Revolutionary Valley Regional Tourism Council

Artist's Talk at NEQM with Joe Cunningham
2024-11-23 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | New England Quilt Museum, New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
The NEQM is delighted to welcome California artist Joe Cunningham for an in-depth exploration of his latest works, Quilts For These Times, on view through December 28, 2024. This education program is free to members and included with admission for nonmembers.

The Acton Lions Club’s 44th Annual Ski & Skate & Gear Sale
2024-11-23 11:00 - 2024-11-24 14:00 | Conant Elementary School, Taylor Road 80, Acton, Massachusetts, 01720, United States
What: The Acton Lions Club’s 44th Annual Ski & Skate & Gear Sale
Where: Conant Elementary School, 80 Taylor Road, Acton.
When: Drop-off:
– Friday November 22nd; 6:30 – 8 pm
– Saturday November 23rd; 8 – 10 am
Sale
– Saturday November 23rd; 11 am – 4 pm
– Sunday November 24th; 10 am – 2 pm
Pay-out or Pick-up:
– Sunday November 24th; 3 – 5 pm Pick up unsold items and consignment payout Sunday. The Lions Club will pay consignment donors 70 percent of the sale price of each item sold. Any items not picked up by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24th will be considered a donation. All money raised will go to local charities.

Intro to Mediumship: Tap Into Your Own Abilities at Moonlight & Mindfulness
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Moonlight & Mindfulness, Moonlight & Mindfulness, 91 Mill St # 7, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
Unlock your untapped potential of mediumship! This is an introductory lesson to mediumship plus a guided meditation and mini sessions. Have you ever felt like you could “feel” something that wasn’t there? Ever see something that no one else claims to see? These are small hints that you have untapped potential of mediumship!
Come join mediumship expert Emily for a 1.5-2 hour experience where you will get to join a class to tap into your own abilities. During the class you’ll get a personalized skill evaluation, an introductory lesson, suggested materials, guided meditation, and a chance to practice with other folks with mini sessions.
Due to the space, we have some chairs, but recommend bringing your own chair, sitting pillow, or yoga mat for comfort.

Hands-On History: Beeswax Candles
2024-11-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford St, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
The tavern was dark in the days before electricity! Learn about lighting in the 18th century and roll your own candle. Drop in any time between 1:00 – 4:00 PM to learn! This activity is suitable for ages 6 and up, including adults!
Included with museum admission.

Morning Sound Bath with Luna Sol Spiritual Wellness at Moonlight & Mindfulness
2024-11-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Moonlight & Mindfulness, Moonlight & Mindfulness, 91 Mill St # 7, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
We invite you to bring some peace to your morning and relax and unwind with a guided meditation followed by the soothing and healing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, shamanic drums, chimes, rainsticks and more.
Feel free to bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, and/or anything else you may need to be comfortable as you drift into a state of bliss.
“Even in the darkest times, light is always present. Let your spirit illuminate the way.”
This class is taught by Brittany of Luna Sol Spiritual Wellness.

Daniel O’Donnell Cary Memorial Hall
2024-11-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Daniel O’Donnell’s remarkable career has moved on to a new level with his success as a TV presenter, just another facet to his ever-expanding list of entertainment achievements.
The Donegal based singer, who is one of the most prolific and successful recording artists in the UK charts, is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year since 1988, an unprecedented and unbroken 35-year span, and in doing so, he has outshone everyone from Michael Jackson and Madonna, to U2 and the Rolling Stones.
Daniel’s latest “I Wish You Well’ released on 4 Nov ’22, entered the official UK Album Charts at #16, a great achievement in itself In a very competitive week, especially when you take into account that the main chart is collated from CD, Vinyl and Digital/Streaming sales, but not only that, in the CD-only Chart, Daniel entered at #5, ahead of Taylor Swift and The Beatles !! and entered the Independent Albums chart at #2.
Including this latest release, Daniel has now amassed 48 Top 75 albums, including 42 Top 40 albums, 30 Top 30 & 20 Top 10 albums, with 18 of the latter being this century, a feat that has not been achieved by any other recording artist, and has now sold well in excess of 15 million worldwide.
He has sold more than 4.6 million albums & videos / DVDs in the UK alone since the start of this millennium, and more than 6.6 million units since The Official Charts Company/Chart Information Network took over the running of the charts in 1994.
‘Daniel O’Donnell 60’, released in celebration of his 60th birthday in 2021, shot straight into the chart at #4, keeping good company with the likes of The Beatles, Adele and Coldplay. As with the ‘Daniel’ album before it, this recording was produced by legendary record producer Nigel Wright, who co-produced the recordings of many of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals, including the film versions of Evita and The Phantom of the Opera, along with many artist albums and TV music shows.
Daniel has also achieved eight number one hits in the UK music video/DVD charts over the length of his career, makes regular appearances in the Billboard World Music Chart, received an honorary MBE from Queen Elizabeth, appeared on Top of the Pops, had his life celebrated on This Is Your Life, been given the Freedom of Donegal, has been inducted into Ireland’s Music Hall of Fame, and received multiple Entertainer of the Year/Person of the Year Awards in Ireland and the UK – to mention but a few of the many accolades.
Daniel also burst into superstardom in the USA & Canada back in 2002 with his first ever PBS special – The Daniel O’Donnell Show. That began a special relationship between Daniel and PBS that has now lasted some 20 years. Since that first airing, Daniel has had fifteen more specials, with ‘Daniel O’Donnell & Special Guests’ being his record breaking sixteenth, which was filmed at the Millennium Forum in Derry and which is currently still airing on many PBS channels throughout the USA. Daniel’s seventeenth special, is in he planning stages and should be aired sometime in the spring of 2023.
Daniel has always had very high viewership ratings in pledge drives across the USA for public service television, and as a result of this and his many other activities in America, his popularity there has grown substantially over the years.

WINTER LIGHTS: GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
2024-11-27 12:00 - 2024-12-31 17:00 | Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, United States
Western Avenue Studios and Lofts is home to 300 artists and offers a fun and festive holiday shopping experience. Enjoy exploring artist studios and the Loading Dock Gallery’s December show: “Winter Lights: Gifts for the Holidays” for one-of-a-kind gifts! You’ll find paintings and prints, jewelry, pottery, scented soaps, cards, photography, sculpture, robots, fashion and home accessories, decorative glass, and much more. Visit during Holiday Open Studios on December 7th and 14th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. each Saturday. The Gallery will be open daily through December with extended hours thru December 31st. Closed December 25 and 26th, and January 1.
The annual Loading Dock Gallery show, “Winter Lights: Gifts for the Holidays”, will be on display November 27 through December 31, 2024 at Loading Dock Gallery, 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA, Noon-5:30 pm, Wednesday-Saturday, until 4pm Sunday. More at www.theloadingdockgallery.com.
Loading Dock Gallery is part of Loading Dock Arts, Inc., a 501c3.

Thanksgiving Day at Town Meeting Bistro - A New England Thanksgiving
2024-11-28 12:00 - 20:00 | The Inn at Hastings Park, 2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
The air is crisp, the scent of turkey and pie in the air and the fireplaces at The Inn at Hastings Park are aglow…there is nothing more New England than a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends! Located in the quintessential New England town of Lexington, Mass, Town Meeting Bistro, cozy with a wood burning fireplace, will be offering a festive and elegantly traditional Thanksgiving buffet abundant with all the trimmings of turkey & gravy, pies, pumpkins, apples, salads, potatoes, Parker House rolls…and more! Seatings available from 12 pm to 6 pm.
Adults $130 (plus tax & gratuity); Children (4-12 years) $65 (plus tax & gratuity). Children 3 and under eat for free.

29th Annual Original Castleberry Faire
2024-11-29 - 2024-12-01 | Shriner’s Auditorium, Fordham Road, Wilmington, Massachusetts, 01887, United States
A New England Tradition thrives with Over 250 Juried Artisans Returning for Thanksgiving Weekend!
Join the Celebration as the 29th Annual Castleberry Faire, Arts & Craft Festival returns to the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, MA, Thanksgiving Weekend, November 29-December 1, 2024!
Experience this three-day shopping extravaganza featuring America’s Craftspeople showcasing their finest works.
Dive into a world of craftsmanship and creativity across 250+ Booths, offering an abundance of unique finds, including Seasonal Wall Hangings, Beautifully Framed Landscape Photography, Holiday Home Décor, and much more.

Museums Open Thanksgiving Weekend
2024-11-29 10:00 - 2024-12-01 16:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford St, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Stop by the museums with family during the holiday weekend! This is your last chance to see the Hancock-Clarke House and Munroe Tavern this year. This is also the perfect opportunity to browse our Buckman Tavern gift shop for presents for the history buffs in your life!
Buckman Tavern: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hancock-Clarke House: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Munroe Tavern: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Black Friday Sip n' Shop Sale at Moonlight & Mindfulness
2024-11-29 12:00 - 19:00 | Moonlight & Mindfulness, Moonlight & Mindfulness, 91 Mill St # 7, Dracut, MA, 01826, United States
Come shop our first-ever Black Friday Sales Event! Shop small this holiday season and snag in-store only Black Friday deals while sipping on free beverage samples. The first 25 customers will also receive an extra bonus coupon!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
2024-11-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
The holiday tradition continues!
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

City of Lights 2024 - Lowell
2024-11-30 | City of Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Join The Holiday-Themed Festivities!
City of Lights in downtown Lowell on Saturday, November 30 is a family event with something for everyone! Main attractions include the Holiday Parade, photos with Santa, a holiday movie screening at the Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, a festive concert, and the annual hot chocolate and window decorating contests (vote for your favorite!) At 4:30 p.m., the parade commences from Jackson Street and ends at City Hall, where Santa Claus will make his first appearance of the season and will throw the switch to light City Hall.
This year, don’t miss the YuleTide Market—a brand-new addition to the City of Lights celebration, hosted by DIY Lowell! 🎄🎁 Stroll through a festive marketplace filled with unique, handmade gifts, local art, and seasonal treats perfect for your holiday shopping.
Mark your calendars and explore the magic at the YuleTide Market—where creativity and community come together to make the season brighter.
Learn more: yuletidemarket.org
For more details, please visit: https://www.lowellcityoflights.org/

Yuletide Market
2024-11-30 12:00 - 2024-12-01 20:00 | City of Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
This year, don’t miss the Yuletide Market—a brand-new addition to the City of Lights celebration, hosted by DIY Lowell! 🎄🎁 Stroll through a festive marketplace filled with unique, handmade gifts, local art, and seasonal treats perfect for your holiday shopping.
Mark your calendars and explore the magic at the Yuletide Market—where creativity and community come together to make the season brighter.
Learn more: yuletidemarket.org
Saturday, Nov 30 Noon – 8 pm
Sunday, Dec 1 Noon – 4 pm

For more details on the City of Lights celebration, please visit: https://www.lowellcityoflights.org/

Holiday Lights Fest
2024-11-30 15:00 - 18:00 | Good Pickin’ Farm, Gould Road, Westford, Massachusetts, 01886, United States
Get in the holiday spirit and join us for festive fun OUTSIDE on the farm!
Admission Includes:
🎅 Meet with Santa and the Grinch
🐑 Visit our “live manger” petting zoo with our adorable animals
🎄 View all the lights & holiday displays
🚜 Take a mini tour on our hayride with cozy blankets
🎵 Sing and dance along to live music from Moon Hollow
Extras Available:
🤶🏻 Sit by a festive fire pit which includes 6 chairs, firewood, holiday cookies, hot cocoa & an animated storytelling by Mrs. Claus
🦌 Go for a “Reindeer” (pony) mini rides
🍪 Indulge in some yummy concession goodies
🍺 Grab a beer from local breweries
🛍️ Go holiday shopping by visiting the local vendors
We plan to host our event unless severe inclement weather. In the event, we need to cancel all buyers will be notified. Tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. Please dress accordingly.
👶🏻Children under 12 months are FREE with ticket purchase!
❓Please read the FAQ’s on the Eventbrite page!

Safe Haven Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
2024-12-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
Safe Haven Ballet is thrilled to bring our spirited, full-length ballet of The Nutcracker to Lowell Memorial Auditorium! This dynamic performance includes all of your favorite characters including a strong-minded Clara to the eccentric Drosselmeyer, the spooky Rats, as well as our beloved Sugarplum Fairy danced by artistic director, Lissa Curtis. In the Land of Sweets you will be introduced to a variation unique to Safe Haven Ballet called The Brave American. Come sing and clap along to this spirited, patriotic piece!
SHB is located in beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire and exists to offer free trauma sensitive classes to survivors of sexual/domestic violence and trauma. Many of these brave survivors will be in the production as they help bring the magic of the season to you. We would love your energetic applause!

Taste of What Lexington has to Offer!
2024-12-05 17:00 - 21:30 | Town of Lexington, United States
Join us tonight, December 5th, from 5 to 9:30 PM in Lexington Center for an unforgettable holiday shopping experience! In collaboration with the Lexington Mavens, Chamber of Commerce, Shop Lexington, and the Lexington Retailers Association, we invite you to explore a curated selection of local treasures that are sure to delight. This is a wonderful opportunity to support small local businesses while enjoying a festive evening with friends and family. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing in the holiday cheer!

Vienna Boys Choir at Cary Hall
2024-12-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and popular repertoire. Christmas in Vienna showcases these gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty in an extraordinary program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and, of course, holiday favorites.

The Umbrella Winter Market 2024
2024-12-06 13:00 - 18:00 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Friday, December 6, 2024
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024
10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024
10:00am – 4:00pm
The Umbrella’s Winter Market is an annual three-day show and sale of artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of our beautifully renovated space in Concord, MA. It features dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists, regional Guest Artists, an annual “Off-the-Wall” show with small works for sale, Ceramics Program holiday sale, Arts Education Free Drop-In Family Day info table, , a Ceramic Keepsake-making workshop on Saturday, and more.
Plus, view the “The Alchemy of a Life: Selected Works by Thorpe Feidt” Gallery Exhibition, and enjoy refreshments provided by Main Streets Market & Cafe.
See https://theumbrellaarts.org/WM

Whistler Holiday Party and Art Auction
2024-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Whistler House Museum of Art, 243 Worthen St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
Featuring a Live Art Auction, Silent Auction, Dinner, Open Bar, Raffles, and Entertainment!
In what is their biggest fundraising event of the year, the Whistler House Museum of Art will host their annual Whistler Holiday Party on Friday, December 6th, 2024 starting at 6:00 p.m. The festivities will be held at the historic house on 243 Worthen Street in Lowell, MA.
The live art auction will feature beautiful original works of art from local artists. Silent auction items include artwork, designer handbags, jewelry, children’s toys, sports tickets, and gift baskets. There will be live music and entertainment. The color theme this year is “GREEN and GOLD.” Guests are invited to dress in the color, if they so desire.
Admission prices are $100 for members, $110 for non-members, and $120 at the door. Doors open no earlier than 5:45 p.m. Proceeds from the event will help fund the Whistler House Museum of Art’s operations, including its Boston Globe acclaimed children’s art programs and award winning historic restoration projects.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 19, 2024. For additional information or to reserve tickets, contact holiday@whistlerhouse.org or 978-452-7641. Tickets can also be purchased on our website via PayPal at whistlerhouse.org.

Chelmsford Community Jazz Band Holiday Concert
2024-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 1A North Rd, Chelmsford, MA, 01824, United States
Enjoy some holiday favorites along with some swinging big band jazz arrangements under the direction of Art Bakopolus. The band is comprised mostly of Chelmsford Residents and is a can’t miss concert for you and the whole family. For only $20.00 /10.00 you are sure to have a wonderful time and will hear some great music! See you there!

Hip Hop Nutcracker at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
2024-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.

Holiday Hands-On History: Punched Tin Ornaments
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford St, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Tin was an important metal in the 18th century. Inexpensive and pliable, it could easily be cut and molded, and decorated with a hole punch to make things like kitchen graters and lanterns! Try your hand at punching tin with a hammer and nail to make a holiday ornament.
Included with museum admission. Stop in any time between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM to try it out!

A Holiday Celebration with the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra
2024-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Fusion Lowell, Mount Hope Street, Lowell, MA, 01854, United States
There will be a pre-concert event for those that bought tickets starting at 1:15pm. Mill City Santa will be available for free family and individual photos. Delicious cookies will be for sale, and hot chocolate will be available to warm you up. Shop for LPO merch and take part in our exciting raffle baskets!
Featuring selections from:
Amahl & the Night Visitors
The Nutcracker
Olivia, the Witch, and the Christmas Tree
TICKETS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 17
General admission tickets are free for children ages 17 and under. Please use the code “Under17” to get up to four tickets per transaction. At this time, these tickets cannot be purchased in the same transaction as general admission/senior tickets, so they will need to be processed in a separate transaction.
$20 for Adults – $10 for Seniors – Children 17 and under are Free.

Billerica Winter Festival & 26th Annual Tree Lighting
2024-12-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Town of Billerica, Billerica, Massachusetts, United States
Our 2024 Winter Festival & 26th Annual Tree Lighting is THIS Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Billerica Center

Winter Festival (Games & Activities)
All Free!

2:00PM – 6:00PM
FREE Games, Activities, and Prizes for everyone!
Located between the Library & Senior Center

2:00PM – 4:30PM
FREE Hot Chocolate & Cookies in front of the Talbot Lodge
Presented by the Billerica Community Pantry
collaborating with IBEW Local 103

2:30PM – 4:30PM
FREE Food & Two Kids Craft at the First Parish Church
Presented by the Congregation of the First Parish Church
(white Church in the Center)

26th Annual Tree Lighting on the Common

Beginning at 4:25PM
Music Program begins at 4:25PM SHARP
Featuring Boston Bruins National Anthem Singer Todd Angilly singing some Christmas favorites.
Followed by our traditional sing along.
Arrival of Santa & Friends at approximately 5:15PM.
Tree Lighting immediately to follow.

Bedford Holiday Kick-off Featuring Artisan's Market and More!
2024-12-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Bedford Town Common -75 Great Road, 75 Great Road, Bedford, MA, 01730, United States
The Bedford community will welcome the holidays on Saturday, December 7, as the town celebrates the annual tree lighting and Santa’s arrival on the Common at 5:00 p.m. In conjunction with that breathtaking event, an Artisans Market, co-sponsored by the Bedford Cultural District and First Parish, will take place from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church, located at 75 Great Road. More than 25 creative vendors will sell original, giftable art and crafts across two floors of display space.
Outdoors that day, establishments will open their doors to spread good cheer, and the little ones can enjoy a Winter Walkabout with a Holiday Storybook Trail. Also on the merry itinerary is a Kids’ Free Holiday Market downstairs at First Parish.
Here’s the road map to an afternoon of fun:
Winter Walkabout, 2:00–6:00 p.m
Various local institutions will put out their welcome mats and offer refreshments and holiday cheer. The Bedford Historical Society will be selling giftable Bedford memorabilia and books. Visitors will find warmup stations at these locations:
Barrett Sotheby’s
Fire Station
Artisans Market
Bedford Historical Society
Bri Bragon Salon
WearOvers
Brown & Brown
Suzanne & Company
Ken’s NY Deli
Body Temple Massage
Drop in and savor the fun!
Holiday Storybook Trail Along Great Road, 2:00–6:00 p.m., Continuing Sunday, December 8
A downtown Holiday Storybook Trail will trace the tale of The Best Gift for Bear by Jennnifer Bell. The trail will start at the Bedford Free Public Library, 7 Mudge Way, and end at the Artisans Market at First Parish.
Kids’ Free Holiday Market at First Parish, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
A don’t-miss stop for children will be the Kids’ Free Holiday Market downstairs at First Parish, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
The event promises a world of fun to wide-eyed young visitors. From 2:00 to 3:30, kids (assisted by volunteer elves) can select and wrap free presents for gifting to their grownups. Childcare is available at this time, allowing parents to shop upstairs at the Artisans Market. From 3:30 to 4:30, adults may assist their kids in shopping, and from 4:30 to 5:00 the children’s gift area will be open for sensory-sensitive kids to shop in a way that is comfortable for them.
* * * * * * * * * *
For further information on these events, visit the website of the Bedford Cultural District, www.bedfordma.gov/culturaldistrict.

Yuletide Ball - Sold OUT!
2024-12-07 17:30 - 21:00 | Groton Grange Hall, Champney Street, Groton, Massachusetts, 01450, United States
In 19th century New England, the darkness of midwinter was kept at bay with firelight, song, stories, and dancing. Join Footwork & Frolick to bring that tradition to Groton Fest Winter with a ball full of holiday spirit and beginner-friendly dances!
Taking inspiration from a variety of period sources – everything from the New Year’s party where Jo meets Laurie in Little Women, to the ghostly visit to Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball in A Christmas Carol, to the Stahlbaum’s party where Clara receives her Nutcracker – we will sing carols, dance to period music, and sample festive treats. All dances will be taught, and no partner is required to attend. 19th century attire will be admired but is not required – guests are encouraged to wear their midwinter best, whatever makes you feel most elegant and festive.
5:00pm – Gather for a caroling procession to the Grange Hall
5:30pm – Arrival at the Grange Hall for final carols
6:00pm – Dancing begins in the ballroom
Caroling Procession
Join fellow revelers for a lantern-lit walk from downtown Groton to the Grange Hall (the site of our ball) with period carols lead by Footwork & Frolick. The full walk is about 1/4 of a mile and there are sidewalks covering the whole route. We will plan to sing a few closing carols upon arrival at the hall, so those who do not wish to process can still sing. (In the case of inclement weather, we will do all of our caroling indoors at the Grange). Carol lyrics will be provided!
Dancing
Dancing will include a mix of contra dances, quadrilles, and round dances (often called “couple dances”). Most dances do not require any special footwork – just walking! All dances will be taught throughout the ball.
As was considered polite in the 19th century, we encourage guests to change partners throughout the evening. You do not need to bring a specific partner, although we encourage groups to attend – the more the merrier! At our events we use the terms “lead” and “follow” to refer to the roles in the dance. All dancers are welcome to dance either role regardless of gender identity or presentation, and you’ll often find members of Footwork & Frolick switching between roles throughout the evening.
What to Wear
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in whatever feels festive and elegant. Historical costumes of the 19th century will be admired but are not required.
We do recommend flat or low-heeled shoes, as modern high heels are not conducive to historical dances.

Town of Dracut Tree Lighting
2024-12-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Town of Dracut, Lakeview Avenue 1540, Dracut, Massachusetts, 01826, United States
Date:
December 7, 2024
Time:
6:30 PM
Location:
Gazebo at the Dracut High School
Address:
1540 Lakeview Ave
Dracut, MA 01826

Believe in the Christmas Miracle: Free Christmas Concert
2024-12-08 18:00 - 20:00 | First United Baptist Church, 99 Church Street, Lowell, 01852, United States
Believe in the Christmas Miracle!
The 37th Annual Christmas Concert featuring the Chelmsford Community Band and the adult and children’s choirs of First United Baptist Church will be on Sunday, December 8 from 6-8 pm.
Begin the Advent season with music that is a mix of new, contemporary, and traditional Christmas songs. People of all ages who delight in the Christmas season will enjoy the event!
Admission is a freewill donation and light refreshments will be served; in addition, please bring non-perishable food for the Lowell Food Pantry.
FUBC is located in historic downtown Lowell at 99 Church Street, Lowell, MA. For questions or directions, call 978-452-9281 or see
https://www.fubc.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/firstubc
This event is funded in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

“A Holiday Salute" Presented by: US Air Force Heritage of America Band
2024-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 01852, United States
The USAF Heritage of America Band will be presenting “A Holiday Salute,” a musical program of familiar favorites, exciting symphonic music, and charming musical stories presented in celebration of the holiday seasons and to delight audiences of all ages, at Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm as a free public event.
For over eighty years, the USAF Heritage of America Band has entertained, educated, and inspired millions across the east coast. The band has performed at thousands of high-profile community outreach and military events and is often featured on television, radio, and social media, conveying the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence.
