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. After all, with COVID-19 restrictions relaxed, there’s no time like the present to start making great holiday memories.
And 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. 4 – 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. 2, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 a.m. -8 p.m., Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: https://melhashriners.org/feztivaloftrees/
Through Dec. 11 – 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. Pre-purchase tickets: Adults, $5, 65 years of age and older, $4; children 12 years of age and younger, free, at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net
Through Dec. 24 - “It’s A Wonderful Life” Radio Play At Hartford Stage. 50 Church St., Hartford, CT. Adapted from the original story and Frank Capra screenplay of George Bailey and the angel who shows him how wonderful his life really is, this live performance recaptures the spirit and inventive style of a 1940s radio play. Performances Wed- Sun. with Tues. performances on Nov. 29 and Dec. 20. Mask required performance on Dec. 3 for medically vulnerable patrons. Tickets start at $30. 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. On Dec. 2-4. 9-11, 16-18, Dec. 23 and Dec. 27-30, the museum’s trolly cars and tracks are transformed into a festival of lights! New this year are 3-D holographic displays by Campiti Ventures both along the route and in the visitor’s center, which also 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 $15 non-members, $7.50 members; Closed car $20 non-members, $10 members. Advanced tickets strongly suggested. Visit https://www.ct-trolley.org/events/winterfest-and-the-tunnel-of-lights/
Through Dec. 31 - “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 and strike a pose or two. The Grinch’s Grotto is 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, which is free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours are Tues-Sat.10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Through Dec. 31 –“Flour to Fables” - A Celebration in Gingerbread at the Springfield Museums. Come and enjoy this annual celebration of the classic holiday gingerbread house, reinterpreted to illustrate some of the world’s most classic fables. Included with museum admission, which is free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours are Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Through Jan 1, 2023 – Night Wood at the Mount. Friday to Sunday through Dec. 11, also Dec. 15-18, Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-Jan1, 2023 beginning 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: $22 adults; $10 children 5 to 18 years of age, free for children 5 years of age and younger. Book a reservation at https://www.edithwharton.org/calendar/nightwood/
Through Jan.1, 2023 – 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 return – make reservations early! Admission: $23/car weekdays. For more info and online ticket visit www.brightnight.org
Through Jan 1 – Holiday House Tours at The Mount. Saturdays and Sundays in December, visit Edith Wharton’s home on Plunket Street in Lenox for a tour of what the home might have looked like had the Whartons spend the holidays in the Berkshires. This is a self-guided tour. Book reservations online at www.EdithWharton.org
*Through Jan. 1, 2023 – “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, 2023 – 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. Hours are: 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
*Nov. 25 – 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. More info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/lighting-quadrangle-2022/
*Nov. 25 – 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.
*Nov. 25 – Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls. The mostly free festivities take place from 4-9 p.m.! Stroll the candle-lit streets, enjoy entertainment, a parade, delicious food, crafts, family activities and more! Visit Santa’s Workshop in the Senior Center and take in performances and special events throughout the evening. More info, including parking, visit https://www.shelburnefalls.com/index.php/upcoming-events/moonlight-magic
*Nov. 26 – 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, followed by the tree lighting at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by cocoa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to meet with the children! Info: https://www.westfieldonweekends.com/series/decemberfest
Dec 2 – A Celtic Christmas with Cherish the Ladies, UMassAmherst. America’s most beloved all-woman Irish music group brings their Celtic sensibilities to a concert of Christmas and winter music Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Frederic C. Tillis Performance Hall, 154 President’s Ave., Amherst, MA. Tickets start at $40; students and youths under age 17 start at $10. More info/tickets: UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center
Dec 2 – Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular. At 7:30 p.m. in Symphony Hall, downtown Springfield. Featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica, 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://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/cirque-musica-holiday-spectacular.html
Dec 2 – Fort Carolers at The Student Prince. The annual tradition continues through Dec. 24, with noontime caroling on select days of the week and evening caroling nightly. For dates and times visit https://www.studentprince.com/calendar
*Dec 2 - 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 2 - 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 2-4 – Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The town made famous in Norman Rockwell’s holiday painting recreates some of that magic one weekend a year. Event includes a daily holiday market, a free “Nutcracker” story and craft at the Stockbridge Library Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. The recreation of the Main Street scene from noon-2 p.m. on Dec. 4 has a $5 admission and masks are required for indoor events Daily concerts are also ticketed events. Info/tickets: https://stockbridgechamber.org/visit/stockbridge-main-street-at-christmas/?utm_source=eNews&utm_campaign=adae24557b-2018-November-E-Zine&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fa048333f7-adae24557b-65511849
Dec 2-4 – Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. Also Dec. 9-11, 16-18, Dec. 23, 27-30 from 2-8 p.m.! Tickets; $32 adults; $17 youths 4 to 17 years of age. 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 pm. 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: Christmas by Candlelight 2022 - Old Sturbridge Village (osv.org)
Dec 3- Springfield Symphony Orchestra “Joy to the World.” At 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall, Court St., downtown Springfield, Come celebrate the festive holidays with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Guest conducted by William Waldrop and featuring renowned soprano Camille Zamora, this family-friendly program will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and holidays all over the world. Info: https://www.springfieldsymphony.org/event/joy-to-the-world/
Dec 3 – Grinchmas Saturday at the Springfield Museums! Also Dec. 10, both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring the little ones to make cards and crafts in Santa’s Workshop, Science Museum second floor, Meet and Greet with Santa, Science Museum, first floor, and try their hand at the Reindeer Race, Lower Level, Science Museum. All activities 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will also be live animal encounters 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and a chance to make a Fox and Grapes wreath at the GWVS Museum, noon-4 p.m. All events included with museum admission, which is free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours are Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Dec 3 – “Polar Express” at The Depot at Graham Central Station. Beginning at noon on Dec. 3, the children’s train at The Depot at Graham Central Station, 64 Maple St., East Longmeadow MA, transforms into The Polar Express for one day only! Purchase tickets at the ticket booth day of event, first come first served. Ice cream shop will feature Santa’ Milkshakes today. Info: https://www.facebook.com/grahamcentralstationEL/
Dec 3- The Grinch will be in Grinch’s Grotto today! Visit with him from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Springfield Museums. The Grinch will also be in residence Dec. 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 and 26-31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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, included with museum admission, which is free to Springfield residents with valid photo ID. Museums are located at 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA.; winter hours are Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Info/advance tickets: https://springfieldmuseums.org/tickets/
Dec. 3 - Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. After two years in a virtual format, the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club Holiday Tour of Homes returns in-person from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 2022! 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, 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! Storrowton Carriage House, Memorial Drive West Springfield MA., will offer a gourmet buffet lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $15 per person on tour day. Info: https://wsbgclub.org/holiday-tour-of-homes/
Dec. 3 – Storytime Trolly with Santa and his Elf. Also Dec. 10 and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Connecticut Trolly Museum, 58 North Rd., East Windsor, CT. Enjoy a ride in a decorated trolly 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: $25 non-members, $12.50 museum members. Advance reservations strongly suggested. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storytime-trolley-with-santa-his-elf-tickets-435669297597
*Dec. 3-4 – 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-2/
*Dec. 3-4 – Yuletide Weekend at Storrowton Village. This free celebration on Dec. 3 and 4 takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Storrowton Village, 1305 Memorial Drive, West Springfield, MA. Festive activities including livestock and 19th Century trades demonstrations, visits with Santa, a make and take ornament craft, and more!
Dec. 4 – Bright Nights Supper with Santa. Also Dec. 9 and 11. 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 https://www.brightnights.org/activities/supper-santa for reservations.
*Dec 4 - The Singing Christmas Tree. Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main St., Agawam, MA presents its 47th annual Singing Christmas Tree as its gift to the community. This year’s theme is “A Common Christmas: The Story of an Extraordinary Ordinary Birth” Free and open to the public. Performances: Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., Dec. 11 at 3 and 6 p.m. (signing for the hearing impaired at performances) Nursery care for children 2 years of age and younger. Free will offerings accepted to support the church’s work.
Dec. 4 – Supper with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Deerfield Inn. Also Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 4- 6 p.m. This reservations-only experience is an additional $25 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 cookie. Reservations: https://www.champneysrestaurant.com/new-events
Dec. 6-10 – 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 $8 adults, free for children 12 years of age and younger. Book your tour at www.storrowtonvillage.com
Dec. 6 – $10 Tuesday at Bright Nights! Also Dec. 13. Admission to one of the Northeast’s best lighting displays is just $10 for all cars tonight from 5 to 9 p.m.! Purchase tickets in advance at www.brightnights.org
Dec. 7 – Storrowton Village Lantern Light Evening. From 6-8 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 8 – “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 Flour to Fables 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. 9 – The “Spirit of Christmas” at Storrowton Village. 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 $20 per person. Tickets: www.storrowtonvillage.com
*Dec. 9-11 – Santa’s Trains at Look Park. Also Dec. 15-18 and 21-23, 4-8 p.m. This free family favorite returns to The Garden House at Look Park, 300 North Main St., Florence, MA. for the first time since 2019! With help from the Pioneer Valley Model Railroad Club, The Garden House will be transformed into a mystical wonderland of playful miniature villages with model trains whizzing by. Children will also have the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus …bring your camera and take your holiday photos! Santa’s Trains is free, with donations kindly accepted to benefit Look Park. For $5 per person, attendees can also take a wagon ride through the park’s Winter Wonderland lighting display during their visit. Info: https://www.lookpark.org/santas-trains/
Dec. 9-12 “the Nutcracker.” At the Academy of Music, 274 Main St., Northampton, MA. The Pioneer Valley Ballet’s (PVB) 50th anniversary celebration of this holiday classic! Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-safe performance; Dec. 9 7 p.m. performance will celebrate the PVB’s 50th anniversary, with guest dancers from the Carolina ballet, pre- performance music by the UMass Amherst Do Wop Shop, a slide show of the troupe’s history, and beer and wine for sale during the performance. Performances on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Sensory-safe tickets $23, Anniversary tickets $35-$50, other times $23-$43 (plus fees)., at aomtheatre.com or 413-584-9032.
Dec. 10 – Kids Cookie Decorating with Santa. on Dec. 10 at 11 a.m., White Lion Brewing, 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA. hosts a kid-friendly brunch with a special cookie decorating event and a chance for the little ones to meet Santa. Kid-friendly buffet includes mac & cheese, chicken tenders, carrot sticks, fries and juice boxes, every child gets four unique cookies, decorating supplies and a chance to see Santa. Cost is $25 per child; reservations required. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/446138621627 for tickets.
*Dec. 11 – 21st Army Band Holiday Concert. This free holiday concert at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., downtown Springfield, will feature s 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. 18 – 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 the First United Methodist Church at 16 Court St. follows the lighting.
Dec. 31 – First Night Northampton. The event falls on a Saturday this year, and we look forward to welcoming enthusiastic crowds at the venues and on the streets downtown. 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 witness fireworks display at 6:15 pm. We’ll gather outside the Hotel Northampton for a “ball-raising.” A bargain-priced pin is still the ticket to over 50 arts and entertainment performances. Info, tickets: https://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/
Jan 13-15, 2023 The Boar’s Head Festival. After two years of virtual performances, this spectacle returns live to the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA. Purchase early as this event always sells out! Tickets will be $29.50 adults, children 12 years of age and under $19.50. Tickets available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boars-head-festival-friday-night-tickets-408325742287
