Holiday happenings: Where to find festive events around the SouthCoast
Do you hear the sleigh bells ringing? The SouthCoast is bringing the holiday cheer in full force this season. That means it is time to get in the festive spirit and enjoy all the magical things about Christmas.
There are many opportunities to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, places to buy those last-minute holiday gifts, and holiday music to experience. Whether you are looking for some family fun with your children or a night out at the theatre, we have compiled a list of some of the holiday events around the SouthCoast for you to add to your calendar.
Get the hot chocolate ready, bundle up, and put on your Santa hat to head out and enjoy the festivities.
Foxboro - Magic of Lights
Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 31: Magic of Lights will return to Gillette Stadium for the last time. The Magic of Lights drive-thru experience features dazzling, family-friendly holiday light displays crafted using the latest in CAD technology and digital animations. Tickets must be purchased in advance online and will not be available for purchase at the gate. Magic of Lights will be open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. from Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 31 and will be closed on select dates surrounding Patriots home games. For the full schedule and additional details, visit MagicOfLights.com/Foxborough.
Dartmouth - Holiday Shopping with Alpacas
Saturday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 20: Head to Hill Crest Alpaca Farm, 338 Old Fall River Road, North Dartmouth from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for some holiday shopping. Take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a ride on their holiday train, or a pony ride. There will be games, food, shopping, a bunch of outdoor fun, and of course, Alpacas. For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/HillCrestAlpacas.
Middleboro - Santa at the Bogs
Sunday, Nov. 20: Enjoy scenic views of The Barn on Benson's Pond's own cranberry bogs, 6 Pine St., Middleboro, with Santa while enjoying a hot beverage and listening to holiday tunes. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. decorate your own cookie, sip on hot cocoa, visit the arts & crafts corner, get your face painted, take a wagon ride around the bogs, shop the barn's little farm store, and more. For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-at-the-bogs-2022-tickets-443616949237?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse.
Providence - Holiday Lights Spectacular
Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 1: Experience Holiday Lights Spectacular - an annual walk-through experience just in time for the holidays at Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays, this year’s event is even bigger and brighter boasting more than 3 ½ million illuminated lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, or roast some s’mores and stroll through 40 acres of illuminated pathways. To get tickets check out https://www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights/?fbclid=IwAR1_wggiiMGp1M2HTirPrymGl-mbLi_9cneUEEOIN8FO49tNpYD2thSpZxs.
New Bedford - GNBVTHSCraft Fair
Saturday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 27: Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is having its annual Scholarship Fund Craft Fair with over 150 vendors. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at GNBVTHS, 1121 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.
Middleboro - Christmas Parade
Saturday, Nov. 26: The "Keeping with the Spirit" parade will kick off at 1 p.m. from Burkland School (41 Mayflower Ave.) and continue up Mayflower Avenue and to Courtland Street around Station Street, down Centre Street, continuing to South Main Street and ending up back at Burkland School.
New Bedford Festival Theatre presents White Christmas
Nov. 26 through Dec. 4: A song and dance duo follow two beautiful singing sisters to a Vermont lodge for their Christmas show. This holiday classic features a dazzling score filled with well-known standards including the perennial title song. White Christmas is an uplifting musical to celebrate the holidays at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase St., New Bedford. Tickets are on sale at https://www.zeiterion.org/events/nbft-white-christmas.
Tiverton - Holiday Bright Night
Friday, Dec. 2: Visit Tiverton Four Corners, 3851 Main Road, Tiverton, from 4 to 7 p.m. for an evening of energy-filled holiday shopping. Frolic through a festive, brightly lit neighborhood of galleries and shops as you enjoy holiday décor and special offers to complete your list.
Fall River - 47th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4: Christmas Craft Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School, 460 Elsbree St., Fall River. There will be 160 vendors showcasing their talent from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission and parking.
New Bedford - dNB Holiday Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 3: Kick off the holidays at dNB's annual Holiday Stroll from noon to 5 p.m. in Downtown New Bedford. The stroll features live music, performers, and holiday fun for the whole family. For updates about the event visit https://www.facebook.com/dNBinc.
New Bedford - Black In Business: Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 3: BuyBlackNB joins dNB Inc. in kicking off the holiday season, and spreading cheer throughout downtown New Bedford featuring 14 local small businesses, Black Santa, and live music. Head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford from noon to 5 p.m. to check out the event.
Fall River - Children's Holiday Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3: Greater Fall River RE-CREATION’s 38th annual Children's Holiday Parade will step off at 1 p.m. from Kennedy Park. South Main Street will be lined with beautifully decorated floats, amazing local marching bands, holiday balloons, cartoon characters, Santa Claus, and more.
Taunton - Lights on Festival
Saturday, Dec. 3: Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival for this annual, community-loved celebration featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, fireworks, and a magical display of holiday lights on the historic Taunton Green. The event takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Taunton Green, Route 44, Taunton.
Swansea - Holiday in the Village
Saturday, Dec. 3: A holiday stroll with fun family events in the historic village. A flurry of fun and festivities will be scattered from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout the Main Street area in Swansea. For updated information visit https://www.facebook.com/holidayinthevillage/.
Lakeville - Tree lighting and Caroling
Saturday, Dec. 3: Join the Lakeville Lions for their annual Tree Lighting and Caroling at 6 p.m. at 170 Main St., Lakeville. Bring an unwrapped gift or food item to donate if you can and enjoy Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies and pictures with Santa.
Fall River - Ho Ho Hoey Rocking Holiday Tour
Saturday, Dec. 3: Gary Hoey's Ho Ho Hoey Rocking Holiday Tour is a family-friendly all ages event. Gary Hoey has been a driving force behind instrumental rock Christmas music since 1995 after his version of “The Twelve Days Of Christmas” hit the airwaves. Get together and celebrate this holiday season at 7 p.m. at the Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. Tickets can be purchased at https://narrowscenter.showare.com/eventperformances.
Mattapoisett - Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 8: Join Mattapoisett YMCA, 38 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett, by the harbor for a tree-lighting event. From 5 to 7 p.m. there will be free children's activities, a bonfire, a visit from Santa, and Lenny's Catch Food Truck will be on site. For more information check out https://ymcasouthcoast.org/2022/10/31/holiday-tree-lighting-event-2022/.
Fall River - Dinner with Santa
Friday, Dec. 9: Enjoy a delicious meal with jolly old Santa at 6 p.m. at Greater Fall River Re-Creation, 45 Rock St., Fall River. To purchase tickets visit https://gfrrec.org/dinner-with-santa.
Dartmouth - The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year - Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday, Dec. 9: Silver bells are ringing at this seasonal standup performance, but the jolly jokester gets upstaged by an event far worse than bad holiday comedy: a murder! With humbug hovering over the holiday, it is up to the unamused audience to unravel the mystery of whodunnit like last year’s tacky knitted holiday sweater. Wear your festive clothes and enjoy the buffet while solving the case at Rachel's Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth. Get your tickets at https://shop.whitesofwestport.com/collections/events/products/the-most-wonderful-crime-of-the-year-murder-mystery-dinner
Fairhaven - Old-Time Holiday
Saturday, Dec. 10: Holiday Happenings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will take place across various locations in Fairhaven such as the Town Hall, First Congregational Church, Unitarian Memorial Church, the Millicent Library, and the Northeast Maritime Institute. Visitors can shop for arts and crafts, gifts, candy and sweets, food items, and enjoy holiday luncheons, musical entertainment, a visit with Santa, and more. For updated information visit https://fairhaventours.com/old-time-holiday.
New Bedford - Cookies, Paws & Santa Claws
Dec. 10, 11,17, and 18: Jingle all the way over to the Buttonwood Park Zoo for some holiday fun at Cookies, Paws & Santa Claus. Let your creativity run wild as you decorate your own sweet treat and create some holiday magic at festive craft stations. With animal encounters, unlimited rides, delicious hot cocoa, and lots of memories to be made, you certainly won’t want to miss out on this family fun event. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10, 11,17, and 18 at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford. For ticket information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3250888701796100/3250888715129432/.
Somerset - Winterfest
Saturday, Dec. 10: The Slades Ferry Park area of Somerset will be turned into a winter wonderland from noon to 6 p.m. for this free family event. There will be a skating rink (free with skates included ), a children’s train ride around the candy land village, an ornament-making station, tree lighting, and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as the Grinch. A SOAM market vendor pop-up, food trucks, and Pink Bean and Pickled Deli holiday specials will also be at the event. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SomersetWinterfest/.
Marion - Sippican Choral Society Christmas Concert
Saturday, Dec. 10: The Sippican Choral Society's Christmas program is a mix of seasonal favorites including Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, and Joy to the World, Classical tunes including Exultate Deo and the Sussex Carol, and pure whimsy with the Muppet’s Scrooge and the Donkey Carol. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, 86 Spring St., Marion. For ticket information visit https://www.sippicanchoralsociety.org/concerts.html
New Bedford - A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
Saturday, Dec. 10: Christmas-time live version of Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn that draws on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase St., New Bedford. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.zeiterion.org/events/christmas-celtic-sojourn.
Taunton - Live Reading of 'A Christmas Carol'
Saturday, Dec. 10: Get in the spirit at the Old Colony History Museum with a live reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol", performed by OCHM staff, board members, and friends. Enjoy coffee, cocoa, and holiday goodies while you listen to this live reading. The storytelling begins at 6 p.m. at the Old Colony History Museum, 66 Church Green, Taunton.
New Bedford - Holiday Pops at the Z
Sunday, Dec. 11: The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase St., New Bedford. Share the joy of the season with friends and family at the best holiday concert in town. The magnificent orchestra plays all your seasonal favorites, and the Showstoppers and Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestra members join in for a performance that will make everyone merry. You can purchase tickets at https://nbsymphony.org/2022-2023-season/holiday-pops/.
Fall River - Holiday Pops
Sunday, Dec. 11: The Fall River Symphony Orchestra presents its Holiday Pops concert which will include works from Duke Ellington, Tchaikovsky, and other works from some of your favorite holiday movies. The show starts at 3 p.m. at the Margaret L. Jackson Performing Arts Center at BCC, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River. For tickets visit https://www.fallriversymphonyorchestra.org/events-tickets.
Fall River - Christmas in Fall River
Friday, Dec. 16: Sons of Serendip will be returning for the annual holiday concert, which will also feature Javier Colon, winner of Season 1 of The Voice. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Durfee High School’s Nagle Auditorium, 360 Elsbree St., Fall River. For tickets and more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-in-fall-river-javier-colon-sons-of-serendip-tickets-460758700677.
Westport - Jingle Mingle Holiday Party & Buffet
Friday, Dec. 16: It's time to celebrate the season and DJ George Ayoub Jr. will make this party one to remember. Perfect holiday buffet and music party for individuals, groups, and companies big or small. Celebrate the season at 6:30 p.m. at White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport. For tickets visit https://shop.whitesofwestport.com/collections/events/products/jingle-mingle-holiday-party
Fall River - Meet the Grinch
Saturday, Dec. 17: As the song says, he's "a bad banana with a greasy black peel!"... but still we love him anyway. The Grinch will return to the Fall River Public Library, 104 North Main St., for this holiday meet and greet to meet all his adoring fans. The event is from 11 a.m. to noon with a special "Grinch Craft" that awaits all children who attend while supplies last.
Somerset - South Coast Community Chorale Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 18: Enjoy an afternoon filled with beautiful music that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. They will be performing Mozart's Coronation Mass and Ave Verum along with other holiday favorites. Following the concert, there will be a reception downstairs. The show starts at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish, 386 Luther Ave., Somerset. For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-coast-community-chorale-holiday-concert
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Christmas events planned in Fall River and New Bedford areas
