All around New England trees are trimmed, lights are lit, Nutcrackers are dancing and carols are being sung. Here’s a round up of events happening throughout the region:
Maine
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay are awash with glimmering delights for their annual Gardens Aglow light display. With over 650,000 lights strung over evergreens and hillsides, this spectacular event is a winter wonderland adventure for all. http://www.mainegardens.org/calendar-events/gardens-aglow/
Penobscot Theatre Company presents “Santaland Diaries” written by David Sedaris. The witty one-man show about the author’s experience as a department store elf stars Dominick Varney and runs through December 30 at the Bangor Arts Exchange and is for “Mature Elves Only!” https://www.penobscottheatre.org/show/the-santaland-diaries/
New Hampshire
On December 15 & 16 and December 22 visitors can experience the annual holiday stroll at the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Candlelit homes and costumed actors create a historic wintertime environment, complete with music and vintage decorations. http://www.strawberybanke.org/events/candlelight-stroll.cfm
The Holiday Pops concert at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord has performances from the Capital Jazz Orchestra, guest vocalists and a live rendition of the classic “The Night Before Christmas.” https://ccanh.com/events/holiday-pops/
Vermont
The Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock offers a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in a late nineteenth century farmhouse. Holiday programs, ornament crafting, and delicious fresh-baked treats are all part of the cozy and historic event. https://billingsfarm.org/event/christmas-at-the-farm-5/2018-12-22/
Vermont Ballet Theater School in Burlington is presenting a full length production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Company director Alexander Nagiba has choreographed VBT’s version of the long-cherished holiday ballet. Performances: December 22 – 24. http://www.vbts.org/
Massachusetts
All aboard Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Train to Christmas Town! The whole family will delight in the music-filled adventure that whisks you away to a magical holiday village. Along the way Elves lead sing-alongs, while delicious cookies and hot chocolate are served. Festive outfits are encouraged on this one of kind Christmas experience. https://www.capetrain.com/train-to-christmas-town/
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield’s annual Festival of Trees is on view until January 6. This year’s theme is Often Heard and features more than 100 brilliantly decorated trees, portraying popular songs from every era. https://berkshiremuseum.org/
Rhode Island
A new take on a classic tale, “A Christmas Carol: The Musical Reclamation of Ebenezer Scrooge” is presented by the Artists’ Exchange at Theatre 82 in Cranston, Rhode Island. Running through December 22, this community production is a Rhode Island holiday tradition.
Not to be missed is the annual glamour and gold explosion of Christmas at the Newport Mansions, which is on display until January 1, 2019. Enormous trees, lavish decor and plenty of holiday music greet you at select mansions. https://www.newportmansions.org/events/christmas-at-the-newport-mansions
Connecticut
Travel back in time to Christmas Eve 1876 with Lantern Light Tours at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Performances run through Sat Dec 22 and include five scenarios written by playwright Kato McNickle. The tour takes audience members (up to 16 per performance) throughout a seasonal setting of winter magic and imagination. https://www.mysticseaport.org/event/lantern-light-tours/
Dasher and Dancer, and their six reindeer compatriots join Santa at Greenwich, Connecticut’s annul Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Village. Visitors can meet the reindeer, take photos with Santa and ride the Winter Wonderland Carousel. From now until Monday Dec 24. http://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com/
