PRIME's list of Holiday Happenings

Through Dec. 31, A Faerie Tale Festival of Trees. 21st annual holiday display at the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA, featuring two hundred creatively decorated trees enhanced by rarely seen selections from the Museum's collections, and armor from the Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester. Hours: Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun. noon.- 5 p.m. Tickets: Adults:$8, seniors: $6.50, children 3-18 $5, under 3 free. Info:www.berkshiremuseum.org. Throughout December, Christmas on Cape Ann. Enjoy the numerous seasonal activities throughout the area. Open houses, Christmas strolls, treelightings, parades, Santa arriving by boat and much more. Gloucester, Rockport, Essex & Manchester. Call 978-283-1601 or www.capeannvacations.com. Through Dec. 31, Cape Cod Enchanted Village. Guests staying at the Cape Codder Resort, as well as the Cape Cod Community, are treated to a magnificent display of lights, animation, carolers plus a special opportunity to help others. Hyannis. Call 508-771-3000 or www.CapeCodderResort.com. Through Jan. 1, Martha's Vineyard Holiday. It's an island wide celebration that awaits you. Events include Tisbury's "Come Home for the Holidays," "Christmas in Edgartown," and the Vineyard's New Year's celebration. Martha's Vineyard 508-693-0085. Through Jan. 1, Holiday Festival of Lights.Antique and replica trains travel through illuminated displays and cranberry bogs on this 5.5 mile ride. Edaville Railroad, South Carver. For info: 1-877-EDAVILLE or www.edaville.com Through Jan. 6, Bright Nights at Forest Park. Take the family on a trip through toy land, Seuss land, winter woods and the North Pole Village. This Christmas light spectacular winds its way through 2.5 miles of twinkling lights. Springfield. Info: 413-733-3800. www.brightnights.org. Through Jan. 6, LaSalette Shrine Festival of Lights. Come see the largest religious Christmas display of lights in the east. Attleboro. Call 508-222-5410. Dec. 7, Lantern Lights Tours. Storrowton Village Museum will be awash in the glimmer of candlelight when the annual evening program, Yuletide by Lantern Light, is presented Dec. 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the historic Village of the grounds of Eastern States Expsition in West Springfield. The self-guided Yuletide by Lantern Light tour is $5 per person and children under 6 will be admitted free. Parking is free for all Storrowton events and activities. Dec. 7, Symphony Band and Amherst Regional H.S. Wind Ensemble. McBeth: Of Sailors & Whales, Vaughan Williams: Toccata Marziale, Stuart: Three Ayers from Gloucester, Grainger: Movements from Lincolnshire Posy, plus works for the combined ensembles. 8 p.m. Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, students/children/seniors $5, general public $10. Dec. 7, Winterfest concert at Bay Path College. 7:30 p.m. in the Mills Theatre, Carr Hall, Longmeadow. This free concert will brig together Pay Path students and memebers of the Longmeadow community, the Berkshire Hills Music Academy Performance Ensemble, cantor Emily Sleeper of Sinai Temple, the Page Singers and the Voices of Praise Gospel Choir in an evening of music, dance and selected spiritual readings. Info: 565-1293 or klewis@baypath.com. Dec. 8-17, P.S. Page Me Later. Performances inspired by FOUND magazine. A celebration of some of the great stuff FOUND Magazine has collected over the years: love letters, to-do lists, poetry on napkins, doodles. Alarm Clock has brought together a group of local writers, songwriters, filmmakers, and actors to create a series of performances inspired by some of these objects. At the Boston Center for the Arts, 39 Tremont St., Dec. 8-17, 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets $15, $12 for students and seniors. Phone number (208) 441-6615. E-mail: alarmclocktheatre@gmail.com Dec. 8, WFCR presents 4th return engagement of "The Capitol Steps" at Mt. Holyoke College. At 7:30 p.m. in Chapin Auditorium. Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of WFCR. Tickets are general admission priced $25-$50. Available at the UMASS Fine Arts Center Box Office at 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMASS; and online at mgauerbach@aol.com. Dec. 9, Springfield Garden Club's Christmas Boutique "Holiday Home". At the Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main St. Gift items custom-crafted for homes and gardens, light lunch, and speaker, Deanna Mozzochi demonsrating floral designs. Sales hours: 11-12 noon and 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5 guest fee. Dec. 9, Holiday Craft and Bake Sale. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., in the Chestnut Building of Baystate Medical Center, 759 chestnut St., Spfld. Handmade florals, jewelry, wearables, baked goods and more. Proceeds benefit the Children's Miracle Network at Baystate Children's Hospital. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, Christmas Traditions by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. Featuring holiday music performed by area groups, samples of some of the foods long associated with the holiday, fireside readings of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," and Father Christmas himself. Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides are offered during the day on weekends. Dec. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 Winterfest at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. The Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor invites one and all to its annual Winterfest celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23; Monday, Dec. 26; Tuesday Dec. 27; Wednesday, Dec. 28. Take a trolley ride for a three-mile round trip through the tunnel of lights, ride the famous Electric Sleigh (bring a blanket - IT IS COLD!), view the festive holiday displays, many new train and trolley displays and villages in the Visitors Center. Admission: adults $10, seniors (62+) $8, youth (2-12 yrs.) $6, children (under 2 yrs.) $3. Visit our website at www.ct-trolley.org for a Winterfest Discount Coupon. Dec. 9, Music in Deerfield. The First Church in Historic Deerfield. "Puer Natus Est." Get tickets early for a program of magnificent medieval song and poetry from the midwinter celebrtion of Christ's nativity, with a look, as well, at the pagan celebrations of winter solstice. All concerts start at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $35. Children/Students tickets are $5. Tickets obtained by telephoning Music in Deerfield at 774-4200, on-line at www.musicindeerfield.org, or by mail, Box 736, Greenfield, MA 01302. Dec. 10, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". At 10 a.m. at the Showcase Cinemas in West Springfield. Free admission with a donation of non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Dec. 10, St. Nicholas Tea with the Tudor Family. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.. Experience the warmth of the holiday season with artists Marjorie and Amy Tudor, who will join us to share St. Nicholas Tea - a special Tudor family tradition. This sweet and savory experience will take place at the Linwood House, 9 Glendale Rd., Stockbridge, MA, 413-298-4100, Ext. 220. The Linwood House is an elegant 1859 Berkshire "cottage" on the Museum's magnificent grounds. Tasha Tudor tea, dundee cakes, and other Tudor favorites will be served up with favorite family tales. Participants are welcome to bring books for signing by Marjorie and Amy Tudor. Dec. 10, A Greater Gift - free trade items. First Congregational Church, 20 Lathrop St., West Springfield, will hold "A Greater Gift" sale as part of its Christmas Fair, including fairly traded handcrafed jewelry, baskets, and ornaments from around the world from noon to 4 p.m. Free gift-wrapping and refreshments will be offered, as well as a Holiday Bake Sale. Dec. 10, 18th Annual Cottage Street Studios Holiday Sale. At Cottage Street Studios, located at One Cottage Street, Easthampton, MA. Over 20 artists and craftspeople will be opening their doors to the public for the annual sale. The event presents a unique opportunity for the public to venture into the old 1850's mill building, meet the artists, see where work is made, and in some cases view works in progress. Many of the participating artists make a living selling primarily to galleries, so the open studios is a rare chance to peek inside the studios and see new and original one of a kind art. Free and open to the public. Dec.10, Winter Dance Concert. The Lisa Leizman Dance Company will present its Winter Concert on , Dec 10, at 7:30 p.m at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St., Northampton. Dessert following the performance. Tickets,$10/adults; $5/children under 10 (who get front row seats on colorful floor pillows) at the door. Info:www.nohoarts.org. Dec. 11, Christmas Candlelight Concert, On Dec. 11 at 3:30 p.m., the Music at First series at Old First Church, Springfield, will present its traditional Christmas concert. The First Church Choir and Soloists will sing Advent and Christmas music, as well as traditional English, French, and Ukrainian carol arrangements. The Westfield State College Wind Symphony will play LeRoy Anderson's Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, always audience favorites, as well as O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam. The concert is open to the public. A freewill offering will be received. The audience is invited to a reception following the concert. Parking for the event is available at the Springfield Parking Authority South Garage (Columbus Avenue) and Tower Square. Present parking ticket to usher. Dec. 11, Holiday Concert-New Valley Singers at 3p.m. at the Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, 413-322-5660. In tune with the holiday spirit, the New Valley Singers will give a performance you won't want to miss. Tickets $7. Dec. 11, World Sounds Chorale & Women's Choir. 4 p.m. St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm St., Northampton. No charge. Dec. 11, Percussion Ensemble. 8 p.m. Bowker Auditorium, UMass. Students/children/seniors $5, general public $10. Dec. 11, "Classical Holiday" Tour. From 1-4 p.m., the Classical condiminums, 235 State Street (formerly Centra High School) invites the public to tour seven homes joyously decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah, shop the Atrium Marketplace for gifts from various vendors or the bake sale for home-made treats. Free refreshments and holiday music, $10 admission; parking in the Quadrangle parking with a portion of the price benefitting the Red Cross. Info:classicalcondos.com. Dec. 11, Oriental Caravan and music by Mawwal at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St., Northampton. Featuring myriad sound and movement to "delight the hearts, excite the eyes and sooth the senses," by musicians and students of~~Aasura, performer, choreographer and instructor of Middle Eastern dance and dynamic practitioner of La Danse Orientale. Doors open at 1 p.m.; show at 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance (at Gypsy Heart, 122 Main Street, Northampton, or by calling Joanne at 413.253-5462) and $15 at the door. Visit the Dancing Dragon Web site for more information. Dec. 12, Vocal Jazz Ensemble & Soloists. New arrangements by Jensen-Hole & Graduate Students. 8 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. Students/children/seniors $5, general public $10. Dec. 12, Christmas Tea. At the Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke at 1 p.m. Come for an afternoon of holiday music, tea and cookies and ornament making. Guests will have an opportunity to tour the decorated house from noon to 1 p.m. followed by tea and music at 1 p.m. and ornament making at 2 p.m. This promises to be a relaxing holiday afternoon. Reservations required on or before Friday, Dec. 9. $7 donation per person, free for active volunteers. Dec. 13, Chapel Jazz & Jazz Lab Ensembles. David Sporny & John Leonard, directors. 8 p.m. Bowker Auditorium. Students/children/seniors $5, general public $10. Dec. 14, Student Composers' Concert. 8:15 p.m. Bezanson Recital Hall. No charge. Dec. 14, Cathedral Christmas Concert. at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium 260 Surrey Rd., Springfield, MA. The concert will feature traditional and modern Christmas music performed by the Cathedral band, concert choir, chorale, vocal ensemble and jazz band under the dirction of Miss Amanda Fillio. Tickets are $5; children 6 and under are free. For more info, contact the Cathedral Music Dept. at 782-5285. Dec. 15 and 16, Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker to perform in Amherst, MA. Featuring Prima Ballerina Irina Surneva, honored artist of Russsia, at UMass Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through box office at 413-545-2511, or on-line at www.fineartscenter.com. Dec. 15, Advent Prayer. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Direction, 1365 Northampton St., Holyoke. Join Jo Ann Bourward as we are touched by the themes and special spirit of the Advent season. To register, call 538-9197. Dec. 16 & 17, Winter Showcase of Modern Dance & Ballet. Two dozen dancers, six-year-olds to adults, from Northampton Ballet Arts, The Dance Project, Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, Ballet Soleil and Duncan Dance by Laura Pravitz will present the program Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and Dec, 17, at 3 p.m. at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St., Northampton. Tickets: $5 and $10, depending on what people can pay, at the door. No charge for children under 13. Dec. 17 & 18, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Presented by The Theatre Ensemble Workshop for aspiring actors and dancers in grades four through eight on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South St., Northampton. For further info: www.nohoarts.org. Phone 413-584-7327. Dec. 17, Homespun Fun At the Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Rd., Stockbridge MA, 1-4 p.m. At 1 p.m., take a family tour of the works of Norman Rockwell and Tasha Tudor. At 1:30 p.m., join storytelling performers Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall, the Storycrafters, for a delightful array of folksy tales from yesterday and today. At 2:30 p.m., make homespun clothespin dolls and puppets to complete the day. Free with museum admission. Dec. 17, "Miracle on 34th Street". At 10 a.m. at the Showcase Cinemas in West Springfield. Free admission with a donation of non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Dec. 18, Messiah Sing-Along.Annual Holiday Musical Celebration of the Commonwealth Opera at St. John's Episcopal Church, Northampton at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 413-586-5028 or email www.commonwealthopera.org. Dec. 18, Holiday Celebration at the Wistariahurst Museum. Celebrate the holiday season with crafts, Santa and song at Wistariahurst Museum. Families are invited to join us on our annual family holiday celebration. This program is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of The Friends of Wistariahurst Museum. Free. Dec. 26-31 & Jan. 1, Family Vacation Week. Each featuring special hands-on activities. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve Celebration. At Old Sturbridge Village with an historical twist offered at Bullard Tavern in the museum Village. Dec. 31, Broadway Showtune Sing-Along. With Maestro Richard Rescia of the Commonwealth Opera. First Night Northampton at St. John's Episcopal Church, Northampton at 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. Tickets part of First Night - info: - www.nohoarts.org/FirstNight.htm Dec. 31, First Night Boston. Celebrate New Year's Eve at the largest gathering in North America. Take in the art, theatre, dance, ice sculptures at venues throughout the city, and a fireworks display. Call 617-542-1399 or www.fistnight.org. Dec. 31, First Night Chatham.Bring the whole family and enjoy the traditional noise parade, musicians, storytellers, clowns, poets and dancers. Fireworks at midnight Oyster Pond. Call 508-945-5100 or www.firstnightchatham.com. Dec. 31, First Night Worcester. The largest celebration of its kind in central Massachusetts. Many downtown venues will host festive family activities, concerts, food and more! Fireworks at 7 p.m. and midnight at Lincoln Square. Call 508-799-4909 or www.firstnightworcester.org. Dec. 31, First Night New Bedford. Join the city as they present a wide variety of family oriented events. Everyone will enjoy the fantastic musical entertainment, breathtaking fireworks display on the waterfront, tasty food and fun. Call 800-508-5353. Dec. 31, First Night Northampton. 21st First Night, brought to you by the Northampton Center for the Arts and the Daily Hampshire Gazette, will begin with a performance by the Enchanted Circle Theater at the Center at noon on December 31, followed by the traditional parade to Pulaski Park at 1:15 p.m. The afternoon and evening will be filled with entertainment for all ages, with fireworks from the top of the city's parking garage at 6 p.m. Full performance schedule, info on button purchase, parking, more, at www.nohoarts.com