We’re getting our 8 Great Things list out a bit earlier this month because half of them take place on December 1 and 2 and we want to give you a heads up, with plenty of time to plan!
1. Shopping Spree Weekend!
We’ll be spending the first weekend of December finishing our holiday shopping at all of our favorite South Coast shops. Join us and get 10% off when you mention South Coast Almanac! We are grateful to these small businesses who have advertised with and supported us. And we love the personal attention they lavish on their customers. There’s a place on the list for every type of gift, so there’s no reason to leave the South Coast when checking off your list this year.
December 1-2, during stores’ business hours. See here for participating stores: SCA_Shopping_Spree_Weekend
2. Fall River Children’s Holiday Parade
Check out the 34th annual Fall River Children’s holiday parade, one of the largest in New England. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via helicopter, which we think is an exhilarating modern twist on the classic sleigh. Music, floats, giant balloons (think Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade) and excitement make this a great kick off to the holiday season. Free. December 1, 1-4 p.m. Kennedy Park, Fall River. See more here.
3. Open. Water. Swim.
Need to go back and read that headline once more? That’s right! Our brave (crazy?) friends over at the Buzzards Bay Coalition are keeping things interesting! Open water + onset bay + December 1 date makes for a very cool time (pun intended). Wetsuit and colorful hat are required. Friends not ready to take the plunge are welcome to join on kayak. Head over to the Onset Pier on Saturday, December 1 at 10 am to experience “that cold water rush”or just to watch other brave souls experience it! Free. December 1, 10 a.m. See more here.
4. Wreaths, Wine, and a Damn Good Time
Seriously, how could we pass up an event with this title!? Led by the owner of Hammer and Lace at The Barn at Sweet Fern Hill in Middleboro, this wreath making workshop is BYOB, with light refreshments and supplies provided, and you’ll go home with a wreath that would retail for $120. Tickets are $60, December 1st, 3pm. See here for tickets.
But we couldn’t stop at just one wreath workshop! Soule Homestead is hosting two workshops at the same time as their annual holiday fair. Wreaths: $25 for Soule members/$30 for non-members, centerpieces: $15/$20, holiday fair free admission, December 2nd, 10am or 1pm, 46 Soule Street, Middleboro. Preregistration is required. See more here.
Alice’s Table is hosting wreathmaking at Bittersweet Farm. You can order from the Bittersweet Farm menu as you enjoy the company of others and the creativity of making your own wreath. $75, December 5, 6:30 pm, 438 Main Road, Westport. Buy your ticket and see more here.
5. Padanaram Christmas Festival
We happened to talk recently with a woman who moved to Padanaram from the West Coast and you know what drew her to buying a home in Padanaram? The elves! She loved watching the village come together to decorate and celebrate the Christmas season a few years ago! Now’s your chance to go and see what she’s talking about. Santa and the elves, performances, giveaways from local businesses, food and refreshments help make the season bright. December 7, 5 – 8 p.m. Padanaram Village, Dartmouth. See more here.
6. Onset Christmas in the Parks
For more village Christmas flavor, head over to Onset on the 8th. Santa arrives via fire truck at noon to kick off the fun! There’s cookie decorating, photos with Santa at the firehouse with hot chocolate and goodies, a talking Christmas tree, and horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the afternoon. The event is free, with parking available at the pier, but donations will be gladly accepted. December 8, 12 – 3 pm, Onset Village. See more here.
7. Holiday Pops
We love the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra! And we think there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than listening to music with friends and family. The orchestra offers a 3:30 children’s matinee, featuring some fun surprises for young audience members, and a 7pm concert with slightly more music (but both performances last around an hour). Pssst: our friends at the NBSO have offered a special deal to South Coast Almanac readers! Use the code SCA20 for 20% off your Pops tickets. If you haven’t had a chance to take in one of their concerts yet, now is the perfect time! December 15th, 3:30 or 7pm, tickets $20-$43 (plus 20% off with code SCA20), The Zeiterion, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Buy your tickets here or call the box office at 508-994-2900.
8. Snowshoeing the Shoreline
Embrace winter and get outside! Join Mass Audubon Society at Allens Pond Wildlife Society to explore the beautiful beach loop trail. Bring your own snow shoes (or hiking boots, should there be no snow) to trek along the 2 mile loop looking for winter wildlife and signs of animal activity! $10 for Audubon members, $12 for non-members.December 29, 9-12, Allen’s Pond, Dartmouth. For more information and to register, click here.
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