'Tis the season for holiday happenings -- December 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011

Yuletide events featuring food drives, Fezziwig's, First Night and more

We're pleased to once again bring you PRIME's annual listing of holiday events. We hope that you make the most of the season. Enjoy! Ongoing, through Jan. 2, Bright Nights at Forest Park. New England's premier holiday lighting experience opens Nov. 24 for its 16th season. More than 600,000 lights along a three-mile route. Wednesday-Sunday Nov. 24-Dec. 5; nightly Dec. 8-Jan. 2. Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and *holidays 5-11 p.m. (*Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day). All major credit cards accepted. Purchase in advance at Big Y World Class Markets with Big Y express cards; $13 with silver coin; $15 with Big Y express card. In increments of 25 available at Spirit of Springfield at staff@spiritofspringfield.org or call 733-3800. Your experience will be enhanced with a musical simulcast on 98.5 FM. Ongoing, through Jan. 1, 2011, Winter Wonderland, Holiday Light Displays, 4 -9 p.m. Look Park's Winter Wonderland is a series of holiday events that combine the long standing tradition of 'Santa's Workshop' with the Look Park 'Holiday Light Displays,' hayrides around the park and our Look Park Zoo. This program is sponsored by the Look Park Board of Trustees, and is dedicated to the spirit, beauty and simplicity of an old-fashioned holiday season. Ongoing, through Dec. 19, Fireside with Santa, Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 S. Broad St., Westfield ($5 photos). Nov. 26: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Nov. 26-Dec. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. ($5 family photos on the Zamboni, 7 to 7:50 p.m.); Nov. 27-Dec. 18, noon to 2 p.m.; and Nov. 28-Dec. 19, noon to 2 p.m. Ongoing, Amelia Park Ice Arena's Holiday Festivities. Amelia Park Ice Arena is getting into the holiday spirit with the arena's holiday festivities. For more information contact Amelia Park Ice Arena at 568-2503 or log on to www.ameliaparkice.org. Ongoing, through Dec. 31, A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage. Adapted and directed by Michael Wilson, Hartford Stage brings the magic of Dickens' heart-warming classic to life in this holiday tradition. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, features all of Charles Dickens' beloved characters: Tiny Tim. Bob Cratchit and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Ghosts take flight and soar across the stage, carols are sung and snow falls capturing the spirit of a Victorian Christmas forever warming the hearts of adults and children alike. For more information, call the box office at 860-527-5151 or visit the Web site hartfordstage.org. Ongoing, through Dec. 12, The Eighth Annual Festival of Trees. More than 100 beautifully decorated holiday trees are on display at Tower Square, Main Street, second floor meeting room across from the cafes. Hours: Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1, Vendor Night, First Congregational Church, 180 Broad St., Westfield, 6 to 8 p.m. For more information please call 562-2277; www.thedistrictwestfield.com or www.westfieldonweeknds.org. Dec. 1-31, Snow Stories the art of illustrator Ruth Sanderson, Rand Gallery, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield. Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. -5 p.m. Dec. 2-30, Enchanted Worlds-the art of illustrator Ruth Sanderson, Westfield State University Downtown Art Gallery, 105 Elm St., Westfield. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 2-5 p.m.; Thursday, 2-7 p.m. and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 2, Boston Tree Lighting Ceremony. The official tree lighting comes to Boston Common Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The annual holiday display incudes more than 80 trees throughout Boston Common with additional enhancements for this season. For more info call 617-635-4505. Dec. 3, YMCA Breakfast with Santa, YMCA, 67 Court St., Westfield, 9 a.m.-10:30 am. For more information please call 562-2277; or visit the Web sites: www.thedistrictwestfield.com or www.westfieldonweeknds.org. Dec. 3, 10 and 11, A Christmas Carol, (Westfield's Theatre Group's original musical), 7:30 p.m., Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St. The great-great grandson of Charles Dickens and his acclaimed one-man version, 8 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 115 Elm St. Adult, $15; seniors and students, $8. Tickets at www.tix.com and Athenaeum. Reservations: 572-6838. Dec. 3-5, Open Studios and Holiday Sale at Cottage Street Studios. Easthampton's longest running arts and crafts collective, will host its 24th Open Studios and Holiday Sale. Visitors can explore the studios of more than 40 nationally and internationally recognized artists. The complete list of participating artists can be found at www.cottagestreetstudios.com. For more information please contact Piper Foreso at 977-6877 or Carolyn Cushing at carolyn@artofchangetarot.com. Free and open to the public. Handicapped accessible. Dec. 3, East Longmeadow Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. This event marks the annual arrival of Santa Claus at the Rotary. Sponsored by East Longmeadow Lions Club, the fire department and the First Congregational Church, this year's event will also include music by the high school band, a live nativity, and the ceremonial lighting of the tree. Children will be able to visit with Santa at the church and enjoy refreshments with their families. All are welcome. Dec. 3, Mystic Aquarium Munchkin Morning Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Recommended for ages two to six (children must be accompanied by an adult). The morning will include a variety of fun seasonal and animal-themed crafts and activities, as well as a visit with the man in red himself, Santa. Enjoy a full buffet breakfast as you sit among the Aquarium's beautiful indoor exhibits. Non-member, $25 per adult and $20 per child (includes crafts, activities and full buffet breakfast). Members, $22 per adult and $18 per child (includes crafts, activities and full buffet breakfast). Please call 860-572-5955, ext. 520 for more information. Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, 'A Christmas Carol, will be presented by the Westfield Theatre Group at the Woman's Club, 28 Court St., at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Written and directed by Kathleen Palmer, with musical direction by Marion Dunk. Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for students or seniors (60+). Group rates available for 10 or more . Front row balcony seats can be reserved for $17. Reservations are recommended by calling 572-6838. Dec. 3-5; 10-12; and 17-19, Christmas by Candlelight-Old Sturbridge Village, 4 to 9 p.m. Escape the frenzy of a modern Christmas with an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride (weather permitting). Meet Father Christmas and chat with Santa Claus. Taste samples of foods long associated with the holiday and hear sounds of the season. Enjoy dinner at the Oliver Wight Tavern during Christmas by Candlelight evenings. Dec. 4, 30th Annual Holiday Craft Fair, St. Mary Guild, Longmeadow, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the St. Mary parish gym, located at 56 Hopkins, Longmeadow. To celebrate our 30th year, we'll have free candy and special attractions. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring delicious homemade foods. Donuts and coffee will be available all day and there is a large bake sale section with delicious homemade items, pies and breads. Admission is free. Strollers are allowed in the afternoon. All proceeds raised at this event support scholarships and other charitable endeavors. Dec. 4, Winter Soiree at Wistariahurst, 6 to 10 p.m. Celebrate the holidays at Wistariahurst with live music by Room for 2, a dynamic vocal/piano duo. The evening will feature hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and raffle in the historical house museum. Tickets $30/$25 members. Wistariahurst Museum, 322-5660. Dec. 4, Annual Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at 590 Main St., Hampden at the Federated Church. We will be having breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., story hour with Mrs. Claus all Day, children's crafts, lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be many crafters with a wide array of items. We are still looking for vendors. Any questions contact Kristi at 374-8743 or mysticalamour@gmail.com. Dec. 4, Holiday Pops Concert. Springfield Symphony Pops music director, Maestro Kevin Rhodes is coming home for the holidays. Rhodes will lead the Pops orchestra and Springfield Symphony Chorus in a joyful program to kick off the holidays Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 733-2991 or visit them online at springfieldsymphony.org. Dec. 4, Fezziwig Faire, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court St. The fair will feature more than 50 crafts people. Admission is free. Doors open at 9 a.m. The YMCA Leaders Club will be selling lunches and offering gift wrapping services. The gymnastics club will have a bake table. Dec. 4, Longmeadow Christmas on the Green. All are invited to 'Christmas on the Green,: the annual Christmas fair at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a non-commercial fair featuring homemade candy, cookies, jarred mixes, and other culinary treats, as well as themed gift baskets and wooden, fabric, and knitted originals handcrafted by church members. Children will enjoy making their own ornaments and meeting Santa, who will visit 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A served lunch will be available 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Church musicians will play favorite Christmas music. All proceeds are donated to local charities. Bring friends and family and feel good about finishing that Christmas shopping early. Dec. 4, Boston Pops. The Boston Pops, and conductor Keith Lockhart launch their beloved holiday five-city concert series throughout the Northeast at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs, Conn. at 8 p.m., sharing a New England holiday tradition with audiences throughout the region. Lockhart and 'America's Orchestra' will be joined by guest artists Melinda Doolittle, American Idol finalist, and the choral group Gloriae Dei Cantores for the seasonal performances. Tickets, priced at $30 to $150 can be purchased at jorgensen.uconn.edu or by calling 860-486-4226, Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, Breakfast with Santa at The Bushnell. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a handful of elves are taking the red-eye down from the North Pole to have breakfast at The Bushnell and gather up Christmas lists. The morning includes a yummy breakfast, storytelling, carolers, crafts and additional Christmas surprises. There are four seatings: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.; $19 for children, $22 for adults. Space is limited. Take a photo with Santa and visit with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy breakfast, storytelling, carolers, crafts and more. Christmas lists accepted. Reservations are required. Event location: 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, Conn. For more info call The Bushnell box office at (860) 987-5900. Tickets are on sale now. Note that listed prices do not include applicable fees. Dec. 4, Christmas with an Irish Touch, with Dan Kane and his young singers in performance at 2 p.m., Veritas Auditorium, Berchmans Hall, Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. At 4 p.m. we will continue the celebration with Liturgy in Our Lady's Chapel with Monsignor Christopher Connelly presiding. The Mary Mother of Hope Folk Group led by Katheen Gilhooly. Readings will also be done in Irish. We will serve refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. We will conduct a raffle and take free will offerings. Both locations handicapped accessible. Admission is free but a free will offering will be taken. For further info call the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College at 265-2537 or email us at irishcenter@elms.edu or visit www.irish-cairde.org. Dec. 4-5, Yuletide at Storrowton, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Annual free winter holiday festival. Tour Storrowton's 18th and 19th century buildings, seasonally decorated by area garden clubs and florists and join us for musical performances, storytelling, old-fashioned craft demonstrations, ice sculpting, Sweet Shoppe, kids' crafts, an old-fashioned Santa and much more. Caroling on the Gazebo at 4 p.m., both days. Holiday gifts, decorations and many unique items are available in the Gift Shop and Christmas Shop. For more info call 205-5051, Storrowton Village. Dec. 5, Chanukah Party, 4 p.m., at the Second Congregational Church, adjacent to Westfield State University in Westfield. There will be games, crafts, songs, and more. There will be a potluck dairy dinner and a raffle for a gift basket. Rabbi Joyce Galaski will lead the prayers and songs. Bring your friends and family to enjoy his Chanukah celebration and bring your menorah and candles for a community lighting of the holiday candles. Also bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Westfield Open Pantry. Cost is $5 for individuals and $10 for families. RSVP to Mike at 214-9147 or mikekline@live.com. Dec. 5, Scrooge's Wassail Party and House Tour of Dewey House, 87 Maple St., Westfield, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Info: 562-2277 Dec. 5, 'A Classical Holiday 2010,' at Classical High Condominiums at 235 State St. in Springfield, from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy tours of 10 holiday-decorated condos, handmade crafts from more than 20 vendors, a bake sale and raffle, and music from some of Springfield's most talented young people. Classical High commemorative mugs will also be on sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Springfield Public Schools music programs. Tickets for the event are $10 and may be purchased at the door. Ample free parking will be available in adjacent lots and on State Street. For further info call 733-3030. Dec. 5, Chanukah Wonderland, presented by Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at 1148 Converse St., Longmeadow. Chanukah Wonderland will feature an afternoon of fun-filled interactive Chanukah activities and crafts. There will be face painting and the magic of Joe Bongio will begin at 2:30 p.m. All activities are free of charge. Refreshments will be sold. Chanukah Wonderland is sponsored by Beis Medrash Lubavitch and is open to the entire community. No reservation is required. For more info call Rochel Leah Kosofsky at 567-8665 or visit www.lya.org. Dec. 5, Annual Christmas Vespers Program at Smith College, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in John M. Greene Hall, on the campus of Smith College. The programs are free of charge and open to the general public. Wheelchair accessible. An annual tradition at Smith, the Christmas Vespers tells the story of Advent through hymns and other anthems, prayers, and scripture readings. An optional donation will be collected for the Hampshire County Interfaith Cot Shelter Program. For more info call Joan Maxson at 585-3222. Dec. 5, Holiday Family Festival. The Children's Chorus of Springfield will be performing with the Springfield Symphony at the Holiday Family Festival at 3 p.m. in Symphony Hall. For tickets call 733-2291 or on-line at springfieldsymphony.org. Dec. 5, NYC Bus Trip. Harmony House will host a bus trip to New York City. Bus will depart at 7 a.m. from the parking lot of the Home Depot on Memorial Avenue in Chicopee and leaves NYC at 6 p.m. Choice of three stops: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center/Radio City Music Hall or Macy's Department Store. Cost of the trip is $45 per person and the profits benefit Harmony House, a compassionate home for terminally ill individuals who lack financial resources or an able caregiver to care for them. Dec. 5, Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the St. Michael's K of C 9960 and St. Michael's Family Life Committee, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Community Center, 53 Somers Rd. Menu: pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, hot chocolate, coffee, tea. Arts and crafts and photos with Santa. Tickets: $5 /adults, $3 /children five to 12, free for age four and under. Bring wish list with name and address for special message from Santa. Please bring non-perishable food donation for Open Pantry. Dec. 6, Lights of Hope: Victorian Luminaries, 6 p.m., Genesis House, 53 Mill St., Westfield. Five dollar luminaries benefit Cancer of Hope. Free. Info: 562-2277 Dec. 6, In Concert: the Westfield State Night Owls, 7 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State. Free. Info: 562-2277 Dec. 6, Polish Christmas Kolendy. The Society of Polish American Culture will host a Christmas carol sing-along and party at 6 p.m. in downstairs dining room of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks. Full Polish style dinner, holiday music by Lenny Golmulka and associates from the 'Chicago Push' Polka Band. Audience sing of Polish Christmas carols (kolendy). Giant raffle. Members and guests asked to donate a new, unwrapped gift worth a minimum of $5. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Evelyn Bryant at 594-6968 are $20. Deadline is Nov. 29. None sold at the door. Dec. 6, Three Cups of Tea, 7 p.m. at Belding Theater, part of The American Place Theatre's Literature to Life Program. sponsored by Aetna. Watch your favorite novels come to the life. Tickets start at $33. Call The Bushnell Box Office at 860-987-5900 or visit them at 166 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. Dec. 7-11, Dickens Days Holiday Teas for ages three to five, Boys and Girls Library, Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield. Dec. 7, 6 p.m.; Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m., Dec. 11, 2 p.m. Registration required by calling 562-6158, ext. 5. Free. Dec. 7, Music for Percussion and String Ensembles, 7:30 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State. Free. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 7, Talking with Dolores, a one-act play from Center for Human Development, 7 p.m., Ely Studio Theatre, Ely Hall, Westfield State. Adults, $10; seniors $8, students. Tickets at door. Reservations: 439-2106. Dec. 7, Christmas with Cooney, at the Garde Arts Theater. Includes round trip motor coach, Mohegan Sun and casino bonus and food voucher, Andy Cooney Christmas show, gratuities. A special 3 p.m. show featuring 15 show members and comedian. Cost is $60. Call the Chicopee Senior Travel Club at 534-3698, Mon.-Fri. from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7-11, Yuletide Open House Tours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guided tours by costumed interpreters of Storrowton's beautifully decorated homes, shops and antique buildings. Reservations required for groups of 12 or more. For more info call 413-205-5051, Storrowton Village. Dec. 8, Westfield State University Speakers Series: Robert Feldman, Psychologist/author of 'The Liar in Your Life: The Way to Truthful Relationships,' 7 p.m., Scanlon Banquet Hall, Westfield State. Free. Info: 562-2277 Dec. 8, An Electric Chanukah at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy, 1148 Converse St., Longmeadow. The sound of sound, light, electric and kinetic energies will amaze and delight at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) PTO Chanukah Dinner, featuring an Energy Show. The dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include a meat and pasta dinner with Chanukah specialities, latkes and doughnuts. Following the dinner and before the show, there will be Chanukah menorah lighting and performance by the LYA Choir. The dinner, including Energy Show is $9 for adults; $5 a child, with a family price of $40. There is a $5 fee for participants who just attend the Energy Show. Reserve your space by calling LYA by Dec. 6 at 567-8665 or lyaadmin@comcast.net. Check out www.lya.org for more details. The dinner is a project of LYA PTO. Dec. 8 -Yuletide by Lantern Light, 6 to 8 p.m. Experience the magic of an old-fashioned winter evening on a self-guided tour of Storrowton's cozy homes and buildings, decorated for the season and illuminated by lanterns and candlelight. Old-fashioned craft demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly. Reservations required for groups of 12 or more. For more information call 413-205-5051, Storrowton Village. Dec. 8, Garden Talk: Garden Path to Conservation, 6:30 p.m., Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. Master Gardener Toi Graham will talk about a survey of conservation techniques for use in the garden to reduce the need for water, chemicals and polluting equipment. Presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners and Western Mass Master Gardeners. All talks are a $5 donation to benefit the garden restoration at Wistariahurst Museum. For information call 322-5660 or www.wistariahurst.org. Dec. 9, Gallery Reception: Enchanted Worlds -- the art of illustrator Ruth Sanderson, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Westfield State Downtown Art Gallery, 105 Elm St. Free. For more information please call: 562-2277 Dec. 9, Dance Westfield, general dancing with lessons at 7 p.m., $5 or $8, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church Social Club, 335 Elm St. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 9, An Evening of Choral Music, 7:30 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State, $5/$3. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 9, Travelers Chorale 86th Annual Holiday Concert at The Bushnell, William H. Mortensen Hall. The 80-plus member choral club sings a mixture of classical, contemporary and festive holiday music with both piano accompaniment and instrumental accompaniment by the 50 member Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble. As a community service, the choral group collects non-perishable food at the concert for the St. Joseph Cathedral Food pantry. There is no admission charge for this show. Though not required, the donation of a non-perishable food item is suggested. Dec. 9-11 and 16-18, Church Donation Drive. Help stuff the truck with items for the local food banks so our seniors, and those in need in East Longmeadow and Springfield can have a happy holiday season. Donations accepted Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 9-11 and 16-18 from 3 to 7 p.m. or by appointment at 215 Somers Road (in front of the United Methodist Church). Call 525-7416 for more info or www.elumc.org. Dec. 9, Travelers Chorale 86th Annual Holiday Concert, at The Bushnell, William H. Mortensen Hall. The 80-plus member choral club sings a mixture of classical, contemporary and festive holiday music with piano and instrumental accompaniment by the 50-member Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble. As a community service, the choral group collects non-perishable food at the concert for the St. Joseph Cathedral Food pantry. There is no admission charge for this show. Though not required, the donation of a non-perishable food item is suggested. Dec. 10, Holiday Sounds, 7 p.m. The Spirit of Springfield will bring sounds of the season to Springfield Symphony Hall when they host the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty. The free concerts will include holiday favorites, 'Ava Maria,' 'Silent Night,' 'Sleigh Ride,' '12 Days of Christmas' and more. Several of the selections will include the voices of the Endicott College Chorus. Tickets for the free concert are available at Mercy Medical Center's information desks, Spirit of Springfield, and by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Spirit of Springfield at 101 State St., Suite 220, Springfield, MA. A full house is expected for the performance. For more info contact the Spirit of Springfield at 733-3800. Dec. 10-12, Nutcracker and Sweets. Wistariahurst Museum welcomes back Massachusetts Academy of Ballet and members of the Ballet Educational Training Association for a magical performance with a Skinner twist on a holiday classic. Advance reservations are recommended; seating is limited. Show times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 and 4 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission $10/children 12 and under are free. For information please call 322-5660 or www.wistariahurst.org. Dec. 10, 'A Taste of Sweeney Todd', 1:30 p.m. Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State. Free. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 10, An Evening of Chamber Music by Student Performers, 7:30 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State. Free. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 10, Air Force Band of Liberty Holiday Concert, 7 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall. Free admission with ticket. Sponsored by Mercy Medical Center. Dec. 11, A Dickens Days Show: Nicholas Nickleby Revisited, Arno Maris Gallery, Ely Hall, Westfield State, Westfield. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. Info: 562-2277. Dec. 11, Artist Reception with Children's Illustrator Ruth Sanderson (in conjunction with Snow Stories exhibit), 10 a.m. to noon, Rand Gallery, Athenaeum, 6 Elm St. Free. Information: 562-2277. Dec. 11, David Copperfield's Craft Table, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Boys and Girls Library, 6 Elm St. Free. Information: 562-2277. Dec. 11, Christmas Carol Festival with Novi Cantori and NE Brass Quintet, 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St. Free. Information: 562-2277 Dec. 11, Holiday Gala. The Holyoke Public Library has partnered with Homework House to create a holiday event of food, entertainment, silent auction and cocktails at 6 p.m. Tickets: $20 per person; $35 for couples and can be purchased at the library by Dec. 6 For more information, visit www.HolyokeHolidayGala.info or call 422-0506. Dec. 11, Breakfast with Santa, Westfield State University. Two seatings: 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. at the Scanlon Banquet Hall. Snow date is Dec. 12. Tickets are on sale. Children: $6, adults $8, reserved table of eight, $70. Tickets are available at the Ely Campus Center Teller Window. Call 572-5449 for reservations, payment due in 48 hours. This event features a breakfast buffet; raffle with great prizes; gift for each child; photo opportunity with Santa; Melha clowns; and face painting. Dec. 11, Annual Victorian Tea, 1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, Westfield, $15. Call 568-2833. Dec. 11, Family Holiday Concert, Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at 7 p.m., Greenfield High School. David Kidwell, guest composer, Diana McVey, soprano, and the PVS Chorus. For more info call the box office at 773-3664 or visit the Web site, www.pvso.org. Dec. 12, Holiday Concert, at Amelia Park Ice Arena, Westfield, with the Westfield High School Choral Group from 3 to 5 p.m. Special public skate and parent and tot sessions will take place during school vacation days throughout the holiday season. For more info contact Amelia Park Ice Arena at 568-2503 or log on to www.ameliaparkice.org. Dec. 16, The Dickens Dinner: 'A Christmas Carol,' at School Street Bistro, 25 School St., Westfield, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations: call 562-8700. For more info contact Bob Plasse at 204-5551 or by-email at bobplasse@yahoo.com. Dec. 17, Boston String Quartet Returns with Holiday Cheer, 7 p.m., at Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. The Boston String Quartet will celebrate the holiday season with songs. Admission $15/$12 students and seniors. For information call 322-5660 or www.wistariahurst.org. Dec. 18, Victorian Crafts for the Holidays, Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. Celebrate the holidays by crafting ornaments and gifts in the decorative splendor of Wistariahurst Museum. Participants of all ages will employ Victorian techniques to make fresh orange pomanders decorated with clove designs, embellished gift boxes, and paper lanterns to hand from ceilings or on trees. Reservations necessary. Cost is $5 per person. For information call 322-5660 or www.wistariahurst.org. Dec. 18, Rep. Don Humason's Holiday Public Skate Party, 7-7:50 p.m., Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 S. Broad St. in Westfield. Free. Information: 562-2277. Dec. 18, Hartford Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Spectacular, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. Edward Cumming, conductor; Tessa Romano, soprano; The Hartford Chorale, Richard Coffee, music director; Connecticut Children's Chorus, Stuart Younse, director; Sallie Ferrebee, managing director. Call 860-244-2999 or visit the Web site, hartfordsymphony.org. Dec. 18, Santa Saturday, Hartford Stage. Santa Saturday celebrations return to Hartford Stage at 4 p.m. on Dec. 18. Stay after the matinee to have pictures taken with Santa on the set of our exquisite Victorian Christmas. Free with your tickets to the show 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Michael Wilson. Dec. 18 and 19, The Nutmeg Ballet's Nutcracker at The Bushnell. Enjoy yourself this yuletide season as you travel with young Clara to the enchanted Land of Sweets. The Nutmeg Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's traditional version of The Nutcracker back to The Bushnell, delighting audiences young and old. For more information please visit the Web site: nutmegconservatory.org/nutcracker. Dec. 19, New Valley Singers: Annual Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., at Wistariahurst Museum, Belle Skinner's Music Room, Holyoke. There will be a raffle and bake sale at the concert. Admission is $7. For info call 322-5660. Dec. 21, Snowfire, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Amelia Park, 21 S. Broad St., Westfield. Free. Information: 562-2277. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve Skate, Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 S. Broad St., Westfield. For information: 562-2277. Dec. 31, First Night Northampton 2011. The Center for the Arts invites you to a city-wide celebration of creative community. For the 26th time, we host a 12-hour New Year's Eve party that's a family-friendly festival. Buttons that provide entry to all the events go on sale at a variety of locations throughout the area in early December. Online sales begin Nov. 1. For more information, go to www.gazettenet.com/firstnight. Dec. 31, 14th Annual First Night Jr. Celebration, at Holyoke Heritage State Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 day of event. Admission includes entertainment, rides on the Merry-Go-Round, admission to the Children's Museum, balloon sculpturists and more fun activities. This event includes Holyoke's own Times Square ball drop to welcome 2011. For more information, please visit the Web site www.holyokemerrygoround.org or call 538-9838. Jan. 1, New Year's Day Activities, all day, Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 S. Broad St., Westfield, including big screen broadcast of the National Hockey League's Winter Classic, BBQ and skating. For more information, please call: 562-2277.