December 1
Spectacle Management Presents:
Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Celebration
Plymouth Memorial Hall
83 Court Street, Plymouth
7:30 p.m. | $39 - $89
Buy Tix | spectacleshows.com
The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys Choir celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful program of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. What a perfect way to get in the Holiday spirit! Visit Spectacle Management to see additional performances from the Vienna Boys Choir.
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
Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
11th 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 11th annual BRT Holiday Fair includes 26 vendors on site to allow plenty of Holiday shopping. The event features continuous live music by Bob Drouin, Russell Gusetti, Ed Sweeney, Cathy Clasper-Torch, The Broad Street Fiddlers and more, plus raffle prizes, a bake sale table, and refreshments. . 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 2
Discover Newport Presents:
Bristol's Grand Illumination
The Burnside Building
Corner of Hope and Court Streets,
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 4:15pm and features amazing local talent. Santa Claus arrives just before 6pm. Get excited as he flips the switch and lights up the Town tree and the giant snowflake over Hope Street! Don't miss out on the fun!
December 3, 10, 17
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 4
JFK Library Forum Presents: From Boston to Yorktown: Tales of
the National Trails
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point,
Boston
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
617-514-1600
jfklibrary.org
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Act of 1968, Nathaniel Philbrick, author of In the Hurricane’s Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown, and other panelists explore key events at historic sites featured in National Historic Trails and National Recreation Trails.
December 5
JFK Library Forum Presents: Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point,
Boston
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
617-514-1600
jfklibrary.org
Todd S. Purdum, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses his new book, Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution with Jared Bowen, pictured, host of WGBH’s Open Studio with Jared Bowen. Forums are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended, and may be made online, or by phone. Registration guarantees a seat in the building, but not in the main hall.
December 6-24
The Boston Pops Presents:
Holiday Pops 2018
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 2018 Boston Pops Holiday Series on Tuesday, December 6 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
Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Cherish The Ladies - A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
8:00 p.m. | $35 advanced - $38 at the door
riverfolk.org
Celebrating 32 years of music making, Cherish the Ladies continues to delight audiences with its beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing. You’ll delight in the special Christmas music that embodies the beauty of the season – Celtic style! “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do,” says the Boston Globe speaking of Cherish the Ladies, the long-running, Grammy Award-nominated, Irish-American super group formed in New York City in 1985.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 7
The Cabot Presents:
Christmas with The Celts
The Cabot
286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA
8:00 p.m. |
Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 | $28.50 - $48.50 |
Buy Tickets Here
Christmas with The Celts is an exciting holiday show celebrating the distinct Celtic traditions of both Ireland and the United States. 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. The cast includes Ric Blair on vocal, guitar, bodhrán and piano along with Laura McGhee from Dundee Scotland on vocal and fiddle. They are complemented by an array of top-flight musicians on uilleann pipes, Irish whistles, bass, drums as well as vibrant Irish dancers.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 7
ICCNE Presents:
Tree Lighting, Carol Singing & Mulled Wine
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.
December 7
Blackstone River Theatre Presents: Lúnasa – Christmas from Ireland with special guest Ashley Davis
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | $30 advanced - $35 at the door
riverfolk.org
Lúnasa, featuring Kevin Crawford(flute, low whistle, tin whistle), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass), Ed Boyd (guitar), Collin Farrell (fiddle, low whistle), and Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistle) is widely acknowledged as being one of the finest traditional Irish instrumental band of recent times. The band will be joined by Ashley Davis, a native of Kansas, who has emerged as a leading singer/songwriter in the Irish tradition, performing as soloist for “Lord of the Dance” and named as one of the most influential Irish Americans under 40.
December 8-9, 15-16, 18,
22-24
Holiday Pops
8 Special Matinees for Kids
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
11:00 a.m. | 1-888-266-1200
bso.org
Eight 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.
December 8
A Celtic Christmas
Rose Clancy & Robbie O’Connell
Elks Music Hall (Lodge)
10 McKoy Road, Eastham
7:00 pm | $20-$30
payomet.org | chathamfiddlecompany.com
Get ready for an explosion of Irish music and song, wit and humor when Payomet brings back the brilliant duo of Rose Clancy (pictured) and Robbie O'Connell. Rose is one of the region's most beloved musicians, a master of fiddle, mandolin and banjo. And Robbie, originally from Waterford and Dublin, Ireland has been hailed as one of the foremost songsters and funniest Irishman to grace a stage in the U.S. Special guest openers are the Celtic Roots (formerly the Keltic Kids), a young Celtic Band from a Cape Cod featuring Gavin Rice, Jonathan Ford, Bailey Ford, Lili Hay and Fern Tamagini-O'Donnell.
December 8
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 8
ICCNE Presents:
2018 Annual Drawing & Holiday Open House
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
6:00 - 11:00 pm |
781 821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Raffle Tix
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 8th! Raffle Tickets are $100 each. Grand prize: $30,000, 2nd prize: $5,000 and five additional chances to win $1,000.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 9
Lynn Auditorium Presents: The Irish Tenors - Christmas Show
Finbar Wright - Anthony Kearns - Ronan Tynan
Lynn Auditorium
3 City Hall Square, Lynn
7:00 p.m. - Doors 6:00 p.m. | 781 599-SHOW (7469)
lynnauditorium.com | BUY TIX
The Irish Tenors, as honorary ambassadors of Ireland and its legendary music, invite you to indulge yourself, family and friends with a richly orchestrated performance of the greatest music of all time with three of the finest tenors of all time. The Tenors’ Holiday Celebration Concert has become a firm family tradition, bringing together all ages into one audience to hear the hauntingly beautiful music of Ireland and the glorious Christmas music that warms our hearts, gets our feet tapping, and lifts our spirits high.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 9
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.
December 12 (2 shows)
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
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan has entertained and enlightened radio audiences since 1986. Now celebrating over 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!
December 14, 15, 16
(see additional Boston dates below Dec 21, 22, 23)
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: 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Dec. 16: 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
617-824-8000 | wgbh.org/music | cutlermajestic.org
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. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including Natalie Haas (cello), Ben Whittman (percussion), Chico Huff (bass) and Owen Marshall (Guitar/Bouzouki/Harmonium). Making her debut on the program is concertina player extraordinaire Brenda Castles from Co. Meath and the outstanding folk string quartet The Fretless from Canada. Acclaimed Scottish vocalist Hannah Rarity 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 the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the sixteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
December 15
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:
An Irish Christmas with
Chloë Agnew of Celtic Woman
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
4:30 pm | $50 includes meet & greet | $35 GA | $30 members
781 821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Tix
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. Back by popular demand, this show sold out last year so we recommend purchasing tix soon to secure your seats for this enchanting Christmas concert. Earlier on the 16th, join the ICC for a special Children’s Mass & Pageant.
December 16
Worcester Youth Orchestra's 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
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan returns to Worcester on December 18th. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including Natalie Haas (cello), Ben Whittman (percussion) and Chico Huff (bass), Owen Marshall (Guitar/ Bouzouki/ Harmonium). Making their debut is Concertina player extraordinaire Brenda Castles from Co. Meath and the outstanding folk string quartet The Fretless from Canada. Acclaimed Scottish vocalist Hannah Rarity is joined by Windborne's four-part harmonies, and combined with host Brian O'Donovan, his wife Lindsay, and Maeve Gilchrist. Dance director Kevin Doyle is joined by the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the 16th 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 Hannah Rarity.
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 is now in its second decade and has established itself as a holiday tradition gem throughout New England. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including Natalie Haas (cello), Ben Whittman (percussion), Chico Huff (bass) and Owen Marshall (Guitar/Bouzouki/Harmonium). Making her debut on the program is Concertina player extraordinaire Brenda Castles from Co. Meath and the outstanding folk string quartet The Fretless from Canada. Acclaimed Scottish vocalist Hannah Rarity 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 the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the sixteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
WIN TIX!
December 21, 22, 23
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
with Brian O’Donovan
Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
219 Tremont Street, Boston
Dec. 21: 7:30 pm | Dec. 22: 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Dec. 23: 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
617-824-8000 | wgbh.org/music | cutlermajestic.org
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. Music director Seamus Egan and assistant music director Maeve Gilchrist lead a cast of virtuosic musicians including Natalie Haas (cello), Ben Whittman (percussion), Chico Huff (bass) and Owen Marshall (Guitar/Bouzouki/Harmonium). Making her debut on the program is Concertina player extraordinaire Brenda Castles from Co. Meath and the outstanding folk string quartet The Fretless from Canada. Acclaimed Scottish vocalist Hannah Rarity 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 the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. Artistically directed by Paula Plum for the sixteenth straight year, this year promises to be one of the most spectacular shows to date!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TIX FOR DEC 21 @ 7:30 PM
December 21
Áine Minogue - Christmas Concert
Club Passim
47 Palmer St., Cambridge
7:00 pm | 617-492-7679
aineminogue.com | Buy Tix
As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoy phenomenal success both in the United States and in Ireland, Áine has worked to explore their themes and to understand their very essence. Her voice, though uniquely her own, also reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology, and poetry. She has a dozen solo recordings on several labels including RCA Victor/BMG and has been nominated for FIMA awards for her work as a record producer. Her TV production work on “A Winter’s Journey” earned her a New England EMMY ® nomination.
December 23
ICCNE Presents:
A Celtic Christmas
Ciaran Nagle, Tara Novak & Ishna
Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
Brunch start at 11:30 a.m.
$25 GA | $20 members
1:30 pm | 781 821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Tix
Ciaran Nagle (vocals) and Tara Novak (vocals & violin/fiddle) have been performing together since they met back in 2005 on a bus at the beginning of a Christmas tour with Ciaran’s show, the Three Irish Tenors. They formed a duo and after touring the world together, they married in 2012. This special Celtic Christmas concert also includes Ishna whose members have performed for Riverdance, won Grammys and are among the best musicians in the world. Insturments include fiddle, guitar, piano, Irish whistles, uilleann bagpipes, bodhran, and percussion.
December 27
JFK Library Celebrate!
National Marionette Theatre: Peter and the Wolf
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston
10:30-11:30 am |
Free Performances For Children Ages 5 and Up
617 514-1644
jfklibrary.org
Enjoy stunning scenery, handcrafted marionettes, and enchanting music from Prokofiev’s orchestral score as Peter and his animal friends work together to capture the wolf in turn-of-the-century Russia. The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America's rich cultural diversity through the arts.
Reservations are required for all visitors to this free program.
December 31
ICCNE Presents:
New Year's Eve Gala
With Margaret Dalton & Erin’s Melody
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 the Boston Pops
Special guest:
Seth MacFarlane
Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
10:15 pm |
617-266-1200
bso.org
Ring in the New Year with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on December 31 at 10:15 pm. Party the night away with the Boston Pops and very special guest, Seth MacFarlane! There will be a cash bar and several dining options will be available. Doors open at 8:30 pm.