Top Holiday Events of 2016 | Out & About
The top holiday events in New England and other don’t-miss seasonal celebrations.
By Joe Bills|Oct 21 2016|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Photo Credit : Dean Digital Imaging Inc. | Courtesy of Mystic Seaport
Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Lantern Light Tours November 25-26, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-18, 23
The tradition lives on for a 37th year, with a performance of The Nut-Cracker Sweets. Set on Christmas Eve in 1876, the play unfolds through six scenes of seasonal whimsy with a horse-drawn carriage ride, a spirited circle dance, and a visit with old St. Nick … not to mention a myriad of mischievous mice! Each 70-minute progressive performance covers approximately half a mile of uneven terrain and is performed in all weather conditions. Audience members walk or stand for the majority of the performance, so dress appropriately. Mystic, CT. 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org/lanternlighttours
Maine
Maine Harvest Festival November 19-20
Cross Insurance Center hosts a celebration of all that is local and fresh, with demonstrations, talks with authors and chefs, music, samples and a screening of the film Growing Local. Bangor, ME. 207-561-8300; maineharvestfestival.com
Massachusetts
Christmas By Candlelight December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23
Escape the holiday frenzy for an old-fashioned evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and sleigh rides at Old Sturbridge Village. Meet Father Christmas, observe model trains and a miniature New England village, take in a Punch and Judy puppet show, vote for the winners of the gingerbread house contest, enjoy holiday readings and caroling, or perhaps even have brunch with Santa. Sturbridge, MA. 800-733-1830; osv.org
New Hampshire
Mount Washington: The Crown of New England Through January 16
The Currier Museum of Art hosts an exhibition devoted entirely to works depicting the Mount Washington region, featuring major paintings by Hudson River School artists, as well as acclaimed artists such as Winslow Homer and George Inness. Created in collaboration with the Mount Washington Observatory, the exhibition includes 40 paintings and many historical objects that help put them in context. Interactive exhibits also create opportunities to explore the art and science of the region, including real-time weather conditions and incredible summit videos. Manchester, NH. 603-669-6144; currier.org
Rhode Island
Christmas at Blithewold November 25-January 1
Every corner of the gorgeous, historic Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum sparkles for the season. This year’s theme is “Touring the Americas: 50 Years of Van Wickle Family Excursions.” Stroll through the Mansion, and enjoy decorations and mementos that bring the excitement and diversity of the family’s domestic travels to life. Join in the fun for select dates featuring tours, music, afternoon teas, storytelling, and, of course, visits from Santa. Bristol, RI. 401-253-2707; blithewold.org
Vermont
Winter Festival of Vermont Crafters November 26-27
Some 120 artisans and crafters gather at Barre Municipal Auditorium for central Vermont’s largest show, offering handmade items and creative crafts just in time for gift-giving season. From journals and pottery to beeswax candles and specialty foods, if it is better when made by hand, you’ll likely find it here. As always, parking and admission are free, and there will be raffles and a visit from Santa, to boot. Barre, VT. 802-426-3221; greaterbarrecraftguild.com
The 38th Putney Craft Tour is the oldest and continuing craft tour in North America and is the model for the plethora of tours around the country. Hope you can feature it in some way!
So hard to pick… but don’t forget Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth NH (vintagechristmasnh.org), the city-wide, month-long celebration of winter holidays anchored by The Music Hall live performances and Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll!