Our Must Do list this month has a merry aspect to it. Pick one or two things to kick off your holiday merriment with a bang. Thanks to Anne Whiting Real Estate for always bringing the fun by sponsoring this list!
1. Shop'n & Stroll'n
There are lots of old fashioned holiday strolls to enjoy some local shopping and community spirit. You'll find lots of excitement at each stop (in years past, we've caught Santas and Winter Fairies, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and more). Plus, it's your chance to show your local retailers some love (they're instrumental in making special events like these happen!) Check them out in Padanaram on December 1 (details here), Tiverton on December 1 (details here), downtown New Bedford on December 2 (details here), a parade in Fall River on December 2 (more here), Onset Village on December 9 (details here), Fairhaven on December 9 (details here), and Marion Art Center on December 10 (details here),
2. Bring Some Greenery Home
Make a lovely holiday wreath or table centerpiece for your home while supporting the Freetown Historical Society at its Greenery Workshop. $40. Two sessions on December 3 (9-12 or 1-4). 1 Slab Bridge Rd, Assonet. More here.
3. Settle in for Some Humor
If you haven't seen a play in the cozy little theater at the Marion Art Center, you're missing out. Check out their new play, Miracle on South Division Street, a lighthearted and heartfelt comedy at one of its seven performances between December 1 and December 16. Tickets from $25. More here.
4. Ugly Sweaters & Yummy Cookies
We love including an ugly sweater event in every December list. This year, head to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House with your ugliest holiday sweater to see the most beautiful display of holiday decorations. Plus, you get to experience their annual cookie challenge in its fourth year, where weekend-warrior bakers bring batches of their favorite homemade cookie for visitors to sample and judge. Donations are accepted in lieu of a fee. 396 County Street, New Bedford. More here.
5. Jazzy Night
Come watch the New Bedford Jazz Fest take the stage in the spectacularly renovated and historic Steeple Playhouse. It's such an incredible special setting for 24 talented musicians who will perform on 2 stages, with soups, sandwiches and chocolate to keep you happy and well-fed. 2 -6 pm on December 3. 159 William Street, New Bedford. Tickets from $35. More here.
6. View our Northern Lights
There's lots happening over at the New Bedford Art Museum. Check it out during their annual holiday party, surrounded by beautiful projections of the Northern Lights, entertainment, a special wintry cocktail and their interactive sensory artworks. From $45. December 6, 6 to 9 pm. More here.
7. Light the Way!
The Westport Land Trust is gathering folks to create their own light by making lanterns out of recycled materials and then using them on a short walk through the twilight. So sweet! December 16, from 4:15 to 5:45. More here.
8. Sing-A-Long
We've got two chances for you to join in some old-fashioned caroling. No need to be a good singer -- think of these as opportunities to engage in some live music karaoke! The New Bedford Symphony pulls out the stops for its annual Holiday Pops with the full orchestra. December 10, at 3:30 and 7;30. Tickets from $20. More here on Holiday Pops. On December 17, the Mattapoisett Museum hosts a free singalong with live music-accompaniment. 4 to 5 pm. More here on Mattapoisett Museum.
That's it for our 8 Great Things list. But we also encourage you to check out our Gift of Giving in the Holiday issue (pages 12 and 13 in the print issue or click here for the pdf) for a map of gift fairs and toy drives to really get you in the spirit of things.
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