Great holiday activities in Massachusetts and Connecticut
for the whole family to enjoy!
Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of listings. However, dates and events are subject to change. Please call telephone numbers or visit the Web sites listed to verify information
Events in Massachusetts
November 5 - 7
Christmas Sampler Craft Fair
Eastern States Exposition’s Better Living Center, West Springfield. Come get into the holiday spirit with this wonderful craft fair! This annual day long festivity has 300-plus exhibitors featuring holiday art, photography, pottery, crafts, furniture and much more! It’s something you and your family don’t want to miss.
(413) 774-7476 ext. 18
www.deerfield-craft.org
November 24, 2004 - January 2, 2005
Bright Nights at Forest Park
Forest Park, Springfield
Now entering its ninth season, "Bright Nights at Forest Park" is New England’s single-most popular holiday destination! Come drive through one of the largest holiday light displays of its kind while listening to festive music. What a great way to celebrate the season with your family.
(413) 733-3800
www.spiritofspringfield.org
November 24, 2004 - January 16, 2005
Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle: A Seasonal Sampler
Springfield Museums, Springfield
Enjoy festive holiday-themed exhibitions in all four museums! Featuring everything from a Victorian holiday exhibit, an antique doll show, "Blanketed in Snow" — the winter scenes of Asa Cheffetz, and much more!
For a full listing of events, please call or visit the Web site.
(800) 625-7738
www.quadrangle.org
November 26
Parade of the Big Balloons
Main Street, Springfield
Since 1991, Springfield has celebrated the day after Thanksgiving with this exciting event! Featuring Springfield’s own 75-foot inflatable "Cat in the Hat" and a few of his friends as well as marching bands, colorful contingents and, of course, Santa Claus!
(413) 733-3800
www.spiritofspringfield.org
December 1, 2004 - January 2, 2005
Spirit of the Season at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
The festively decorated Village of Old Sturbridge sets the stage for you to discover the evolution of Christmas traditions over time. Capture the spirit of the season by day and experience the coziness of candlelit houses and shops in the evening. Christmas Traditions by Candlelight features six evening programs (Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, from (5 - 9 p.m.). Bring your skates and take a spin around the skating area on the Village Common!
(508) 347-3362
www.osv.org
December 3
Merry Maple Celebration of Lights
Town Common, Amherst
You and your family don’t want to miss this wonderful holiday evening event! Gather with your family and listen to the beautiful songs of the season performed by the UMASS marching band and the Amherst Regional Middle School chorus. It’s guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!
(413) 253-0700
December 4 - 19
Sparklefest 2004
Harvard Square, Boston
This annual holiday event encompasses three weekends of daily festivities throughout December. Each weekend features holiday fairs, craft festivals, book readings, children’s events, delicious food and much more!
(617) 491-3434
www.harvardsquare.com
December 4
Annual Lighting of the Evergreen
Pulaski Park, Northampton
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional New England Christmas! Come get in the spirit with your family and friends as the town of Northampton lights up the night with its annual lighting of the evergreen.
(413) 584-1900
December 4 & 5
Yuletide at Storrowton
Storrowton Village at the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield
Join the folks at Storrowton Village for yuletide activities that everyone will enjoy! There will be daily seasonal craft demonstrations, holiday musical performances, storytelling, caroling, tree lighting, a visit with a Victorian Santa and much more.
(413) 737-2443
www.thebige.com
December 31
First Night Junior
Downtown Holyoke
First Night Junior has all the fun of New Year’s Eve — that the kids can enjoy too! This afternoon celebration welcomes in the new year complete with ball drop and fun activities for parents and kids! Don’t miss this fun event.
(413) 534-1723
Events in Connecticut
November 23, 2004 - January 2, 2005
6th Annual Holiday Light Fantasia
Goodwin Park, Hartford
Now in its sixth year, Fantasia will run for 45 days! Come take this leisurely two-mile evening drive through a series of magical, animated lighting displays that will amaze and amuse spectators. You are sure to love this larger-than-life exhibit!
(860) 343-1565
www.holidaylightfantasia.com
November 26
Light Up City Hall
City Hall, Norwich
Don’t miss the wonderful illumination of Norwich’s City Hall! This evening event starts with the lighting of City Hall, followed by caroling and a special appearance by Santa. It’s great family fun. (860) 886-4683
www.norwichct.org
November 27
Santa’s Arrival
Sherman Green, Fairfield
Come see Santa arrive at Sherman Green! This all-day event will also include more than 30 community organizations selling baked goods, crafts and much more! They will also bring back the horse and buggy ride.
(203) 255-1011
www.fairfieldct.org
November 28
Hartford Festival of Light Opening Ceremony
Constitutional Plaza, Hartford
Don’t miss the official start to Hartford’s holiday season! Each year, as many as fifteen thousand loyal revelers converge on this evening with family and friends to sing holiday songs and witness the lighting of more than 250,000 bright white bulbs. Come see Constitutional Plaza transformed into a winter fantasyland!
(860) 525-8629
www.connectthedots.org
December 2 - 9
Lantern Light Tours
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
One of New England’s most popular yuletide experiences, the Lantern Light evening tours will bring you back to scenes of Christmases past with horse- drawn carriage rides through beautiful scenery and visits with Old St. Nick! Please call in advance.
(888) 9SEAPORT
www.visitmysticseaport.com
December 4
Holiday Breakfast with Santa
Avon Recreation Center, Avon
Come share in this annual tradition in Avon! You and your family can enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast while sharing with Santa all of your seasonal wishes. Great fun for the kids!
(860) 409-4365
www.town.avon.ct.us/
December 4
Celebration of Lights and Song by the Sea
Downtown New London
Enjoy all that this wonderful event has to offer! In addition to the traditional tree lighting ceremony, there will be open artist studios, ice sculpture demonstrations and much more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet visitors as well!
(860) 444-CITY
www.newlondonmainstreet.org
December 5
14th Annual Children’s Holiday Festival Parade
Downtown Bristol
Let your children experience firsthand this "parade in reverse!" Participants walk the parade route past the entertainers, who line the streets! The parade stepsoff at Federal Hill Green at 1 p.m. sharp. Santa and additional activities will be waiting for everyone at The Mall on Bristol Centre.
www.bristolct.net
December 7
Mystic Stroll and Tree Lighting
Historic Downtown Mystic
Spend the evening strolling the streets of Historic Downtown Mystic, listening to carolers rejoice in the holiday spirit and enjoying the beautiful tree lighting. Merchants will also keep their shops open late, so get a head start on your shopping while enjoying free cider and cookies!
(860) 572-9578
www.mysticchamber.org
December 10
Lighthouse Keepers’ Christmas
The Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford
The Henry Whitfield State Museum re-creates a Victorian evening of Christmas cheer just as it was celebrated by lighthouse keepers and their families in the 1800s. Join costumed interpreters and experience the warmth of family and friends while enjoying refreshments, singing carols and listening to holiday tales!
(203) 453-2457
www.hbgraphics.com/whitfieldmuseum/
Artwork is for display purposes only and does not necessarily reflect specific items. Not responsible for typographical errors.
