Family-Friendly Holiday Events

Compiled by Carrie Wattu

Bay State Parent helps you ring in the holidays with a great selection of Holiday Events planned for November.

Please note that all listings are accurate at press time. We recommend that you call to confirm events before attending.

Fri., Nov. 2 & Sun., Nov. 3:

20th Annual Christmas Festival.

Seaport World Trade Center, Northern Ave., Boston. Fri. noon - 7, Sat. 10 - 7, Sun. 10 - 5. Over 400 American master craftsmen, gourmet foods, gingerbread house competition, etc. A $12, C free. Coupon available online. 617-385-5000. www.christmascraftfestival.com

Sat., Nov. 3 & Sun., Nov. 4

Yankee Candle Welcomes The Von Trapp Children. South Deerfield.

Times TBA. The Von Trapp Children - descendants of the famous singing family whose story captivated the world in The Sound of Music perform in concert. 877-636-7707. www.yankeecandle.com.

Fri., Nov. 9

Santa Arrives. Auburn Mall.

10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. 508-832-0781.

Sat., Nov. 10

Santa Arrives.

The Mall at Whitney Field, Leominster. 12 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 14

Holiday Boutique Bazaar

. The Nursery School at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham. 8 a.m. -- 1 p.m. 508-872-3622.

Fri., Nov. 16 -- Sun., Nov. 18

Sleigh Bell Holiday Gift Boutique.

Wenham Museum, Wenham. 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. More than 40 artists, artisans, and vendors offer three days of festive shopping and celebration amid the Museum galleries. Music of the season performed by the Topsfield Congregational Bell Ringers and North Shore Star Singers Children's Chorus. Bring an unwrapped toy for the museum's local toy drive. 978-468-2377, www.wenhammuseum.org

20th Annual Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler

. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield. Fri. 2 -- 8 p.m., Sat. 9 -- 5 p.m., Sun. 10 -- 5 p.m. Over 300 juried exhibitors from 18 states. Colorful, festive booths. A$8, C (6-12) $1. Parking On-site, $5. 413-774-7476. www.deerfield-craft.org.

Sat., Nov. 17

Marketplace Bazaar.

Holy Cross Church, 26 Lake Ave., East Templeton. 9a.m. - 3p.m. An old fashioned Christmas Fair featuring Santa in his rocking chair, a special room for kids to shop, handmade gifts, sweaters, afghans, pies and baked goods, theme basket raffle, Chinese auctions, and crafts. Refreshments in the Tea Room. 978-632-2121.

Thanksgiving Parade and Hands-on Family Activities: Thanksgiving & Food.

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. Turkey crafts: 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Free w/admission. The parade includes bands, floats, costumes performers and drum & bugle corps performances. 508 746 1622. www.plimoth.org or www.seeplymouth.com.

 

Sat., Nov. 17 & Sun., Nov. 18

Festival of Crafts

. Shepherd Hill Regional High School, 68 Dudley-Oxford Rd., Dudley. 9 a.m. -- 4 p.m. 140 juried crafters and artisans from all over New England. Raffle, fresh food, holiday caroling. $5.

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival.

Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Share the taste of New England's bounty from the North Quabbin Region. Free. 978-249-6763, 800-628-4851. www.redapplefarm.com

Sixth Annual Cider Mill Holiday Open House.

15 Waushacum Ave., Sterling. 11a.m.- 5 p.m. Food, live music, door prizes, great holiday shopping at the Cider Mill and Oh My Gosh Antiques, and lots of holiday cheer. 978-422-8675.

Sun., Nov. 18

Hands-on Family Activities: Thanksgiving & Food.

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Make cranberry relish and Thanksgiving placemats. Free w/admission. 508 746 1622. www.plimoth.org.

Holiday Music by Worcester State College Chorale

. Burncoat Baptist Church, Worcester. Sun., Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. Free. Refreshments. www.burncoatbaptist.com or 508-853-6240.

Fri., Nov. 23

Made-by-Hand Holiday Gift Workshop. Historic Deerfield

Noon -- 4 p.m. Families make presents they can give in the season of sharing. A$7, Y (6-12) $5. 413-774-5581. www.historic-deerfield.org. Also 11/24.

Big Balloon Parade.

Main St., Springfield. Welcome Santa on the day after Thanksgiving with a parade of giant balloons up to 75 feet high, including a "Cat in the Hat" balloon. 413-733-3800. www.spiritofspringfield.org.

Holiday Season Kick-Off.

Higgins Armory, Worcester. 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. Live arms and armor demos, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Make your own heraldic shield to take home: $5 per project. Holiday shopping in the Museum shop. Cider and cookies while you shop. 508-853-6015. www.higgins.org

Sat., Nov. 24

Made-by-Hand Holiday Gift Workshop. Historic Deerfield

. See 11/23 listing for more info.

Season of Thanks. Historic Deerfield

11 a.m. -- 4 p.m. Celebrate a season of thanks with members of the Society of the 17th Century, as they offer a taste of what English and colonial life was like at the time of the first Thanksgiving. Meet reenactors dressed in period clothes demonstrating a range of traditional crafts. See the fruits of the harvest prepared in an open hearth. Enjoy performances by Abenaki storyteller Marge Bruchac. A$7, Y (6-12) $5. 413-774-5581. www.historic-deerfield.org.

Lowell City of Lights Parade

. 5 p.m. Trolley rides in downtown, storytelling, lighting ceremony, sing-along, refreshments. 978-970-4040. www.downtownlowell.com.

Sun., Nov. 25

Holiday Open House

. Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston. 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. Activities for all ages, samples of tea and other refreshments, and holiday shopping. 617-482-6439. www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org.

Christmas Parade & Kent Circle Tree Lighting. Gloucester.

Parade begins at 3 p.m. at the State Fish Pier, running through Main St. and ending at the Boulevard for the Annual Tree Lighting at Kent Circle at dusk. www.capeannvacations.com.

Thurs., Nov. 29

Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting.

Boston Common, 6 p.m. Mayor Menino switches on the lights to illuminate the whole Boston Common. Holiday sing-a-long. Every year the tree is given to Boston from Nova Scotia in thanks for the assistance Boston provided after the December 6, 1917 explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. 617-635-4505. 617-635-4447. www.cityofboston.gov/arts. www.novascotia.com.

 

Friday, Nov. 30

Santa Arrives at Town Landing. Essex

. 5 p.m. Toy Land Parade, 5:30 p.m. Town Hall Celebration, 6 p.m. www.capeannvacations.com

The 18th Annual Festival of Trees.

Plimoth Plantation, 3A, Plymouth. 10 a.m. -- 9 p.m. Ends Dec. 2. Features over 50 spectacular Christmas trees, from six foot to 15 foot giants. Entertainment, daily visits with Santa, a cocktail party and a unique gift shop. Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers on Fri. at 5 & 7 p.m. $10 pp for the show. General admission to festival: A$5, C under 12 $2. 781-934-7778. www.cranberryhospice.org.

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend.

More than 150 decorated trees throughout town; strolling Victorian carolers and musicians; house tours, Santa Claus. Also 12/1 & 2.

Holiday Concert and Brownie Sundeau Social.

.Rutland Congregational Church, Rutland. 7 p.m. 508-886-4893.

Annual Festival of Lights.

Worcester City Hall Common, Front St., Worcester. 5 -- 8 p.m. Ring in the holiday season with a spectacular light show, variety of choral performances, hands-on children's activities, horse drawn hayrides and a visit from everyone's favorite elf. Free. Open to the public. E-mail: culture@ci.worcester.ma.us

Sat., Dec. 1

Holiday Lighting at Nashoba Valley. Bolton. 4 - 6 p.m. Traditional lighting at the orchard. Hay rides, caroling, and a special Santa visit. Wine tasting and holiday shopping for parents. Food available. Rain, snow or shine. 978-779-5521. www.nashobawinery.com

Thanksgiving Traditions and Christmas Controversies: Holidays at the Revere House

. Paul Revere House, 19 North Sq., Boston. Did early Bostonians celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year? If so, how? If not, why not?! Costumed guides at both the Revere House (c. 1680) and adjoining Pierce-Hichborn House (c. 1711) provide fascinating answers to these questions. Delicious sweets baked from colonial recipes and sprightly concerts of seasonal songs .617-523-2338. www.thefreedomtrail.org. Also 12/2.

Kids Holiday Shop and Gingerbread Fun

. Children's Museum in Easton. 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Featuring a special "kids only" shop where all items are $2 or less! Volunteers available to help select and wrap presents. $2. No registration. Before or after shopping, stop by the Gingerbread Fun workshop and decorate a gingerbread cookie, make a gingerbread craft, and listen to the story of the Gingerbread Man. 508-230-3789. www.childrensmuseumineaston.org. Also 12/2, 12 -- 5 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa. Essex

Elementary School. 8:30 -- 11 a.m. $5pp. www.capeannvacations.com

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend.

More than 150 decorated trees throughout town; strolling Victorian carolers and musicians; house tours, Santa Claus. Also 12/2.

Christmas by-the-Sea 2007. Manchester by-the-Sea.

9 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Open house in stores, hayrides, caroling, pancake breakfast. Santa arrives by boat on Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by the Jingle Bell Walk. Friendship tree lighting on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Also 12/2, 12 -- 5 p.m. www.capeannvacations.com.

The 18th Annual Festival of Trees.

Plimoth Plantation, 3A, Plymouth. See 11/30 listing for details. Also 12/2.

Gingerbread Fest

. Providence Children's Museum, Providence, RI. 1 -- 3 p.m. Ages 3 -- 11. Discover an array of gingerbread castles, cottages and cabins, bedecked with sugar icicles and candy wreaths. Kids help decorate a large gingerbread house with frosting and candy and their own gingerbread cookies to take home.$6.50pp. 401-273-KIDS or www.childrenmuseum.org.

Santa's Arrival by Boat. Rockport.

3:45 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dock Square, 4 p.m. www.capeannvacations.com

6th Annual Festival of Trees and More

. Wood House, 232 Main St., Rutland. 4 -- 8 p.m. Enjoy decorated trees, wreaths, and mantels. Meet Santa and his elves in Santa's Magic House. Have your picture taken with Santa in this magical wonderland. The 17th Annual Tercentenary Tree Lighting follows at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Common with a community supper at the Congregational Church from 5 -- 7:30 p.m. 508-886-4893.

Christmas Stroll. Spencer

. Pick up your passport and map at any participating location. Church fairs, 18 participating shops, samplings. Free. www.Christmas-Barn.com or e-mail oakdec25@aol.com.

Music of the Season for Families.

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. 4 -- 7 p.m. A magical evening of seasonal stories wrapped in warmth and good feelings. Art-making, heart-warming treats, songs and tales of holiday celebrations. At 5 p.m., performance artist Roger Tincknell invites you to sing along as he plays favorite songs from Chanukah and Christmas, connecting world cultures through holiday traditions. A$12.50, C under 18 free. 413-298-4100. www.nrm.org.

Santa's Coming!

Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm and Gift Barn, 130 Whitins Rd., Sutton. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Bring your camera for a holiday photo in an antique sleigh. Free haywagon rides (weather permitting) through fields of Christmas trees. Cartoon cutouts, hot cocoa, gifts, fresh trees and wreaths, "Santa Express" train runs through the barn. 508-234-6953. www.sleighbelltreefarm.com. Also 12/2.

10th Annual Uxbridge 1st Holiday Night and Santa Parade

. 4 -- 8 p.m. Santa Parade departs from Elm St., N. Uxbridge at 4:30 p.m. Parade stops at the Common, where Santa turns on the Christmas tree lights, then proceeds to the Uxbridge Fire Station, where he will hand out presents at 8 p.m. 508-278-6956 or www.uxbridgeholidaynight.org.

Santa Visits

. Tatnuck Bookseller, Westborough. 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m. Bring your digital camera and wish lists. www.tatnuck.com.

Yuletide at Storrowtown

. Storrowtown Village Museum, West Springfield. 11 a.m. -- 4 p.m. Activities for the whole family. Tours of 19th century buildings decorated by area garden clubs, florists and designers, seasonal craft demonstrations, musical performances, storytelling, Sweet Shoppe, caroling & tree lighting, animals to pet, ice sculpting, a visit with a Victorian Santa and much more. 413-737-2443.www.thebige.com. Also 12/2.Breakfast with Santa. Greendale Mall, Worcester. 8:30 -- 10:30 a.m. Crafts, snacks, gifts and song. 508-856-9400. Also 12/15.

Sun., Dec. 2

Thanksgiving Traditions and Christmas Controversies: Holidays at the Revere House. Paul Revere House, 19 North Sq., Boston. See 12/1 listing for details.Kids Holiday Shop and Gingerbread Fun. Children's Museum in Easton. See 12/1 listing for details.

Global Ornaments. Fitchburg Art Museum. 1 -- 3:30 p.m. Ages 5+. International crafts, music, and seasonal treats. Make and take home hand-made ornaments for gift-giving or home décor. $7pp NM. Reservations: 978-345-4207 x303. www.fitchburgartmuseum.org

.

Grafton Celebrates the Holidays. 508-839-5335. Annual Christmas Tea. Willard House and Clock Museum, Grafton. 2 - 4 p.m. The Garden Club decorates the house and galleries in the Colonial tradition. Tea and pastries, museum tours, children's activities and clock making demonstrations. Live music by Apple Tree Arts. Free. Reservations requested but not req. 508-839-3500 or www.willardhouse.org.

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend. More than 150 decorated trees throughout town; strolling Victorian carolers and musicians; house tours, Santa Claus.

The 18th Annual Festival of Trees. Plimoth Plantation, 3A, Plymouth. See 11/30 listing for details.

6th Annual Festival of Trees and More. Wood House, 232 Main St., Rutland. 1 -- 4 p.m. Enjoy decorated trees, wreaths, and mantels. Meet Santa and his elves in Santa's Magic House. Have your picture taken with Santa in this magical wonderland. Ride on an antique fire engine at the fire station, and enjoy children's activities at the library. 508-886-4893.

Santa's Coming! Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm and Gift Barn, Sutton. See 12/1 listing.

Holiday Gingerbread Tea. Wenham Museum. 2 -- 3 p.m. Ages 5-12 w/A. Meet Mrs. Horton, an original resident of the museum's Claflin-Richards House, and share stories of New England holidays past. Decorate gingerbread cookies together after enjoying a classic gingerbread tale, and learn proper tea etiquette from an expert. Visit the exhibition, Look What I Got! 100 years of Timeless Toys as well as The GingerTown Express, a model train layout decorated with gingerbread houses. A/C $25 NM, $10 additional child. 978-468-2377. www.wenhammuseum.org.

Yuletide at Storrowtown. Storrowtown Village Museum, West Springfield. See 12/2 listing for details.

Mon., Dec. 3

Pet Photos with Santa. Auburn Mall. 7:30 -- 9:30 p.m. 508-832-0781. Also 12/10.Yuletide Open House Tours. Storrowtown Village Museum, West Springfield. Mon. -- Sat., Dec. 3 - 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wed., Dec. 5, for Yuletide by Lantern Light, 6 to 8 p.m. $5pp, Under 6 free. 413-737-2443.www.thebige.com

. Also 12/2.

Thurs., Dec. 6

Holiday Open House -- Parade and Tree Lighting. Monument Square, Concord. 6 -- 8 p.m.Caroling under the tree, holiday parade with Santa arriving by fire truck, strolling carolers and musicians, 6:20 p.m. tree lighting in Monument Square, collection of toys for Community Chest, many special shop events and treats. 978-369-3120

Holiday Open House. Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester. 6-9 p.m. Take self-guided tours and meet the many animals waiting to be adopted. Plus, fun trivia style games and refreshments. Admission: One of the following: items like kitten food, cat toys, non-clumping cat litter, etc. 508-853-0030 or www.worcester-arl.org

Holiday Nature Crafts. New England Wildflower Society's Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Grades K -- 1. 3:30 -- 5:30 p.m. Create gifts using the "gifts" found in nature; string seed pods; use the natural print shop to make tags, wrap, and cards; make a topiary wreath that will grow for years. $16pp. Includes materials. Pre-register: registrar@newenglandWILD.org. www.newenglandWILD.org. Also Fri., 12/7 for grades 2 -- 5.

 

Fri., Dec. 7

Holiday Nature Crafts. New England Wildflower Society's Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Grades 2 - 5. 3:30 -- 5:30 p.m. Create gifts using the "gifts" found in nature; string seed pods; use the natural print shop to make tags, wrap, and cards; make a topiary wreath that will grow for years. $16pp. Includes materials. Pre-register: registrar@newenglandWILD.org. www.newenglandWILD.org.

2007 Providence Preservation Society Holiday Festival and Benefit Street Stroll. Benefit St., Providence, RI. A scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. A patron's reception, followed the next day by a private tour of historic Benefit Street houses adorned in holiday fanfare. Stay for the evening and enjoy the Benefit Street Stroll with carolers singing along the streets, horse drawn carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, holiday shopping, activities for the kids, a door-decorating contest and a tree lighting ceremony. 401-831-7440 or www.ppsri.org .

Sat., Dec. 8

Breakfast with Santa. Auburn Mall. 8:30 -- 10:30 a.m. Crafts, snacks, gifts and song. 508-832-0781.3rd Annual Teddy Bear Tea. The Harding Allen Estate, Rte. 122, Barre. 2 -- 4 p.m. Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal. Enjoy Gingerbread Man stories while eating sweets and drinking hot cocoa. Reservation required. A$9, C$6. www.harding-allen.com. Also 12/9.

Ornament Adornment Family Program. Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton. 12:30 -- 2 p.m. and 1:30 -- 3 p.m. Ages 6+. Take a "kids-eye" journey with a museum educator through the galleries for inspiration. Then, fly with a hands-on studio activity selected to encourage kids and parents to discover their muse. $15pp NM. Advance registration: www.fullercraft.org

or 508-588-6000 x125.

Santa Arrives. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. Open house with refreshments. Children's craft and instruction, 2 -- 3 p.m. Great photo opportunities, so bring a camera! Holiday music and carols by Two for the Show. Free. 978-369-4494. www.verrillfarm.com.Living Nativity at Overlook Farm. 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. 1-5:30 p.m. A live nativity complete with animals every hour on the hour for a 20-minute show in the barn. (Dress warmly!) Sleigh or hay rides available. Alternative gifts from Heifer International and crafts from around the world. Free. Bring a plate of cookies to share. 508-886-2221. www.overlookfarm.com. Also 12/9.

Santa's Tea. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., just off Rte. 20 (Main St.) near the Waltham/Watertown line. 11a.m. Special children's menu and a visit from Santa in a Victorian tea room of an 1806 mansion. $25pp. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Story and gifts for kids. Reservations: 781-894-2798. goreplace.org. Also 12/15.

Holiday Nature Crafts Open House. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave., Worcester. 1 -- 4 p.m. View our tree decorated with wonderful ornaments handcrafted from all-natural materials, and then make your own. Holiday goodies and music. A$5, C$4 NM. 508-753-6087 or bmbrook@massaudubon.org. Snow Date: 12/9.

Sun., Dec. 9

3rd Annual Teddy Bear Tea. The Harding Allen Estate, Barre. See 12/8 listing.A Holiday Tour of Concord's Historic Inns. Visit Concord's beautifully decorated historic inns and enjoy treats from local food specialty shops at each stop. Tickets: 978-369-3120.Noodle's Kits and Kaboodles of Holiday Fun. Noodle Noggin 'n Bean, Rte. 20, Northborough. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.Join Santa and His Elves for a Children's Holiday Celebration. Carrie's Little Listener's Holiday Music Show at Noon. www.noodlenogginnbean.com

.Living Nativity at Overlook Farm. Rutland. See 12/8 listing for details.

Mon., Dec. 10

Pet Photos with Santa. Auburn Mall. 7:30 -- 9:30 p.m. 508-832-0781.

Fri., Dec. 14

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series. The Mall at Whitney Field, Leominster. Leominster High School Band. Check for times: www.themallatwhitneyfield.com. Also 12/15.

 

Sat. Dec. 15

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Series. The Mall at Whitney Field, Leominster. Leominster High School Band. Check for times: www.themallatwhitneyfield.com.

3rd Annual Town Wide Decorating Contest. Maps on the porch of Wood House, 232 Main St., Rutland. Decorate your home, or take a ride around town from 5 -- 9 p.m.508-886-4893.

Breakfast with Santa. Greendale Mall, Worcester. 8:30 -- 10:30 a.m. Crafts, snacks, gifts and song. 508-856-9400.

Mon., Dec. 17

Children's Gift Day. Sweetwilliam Farm & Country Store, 153 North St., Upton. Children make their own gifts to give their parents, relatives or teachers. Bring a child's photo for extra personalization. Ornaments, candles and more. Price of gifts ranges from $3 - $10. 508-529-2000. www.sweetwilliamfarm.biz

. Also 12/18.

Tues., Dec. 18

Children's Gift Day. Sweetwilliam Farm & Country Store, Upton. See 12/17 listing.

Ongoing Events

5th Annual Forgotten Pets Holiday Promotion. Dec. 1 -- 24. Purchase a dog, cat or small animal item from the Wish List in an Especially for Pets store: Acton, Medway, Newton, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough. Items will be delivered to the pets of local shelters and breed rescues in time for the holidays. Also Pet Photos with Santa: Bring your pet (and children too) for a photo with Santa! Donations vary from $6 to $20 depending on number of photos. www.especiallyforpets.com .

A Christmas Story

. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. Describes memories of growing up in the mid-west in the 1940s and follows 9 year old Ralphie's quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. A$14, St. $10, C (12 and under) $7. Reservations: 800-733-2096 or 978-355-2096.

Holly Days 2007.

Tower Hill Botanical Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Thru Dec. 30. Indoor displays of decorated trees, wreaths, and faux fireplace mantels and entrances. Hand-made ornaments are crafted from natural materials, like seed pods, seeds, dried flowers and fruits, twigs, and more. Holiday entertainment each weekend thru Dec. Crafts for kids on Saturdays. No admission charged to shop or dine in the Cafe. A$8, C (6-18) $5,Under 6 free. 508-869-6111 or e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org.

Food Drive

. CambridgeSide Galleria, Cambridge. Ends Nov. 19. Donate non-perishable food items like baby food, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, salad dressing, baking mixes and stuffing at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2. 617-621-8666 or www.shopcambridgeside.com.

Edaville Railroad Christmas Festival.

Edaville USAâ122, Rte. 58, Carver. Nov. 9 -- 11, 16 -- 18, 23 -- 30, and Dec. 1 -- 31. Millions of twinkling lights and dozens of displays on a 5-mile ride through a cranberry plantation. Daily visits from Santa. Closed Christmas Day. Fireworks every Fri. at 8:30 Nov. 30 -- Dec. 28. $16pp, Under 2 free. Call for times: 887-EDAVILL. www.edaville.com.

12th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature.

Concord Museum, Concord. Dec. 1- Jan. 1. Fanciful trees decorated with inspiration from children's books. A$14, C (4-18) $6. 978-369-9609, 978-369-9763, e-mail: cm1@concordmuseum.org, or www.concordmuseum.org.

Festival of Trees.

Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Nov. 14 - Dec. 8. Fri., 1- 7 p.m. and Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m Ongoing exhibit of decorated Christmas trees, each with a special theme. Free w/admission: $3pp. 978-632-3277. www.thegardnermuseum.com.

Photos with Santa.

Weston Nurseries, Hopkinton. Dec. 1, 2, 8, & 9. 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m. and 1 -- 3 p.m. Free photos with Santa. Call for more information: 508-435-3414. www.westonnurseries.com.

Festival of Trees "On the Move" Theme

. Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield. Nov. 17 -- Dec. 31. 200 decorated trees reflect the theme. Plus displays of vintage and antique toy cars, trucks, planes, and other transportation toys. A$9, C (3 -- 18) $6, Under 3 free. 413-443-7171 or www.berkshiremuseum.org

Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Sumner Ave., Springfield. Wed.- Sun. Nov. 21-Dec. 9. Nightly Dec. 12-Jan. 1. Sun.-Thurs. 6 -- 9 p.m. Fri., Sat., & holidays, 6 - 11p.m. 350,000 light bulbs and 2 1/2 miles of displays. Seuss Land, Winter Woods, Toy Land, North Pole Village. Tune your radios for holiday music accompaniment. Check Web Site for Santa visits. M.-Thurs. $15 weekday/$18 Fri., Sat., Sun., & holiday. 413-748-6190. www.brightnights.org.

Miracle on 34th Street

. Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. Nov. 29 -- Dec. 23. A$40, St. $20. www.stonehamtheatre.org.

Breakfast with Santa.

Publick House Historic Inn, On the Common, Rte. 131, Sturbridge. 8 -- 11 a.m. Dec. 1, 2, 8, & 9. Hearty Yankee breakfast buffet. Sit on Santa's lap. Receive a small gift. Bring cameras. A $18.95, C (3-10) $11.95, Under 3 free. Reservations 508-347-3313. 800-PUBLICK. www.publickhouse.com.

All Decked Out. Wenham

Museum. Starts Dec. 3. Enjoy rich decorations and a selection of party clothes for adults and children from the museum's collection. Explore a variety of traditions designed to keep winter's dark away: from candles and ornaments to greeting cards bearing messages of cheer. A$6.50, C (2-16) $4.50. 978-468-2377. www.wenhammuseum.org.

First Annual Gingerbread Contest: Public Exhibition and Silent Auction. Wenham Museum.

Nov. 23 -- Dec. 8. All skill levels are welcome. For more information & contest rules, contact Mary McDonald mary.mcdonald@wenhammuseum.org.

A Polar Bear's Journey

. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Sat. & Sun. Dec. 8 -- 16. 12:30-1:30pm; 1:30-2:30pm; 2:30-3:30pm. Chris Van Allsburg's winter tale The Polar Express comes to life on the EcoTarium's Explorer Express train in this fun holiday "journey" for families with young children. Special holiday story time, Santa visit, and visit the EcoTarium's North Pole, home of Kenda. Warm up after with hot cocoa and cookies. $6 plus museum admission: A$10, C $8 (age 3-18). 508-929-2703. E-mail info@ecotarium.org.

 

To be included in the December list of holiday events, e-mail event listings and photos to calendar@baystateparent.com by Tues., Nov. 6 by 6 p.m. Preference is given to free and inexpensive list events.