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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!
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Featured
Region: Nantucket Island
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 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.
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 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.
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 Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Daniel Webster Estate
in Marshfield from December 1st through the 9th! Enjoy
holiday-inspired décor 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.
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Southeastern
Massachusetts
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 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!
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 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.
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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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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