By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
Below is a curated collection of memory-making events that you and your loved ones can get out and experience this holiday season, Prime’s gift to our readers as we end 2023.
After the years of coronavirus pandemic restrictions, one thing we’ve ail learned is that there’s no time like the present to make memories!
And once again this year, to help stretch your budget while making memories, experiences that are free to visit are in red and marked with an asterisk*!
*Through Dec. 3 – Melha Feztival of Trees. At the Clarion Hotel and Water Park, 1080 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA. Free admission and parking. For $10, purchase 15 raffle tickets to take a chance on one of the donated trees! Craft fair and souvenir photos with Santa available. Hours: Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 4-7 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Dec. 3, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Info: https://melhashriners.org/feztivaloftrees/
Through Dec. 10 – Springfield Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees. Annual event at the Mass Mutual Center, downtown Springfield. Come see the dazzling display, take a chance on winning your favorite tree, and help support the work of the Boys & Girls Club! Hours: Wed. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Santa will be at the Festival Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-4 p.m. Pre-purchase tickets: Adults, $5, 65 years of age and older, $4; children 12 years of age and younger, and active military, veterans, first responders and their families free. Free parking at MGM Casino, and free shuttle to the Festival of Trees. Tickets at https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/festival-of-trees-2023
Through Dec. 24 - “A Christmas Carol” At Hartford Stage. 50 Church St., Hartford, CT. Come see Connecticut’s favorite family holiday tradition and spend some time with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they bring A Christmas Carol to life on stage. It’s perfect holiday entertainment! Performances Fri- Sun. at 7:30 p.m., also Sat. at 1 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. through Dec. 17, Daily Dec. 19-24 Tickets start at $24. Info www.hartfordstage.org
Weekends through Dec. 30 – Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. 58 North Rd., East Windsor, CT. Come celebrate the 45th year of this holiday tradition! On Dec. 1-3. 8-10, 15-17, Dec. 22 and 23, and Dec. 26-30, the museum’s trolley cars and tracks are transformed into a festival of lights, while the visitor’s center hosts a display of miniature trains and holiday lights. Choose open sleigh car (dress warmly) or closed car rides through the holiday display. Tickets: open sleigh $16 non-members, $8 members; Closed car $21 non-members, $10.50 members. Advanced tickets strongly suggested. Tickets: https://www.ct-trolley.org/events/winterfest-and-the-tunnel-of-lights/
Through Dec. 31 – “In the Land of Sugar and Seuss” - A Celebration in Gingerbread at the Springfield Museums. Come and enjoy this annual celebration of the classic holiday gingerbread house, reinterpreted to illustrate classic Dr. Seuss stories and characters, or traditional holiday themes. Included with museum admission, free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours: Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/.
Through Jan 6, 2024 – Night Wood at the Mount. Friday to Sunday through Dec. 17, also Dec. 20-23, Dec. 26-Jan 1, and Jan 5 and 6, 2024, Begins at 5 p.m., last visitor admitted at 7:45 p.m. The winter landscape at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, MA., is transformed into a wonderland combining lights, music and theatrical elements that create seven unique scenes. This is an all-outdoor event, dress accordingly, route takes approximately 45 minutes and includes stairs. Timed tickets: $25 adults; $12 children 5 to 18 years of age, free for children 5 years of age and younger. Reservation at https://www.edithwharton.org/calendar/nightwood/
Through Jan. 6, 2024 – Winterlights at Naumkeag. The gardens at the historic mansion at Naumkeag, 5 Prospect Hill Rd., Stockbridge, Massachusetts, are transformed into a winter wonderland every holiday season! Enjoy dazzling light displays, festive music, seasonal treats outside among the trees and snow. Wed.- Sun. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Closed Dec. 24, 25. This is an outdoor event, dress appropriately. Offsite parking: shuttle service from assigned zone on pre-purchased ticket. Nonmember ticket prices: Adult $30, Child $12. Tickets: https://thetrustees.org/content/winterlights-at-naumkeag/ and click on parking zone.
Through Jan.1, 2024 – Bright Nights at Forest Park. The annual holiday lighting display located on Sumner Avenue in Springfield, brings back Santa’s Magical Forest offering snacks, souvenirs and a kiddie carousel, and Santa greeting visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Horse drawn carriage rides – make reservations early! Closed Nov. 27, 28 for road race. Hours Sun. – Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri., Sat, and holidays 5-10 p.m. Admission: $23/car weekdays; $2 processing fee. Info and online ticket visit www.brightnight.org
*Through Jan. 1, 2024 – “Winter Wonderland” Lighting Display at Look Park. Free annual holiday lighting display at Look Park, 300 North Main St., Florence, MA. is open daily 4-9 p.m. Though admission is free, a $5 donation per car is suggested to help maintain the display. Info/weather cancellations: www.facebook.com/lookpark01062
Through Jan 1, 2024 – Festive Light and Music Show, and Ice Skating at MGM Springfield. Hourly from 2 to 10 p.m. every day through New Years’ Day, enjoy a free holiday light and music show on the MGM Plaza. Ice Skating (tickets required) available Wed.- Sun. through Jan 14 this year! Hours Wed. and Thurs. 4-10 p.m., Fri. and Sat 1-10 p.m., Sun noon-10 p.m. Ice skating available Christmas and New Year’s Day noon-10 p.m. Info: mgmspringfield.com/IceRink
Through Jan 14, 2024 - “The Grinch’s Grotto” at the Springfield Museums. Exclusively available at the Springfield Museums, the Grinch’s Grotto gives everyone a rare opportunity to visit his special cave in the midst of a Whoville space with interactive stations sure to amuse the whole family. The Grinch himself will be in attendance on weekends in December. Included with museum admission; free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours: Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
*Nov. 24 – The Lighting of the Quadrangle. The free festivities take place from 5-7 p.m.! The architecture and grounds of the Quadrangle at the Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, sparkle in a dazzling lighting display, there will be train rides, visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hot cocoa, cider and cookies. Visit the Grinch’s Grotto and “Gingerbread: In the Land of Sugar and Seuss” free this evening! More info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/the-lighting-of-the-quadrangle-2023/
*Nov. 24 – Holiday Tree Lighting at MGM Springfield. The free festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music by the Springfield Symphony Chorus, followed by a brief welcome program at 6 p.m., led by MGM Springfield President & COO Chris Kelley and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The official tree lighting and grand opening of the skating rink will immediately follow. Special appearances by the Patriot’s cheerleaders, Pat the Patriot, Red Sox mascot Wally, the Springfield Thunderbirds Boomer and Santa himself will round out the event. Hot chocolate and adult beverages available for purchase in the Lion’s Den winter cabin, and food trucks Jeannies Weenies and Wake the Dead Donuts on hand for snack purchases.
*Nov. 24 – Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls. The mostly free festivities take place from 4-9 p.m.! Stroll the candle-lit streets, shop in the stores and the craft fair, visit the trolley museum, open 4-9 p.m. offering holiday crafts, and catch a ride on the nighttime trolley, bedecked in holiday lights.
Nov. 24- The Grinch will be in Grinch’s Grotto today! Visit with him from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Wood Museum at the Springfield Museums. The Grinch will also be in residence Nov. 25 & 26, Dec. 1, 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 26-31 and Jan 6 and 13! Bring the little ones to visit with Mt. Crumpit’s most famous resident and snap a few photos! Please note, the Grinch will take a short rest every 40 minutes. Experience is included with museum admission; free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours : Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Nov 24 & 25 – Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. Also Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22 and 23 and 27-30, from 2-8 p.m. Pre-ordered tickets; $36 adults; $18 youths 4 to 17 years of age. At the door Fri and Sun $40 adults; $20 children; Sat $45 adults, $20 children, Explore the village’s 200-acre campus decorated for the season. Wander down the Christmas Tree Trail and through the Christmas Wish Bridge. Take a ride on the horse-drawn carry-all. Enjoy a nightly lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. View an intricate 500+ piece miniature nativity scene and a model train display. Warm up by the bonfire. Visit with Santa Claus. You can even see recreated Christmas decor from the 1830s, 1850s, and 1870s in the Salem Towne House. Info/tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4ts4c9y9
*Nov. 25 – Mayor’s Tree Lighting, Cocoa and Carols, Westfield. Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. at Park Square, downtown Westfield, with the Westfield High School Pops Band and Show Choir leading gatherers in song, tree lighting at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by cocoa. Santa will be on hand to meet with the children! Info: https://www.westfieldonweekends.com/rinnova-events/mayors-tree-lightin
Nov. 25 – Melha Shrine Breakfast with Santa. Also Nov. 26, Dec. 2, Dec. 3, seatings at 8-9:30 a.m. or 9:30-11 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Aqua Lagoon Water Park, 1080 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA. Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus for this once-a-year, family-orientated breakfast. Photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus, don’t forget your camera! Breakfast will be $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 4 through 12, and children 3 and under are free. Reservations required in advance online. Tickets: https://melhashriners.org/breakfastwithsanta/
Nov. 30 – “Grinchmas After Hours” at the Springfield Museums. This adults-only event gives grown-up visitors a chance to tour the holiday decorations throughout all the museums, including the Grinch’s Grotto, the Sugar and Seuss gingerbread exhibit and the Quadrangle lights. Music provided by a live brass band, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets $10 museum members; $20 non-members. Reservations suggested. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.;. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/holiday-happenings-2022/
*Dec 1 - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in East Longmeadow. The festivities, sponsored by the East Longmeadow Lion’s Club, begin at 6 p.m. with a parade of decorated big trucks down North Main Street from the corner of Maple/Westwood streets to the rotary. Santa will arrive on one of East Longmeadow Fire Department’s trucks at approximately 6:30 p.m. to throw the switch on the town Christmas tree in front of the First Congregational Church. Following the tree lighting, everyone is invited into the church for cocoa and cookies, and the children will have an opportunity to meet with Santa.
*Dec 1 – 35th Annual South Hadley Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Village Commons, South Hadley, come enjoy a free community celebration including appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, puppet-making, holiday-themed entertainment, face-painting for the children, hot cocoa and snacks and of course a tree lighting!
Dec. 1 – The “Spirit of Christmas” Ghost Tour at Storrowton Village. Also offered Dec. 8, It’s a ghost tour with a holiday twist – each 90-120 min. guided tour includes the history of Christmas ghost stories, unexplained occurrences in the village, the dark side of historic winter festivities, and more! Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older. Dress for the outdoors. Admission to this special tour is $25 per person. Tickets:
www.storrowtonvillage.com/p/events/storrowtonyuletide
*Dec 1 – A Very Merry Maple Lighting. From 4-6:30 p.m., on the Town Common in downtown Amherst, catch the holiday spirit with performances by the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, Santa’s arrival by horse-drawn carriage, the lighting of the Christmas tree, photos with Santa at the Amherst History Museum and a few surprises!
*Dec 1 – Cocoa Carnival at the Chicopee Library. From 2:30-4 p.m. in the Community Room of the Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front St., Chicopee, kids can play games, make crafts and warm up with some hot cocoa while they wait for the city Tree Lighting at 5 p.m.
*Dec 1 - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Chicopee. From 4:30-6 p.m., downtown Chicopee brings in the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas Tree lighting! Mayor John Vieu and Santa will arrive by fire truck at 5 p.m. to light the tree, there will be entertainment, and attendees will be invited back to the City Hall Auditorium for refreshments following the festivities.
*Dec. 2 & 3 – Yuletide Weekend at Storrowton Village. This free celebration on Dec. 2 and 3 takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Storrowton Village, 1305 Memorial Drive, West Springfield, MA. Festive activities including livestock and 19th Century trades demonstrations, visits with Santa, children’s activities, tours of the beautifully decorated buildings, and more!
*Dec 1 – “He’s Here!” A Musical Presentation. Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main St., Agawam, presents its annual holiday gift to the community at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Additional performances: Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., Dec. 3 at 3 and 6 p.m. Also Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 and 6 p.m. Free will offerings accepted to support the church’s work.
Dec. 1-3 – East Longmeadow Holiday Kickoff Celebration. Events begin with Dec. 1 tree lighting and follow up on Dec. 2 with a Frosty Frolic 5k/1-mile walk, a Holiday Fair at the Pleasant View Senior Center, house tours at Norcross House and Museum tours at the East Longmeadow Historical Society –- both with treats- and on Dec. 3 a Breakfast with Santa (tickets required) at St’ Michael’s Church. More events on Dec. 2 and 3 that have admission fees; for complete listing visit https://www.facebook.com/ellionsclub/
Dec 1-3 – Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The town made famous in Norman Rockwell’s holiday painting recreates some of that magic one weekend a year. Events include a winter wonderland walkway each day, First Congregational Church Holly Fair Dec. 2 and a historic holiday property tour on Dec. 2 including The Merwin House with special treats, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum with holiday music and The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home. (11 a.m.- 3 p.m. tickets $30, https://tinyurl.com/3438kch) The recreation of the Main Street scene from noon-2 p.m. on Dec. 3 has a $5 charge. Info/tickets: https://stockbridgechamber.org/event/stockbridge-main-street-at-christmas-recreation-2023/
Dec. 2 – Stockbridge on Main Street Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 4 Main St., Stockbridge, Massachusetts, featuring the Berkshire Bach Players. Tickets $40; limited seating. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2nayn2an
*Dec. 2 –White Christmas Tour with The Band Jaren and Ben Lane. At 7 p.m. at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 965 Plumtree Rd., Springfield Massachusetts. Free concert featuring Christmas music by The Band Jaren and Ben Laine. Free will offering.
Dec. 2 - Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. The West Springfield Boys and Girls Club Holiday Tour of Homes from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 2023! Tour-goers purchase a Guidebook for $25, which is their “ticket” into each home. Guidebooks will be sold at the Club, at-the-door on event day ($30), and at various businesses in town. Homes can be toured in any order – simply select a location on the map in your guidebook and start your journey! Info/early purchase: https://wsbgclub.org/holiday-tour-of-homes/
Dec 2 & 3 – “Polar Express” at The Depot at Graham Central Station. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day the children’s train at The Depot at Graham Central Station, 64 Maple St., East Longmeadow MA, transforms into The Polar Express for Holiday Kickoff Weekend! Purchase tickets in advance; contact
Depotmanager@tonerplastics.com
*Dec. 2 & 3 – Wistarihurst Holiday Open House. This free celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Wistarihurst Museum – home of the Skinner Family – 238 Cabot St. Holyoke, MA. Come see the home decorated for the holidays, enjoy live music, seasonal activities and do some holiday shopping with the many vendors who will have displays. More info: https://wistariahurst.org/events/holiday-open-house-festive-market/
*Dec 3 – Christmas Vespers at Smith College. At 4 p.m. in John M. Green Hall, 60 Elm St., Northampton, on the campus of Smith College, The Smith College Center for Religious and Spiritual Life presents Vespers – the annual holiday service of lessons and carols that has been delighting audiences for decades. Featuring the Smith College Glee Club, Chamber Singers, and Vespers Orchestra, conducted by Paige Graham and Jonathan Hirsh, and the Handbell Choir, conducted by Anita Anderson Cooper. Guest appearance by the Campus School Chorus, Cindy Naughton, director. Come ring in the holiday season! Free and open to the public
*Dec. 3 – Enfield Community Chorus Concert at 6 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m., the Enfield Community Chorus presents its 44th Christmas Concert of sacred and holiday music at the Hazardville United Methodist Church, 330 Hazard Ave. (Route 190), in Enfield, CT. Parking lot is handicapped accessible. Concert is free, but a free-will offering is collected.
*Dec. 3 – Victorian Christmas Traditions at Keep Homestead At 1:30 p.m., at the historic Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Rd., Monson, actress and historic reenactor Anne Barrett will read from Charles Dickens, talk about toys and handmade gifts, and share other traditions from a Victorian Christmas. Home will be open for tours from 1 to 3:30p.m. that day as well. Free and open to the public
Dec. 3 – Carols for Dancing by Renaissonics. at 3 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 335 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow MA. This concert is for all ages blends chamber music with lively dancing tunes. Tickets are $25 adults: $15 students. The concert is a benefit for the St. Andrews Music Program, Tickets: 860-916-9419 or at the door.
Dec. 3 – Bright Nights Supper with Santa. Also Dec. 8 and 10. Bring the little ones to the Barney Carriage House for supper with a special guest! Seating available at 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. feature kid-friendly menu including macaroni & cheese, chicken tenders and Christmas cookies. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children 12 years of age and younger and free for children 3 years of age and younger. Includes a pass for one vehicle to visit Bright Nights. Call 733-3800 or visit www.brightnights.org/activities/supper-santa for reservations.
Dec. 4 & 5 – Supper with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Deerfield Inn. Also Dec. 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 4- 6 p.m. This reservations-only experience is an additional $30 on top of your dining check (plus tax and 21 percent gratuity). During your dinner, Santa & Mrs. Claus will join your table to share a story and listen to your holiday wishes. Full children’s menu available with complimentary Mrs. Claus cookies. Reservations: https://www.champneysrestaurant.com/new-events
Dec. 5-9 – Yuletide Open House Tours at Storrowton Village. Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, come be inspired by work of local garden clubs who have decked out the village for the holidays. Tours led by costumed interpreters. Admission to these timed tours is $10 adults, free for children 12 years of age and younger. Village is located on grounds of Big E, Memorial Avenue, West Spingfield, MA. Book you tour at www.storrowtonvillage.com/p/events/storrowtonyuletide
Dec. 5– $10 Tuesday at Bright Nights! Also Dec. 12. Admission to one of the Northeast’s best lighting displays is just $10 for all cars tonight from 5 to 9 p.m.! No coupons accepted. Purchase tickets in advance at www.brightnights.org/activities/10-tuesday
*Dec. 6 – Decemberfest Holiday Concert. Westfield on Weekends Decemberfest Holiday concert takes place at 7 p.m. on the campus of Westfield State University, featuring holiday selections performed by faculty and students. Free and open to the public.
Dec 6 – Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular. At 7 p.m. in Symphony Hall, downtown Springfield. This holiday spectacular returns to Springfield for a second year, featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica with all-new acts; spectators will be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01005EEB2024A0E2
Dec. 6 – Storrowton Village Lantern Light Evening. From 5-8 p.m., bundle up and tour the beautifully decorated buildings of this re-created New England village by candlelight. Holiday treats included with tour. Dress for the outdoors. Admission to this special tour is $12 adults, free for children 12 years of age and younger. Tickets: www.storrowtonvillage.com
Dec. 6 - Zoo Night at Bright Nights at Forest Park. From 5-7:30, with extra tickets in addition to Bright Nights admission. Visitors can visit part of the Zoo at Forest Park illuminated with holiday decorations and enjoy complimentary beverages with some special friends. Tickets: Adult zoo members $4; adult non-member $6; children $1, children younger than one year old and military families with active ID, free. Info: www.brightnights.org/activities/zoo-night
*Dec. 7 – Menorah Lighting in downtown Spingfield. The city menorah will be located on Court Street neer the Veterans Memorial. Lighting will take place at 3:15 p.m.
Dec 9- Springfield Symphony Orchestra “Jolly Holiday.” 4 p.m., at Symphony Hall, 34 Courts St., Springfield, MA. Celebrate the “Sounds of the Season” with guest conductor William Waldrop, soloist Michael Lynche from American Idol, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony Chorus. Tickets $35-$80, Tickets: visit https://tinyurl.com/7bvyyrp9
Dec 9 – Grinchmas Saturday at the Springfield Museums! Also Dec. 16, both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the little ones to make a holiday decoration or gift in the Holiday Workshop, Science Museum second floor, Meet and Greet with Santa, Science Museum, first floor, and make a sleigh for the Mr. Crumpet Derby Lower Level, Science Museum. All activities 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. They can also have a meet and Greet with the Grinch in the Wood History Museum 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All events included with museum admission; free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours: Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Dec. 9 – Storytime Trolley with Santa and his Elf. Also Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Rd., East Windsor, CT. Enjoy a ride in a decorated trolley car where Santa will chat with each child. During the ride an Elf will read a holiday story, and each child will complete a holiday craft. Following the ride, children and their grown-up guests are invited to tour the Winter Wonderland display of miniature trains in the visitor’s center. Tickets: $30 non-members, $15 museum members. Advance reservations strongly suggested. www.ct-trolley.org/events/storytime-trolley-with-santa-and-elf-2023129/
*Dec. 10 – Army Band Holiday Concert. This free holiday concert at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., downtown Springfield, will feature a selection of holiday and patriotic favorites! Free tickets available at Pride convenience stores, One Financial Plaza 1350 Main St. weekdays 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., Springfield Visitors Bureau 1319 Main St., or by sending stamped, self-addressed envelope to Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield MA. 01103, Ticket holders seated first, those without tickets seated 15 min. before concert in remaining seats.
*Dec. 10 – Westfield’s Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. At 6:30 p.m. at Park Square, Westfield, led by Rabbi Shahar Colt of the Ahavas Achim Congregation. A Latkes and Lights party, at a location to be announced, follows the lighting.
*Dec. 14 – Gala Opening of Enfield Library Festival of Trees. Today at 6:30 p.m., the Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Rd., Enfield, CT., will open its Festival of Trees exhibit with a special reception! All trees were designed by patrons of all ages to represent their images of what a Christmas tree should look like. Trees will be on display through Dec. 30 during regular library hours - Mon.- Thurs 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Dec. 16 “Academy of Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” At 1 and 4 p.m. at Pope Frances Preparatory School, 99 Wendover Rd., Springfield, presented by the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet. This adaptation weaves history of Holyoke and the Skinner family into the classic story. Tickets are $22 adults (plus $3.31 online fee) and $15 children (plus $2.85 online fee). Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holyoke-historic-nutcracker-tickets-728452419797?aff=oddtdtcreator#tickets
Dec. 18- 12th Annual Christmas Spectacular Concert 4 p.m. St. Mark’s Armenian Church, 2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield MA., featuring the sounds of The September Girls vocal trio, plus seasonal selections featuring saxophone, classical guitar and more. Reception with appetizers and a cash bar follows concert. Tickets: adults $20, children $10. Seating limited. Contact Anna Garabedian Gmg3@aol.com for tickets.
Dec. 31 – First Night Northampton. The 39th annual event falls on a Sunday this year, and we look forward to welcoming enthusiastic crowds at the venues and on the streets downtown for a 12-hour festival! First Night continues to be a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural vibrancy of our community while sharing time with friends, neighbors, and visitors. We’ll gather outside the Hotel Northampton for a “ball-raising.” A bargain-priced pin is still the ticket to over 20 arts and entertainment performances. Buttons $16 until Dec. 30, $20 on Dec. 31; kids $8, seniors $10 regardless of when purchased. Info, tickets: https://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/
Jan. 12-14, 2024 - The Boar’s Head Festival. 2024 is the 40th anniversary of this holiday tradition, which brings a live performance of a Medieval Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival to the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA. There will be five performances this year! Tickets will be $29.50 adults (Eventbrite fee of $3.82), children 12 years of age and under $22.65 with Eventbrite fee. To purchase tickets visit https://www.trinityspringfield.org/boars-head-2024/boars-head-tickets-2024/. To purchase wheelchair-accessible tickets call the Boar’s Head Festival Box Office 413-486-0381. Purchase early as tickets sell out.
