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In This Issue
Featured Region: Nantucket Island
North of Boston
Plymouth County
Southeastern Massachusetts
The Berkshires
Greater Merrimack Valley
Central Massachusetts
Franklin County
Greater Boston
Cape Cod
Greater Springfield
Hampshire County
Johnny Appleseed Country
Martha's Vineyard
Mohawk Trail Region
MetroWest
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 December 2012

Greetings! Massachusetts is rich in arts and culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 16 regions all year long. Find out more below! 

Cultural Road Trip: Stockbridge

QUICK TAKE: Charming New England town and a quintessential holiday destination. SEE & DO: Get in the mood at the Norman Rockwell Museum's Home for the Holidays exhibit: original drawings, paintings, and costumes and props featured in Rockwell's artwork. For a jolt back into the 21st century, don't miss  Heroes and Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. For holiday shopping, head to the Main Street  and the Williams & Sons Country Store. EAT & SLEEP: Dine at the cozy bistro, Once Upon A Table, then head next door to the iconic  Red Lion Inn and curl up in front of the crackling fire.  

Image: Home for Christmas, Norman Rockwell, 1955, �NRELC, Niles, IL. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum

 

Plan your next cultural getaway to Massachusetts!
Featured Region: Nantucket Island

The 39th Annual Nantucket Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll Weekend is November 30th through December 2nd! This is a magical weekend throughout the island, featuring over 150 trees trimmed by the Chamber of Commerce and its volunteers. Storefront decorating contests, an old-fashioned European marketplace, Santa's arrival by Coast Guard vessel, the Magical Talking Tree, Victorian carolers and the Town Crier are all part of this memorable weekend. Enjoy the 30th Annual Holiday House Tour which includes admission to the ever popular festival of trees. Stroll through the beautiful galleries or enjoy one of our unforgettable restaurants.

Then, join Nantucket's New Year Celebration - a laser light show and Gala Ball highlight this special event!


Nantucket is the perfect place to celebrate the season. For more information on Nantucket Island, click here

North of Boston

A Holiday visit to the North Shore's most picturesque town of Rockport is sure to delight! Enjoy Christmas celebrations the way it used to be. Join in tree lighting and Pageants; fairs and festivals; concerts and strolling minstrels. Over 100 quaint shops and art galleries, and a variety of seaside inns and restaurants to enjoy. Holiday activities and events are happening month long. For more information, visit www.christmasinrockport.com.

For more information on North of Boston, click here.

Plymouth County
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Daniel Webster Estate in Marshfield from December 1st through the 9th! Enjoy holiday-inspired d�cor in the Victorian Estate, built on the grounds of the ancestral home of one of America's greatest Statesmen, Daniel Webster.  Designers are given few limitations and allowed to create what inspires them and what will WOW you. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, 7 to 9 p.m. on December 4th and 6th!

For more information on Plymouth County, click here.
Southeastern Massachusetts
Southeastern Massachusetts is alive with holiday happenings!  Lights On! Taunton on Friday, November 30th is a longstanding tradition of the lighting of Taunton Green. On December 1 & 2, experience the Downtown Holiday Stroll in New Bedford - seasonal activities, strolling musicians, holiday treats, the City's giant tree sparkling on the Library steps, kids' activities and more. On December 8th, beautifully restored homes in New Bedford's historic neighborhoods open for the 21st Annual Holiday House Tour!

For more information on Southeastern MA, click here!
The Berkshires

You won't want to miss the holidays in the Berkshires!  There is great theatre, including The Santaland Diaries at Shakespeare & Company and  A Christmas Carol performed by the Berkshire Theatre Group. While you are here, make sure to stop in at the Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers Markets for all of your holiday needs. Photo credit: Kevin Sprague 

For more information on the Berkshires, click here

Greater Merrimack Valley

Come to the Greater Merrimack Valley this holiday season and enjoy festive, seasonal performances! The Lowell Memorial Auditorium will host the Laurie Berkner Band's Holiday Celebration Concert, Martina McBride-The Joy of Christmas, and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra featuring Keith Lockhart. Also at the LMA, see the hilarious stage production "Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of Magi's Gold," or take in the area's best live jazz ensemble at the Adagio Big Band's holiday revue at Lowell's Olympia Restaurant's Zorba Room.

For more information on Greater Merrimack Valley, click here.

Central Massachusetts

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan returns to Worcester for its 5th year! Don't miss WGBH's A Celtic Sojourn, host Brian O'Donovan's wildly popular seasonal gathering of singers, musicians, and dancers steeped in Celtic tradition as they perform holiday favorites on the set of "A Christmas Carol." The show will happen December 18th at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $46-$58; discounts available. Visit www.thehanovertheatre.org or call 877-571-SHOW(7469)!

 

For more information on Central Massachusetts, click here.  

Franklin County

Historic Deerfield is the place to be in December! A storybook picture of New England as it was and is. Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides on Saturdays and Sundays (December 1-16) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Silhouette making December 8th and 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open Hearth Cooking daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (December 1-31, except 24 & 25). Perhaps an overnight at the Deerfield Inn? Fees and information at www.historic-deerfield.org.

 

For more information on Franklin County, click here.

Greater Boston

On December 31st, Boston's First Night Festival of the Arts will showcase the work of 1,000 artists in 200 performances and exhibits at 35 indoor and outdoor venues in the downtown area!  The New Year's Eve celebration runs from 1 p.m. to midnight and features lively music, dance, theater, a Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, a Grand Procession down Boylston Street, colossal ice sculptures dotting the city's landscape, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

 

For more information on Greater Boston, click here

Cape Cod

From December 1st through the 31st, experience an authentic Christmas on Cape Cod! Enjoy festive holiday strolls, caroling, harbor lights, parades and celebrations, including the Polar Express train ride aboard Cape Cod Central Railroad! Also take advantage of fantastic accommodation packages, and pick up a Christmas on Cape Cod Passport for a chance to win nearly $9,000 in gift cards to local shops or the grand prize, a weekend on Cape Cod in July. 'Tis the season for great giveaways on the Cape!

For more information on Cape Cod, click here.

Greater Springfield

Step back in time for the holiday festivities at "Yuletide at Storrowton" at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield December 1 & 2! This family-friendly celebration features musical presentations, storytelling, entertainment and shopping, all in this historic Village of 18th and 19th century buildings, which are cheerfully decorated with homemade wreaths, swags, garlands and other fresh evergreens. Yuletide Open House tours take place December 4-8, and Yuletide Lantern Tours on December 5th.  Call 413-205-5051 for information! 

  

For more information on Greater Springfield, click here.
Hampshire County

Save the date for Northampton's most beloved signature event - First Night Northampton! On Monday, December 31st, the Center for the Arts and PeoplesBank invite you to this 12-hour family-friendly New Year's Eve festival of the arts, culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Celebrate at 20 downtown venues, featuring an astounding array of entertainment with hundreds of talented performers. Fireworks at 6:15 p.m. are presented by Northampton Business Improvement District.

 

Click for more information on Hampshire County-Amherst and Hampshire County-Northampton.  
Johnny Appleseed Country

'Tis the season for holiday fare throughout Johnny Appleseed Country! This month, performances of Theatre at the Mount, the New Players Theatre Guild and the Barre Players all feature Christmas themes. The Harlem Gospel Choir brings "Joyful Noise" to the stage at Fitchburg State University and the Montachusett Chorale presents a holiday concert at Leominster City Hall. And visitors can view themed Christmas trees at the Gardner Museum, Leominster City Hall and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Tour Johnny Appleseed Country and get in the holiday spirit!
 

For more information on Johnny Appleseed Country, click here.

Martha's Vineyard

Christmas in Edgartown will be celebrated December 7-9! This is a Vineyard tradition that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Highlights include an open house at Island shops amidst the sounds of carolers and holiday concerts. Santa makes a visit as he arrives in the annual parade! Also enjoy wreath making, cookie tastings and more.

 

For more information on Martha's Vineyard, click here.
Mohawk Trail Region

That sound you hear is the holiday season shifting into gear in Williamstown! The annual extravaganza known as Williamstown Holiday Walk bursts on the scene beginning with the Reindog Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st  on Spring Street and beyond. This annual event draws people to Williamstown for shopping, entertainment, and a fun-filled day of holiday cheer.  Take a horse drawn wagon ride, take part in the Penny Social, listen to the many musical groups! For more info, visit www.williamstownchamber.com.

 

For more information on the Mohawk Trail Region, click here

MetroWest

Holiday trees have become an art form in themselves! This holiday season, there are many opportunities to see dozens of these breathtaking creations. Through December, the 17th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature fills the Concord Museum's galleries with 36 fanciful trees inspired by acclaimed children's storybooks. In Marlborough, the three-day MetroWest Festival of Trees features rides, games, storytelling, Gingerbread Village, carolers, Avenue of Wreaths, 50 crafters, miniature Victorian village and train display, and, of course, Santa Claus.

For more information on MetroWest, click here. 

Regional Tourism Councils  

The Berkshires   Cape Cod   Central Massachusetts  Franklin County  
Greater Boston   Greater Merrimack Valley   Greater Springfield 
Hampshire County-Amherst   Hampshire County-Northampton  
Johnny Appleseed Country   Martha's Vineyard   MetroWest  
Mohawk Trail
    Nantucket Island     North of Boston  
Plymouth County   Southeastern Massachusetts