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P&K Holiday Fun-to-Go Guide
By Maria Olia
Boston Holiday Pops (Boston)
Symphony Hall, Boston
617-266-1492
Dec. 11- 28
Ticket prices vary
There are 32 Boston Holiday Pops performances this season, including six special kid’s matinees. The kid’s concert’s feature a children’s sing-a-long (with projected lyrics in case you have forgotten the words) and a visit by the big guy himself. Don’t forget your camera-you can take photos with Santa after the concert.
Exhibit: The Boston Jewish Experience: Reconnect to the Tapestry (Boston)
18 Phillips Street, Boston
Now until July 2009: Wednesday -Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
617-523-2324
The exhibit focuses on Boston Jewish life between 1850 and 1950 when Boston’s Jewish population grew and flourished in primarily seven neighborhoods that evolved over time. They left a legacy of education, philanthropy, and culture that continues to thrive and renew itself today. Exhibit hours are Group tours are welcome but we ask that you call Maxine Goldberg at 617-859-0796 to make arrangements.
Candy Land Tournament (Boston)
Faneuil Hall Upper Rotunda, Boston
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon
$1, proceeds benefit Pitch In For Kids
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Face it. You are not going to be able to avoid shopping altogether this holiday season, so there may as well be something in it for the kids. Revisit Chocolate Swamp and bring the kids to the Candyland Tournament at Faneuil Hall. There will be prizes and entertainment too.
Black Nativity at the Tremont Temple (Boston)
88 Tremont St., Boston
617-585-6366
Three weekends: Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21
Ticket prices vary
This is the 39th annual production of the Nativity, presented by the National Center of African American artists. A company of 160 actors, dancers and singers perform this exuberant song/play of the Christmas story in scripture, music, dance and the poetry of Langston Hughes
Winter Solstice Celebration at Drumlin Farm (West)
208 South Great Rd., Lincoln
781-259-9500
Dec. 19; 4 to 5:30 p.m. & 7 to 8:30 p.m.
$18 members, $21 non-members
Our winter holidays have their roots in the winter solstice. Listen to ancient tales of winter’s longest night (and shortest day!) around the fire. Chase away the darkness by making candles to mark the “birthday” or return of the sun. Program includes a special nighttime visit to the animals in the barns.
Worcester Ecotarium: A Polar Bear’s Journey (West)
222 Harrington Way, Worcester
508-929-2700
Dec.r 6 and 7; and Dec. 13 and 14, 12:30 to1:30 p.m.
$5 members, $6 non-members, plus museum admission
Listen to Chris Van Allsburg’s Polar Express while pictures from the book are projected on a large screen. At the story’s end, Santa comes and gives each child a small bell-the “first gift of Christmas”. The kids then board the Ecotarium’s Explorer Express train to visit resident polar bear Kenda. After the train ride, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies
Zoolights at the Stone Zoo (North)
149 Pond St., Stoneham
617-989-2000
Thanksgiving night-Dec. 30, 5 to 9 p.m.
$4 per person, under age two free.
A holiday tradition for many North Shore families, every year thousands of twinkling lights transform the Stone Zoo into a magical wonderland. Be sure to check out Yukon Creek and say hi to the reindeer! Santa is on hand for photo ops.
Gingerbread Express Display at The Wenham Museum (North)
132 Main St., Wenham
978-468-2377
Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children over age 2
Gingerbread and model trains are a sweet combination! View the entries of the Wenham Museum’s 2nd annual Gingerbread Contest displayed alongside a G-gauge model train lay-out. You will see an entire village of gingerbread houses made by both professional bakers and amateurs including community groups, students and families.
Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights (South)
7 Eda Ave., Carver
508-866-8190
Check website for days and times
$18 per person, under age two free
Climb aboard! A New England tradition for more than 50 years, 7 million lights dazzle and delight at Edaville. The “wow” attraction for the kids is the scenic two-mile train ride to see the lighted Christmas displays. There are lots of other fun family attractions too. Fans of vintage amusement park rides will enjoy the illuminated carousel and Ferris wheel. There are lots of kiddie rides too and an indoor play area with a ball pit and maze.
Festival of Lights 2008 at La Salette Shrine (South)
947 Park St.; Attleboro
508-222-5410
Nov. 27, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009
Daily 5 to 9 p.m.
Free
For more than 50 years the Shrine has hosted Christmas Illuminations. You won’t see Santa and his elves but you will be treated to a beautiful traditional Christmas display of 300,000 lights that highlight the Nativity and the Christmas season. You walk among the vignettes but last year’s popular trolley mini-tour ($3 per person) is back on weekends. New this year- a carousel. Afterwards, purchase hot chocolate and hot cider to warm up.
The Nutcracker (Boston)
The Opera House, Boston
617-695-6955
Nov. 28 – Dec. 28
Ticket prices vary
The dancing, the music, the elaborate sets! Attending Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker is a treat. The Nutcracker is classic story ballet and a wonderful first introduction to dance. Boston’s Opera House is gorgeous too-a great excuse to dress the kids up in their holiday best.
Holiday Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston)
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
617-439-7000
Daily 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
$45 adults, $25 children under 10
Take a break from holiday shopping with high tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel, known by many as the “hotel with the hole in the middle.” For kids, the traditional three-tier tray is filled with child-friendly treats -including an elegant fluffernutter- and either tea or hot cocoa and whipped cream. Kids can decorate their own cupcake too. Adult tea is totally luxe with scones, tiny tortes, and crustless sandwiches.
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” (Boston)
Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre
866-348-9738
Nov.r 26 –Dec. 28
Ticket prices vary
The Broadway musical hit comes to Boston. Max, the dog, narrates the story about the Grinch whose heart is “two sizes too small” and features the songs “You’re Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” A wholly appropriate first musical experience for young children.
The Everyone Loves Latkes Festival (Greater Boston)
Harvard Square, Cambridge
Dec. 20, 3 to 5 p.m.
Free
Wildly popular last year, the latkes festival is now an annual Cambridge event.
Latkes and all the trimmings (applesauce, sour cream, etc.) are donated by area restaurants and there will be storytelling and klezmer music too. Great fun for everyone.
Christmas By Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (West)
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge
800-733-1830
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21;
5 to 9 p.m.
$14 adults and children. Children under age 4 are free.
Get a taste of Christmas 18th century style as you stroll and among the decorated homes and shops of this historic recreated village. Learn the history of Christmas traditions like sending Christmas cards, exchanging gifts, and the Yule log. Meet Father Christmas and Santa Claus. Horse-drawn wagon or Sleigh rides (depending on the weather) are part of the holiday fun.
City of Lights Parade (North)
Downtown Lowell
Saturday, Nov. 29; 2 p.m-7 p.m.
Free
Everyone loves a parade! In the early afternoon there are free trolley rides in downtown Lowell. The parade starts at 4:30 and dozens of different community groups participate. At the traditional lighting ceremony watch as Lowell’s Christmas tree and the downtown shopping district are officially lit for the season. Afterwards, head over to City Hall where there will be free refreshments and photos with Santa.
Polar Express Fundraiser for St. Michael School (North)
Newburyport MBTA station
978-686-1862.
Nov. 29; Departures at 11:35 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
$20 per person
Kick off the holiday season with a magical ride to the “North Pole”. Join Santa’s elves for a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express”. Trains depart from the Newburyport MBTA station. A portion of the ticket proceeds will
benefit Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence. Donations of new hats, mittens , scarves and sweaters (for all ages) will be accepted at the train station for distribution and will be distributed by Cor Unum and the Department of Children and Families to those in need.
Ben Rudnick and Friends Holiday Show (West)
The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St.
508-647-0097
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
Tickets $9
A little folk, world, and rock. Ben Rudnick is well known in local parenting circles for his family-friendly (and a little edgy) music. This show features Rudnick’s original material and more traditional songs of the season.
Falmouth Holidays By the Sea Weekend (South)
Downtown Falmouth
Dec. 5- 7
Free
A full weekend of holiday events and activities begins with a carol sing at Nobska Lighthouse on Friday evening from 5:30-6:30. Santa arrives by boat at Falmouth Harbor at 11 a.m. on Saturday. On Sunday at noon the 45th annual Falmouth Christmas Parade begins. This is the largest Christmas Parade in southeast Massachusetts with floats, marching bands, and costumed characters.
Holiday Shop and Gingerbread Fun at the Children’s Museum of Easton (South)
9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton
508-230-3789
Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7
Holiday shop 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Gingerbread Fun 1 p.m.-4 p.m. both days
Special Admission: $2 includes visiting the Museum and Gingerbread Fun Activities.
www.childrensmuseumineaston.org
A special “kids only” holiday gift shop, where all the items are $2 or less. Volunteers help the kids choose and wrap their perfect presents for Mom, Dad, siblings, grandparents and friends. Before or after “shopping”, kids can decorate gingerbread cookies, listen to the story of the “Gingerbread Man”, and meet the Gingerbread Man himself. A delightful, low- key way to spend the day during the holiday season.
Spectacle of Lights at Heritage Museum and Gardens (South)
67 Grove St.; Sandwich
508-888-3300
Weekends Friday-Sunday November 22-December 27
Daily 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Adults $10, Youth ages 6-16 $5, children 5 and under free.
www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
A Cape Cod tradition now in its 6th year. Stoll the grounds that are highlighted with dramatic landscape lighting and animated Christmas displays. Warm up indoors and check out the toy train exhibit in the Auto Museum and the Victorian Christmas tree in the Art Museum. Take a photo with Santa. And don’t forget to take a ride on the Museum’s 1912 carousel.
Holiday Fair
Temple Tifereth Israel of Winthrop
93 Veterans Road in Winthrop
Saturday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
There is no charge for admission, there is ample parking, and the Fair will be held in a spacious hall. Everyone is invited to come, to browse and to buy their holiday gift items which will include: jewelry, clothes, art, crafts, pocketbooks, etc.
Maria Olia is a writer who lives in Newton and is the mother of three sons and daughter. Her blog “Fun To Go” can be found here: http://www.wickedlocalparents.com/funtogo/
