December 1-31
Discover Newport Presents:
Christmas in Newport
Various Venues
Newport,
Rhode Island
401-849-6454
ChristmasInNewport.org
Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 46th year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar with city-wide events and activities. PIctured: The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff.
December 1
ICCNE Presents:
Tree Lighting & Carol Singing
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:30 pm |
781-821-8291
irishculture.org
Join the ICC for a very special Holiday evening as they light the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols. Stay and enjoy the festivities with FREE mulled wine and mince pies. This event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, so bring along your family and friends for a wonderful Christmas tradition at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 2
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Present:
A Celtic Family Christmas
The Cabot
286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA
8:00 p.m. |
866-811-4111 | $38.50 - $58.50 |
Buy Tickets Here
This holiday season join Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, the award-winning fiddle virtuosos, in an intimate and unique Christmas concert you will never forget. With the duo accompanied by an incredible array of talented musicians – and their children – A Celtic Family Christmas will guide you into the wonderful world of a true MacMaster Leahy Christmas celebration. “Christmas is where this whole concept started and we are excited to be travelling as a family,” says Donnell. “It’s a perfect time to bring light and happiness to families and fans.” With a lineup of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic songs, A Celtic Family Christmas brings you in the door, and welcomes you in as part of the family.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 2
The Messiah
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
4:00 pm | 508 752-0888
mechanicshall.org
Under the direction of Chris Shepard, The Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester continues its great holiday tradition: a complete performance of Handel's greatest choral work, The Messiah. Apart from The Worcester Chorus, this performance features a full orchestra, acclaimed vocal soloists, and The Festival Singers: a group of Worcester-area vocal students coached by members of The Worcester Chorus leading up to the performance.
December 2
Discover Newport Presents:
Bristol's Grand Illumination
The Burnside Building
400 Hope Street,
Bristol, RI
401-849-6454 | explorebristolri.com
A holiday tradition in Bristol that includes, caroling, music ensembles, dancing and the annual reading of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. Gather downtown at the Burnside Building for an evening of fabulous entertainment and holiday cheer. Entertainment begins at 4pm and features amazing local talent. Santa arrives @ 5:45PM and introduces 2 lucky children that he has selected to help him flip the switch and illuminate the Town Tree at 6pm.
December 2, 9, 16
Discover Newport Presents:
UnDecked Halls at Rough Point Mansion
Rough Point Mansion
680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
401-847-8344 |
NewportRestoration.org
Heiress Doris Duke spent Christmas in sunny Hawaii far away from Rough Point, her Newport estate. Experience the quiet house, see the decorated staff wing, and hear about Miss Duke's tropical holiday. Learn how Rough Point's winter caretaking traditions have remained the same for the past half century. Tour the first floor and enjoy refreshments in the staff dining room, not normally open to the public. Tours offered every half-hour.
December 2
Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
10th annual Holiday Craft Fair and Festival
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Free Admission
riverfolk.org
The 10th annual BRT Holiday Fair includes 26 vendors on site to allow plenty of Holiday shopping. The event features continuous live music by members of Pendragon, The Broad Street Fiddlers, and The Swamp Meadow Victorian Carolers. Plus raffle prizes, a bake sale table, refreshments and more. Door prizes will be raffled off from each vendor with the raffle proceeds to benefit BRT's programming.
December 3
BRT Presents: 5th annual Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular
Featuring Tir Na Nog Irish Dance
Greenwich Odeum
East Greenwich, RI
1:00 p.m. | $13
riverfolk.org
Two shows of Irish dance, and live Celtic and Christmas music. All dances have been choreographed and taught by instructor Erika Damiani and will be performed by dancers from Tir Na Nog Irish Dance, based out of Blackstone River Theatre. The shows will be filled with Christmas cheer, beautiful traditional and modern Irish dancing, live Celtic music, and will conclude with a visit from our friend from the North Pole!
December 3
Celtic Thunder - - Symphony 2017 Tour
Lynn Auditorium
3 City Hall Square, Lynn
7:00 p.m. | 781 599-SHOW (7469)
lynnauditorium.com | BUY TIX
The Celtic Thunder Symphony Tour will be the show’s 10th tour of the USA since it was launched in 2008. Celtic Thunder’s five male soloists Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne & Michael O’Dwyer will perform solo and ensemble numbers. This will be the second "Symphony Tour" for Celtic Thunder, who will depart from their traditional and critically-acclaimed large set productions to perform hit songs from their Legacy, Mythology, Voyage, The Show & It’s Entertainment Shows along with songs from their chart-topping albums, Christmas & Classic Christmas and their newly released Celtic Thunder Inspirational album.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 4
City Winery Boston Presents:
Christmas with The Celts
City Winery Boston
1 Canal Street, Boston
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show: 8:00 pm
$20, $25, $30, $35 |
617-933-8047 | citywinery.com/boston
Christmas with The Celts is an exciting holiday show celebrating the distinct Celtic traditions of both Ireland and the United States. It makes its only Boston appearance at the newly opened City Winery in Boston’s North End. Formed by American-born music producer Ric Blair, the show is a fusion of modern Christmas standards as well as the ancient melodies of the Celtic nations. PBS-TV is broadcasting Christmas with the Celts this season to pay tribute to this unique musical cast.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 4
ICCNE Presents: Irish Traditional Music Concert with
John Whelan & Flynn Cohen
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
6-7pm: Trad workshop with John Whelan | 7:30pm: Concert |
9pm: Open Session with John & Flynn
781 821-8291 | Tickets | irishculture.org
I7-time All-Ireland Button Accordion champion John Whelan will be performing a concert of Irish traditional music. John is a legend of the trad music and has had an illustrious career, performing all over the world and making commercially successful recordings for the Narada label. John will be joined by guitar accompanist Flynn Cohen (“A versatile string virtuoso” - Dirty Linen Magazine).
December 4, 11, 18, 25
ICCNE Presents:
Set Dancing with Cait Bracken
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:30-9:30 pm | $5 donation at the door | Adults (16 & up)
781 821-8291
irishculture.org
Every Monday throughout the year (except Holidays), the ICC presents set dancing with Cait Bracken from 7:30-9:30pm. Set dancing is a form of social dancing which has been popular in Ireland for over 150 years. Sets are danced by four couples in a square. No previous dancing experience or partner required! No registration required for this class.
December 5-31
The Boston Pops Presents:
Holiday Pops 2017
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
617-266-1200 | bso.org
Under the direction of Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart, the 44th annual Holiday Pops season presents some of the most-loved holiday music including selections from the orchestra’s most recent recording A Boston Pops Christmas – Live From Symphony Hall. Enjoy a performance filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-a-long, and even a visit from jolly old Santa Claus. Continuing one of Boston's most beloved holiday traditions, the Boston Pops opens the 2017 Boston Pops Holiday Series on Tuesday, December 5 through December 24, when Symphony Hall is transformed into a magical place for all ages as the Boston Pops perform the most beloved holiday music alongside the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. A perfect holiday tradition!
December 6
NEC Symphonic Winds & Chamber Singers with
U.S. Navy Band Northeast
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
4:00 pm | 508 752-0888 |
mechanicshall.org
This annual holiday concert serves up the spirit of the season in a big way. Bill Drury and Erica Washburn from New England Conservatory conduct a broad repertoire. Also performing - Navy Band Northeast, a 35-musician ensemble based on board NAVSTA Newport and one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide.
December 7
'XLO's Acoustic Xmas' starring Goo Goo Dolls with special guests
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
8:00 pm | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
This XLO's Acoustic Xmas shows have become a holiday tradition, and one of the most-anticipated annual shows of the year at Mechanics Hall. Featuring the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Goo Goo Dolls, one of the most globally respected and influential forces in popular music. Also featuring Self-proclaimed "filmaholics," The Rua - - drawing inspiration everywhere from Wagner, Debussy and Fauré to Taylor Swift, The Corrs and The Cranberries to film soundtracks, especially John Williams, fantasy and sci-fi.
December 8
Deadbeat
Ocean Mist
895 Matunuck Beach Road
Wakefield RI
401-782-3740 |
9:30 p.m. | deadbeatband.com
DEADBEAT is a Grateful Dead Tribute Band in MetroWest Boston - a jam band that brings alive the sound and style of the Grateful Dead, The Jerry Garcia Band & all of the music that Dead Heads love to hear! DeadBeat gigs are upbeat, fun, wild... perfect for dancers, twirlers & everyone looking to have a "real good time!" Deadbeat is: Mike (Bails) Bailey, Bass Guitar - Gary Barth, Rhythm Guitar; Vocals - Rich Cesarini, Keyboards - Jennifer Markard, Vocals - Joe Pulitano, Drums - Brian Stormwind, Lead Guitar. Don't miss the party!
December 9-10, 16-17 & 23-24
Holiday Pops
7 Special Matinees for Kids
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
11:00 a.m. | 1-888-266-1200
bso.org
Seven special Christmas matinee performances for kids. These special family concerts feature a shorter program without intermission, and include family-friendly music, a children's sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. For those seated at the floor tables, there are kid-friendly menu options along with holiday treats. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. Dates coming soon, please check back.
December 10 (2 shows)
BRT Presents: Christmas Celebration
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
2:00 pm & 7:00 pm (Show on Dec 9 is cancelled due to weather concerns)
$22.00 advance / $25.00 day of show | riverfolk.org
The 10th annual Christmas Celebration features Aubrey Atwater, Erika Damiani and members of Tir Na Nog Irish Dance, Elwood Donnelly, Bob Drouin, Benedict Gagliardi, Russell Gusetti, Mary Lee Partington, Torrin Ryan, and Ed Sweeney. Expect the unexpected with songs, high energy clogging and step dancing, ancient carols, spoken word, jokes and more - as musicians and dancers perform in varied combinations or join together on beautiful Christmas and winter-themed pieces. Blackstone River Theatre will shut down for the holiday season starting December 12 and will reopen again on January 13, 2018.
December 9
Holiday Pops Concert
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
8:00 pm | 508 752-0888
mechanicshall.org
A beloved Worcester holiday event, the Holiday Pops Concert is an ideal celebration for friends and family and company holiday parties! Features traditional favorites of the season, light classics, dance theatre, chorus, and the Best of Broadway! Purchase your tickets now so you don't miss out. Holiday Pops has been a sell-out for 36 consecutive years!
December 10
The Nutcracker Ballet
Performed by Dance Prism
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
1:00 pm & 5:00 pm | 508 752-0888
mechanicshall.org
This holiday season, you and your loved ones deserve something special – a wondrous experience that evokes joy & elevates your spirit to new heights. Whether continuing a valued tradition or discovering the magic of this beloved holiday classic for the first time, Dance Prism's Nutcracker is sure to leave you with a sense of warmth and treasured memories that will last a lifetime. www.danceprism.com
December 11
Hops & Harmony
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
6:00 pm | 508 752-0888
mechanicshall.org
Grab your friends and colleagues! Hops & Harmony is for you! Pros and Amateurs needed for a night of unforgettable music, fun, and laughter! You bring 'em, we'll teach 'em! Hops & Harmony! Mechanics Hall presents an entertainment and audience participation experience. Guest artist, Bluelight Bandits, 6-8 p.m.
December 11
JFK Library Forum Presents:
Reality and Truth in Contemporary Journalism
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
617 514-1644 | jfklibrary.org
Dan Balz, pictured, Chief Correspondent at The Washington Post, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, University of Pennsylvania professor of communication, and Tom Nichols, author of The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters, discuss reality and truth in contemporary media with Heather Cox Richardson, Boston College professor of history.
December 12 (2 shows) SOLD OUT
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O’Donovan
Shalin Liu Performance Centre
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
4:00 pm & 8:00 pm | 978-546-7391
rockportmusic.org | See All Shows
Brian O’Donovan’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn has entertained and enlightened radio audiences since 1986. Now celebrating a decade and a half of holiday performances, the Christmas-time live version of the show draws on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. A Christmas Celtic Sojourn reflects the compelling and diverse offerings of the weekly national radio program plus the excitement of a live show featuring the Celtic world’s best performers. Cellist Natalie Haas, pictured, joins an all-star cast of singers, musicians, dancers, directors and choreographers!
WIN FREE TIX!
December 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22 (10 shows)
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan
Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
219 Tremont Street, Boston
Dec 14: 7:30 pm |
Dec 15: 7:30 pm
|
Dec 16:
3:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Dec 17:
1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Dec 21: 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm |
Dec 22:
3:00 pm & 7:30 pm
617-824-8000 | cutlermajestic.org | See All shows
Now in its 15th year, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn returns to Boston, Rockport, Worcester, New Bedford and Providence, from December 12 through 22. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including cellist Natalie Haas, Uilleann piper Joey Abarta, and the phenomenal fiddle section of Liz Knowles, Jenna Moynihan and Haley Richardson. Featured singer Mairi Campbell is joined by Windborne's four-part harmonies, and combined with those of host Brian O’Donovan, his wife Lindsay, and Maeve Gilchrist. Dance director Kevin Doyle is joined by choreographer Maureen Berry and the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Rounding out this spectacular line-up is percussionist Ben Wittman and bassist Chico Huff. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the fifteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX TO THE DEC 21 SHOW @ 7:30 PM!
December 16
Deadbeat
Opus Underground
87 Washington Street
Salem, MA
978-744-9600 |
9:30 p.m. | deadbeatband.com
DEADBEAT is a Grateful Dead Tribute Band in MetroWest Boston - a jam band that brings alive the sound and style of the Grateful Dead, The Jerry Garcia Band & all of the music that Dead Heads love to hear! DeadBeat gigs are upbeat, fun, wild... perfect for dancers, twirlers & everyone looking to have a "real good time!" Deadbeat is: Mike (Bails) Bailey, Bass Guitar - Gary Barth, Rhythm Guitar; Vocals - Rich Cesarini, Keyboards - Jennifer Markard, Vocals - Joe Pulitano, Drums - Brian Stormwind, Lead Guitar. Don't miss the party!
December 16
ICCNE Presents:
Children's Christmas Breakfast with Santa
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
10:00am -
2:00pm |
781-821-8291
| irishculture.org
Join the ICC for a traditional Irish breakfast, a visit with Santa, and an opportunity for you to take family photo's so bring along your camera! Mrs Claus will be reading stories and there will also be plenty of arts and crafts, including ornament-making, and fun for the whole family. Breakfast includes a full hot buffet with kid friendly items like chocolate chip pancakes, whipped cream, fresh fruit & hot chocolate!
December 16
ICCNE Presents:
2017 Annual Drawing & Holiday Open House
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
5:00 - 11:00 pm |
781 821-8291
irishculture.org
(Rescheduled from Dec 9) All are welcome to join in the festivities of an Irish Christmas at the Irish Cultural Centre during Open House at the ICC. You can expect lively Irish music, dancing, singing, food, cash bar and good Christmas cheer! The $30,000 raffle drawing will be held at the centre on the 16th! Raffle Tickets are $100 each. Grand prize: $30,000, 2nd prize: $5,000 and five additional chances to win $1,000.
December 17
Worcester Youth Orchestras Annual Family Holiday Concert
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
4:00 pm | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
WYO's most popular concert of the year! Celebrate with family & friends the festive sounds of the season. Featuring the WY Symphony Orchestra, WY Philharmonic & String Orchestra, WY Wind Ensemble & WY Jazz Band with special guest The Shepherd Hill Regional High School Choirs. New and familiar favorites will get you singing along with these talented students.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 18
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O’Donovan
The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
2 Southbridge Street, Worcester
7:30 pm | 1-877-571-7469 | Directions | See All shows
thehanovertheatre.org | Tickets
Now in its 15th year, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn returns to Worcester on December 18th. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including cellist Natalie Haas, Uilleann piper Joey Abarta, and the phenomenal fiddle section of Liz Knowles, Jenna Moynihan and Haley Richardson. Featured singer Mairi Campbell is joined by Windborne's four-part harmonies, and combined with those of host Brian O’Donovan, his wife Lindsay, and Maeve Gilchrist. Dance director Kevin Doyle is joined by choreographer Maureen Berry and the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Rounding out this spectacular line-up is percussionist Ben Wittman and bassist Chico Huff. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the fifteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 19
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O’Donovan
The Zeiterion Theatre
684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA
7:30pm | zeiterion.org |
Get tickets
See All shows
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan is now in its second decade and has established itself as a holiday tradition gem throughout New England. “The New Bedford audiences have been so receptive to what we bring to the stage, and we just can’t wait to return this year” says O’Donovan, who is producer, host and creator of the show. Get ready for an enchanting night of Celtic music and dance, all to celebrate the holiday season! Group of 10 or more, call 508-997-5664 x123 or email dlegge@zeiterion.org.
Pictured - featured singer Mairi Campbell.
December 20
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O’Donovan
The Veterans Memorial Auditorium
One Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI
7:30pm | Directions | thevetsri.com |
Get tickets |
See All shows
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan returns to Providence for the second time since 2012 with an all-star cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist (pictured) lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including cellist Natalie Haas, Uilleann piper Joey Abarta, and the phenomenal fiddle section of Liz Knowles, Jenna Moynihan and Haley Richardson. Featured singer Mairi Campbell is joined by Windborne's four-part harmonies, and combined with those of host Brian O’Donovan, his wife Lindsay, and Maeve Gilchrist. Dance director Kevin Doyle is joined by Maureen Berry, choreographer and the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Rounding out this spectacular line-up is percussionist Ben Wittman and bassist Chico Huff. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the fifteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
December 21
The Tenors - Christmas Together Tour
Lynn Auditorium
3 City Hall Square, Lynn
7:00 p.m. | 781 599-SHOW (7469)
lynnauditorium.com | BUY TIX
"The star of the show is the Tenors’ voices and tasteful arrangements, which flow liquid-smooth from tag-team lead exchanges to rich, choral harmonies,” wrote Billboard Magazine. “The three of us have been performing at Christmastime since we were kids – from church choirs to community concerts, carolling around the neighbourhood or belting out songs in our living room with our families around the Christmas tree. We wanted to relive those magical childhood memories and bring our fans along for this nostalgic journey,” said The Tenors, comprised of Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray & Fraser Walters.
December 21
ICCNE Presents:
An Irish Christmas with
Chloë Agnew of Celtic Woman
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:30 pm | $50 includes meet & greet | $35 GA | $30 members
781 821-8291
irishculture.org
Enjoy an Irish Christmas concert with Chloë Agnew of Celtic Woman fame. Chloë will be joined by Irish tenor Dermot Kiernan and local special guests including fiddler Cliodhna Field and bodhran ace Mance Grady along with Billy O'Neill on accordion and members of The Connolly Academy of Irish Dance.
December 26
JFK Library Celebrate! series
Tanglewood Marionettes - The Fairy Circus
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Stephen E. Smith Center, Columbia Point, Boston
10:30 - 11:30 am | Free, Registration Required
617 514-1644 | jfklibrary.org
Come enjoy turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry featuring over twenty beautifully hand-crafted marionettes. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of famous composers.This show is appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up.
December 29
Little Women (Movie)
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
6:30 pm | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org
Louisa May Alcott's classic novel about a family of women in Civil War-era New England is again brought to the screen in this adaptation. The focus is on the March sisters, four young girls raised by their mother (Susan Sarandon) after their father leaves for battle as part of the Union Army. At the center is Jo March (Winona Ryder), an idiosyncratic would-be writer said to be based on Alcott herself, but the film also focuses on the stories of her sisters -- the more conventional Meg (Trini Alvarado), the innocent Beth (Claire Danes), and the precocious Amy (Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Mathis. 30 mins hall tour: 5:30pm.
December 31
ICCNE Presents:
New Year's Eve Gala
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:00 pm -12:30 am
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org
Don't miss this sell-out event. Evening includes: Hors D'oeuvres, Buffet Dinner, Dancing, Coffee & Desert, Champagne Toast at Midnight. Entertainment by Margaret Dalton and Erins Melody. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the ICC. Call 781 821 8291.
December 31
Ring in the New Year with Bo Winiker
And the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
10:10 pm |
617-266-1200
bso.org
Ring in the New Year with the Boston Pops on December 31 at 10:00 pm. Dance the night away with the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra and legendary bandleader extraordinaire Bo Winiker! There will be a cash bar and several dining options will be available. Doors open at 8:00 pm.