tend to attract intelligent and classy people. It’s easy to pick up and, unlike ballroom dancing, if you do it wrong you just laugh and get back in place and nobody seems to mind. Highly recommended. 7:30-10:30pm. Masonic Hall, 1950 Mass. Ave, Cambridge, MA502-550-5981.Masonic Hall, 1950 Mass. Ave, Cambridge, MA. more info

Worcester
Thu 11/24 – Sat 11/26

Thanksgiving & A New England Wedding at OSV

Thanksgiving & A New England Wedding at OSV at Boston Events INSIDER

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. Shooting match Nov 25, 1830s wedding on Nov 26. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA508 347-3362.1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA. more info

Springfield
Mon 11/28

“And Now Mark Twain!”


Get your Mark Twain re-enactments while they’re hot. I’m not going to keep listing them forever! 1pm. Chesterfield Council on Aging, Chesterfield, MA508-869-6749.Chesterfield Council on Aging, Chesterfield, MA. more info

Cape Cod
Thu 11/24

Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge

Nantucket Cold Turkey Plunge at Boston Events INSIDER

I called to confirm this. There’s nothing like exposing your body to extremes to break down your health. Insane people will be dipping into the ocean and running right back out! Apparently it benefits charity. Thanksgiving morning at 10am (Register at 9am). Nantucket Athenaeum. Vice President Biden usually attends! Children’s Beach, Harborview Way, Nantucket Island, MA508-228-1110 ext 107.Children’s Beach, Harborview Way, Nantucket Island, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Tue 11/29

Communicating with the Latino Market: a Free Lecture with João Silva

Communicating with the Latino Market: a Free Lecture with João Silva at Boston Events INSIDER

I’m helping personally with this one. A Brazilian marketing guru, an award-winning advertising executive, will lecture about how to connect your company to the Brazilian market, and to Brazilian-Americans and other Latinos in the USA. This one’s being hosted at Boston University and this is your chance to meet a real giant in the industry! 7-8:30pm. Boston, MA. more info
Ho Ho Holidays

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26 – Sun 11/27

TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil Hall

TubaChristmas Concert at Fanueil Hall at Boston Events INSIDER

There are a lot of Boston tree lighting that I list below, but here’s my favorite: a concert with over 200 tubas! Also at Trinity Church 11/27. There are other TubaChristmas shows listed in the next month on their website, in Ayer, New Bedford, Shelburne Falls, and Worcester. Boston, MA617-523-1300 x7021.Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Mon 11/21

Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting

Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

Because of commerce, there’s no putting off Xmas. However, I promise to only write about REAL EVENTS, not every high school that throws together some craft show. No description, but expect Santa, “performers”, they flick a switch and a tree lights up… hot chocolate and singing… 6pm. Christopher Columbus Park, 105 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25

Winthrop Holiday Lighting Festival

Winthrop Holiday Lighting Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

Winthrop is hosting some horse-drawn sleigh rides and Santa will arrive on a fire engine. Santa knows how to make an entrance! Plenty of costumed friends will be there, too. Clowns, pony rides, a juggler, and cute performances like kids doing martial arts. Plus costumed characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story”, and Rudolph the Reindeer. This outdoor event will be cancelled if raining. 3-6pm. French Square, Winthrop, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

Tree decorating 4pm, live music 4:30pm, hot chocolate, snacks, and Santa. 5:30pm. Cambridge, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Roslindale Tree Lighting

Roslindale Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

Tree lighting, caroling, Santa, and a performance of The Urban Nutcracker. I’m mainly listing these because they’re in metro Boston. Believe me, I have excluded dozens of these out in West Nowheresland. 3-5pm. Adams Park, Roslindale Village, Roslindale, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Dorchester Trolley Tour & Several Tree Lightings

Dorchester Trolley Tour & Several Tree Lightings at Boston Events INSIDER

Ooo! Take a trolley tour all around Dorchester and see several tree lightings. No details are given (wtf, people!) but presumably there will be caroling, etc. 3-8pm. Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

Peabody Square Tree Lighting Celebration

Peabody Square Tree Lighting Celebration at Boston Events INSIDER

Caroling, refreshments, they flick a light and the tree turns on. This one they can’t even be bothered to list a time. Now that’s just poor marketing. Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Sun 11/27

Anderson Tree Lighting in Logan Square

Anderson Tree Lighting in Logan Square at Boston Events INSIDER

This one has a carousel, stage shows, kids games, horse-drawn sleigh rides. 1-5:30pm. Hyde Park Municipal Building, 1179 River St, Hyde Park, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Tue 11/29

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Copley Square Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

And this one includes participatory caroling and performers including Santa and Rudolph. 5-6pm. Copley Square, Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25

Macy’s Boston Tree Lighting

Macy's Boston Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

I had this up top, but you know what? The City of Boston website doesn’t describe this event, Macy’s Boston had no information, and 5 phone calls to New York got me nowhere. So that’s when I thought, why should I feature this event? How big a deal could it be? Washington Street, Boston, MA212-695-4400.Washington Street, Boston, MA. more info

North Shore
Sun 11/27

Newburyport Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Newburyport Santa Parade & Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

Santa arrives on a US Coast Guard boat. Now that’s what I call an entrance! 4:15pm parade from Boardwalk to Market Square for tree lighting and participatory caroling. Newburyport, MA978-462-6680.Newburyport, MA. more info

North Shore
Sun 11/27

Gloucester’s Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

Gloucester's Santa Parade & Tree Lighting at Boston Events INSIDER

Santa is a busy elf, also coming to Gloucester. Participatory Christmas carols and parade from State Fish Pier, down Main Street and Western Avenue, to Kent Circle for tree lighting. Rain date 7 days later. Parade 3pm, tree lighting at Kent Circle 4:30pm. Downtown Gloucester, Gloucester, MA978-281-1227.Downtown Gloucester, Gloucester, MA. more info

South Shore
Sun 11/27

Family Breakfast with Santa!

Hmm, I guess Plymouth Plantation isn’t doing their re-enactment of the Thanksgiving dinner this year. Instead, have breakfast with Santa. 10am. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA508-746-1622.137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA. more info

Lowell
Sat 11/26 – Sun 11/27

Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms

Tree Lighting Festival at Smolak Farms at Boston Events INSIDER

This farm open to the public has a train ride, carolers, the ubiquitous face painting, free hot chocolate, kids crafts, and Santa lights the tree. 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA978-682-6332.315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA. more info

Springfield
Tue 11/29

The Lanternlight Parade and The Mayor’s Greenlighting Ceremony

The Lanternlight Parade and The Mayor's Greenlighting Ceremony at Boston Events INSIDER

A parade with Santa starts at 6:15pm to a tree lighting with Santa. Dress like a Dickens character and carry a lantern. Westfield, MA. more info

Rhode Island
Sat 11/26 – Sun 11/27

Santa’s Arrival at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Santa's Arrival at Roger Williams Park Zoo at Boston Events INSIDER

Get this!! Santa arrives (last year by HELICOPTER) at 9:30am and then there’s a parade at 10am. It’s clearly the event to see, at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, which I’ve seen and is excellent. Because it’s at a zoo, not a shopping district, it’s bound to be less commercial and just more fun. 2011: 9:30am-11:30am. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI401-785-3510 ext 208.1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI. more info

Rhode Island
Fri 11/25

Santa Arrives in Westerly

Santa Arrives in Westerly at Boston Events INSIDER

Santa arrives by fire truck, which is not as cool as a helicopter but you don’t have to get up early — this one’s at 6pm. Moved to Westerly Armory if rain. Westerly, RI401-596-7761.Westerly, RI. more info

New Hampshire
Fri 11/25

Holiday Parade of Lights in Berlin NH

Holiday Parade of Lights in Berlin NH at Boston Events INSIDER

No fireworks this year, but a great parade with floats from the community. This is the one I want to see. 7pm. Berlin, NH603-752-6246.Berlin, NH. more info

New Hampshire
Sat 11/26

Santa Arrives by Dogteam at Waterville Valley

Santa Arrives by Dogteam at Waterville Valley at Boston Events INSIDER

It’s not too cold in Boston, but you did know that mountains get colder, right? So skiing season is starting! To celebrate, Santa and his elves ride into Waterville Valley pulled by a team of sled dogs and there will be a tree lighting with fireworks! Arrival at 3:30, Fireworks at 7pm. 6 Village Rd, Waterville Valley, NH603-236-8175.6 Village Rd, Waterville Valley, NH. more info

New Hampshire
Sat 11/26

Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade

Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

I love it when websites don’t describe an event, but just say “see this website”… and it’s the SAME website. So. This is some kind of parade. Santa arrives and lights a tree. Fabulous. 3pm. Wolfeboro, NH603-569-2200.Wolfeboro, NH. more info
Also Fun

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25

HawkFeather Dancers – Modern Native American Dances and Customs

HawkFeather Dancers - Modern Native American Dances and Customs at Boston Events INSIDER

Gee, what’s a hoop dancer? You’ll learn a lot at this Native American event, which is meant for kids but it’s bound to be good, since everything at the JFK Library is good. Register right away! 10:30-11:30am. Columbia Point, Boston, MA617-514-1600.Columbia Point, Boston, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Thu 11/24

Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race

Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race at Boston Events INSIDER

This one’s a 4-mile road race for charity, which begins and ends at The Burren. 9am. If you want to join in, you must sign up in advance. Like I’m really going to feel like a road race at 9am the day after stuffing my face… Er, my turkey. The Burren, 247 Elm St., Somerville, MA. more info

South Shore
Fri 11/25

Too Much Turkey Hike!

Too Much Turkey Hike! at Boston Events INSIDER

Ditto for a hike. Well, I might be up for a hike! Free, cancelled if rain. 9am. What’s all this about 9am? Holidays start at noon, people! Park Headquarters, 194 Cranberry Rd, South Carver, MA508-272-9376.Park Headquarters, 194 Cranberry Rd, South Carver, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Thu 11/17 – Tue 11/22

Boston Latino International Film Festival

Boston Latino International Film Festival at Boston Events INSIDER

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. Various, Cambridge, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/25

Half-Price Day at Franklin Park Zoo & Stone Zoo

Half-Price Day at Franklin Park Zoo & Stone Zoo at Boston Events INSIDER

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. 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA & Stoneham, MA617-541-5466.1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA & Stoneham, MA. more info

New Hampshire
Sun 11/20

Our National Thanksgiving – w/ Abraham Lincoln

Our National Thanksgiving - w/ Abraham Lincoln at Boston Events INSIDER

Steve and Sharon Wood re-enact President Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale in this Thanksgiving season performance. Unfortunately, there’s no website with details, but it’s free, call for information. I’ve me Steve Wood and believe me, it’s electrify to talk to “Lincoln” for a minute! 2:30pm. The Woodlands, 125 Mascoma St, Lebanon, NH603-448-1723.The Woodlands, 125 Mascoma St, Lebanon, NH. more info

Berkshires
Sat 11/26

Owl Moon: Night Hike

Owl Moon: Night Hike at Boston Events INSIDER

Fall is a great time to head West to the Berkshires to go hiking. It’s like hiking in an air conditioned park! While you’re out there, check out this night hike looking for owls!! 7pm. Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA413-229-8600.Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA. more info

Cape Cod
Fri 11/25

Foray After the Feast

Foray After the Feast at Boston Events INSIDER

This easy park hike along a river is more my style. 10am-12pm. 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA. more info

Metro West
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20

Sean Astin Interview at Super Megafest

Super Megafest - my review at Boston Events INSIDER

I’ve just been to the biggest fan convention in New England, with tons of genuine celebrities coming, like Patrick Stewart from Star Trek, and Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings. Click for my interview with Sean Astin! Sheraton Framingham, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA. my interview more info
Performance

Boston Metro
Sun 11/20 – Sun 12/11

Captors – our review

Captors - our review at Boston Events INSIDER

Israeli agents have just nabbed Adolf Eichmann, the world’s most wanted war criminal. But will he confess? Click for our review! Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. our review more info

Boston Metro
Sat 11/26

The Capitol Steps

The Capitol Steps at Boston Events INSIDER

I don’t normally list performances, but if you are a news junkie, this is an evening of musical political satire called the Capitol Steps. I’ve seen it and it’s way more cerebral and clever than anything you’ve seen on Saturday Night Live. Definitely check this out! Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA617-496-2222.Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Mon 11/21

Arabic Music with Tufts Takht and Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – Small Jazz Concert

Arabic Music with Tufts Takht and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - Small Jazz Concert at Boston Events INSIDER

I don’t list many music concerts, but Jazz + Arabic Music must equal something good! 7pm. Tufts, Medford, MA. more info

Boston Metro
Fri 11/18

Straight No Chaser – my review

Straight No Chaser - my review at Boston Events INSIDER

One of the most popular a capella groups in the world — from Indiana University and best known for their holiday music — has just come to the Wang Theatre. Click for my review! Wang Theatre, Boston, MA. my review more info
Travel

Connecticut
Sat 11/26

Tree Lighting and Lighted Boat Parade

Tree Lighting and Lighted Boat Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

A boat parade is when a lot of volunteers put lights on their boats and you sit by the Mystic River watching them go by, ending with awards at Mystic River Park. 6-8pm. Mystic River Park, Mystic, CT860-572-9578.Mystic River Park, Mystic, CT. more info

Connecticut
Sat 11/26

Santa Arrives by Tugboat

Santa Arrives by Tugboat at Boston Events INSIDER

Christmas carols, Santa. 2-5pm. Mystic River Park, Mystic, CT. more info

Connecticut
Sun 11/27

Trees in the Rigging Boat Parade

Trees in the Rigging Boat Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

Gee, I like participatory caroling. Oo, and a drum corps! Oh!! And a lantern parade! Antique cars! And a parade of boats going by. 4:30-6pm. 67 Main St, Essex, CT. more info

Connecticut
Sun 11/27

CT Holiday Dazzle Light Parade

CT Holiday Dazzle Light Parade at Boston Events INSIDER

You can always tell that a parade will be big when they invite the community to design and bring floats! 5pm. Rain date 7 days later. Putnam, CT. more info

Connecticut
Thu 11/24

Turkey Dip

Turkey Dip at Boston Events INSIDER

I wasn’t able to confirm this one, but it looks like crazy people jump into chilly Quaddick Lake and somehow that’s related to raising money for charity! 6am. 6am?? What genius thought that up? Quaddick State Park, Putnam, CT. more info

Connecticut
Fri 11/25

Opening Day for Hartford Winterfest

Winterfest sounds like it must be TREMENDOUS but it’s really free public skating and skate rentals — all winter thru February. I guess that’s pretty cool! Opening Night Nov 25 features a 4pm parade from Bushnell Park Carousel with an antique fire engine & holiday music. 4:30pm skating, Santa. 6pm Professional skate performances. Carousel. Ends 10pm. Open Xmas Day. Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT860-525-8629.Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT. more info

Connecticut
Sat 11/26

Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights

When you go to a boat parade, that’s when you learn that boats move reaaaaly slowly, especially when they’re on the horizon. But it’s outdoorsy! Stamford Harbor, Stamford, CT203-904-5776.Stamford Harbor, Stamford, CT. more info

Connecticut
Sat 11/26

Annual Holiday Stroll at East Lyme

Annual Holiday Stroll at East Lyme at Boston Events INSIDER

Considering they want to draw you downtown to spend money, this looks pretty interesting, with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, free cocoa and cider, and Santa arrives on a fire truck for a tree lighting. 4-8pm. East Lyme, CT. more info

Maine
Fri 11/25

Waterville Parade of Lights

Waterville Parade of Lights at Boston Events INSIDER

Marching bands and community floats indicate that this parade will be a good one! I like that it’s outdoors at night with holiday lights, too. 6pm. Waterville, ME. more info

Vermont
Sat 11/26

Manchester Merriment

Manchester Merriment at Boston Events INSIDER

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, VT. more info

 

Holiday Lights & Santa Events grade Mon 11/21 Tue 11/22 Wed 11/23 Thu 11/24 Fri 11/25 Sat 11/26 Sun 11/27
Boston MetroStoneham, MAStone Zoo’s Zoolights B-         R F S S
2011: Daily 5-9pm. 250,000 lights and lots of animals. But the animals are mainly sleeping in their holes and the rest are poorly lit. Only OK. Santa is available.
149 Pond Street, 617-989-2000. more
Boston MetroLexington, MAPetting Zoo in front of Seasons Four Furniture Store ?             S S
This is a merchant event with a petting zoo, Santa, elmo, face painting, singers, balloon animals, etc. I called and they couldn’t be bothered to give me the dates, so this is my best guess.
1265 Massachusetts Avenue, 781-861-1200. more
South ShoreCarver, MAEdaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of Lights A+           F S S
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! 2011: Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 2-9pm.
Pine Street, 877-EDAVILLE. more
South ShoreAvon, MAEnchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture ?   M T W R F S S
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.
Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr more
Southeast MassAttleboro, MALa Salette Shrine Festival of Lights B+         R F S S
2011: 5-9pm. Very religious: it’s a shrine. But I’ve been and it was nice anyway. Over 300,000 lights covering 10 acres. Trolley rides Fri-Sun.
947 Park Street, 508-222-5410. more
LowellNorth Andover, MAVisit with Santa at Smolak Farms             S S
Santa’s coming! 2011: Tree lighting Nov 26.
Smolak Farms, 315 South Bradford St, 978-682-6332. more
SpringfieldFlorence, MALook Park’s Winter Wonderland ?           F S S
Hayrides, night lights, zoo. 39,000 bulbs. 2011: 4-9pm. Breakfast with Santa 12/3.
300 North Main Street, 413.584.5457. more
Cape CodSandwich, MAHeritage Museum Gardens Aglow ?           F S S
1 million lights. Toast marshmallows. Carousel. Santa in a Model T Ford. Music. 2011: 5-9pm.
67 Grove Street, 508-888-3300. more
New HampshireCandia, NHLighted Winter Wonderland & Santas Big Party at Charmingfare Farm ?             S S
Thousands of lights, a 30-minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer, Santa, costumed characters. Petting zoo. Evenings.
Route 27, 603-483-5623. more
more
New HampshireEnfield, NHLa Salette Shrine & Center B             S S
Another very religious site has 45,000 evening lights spread across 30 acres. Here’s the idea. Two kids said they saw the Virgin Mary, and the parents based an entire church on that. And I couldn’t even get away with “the dog ate my homework”! 2011: 5-9pm except opening celebration 11/26.
, 603-632-7087. more
New HampshireJefferson, NHSanta’s Village Christmas Magic ?           F S S
Lights display, Santa, reindeer, rides. Days & Eves. Special New Years event 12/31.
, 603-586-4445. more
Rhode IslandProvidence, RISanta’s Arrival & Holiday Parade ?             S S
Photos with Santa and “activities” they couldn’t be bothered to describe. Ho hum.
1000 Elmwood Avenue, 401-941-4998, or 401-785-3510 ext 343. more
ConnecticutNew Haven, CTFantasy of Lights ?   M T W R F S S
Benefits the Easter Seals. Was not able to confirm this is their 2009, not 2008, calendar. Open nightly.
Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000. more
ConnecticutEast Windsor, CTWinterFest at Connecticut Trolley Museum ?           F S S
Trolley ride through holiday lights, sing-along carols and meet Santa. 2010: 5-9pm.
58 North Road, 860-627-6540. more
ConnecticutMeriden, CTFestival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park ?     T W R F S S
Dawn to dusk. No admission, just you drive through this decorated park anytime.
Hubbard Park, 203-630-4259. more
ConnecticutMystic, CTChristmas by the Sea ?           F S S
2010:11am-4pm. Re-enactors sing sea chanteys and tell old timey stories. Gingerbread lighthouse contest. Old-timey ships, kids activities, printing press. 19th century magic show Dec 26-Jan 1.
Mystic Seaport, 860-572-5365. more
ConnecticutMystic, CTLantern Light Tours ?             S  
This is a walk through a re-enactment museum portraying Christmas eve 1876! Wow!! 2011: 5pm to 8 or 9pm. Tours fill up, register in advance.
Mystic Seaport, 860-572-5365. more

 

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