Holiday Happenings: From bright lights to First Night

A sampling of your favorite seasonal events from around the region Once again this year, we're pleased to bring you PRIME's annual listing of holiday events. We hope that you make the most of the season, and enjoy! Ongoing, through Jan. 2, 2012, Under the Big Top: Festival of Trees. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, for an exuberant exposition of circus fun, with the spectacle of more than a hundred dazzling holiday trees decked in circus colors. Under the Big Top runs in the Berkshires and also boasts children's trees, an exhibition of vintage circus memorabilia, and a selection of mid-century circus photographs. Special Festival of Trees admission prices will apply. This event is ongoing. For more info, call 443-7171. Ongoing, Holiday Baskets. Longmeadow Adult Center will be delivering holiday baskets to Meals on Wheels recipients in early December. They are filled with nutritious items for the recipients to use in emergency situations when we are unable to deliver their regular meal. The baskets also have many treats for our clients to enjoy during the holiday season. If you are interested in helping package the baskets or delivering them, contact Ellen at the Longmeadow Adult Center at 565-4150. Bright Nights, Springfield. Through Dec. 4, Wednesday to Sunday and Dec. 7 to Jan. 1 nightly; Sunday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day) 5 to 11 p.m., Buses with reservations, 5 to 6 p.m. 2011 rates: cars, mini-vans, trucks and motor homes (price per vehicle). Opening night special $6; coupons and discount admission not accepted. Monday to Thursday, $18; Friday to Sunday and holidays, $21; gift passes, $16. All major credit cards accepted. Gift passes: individual passes; purchase in advance at Big Y World Class Markets with Big Y Express cards, $13 with silver coin; $15 with Big Y Express card. In increments of 25—available at Spirit of Springfield at staff@spiritofspringfield.org or call 733-3800. Mini buses (seating capacity 17-31), $70; buses (seating capacity 31+), $150. Experience enhanced with a musical simulcast on 98.5 FM. Ongoing, through Dec. 30, A Christmas Carol. Hartford Stage brings the magic of Dickens' heart-warming classic to life in this Connecticut holiday tradition. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the heartless miser who discovers the true meaning of the holiday season after a Christmas Eve haunting, featuring all of Charles Dickens' beloved characters. For more info about ticket prices and show times, visit www.hartfordchristmascarol.org. Ongoing, through Dec. 18, The Santa House, Amelia Park Children's Museum, 29 South Broad St., Westfield. Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to noon; Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., Dec. 10 and 17, 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 30, The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge: An Illustrated Story. Artist's opening reception, 5:30 to 8 p.m., WSU Downtown Art Gallery, 105 Elm St. Free. Nov. 30 to Dec. 17, The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge: An Illustrated Story. Westfield State University Downtown Art Gallery, 105 Elm St., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m.; Thursday 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 to Dec. 21, Martha Cratchit's Holiday Boutique. First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Through Dec. 17, Asparagus Valley Potters Guild, 35 Anniversary Show. Arno Maris Gallery, Ely Building, Westfield State University campus: Tuesdays-Saturdays 2 to 5 p.m. Weekends through Dec. 18. Dickens Days Olde English Breakfast celebration, Westfield. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, Aunt Peggoty's Olde English Breakfast, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., Leo's Gallery Deli, 3 Main St.; Lydia's Olde English Breakfasts, 8 a.m. to noon at Lydia's Gathering Place, 51 Court St.; Dec. 10 and 11, Polly Toodle's Olde English Breakfast Buffet, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Soup's On, Pilgrim Candle Marketplace, 16 Union St.; Dec. 17 and 18, Mrs. Bumble's Olde English Breakfasts, 7 a.m. to noon at The Good Table, 12 School St.; Betsy Trotwood's Olde English Breakfasts, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elm Street Diner, 266 Elm St. Nov. 25 to Dec. 30, A Christmas Carol, Hartford Stage, 50 Church St., Hartford, (860) 527-5151, hartfordstage.org. Beloved characters from Charles Dickens' classic novel — Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future — come to life in Connecticut's family holiday tradition. Nov. 25 to Jan. 1 2012, Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Displays, Look Park in Florence. A series of holiday events including Santa's Workshop, Holiday Light Displays, hayrides around the Look Park Zoo. For more information, please call (413) 584-5457. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18; 22-23, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 26-30, 6 to 9 p.m., Winterfest & The "Tunnel of Lights" 2001, Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Road, East Windsor, Conn. Enjoy the spectacular three mile ride through the famous "Tunnel of Lights." Climb aboard either the "electric sleigh" or a warmer enclosed car. Holiday displays including new layouts this year inside. Visit with Santa who will be there until Dec. 23 with a gift for each child. Hot cocoa. Directions: Exit 49 off 91 then 3/4 mile east on Rt. 140. Info: 860-827-6540 or www.ct-trolley.org. Dec. 1, Springfield Public Forum: Chris Matthews. JFK and the Presidency: Past and Present, 6:30 p.m. Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball, will speak about his new book on John F. Kennedy and the way his presidency continues to affect our national and political landscape. Cost: $3 van transportation. Dec. 1, Gary Hoey—Ho Ho Hoey Christmas, 8 p.m., Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, Route 44, 20 Greenwoods Road, Norfolk, (866) 666-6306, infinityhall.com. Cost: $25-$35. Dec. 1, First Thursdays at the Athenaeum Concert. Holiday concert with WSC Music Department. Noon, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St. Free. Box lunches on sale. Dec. 1, Art After Hours, 5 to 8 p.m., Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, 600 Main St., Hartford, (860) 278-2670, wadsworthathenaeum.org. Enjoy a late-night gathering of eclectic art lovers with a different theme each month. In November, get a sneak peek look at the Festival of Trees & Traditions before its official opening. Dec. 2, Dickens Days Royal Music Hall, featuring the Massachusetts Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, 7:30 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State University. Free. Dec. 2 and 3, It's a Wonderful Life! — Westfield Theatre Group's original musical, 7:30 p.m., Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St. Reservations: 572-6838. Dec. 2 to 11, Festival of Trees & Traditions., Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, 600 Main St., Hartford, (860) 278-2670, wadsworthathenaeum.org. Now in its 38th year, the festival showcases fanciful, fabulous, and romantic trees, wreaths and more, decorated by more than 200 creative artists and individuals from throughout the community, and displayed in America's first public art museum. Dec. 2, "Big Little" Holiday Party, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Old Sturbridge Village. Eat, Drink and Be Merry the Old Sturbridge Village Way. Reservations are required. Cost: $47 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Dec. 2 (Providence, R.I.); Dec. 3 (Storrs, Conn.) and Dec. 18 (Lowell, Mass.), Boston Symphony Orchestra. Boston Pops, Keith Lockhart, and Rockapella bring Boston's beloved holiday tradition to cities across the Midwest and Northeast. Capturing the magic of the Christmastime season, and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature versions of your favorite holiday songs, which will be performed by a guest appearance by Santa Claus himself. The entire audience will be invited to join in a traditional Boston Pops holiday-sing-along to bring each special performance to a close. The Boston Pops is on the internet at www.bostonpops.org. For further info, call the Boston Pops at 617-266-1492. All programs and artists are subject to change. Dec. 2, 3 4, "Godspell" at UUSGS (Springfield), 245 Porter Lake Dr. and Dec. 9, 10, 11 at UUMP (Monson), 177 Main St. The Unitarian Universal Societies of Greater Springfield and Parish of Monson present "Godspell" (a Broadway musical smash hit) Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. (dessert auction following matinees). Tickets: $15 adults; $10 students and seniors (age 65 and over). Optional special ticket package (all packages include premium seating): Post-show Friday Evening Reception with Cast $30; Director's Gourmet Saturday Dinner and Show $75; Sunday Matinee and Light Lunch $25. Reserved tickets: e-mail stagecrazed@gmail.com, call 267-0241, or message "Darcie Farber" on Facebook. Pick up at "theatre" at least 20 minutes before the show time or tickets will be released. Or send your name, mailing address, ticket order, check plus $1 to Darcie Farber, Producer, 30 Old Wales Road, Monson, MA 01057 Tickets also available in person on Sundays after service at either church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, Member's Shopping Night, at Old Sturbridge Village. Members: Some special incentives to include the Museum Gift Shop and New England Book Store among your shopping destinations this holiday season. Dec 2-4, Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18, 4 to 9 p.m., Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. Experience the magic of a candlelit Village at Christmas time and explore the history behind the traditions. Sponsored by Fallon Community Health Plan, Savers Bank and Bollus Lynch. Dec. 3, Holiday Craft Fair, Longmeadow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary's Guild. Many talented crafters featuring both holiday and non-holiday items. Huge used book sale; containers of homemade meat sauce with meatballs and sausages. Enormous raffle baskets; coffee & doughnut bar; kids corner. Proceeds to the Msgr. Thomas F. Devine Scholarship Fund. Dec. 3, Third Annual Dickens Days Village Stroll, Westfield. Fezziwig's Holiday Faire, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., YMCA, 67 Court St.; The Olde Curiosity Shoppe Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stores throughout the downtown district; Dickens Days Open House, Webster's Flowers, 52 Court St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Ebenezer's Attic Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 115 Elm St.; Queen Victoria's Royal Honors Ceremony, 12:30 p.m., Amelia Park Children's Museum, 29 South Broad St.; Spirit of Christmas Alternative Gift Fair, 1 to 3 p.m., Episcopal Church of Atonement, 36 Court St.; Victorian Tea, 1:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., Reservations: $15; call 568-2833; Family Movie: The Polar Express, 2 p.m., Lang Auditorium, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., free; The Santa House, 2 to 4 p.m., Amelia Park Children's Museum, 29 South Broad St. (sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Westfield); Cookies and Cocoa with Mrs. Claus, 3 to 5 p.m., Miss Sweets, 4 Russell Road; Christmas Concert with Novi Cantori and the New England Brass Quintet, 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St.; free. Dec. 2, City of Holyoke's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5 to 8 p.m., Heritage State Park. Dec. 2, Jim Brickman's "A Christmas Celebration," 8 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall. This holiday season, Jim Brickman is creating a musical celebration for audiences seeking an escape from the hectic demands of the holiday season. He weaves together new and old traditional holiday favorites, plus all his hits. Enjoy an unforgettable night. Tickets: $76 (includes a VIP Meet and Greet with Jim Brickman; there are only a few seats left in this price level); $59, $50, $45 and $28.50. For more info or to make a group reservation contact Beth Curran at 788-7646, Ext. 112 or via e-mail at bcurran@citystage.symphonyhall.com. To order less than 15 tickets, contact the box office at 788-7033 or buy online. Dec. 3, Winter Soiree, 6 to 10 p.m., Celebrate the holidays in style at Wistariahurst in Holyoke. The evening will feature live music, festive hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, as well as a raffle for some fabulous prizes—all in the elegant atmosphere of the historical house museum. For tickets or more info, call the museum at 322-5660. Tickets are $30 and $25 for members of Friends of Wistariahurst. Dec. 3, Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. This memorable morning features breakfast, storytelling, carolers, crafts and more. Take a photo with Santa and visit with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus. Christmas lists accepted. Reservations required, with seating best available for 8 a.m. Breakfast with Santa is part of the Robinson & Cole Family Series. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting The Bushnell Box Office at 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford or by calling (860) 987-5900. Tickets are $20 for children and $22 for adults. Prices do not include applicable fees. Dec. 3, Gingerbread Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunderland Congregational Church. Crafts; coffee can raffle; bake sale; quilt raffle; butter braided breads; cookie dough. Located at the corner of Route 47 and Route 116. Dec. 3 to 4, 6th Annual Gingerbread Day, Noah Webster House, 227 South Main St., West Hartford (860) 521-5362, noahwebsterhouse.org. Kids and adults alike can construct a homemade creation from fresh gingerbread, icing, and delicious candies. Local baker and entrepreneur Christine Brooks, owner of Sweet Domestics and creator of the Spicebrook Forest Gingerbread House kit, will lead the workshops. Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11, "A Christmas Carol" written and directed by Kathleen Palmer, with musical direction by Marion Dunk, presented by the Westfield Theatre Group at the Woman's Club, 28 Court St. Dec. 3-4, 10-11 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for students or seniors (60+). Group rates available for 10 or more. Front row balcony seats can be reserved for $17. Reservations are recommended by calling 572-6838. Dec. 3 and 4, Yuletide at Storrowton, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Annual free winter holiday festival. Tour Storrowton's 18th and 19th century buildings, seasonally decorated by area garden clubs and florists and join musical performances, storytelling, old-fashioned craft demonstrations, ice sculpting, Sweet Shoppe, kids' crafts, an old-fashioned Santa and much more. Caroling on the Gazebo at 4 p.m., both days. Holiday gift, decorations and many unique items are available in the Gift Shop and Christmas Shop. For more info call 205-5051. Dec. 3 to 4, Ebeneeza: A Hartford Holiday Carol, Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts, 65 Van Block Ave., Hartford, (860) 548-9144, . HartBeat ensemble uses Dickens' classic Christmastime tale and interviews with citizens from the Greater Hartford community to tell a local story of old miser Ebeneeza's path to redemption. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Springfield Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Spectacular. Kevin Rhodes is back to lead the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with guest choruses in our most popular concerts of the season, beginning with this fabulous evening of traditional holiday music, sing-alongs and more. In the spirit of holiday giving, the SSO is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the American Red Cross local chapter. Collection boxes will be in the lobby. Remember, youths ages 4 to 17 are half price. Children younger than 4 are not allowed in the hall. Dec. 3, Breakfast with Santa in the Autorino Great Hall. Gather your family for an unforgettable morning at The Bushnell. Take a photo with Santa and visit with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy breakfast, storytelling, carolers, crafts and more. Christmas lists accepted. Seatings at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Reservations are required. Children: $20; adults $22. For more info, call The Bushnell at 860-987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office 860-987-5900 or visit www.bushnell.org. Dec. 4, Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford (860) 987-5900, www.bushnell.org. Gather your family for an unforgettable morning at The Bushnell. Take a photo with Santa and visit with Santa's elves and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy breakfast, storytelling, carolers, crafts and more. Dec. 4, Scrooge's Wassail Party and House Tour of Dewey House, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 87 South Maple St., sponsored by Western Hampden Historical Society. Dec. 4, Homeless Cat Gift Basket Sale. Gift baskets priced from $5 to $25 will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Wal-Mart in Northampton, Nov. 27 at Westfield's Voc/Tech School, and Dec. 4 at Wal-Mart in Westfield. Proceeds benefit the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, a no kill rescue that finds homes for hundreds of unwanted kittens and cats. For info, email ppagos@comcast.net Dec. 4, Annual Fezziwig Faire, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court St. The fair will feature more than 50 craftspeople. Admission is free. Doors open at 9 a.m. The YMCA Leaders Club will be selling lunches and offering gift wrapping services. The gymnastics club will have a bake table. Dec. 4 at 3 p.m., Springfield Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Family Festival. This great family event combines the Christmas Concert with an afternoon of festive activities; photos with Santa, Musical Petting Zoo, make your own holiday decoration and more. Pre-concert activities begin at 1:30 p.m. Musical Petting Zoo — the opportunity for a hands-on experience to bow a violin, toot a horn or strum a guitar. Meet and hear Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians. In the spirit of holiday giving, the SSO is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the American Red Cross local chapter. Collection boxes will be in the lobby. Remember, youths ages 4 to 17 are half price; children younger than 4 are not allowed in the hall. Dec. 4, 11, and 18, Sunday Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wight Tavern, Old Sturbridge Village. Enjoy delicious Sunday Brunch at the tavern and meet a special visitor on Sundays in December. Cost: $19.95 adults; $17.95 seniors; $8 children younger than 10 and children younger than 3 are free. Reservations are recommended. Dec. 5, Joy for the Kids, Hartford. Scott Haney's Joy for the Kids, an annual charity fundraising event for the Channel 3 Kids Camp featuring all your favorite local personalities from Eyewitness News in a holiday concert celebrating the sounds of the season. For more info about ticket prices and show times, visit www.hartfordstage.org. Dec. 5, Ski Season Starts at Notchview, Route 9, Windsor, Mass. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the start of another glorious winter season. Call for conditions at 684-0148 or visit www.xcskimass.com. Bill Koch Youth Ski League, Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. This cross country ski program introduces young people to the lifelong sport of cross country skiing. Have a winter of fun with relays, games on ski skills, and age appropriate races to develop cross country ski skills for ages 4 to 13. Parents and children participate in league activities. Call Notchview at 684-0148 or email jcaffrey@ttor.org. Dec. 5, Lights of Hope: Victorian Luminaries, Westfield, 6 p.m. Genesis Spiritual Center, 53 Mill St.; $5 luminaries benefit Cancer House of Hope. Dec. 5, NYC Bus Trip. Harmony House will host a bus trip to New York City. Bus will depart at 7 a.m. from the parking lot of the Home Depot on Memorial Avenue in Chicopee and leaves NYC at 6 p.m. Choice of three stops: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center/Radio City Music Hall or Macy's Department Store. Cost of the trip is $45 per person and the profits benefit Harmony House, a compassionate home for terminally ill individuals who lack financial resources or an able caregiver to care for them. Dec. 6, Polish Christmas Kolendy. The Society of Polish American Culture will host a Christmas carol sing-along and party at 6 p.m., in the downstairs dining room of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks. Full Polish-style dinner, holiday music by Lenny Golmulka and associate from the "Chicago Push" Polka Band. Audience sing of Polish Christmas carols (kolendy). Giant raffle. Members and guests asked to donate a new, unwrapped gift worth a minimum of $5. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Evelyn Bryant at 594-6968 are $20. Open to the public. Deadline is Nov. 29. None sold at the door. Dec. 6, First Tuesday Dinner, Chicopee, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #275, 41 Robbins Road. Menu: prime rib,baked potato, tossed salad, rolls, dessert, coffee or tea. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance at American Legion Post #275. A very limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Dec. 6, 13 and 15, Dr. Steve Sobel Seminars. Dr. Steve Sobel will present the following at the Hilton Garden Inn: "Relieve Stress! The Real Power of Laughter, Humor and a Daily Positive Attitude" on Dec. 6, "Dancing with Wolves" on Dec. 13 and "Surviving The Teenage Journey" on Dec. 15. To register, call 565-5000. Cost: $25. Dec. 6 to 10, Yuletide Open House Tours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Storrowton Village. Guided tours by costumed interpreters of Storrowton's beautifully decorated homes, shops and antique buildings. Reservations required for groups of 12 or more. Admission: $5. For more info call 205-5051. Dec. 6 to 10, Holiday Teas with Mrs. Claus, Westfield. Ages 3 to 5, Boys and Girls Library, 6 Elm St., Free. Registration required; call 562-6158. Dec. 6, 6 p.m.; Dec. 7, 6 p.m.,; Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Christmas With Cooney at the Catherine Hepburn Theatre in Old Saybrook. Includes round trip motorcoach, Mohegan Sun stop, casino bonus and food voucher, and special show at 3 p.m. featuring 15 show members and comedian. Cost is $60 p/p. Call the Chicopee Senior Travel Club at 534-3698, Monday-Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Charles Dickens on Film — Lecture, film screening with WSU Professor Harry Stessel, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield, 7 p.m. Free. Dec. 7, Yuletide By Lantern Light, 6 to 8 p.m., Storrowton Village. Experience the magic of an old-fashioned winter evening on a self-guided tour of Storrowton, decorated for the season. Old-fashioned craft demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Admission: $5. For more info call 205-5051. Dec. 9 and 10, It's a Wonderful Life! (Westfield Theatre Group's original musical), 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St., Reservations: 572-6838. Dec. 9, Festival of Lights, 5 to 8 p.m. Mystic Aquarium will be transformed into a winter wonderland for their Festival of Lights. Hundreds of luminaries will line the walkways of the aquarium while local organizations provide entertainment, including holiday music, face painters, storytellers and a visit from Santa. Olde Mistick Village will also be illuminated. Cost: Free with a canned food item. Donated food goes to the Gemma Moran Food Bank. Call 860-572-5955 for more info on Mystic Aquarium's Festival of Lights. Call 860-536-4941 for more info on Olde Mistick Village's Festival of Lights. Dec. 10, Santa Arrives, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Heritage State Park, Holyoke. Special craft activity and treats for all. Dec 10, Notchview Christmas Tree Sale, noon to 3 p.m., Notchview, Route 9, Windsor, Mass. Travel to Windsor to cut your own balsam or fraser fir, carefully grown for the occasion. Bring your skis if we have snow. All trees $25, call 684-0148 or email jcaffrey@ttor.org. Dec. 10, Westfield State Foundation/Circle K Santa Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Scanlon Banquet Hall, Westfield State. Children: $6; adults, $8. Reservations: 577-5449. Dec. 10, Dickens Days Royal Music Hall: Winterfest! featuring Festival Chorus, WSU Big Band and ensembles, Music Theater Guild and Young Singers of Greater Westfield at 3 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State University. Cost: $5 admission to benefit WSU music scholarship program and VIPS-Volunteers in Public Schools. Dec. 10, A Christmas Carol, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington, (860) 489-7180; warnertheatre,org. Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life once again. Ebenezer Scrooge is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On Christmas Even, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley his former business partner, who arranges for Scrooge to be visited by three spirits in an attempt to show him the error of his ways — the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Cost: $12.50. Dec. 10, Our Lady of Grace Society Christmas Celebration, 6 p.m., Elks Lodge #61, 440 Tiffany St., Springfield, for members and friends. Menu: prime rib or baked scrod. Night of good food, music, dancing and raffle. Tickets: $35. Contact: Salvatore Scibelli, Esq. at 567-3900 or Alfred ViVenzio, Esq. at 734-5611. Dec. 10, St. Peter's Episcopal Church Annual Holiday Dinner/Dance, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Portuguese American Club, 149 Exchange St., Chicopee. Advance tickets only: $45 per person; $80 per couple. Social hour from 6 to 7 p.m.; dinner served at 7 p.m. For more info call 736-8567 or 788-0044. Dec. 11, Sing Noel Christmas Concert, Westfield. Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Ave., with Smith College Bell Choir, WSU Night Owls, WSU Woodwind Quintet and Second Church Adult Choir (sponsored by the WSU Interfaith Center). Free, 3 p.m. Dec., 11, Don Humason's Holiday Public Skating Party, Westfield, featuring WHS choir concert, 4 to 4:50 p.m., Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St. Free. Dec. 13, Mohegan Sun Casino Trip. The Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) is hosting a Mohegan Sun Casino trip. The bus departs the JCC at 8 a.m. and returns from the casino at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $25, which includes a $15 food coupon or free buffet, and three $5 bets. Register at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St., or call 739-4715. Dec. 15, Notchview Ski Ambassador Training/Info, 7 p.m., Notchview, Route 9, Windsor, Mass. Love to ski or want to help others? Join the Notchview Ambassadors or Ski Patrol. Ambassadors work to welcome and engage winter visitors also, providing assistance especially to first time skiers. Ski Patrollers monitor trail activity and provide assistance to visitors in the event of an injury, equipment failure, or other concerns. Call 684-0148 or e-mail jcaffrey@ttor.org for more info. Nordic Ski Lessons for All Ages, Notchview, Route 9, Windsor, Mass. Beginner lessons Saturdays winter weekends 1 p.m. Intermediate lessons Sundays winter weekends 1 p.m. Call for more info at 684-0148 or e-mail jcaffrey@ttor.org. Dec. 15, The 3rd Annual Dickens Dinner featuring "A Christmas Carol," Westfield, performed between the courses of a Victorian feast, 7 p.m., School Street Bistro, 29 School St., Cost: $30 adults/$15 children. Reservations: 562-8700. Dec. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Broadway delivers to the Oliver Wight Tavern: Cabaret Lulu. Spend an afternoon on Broadway by way of Old Sturbridge Village. Enjoy lunch at the Oliver Wight Tavern followed by a direct-from-Broadway cabaret show in the Brewer Theater. Reservations required. Call 508-347-3362. Dec. 16 to Dec. 18, Nutcracker and Sweets, Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke. Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., Dec. 17 at 1 and 4:30 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. Wistariahurst welcomes back Massachusetts Academy of Ballet with a twist on the Nutcracker holiday classic. Through narration and dance, performers will show the magical story as it may have been in Holyoke in the 1890's. A reception of delectable sweets will follow each performance. Advance reservations are recommended; seating is limited and performances sell out. Tickets are $10; children 8 and younger are $1. Call Wistariahurst Museum for info or to reserve your tickets at 322-5660. Web site: www.wistariahurst.org. Dec. 17, Skating with Santa, Westfield, 1 to 2:50 p.m., Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St. Free with donation of canned good for soup kitchen. Dec. 17, Santa's Last Visit, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Heritage State Park, Holyoke. Special holiday craft and treats for all. Dec. 17, Desserts with Mr. Dickens, Westfield, A Dickens Days Confection, accompanied by pianists Cassandra and Mikayla Steele, 7 to 10 p.m., Miss Sweets, 4 Russell Road. Dec. 17, Breakfast with Santa, 8 to 10 a.m., at Mystic Aquarium. Bring your family and friends to a magical morning among the aquarium's beautiful indoor exhibits. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet provided by Ocean Blue Catering and tell Santa your wishes for this holiday season. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment. Registration is required. Contact Reservations at 860-572-5955, ext. 520 or e-mail reservations@mysticaquarium.org. This e-mail is being protected by spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Price: members $10; non-members $12. Dec. 17 and 18 at noon and 3 p.m., The Nutmeg Ballet's Nutcracker at the Belding Theater. The Nutmeg Ballet's Nutcracker returns to The Bushnell with family friendly times and prices. Enjoy yourself this yuletide season as you travel with young Clara to the enchanted Land of Sweets. The production is danced by the trainees and graduates of The Nutmeg Conservatory for The Arts. Find out more about Nutmeg's Nutcracker at www.nutmegconservatory.org/nutcracker. Tickets start at $33. For more info, call The Bushnell at 860-987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office 860-987-5900 or visit A href="http://www.bushnell.org" target="_blank">www.bushnell.org. Dec. 17, Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m., Mortensen Hall. Celebrate the holiday season with the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir, which has been thrilling audiences young and old for over 500 years. Their holiday repertoire features favorites like "I'll be Home for Christmas" and "Silver Bells," plus a selection of timeless French, Italian and Russian carols. Tickets start at $19.50. For more info, call The Bushnell at 860-987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office 860-987-5900 or visit A href="http://www.bushnell.org" target="_blank">www.bushnell.org. Dec. 20, Latkes and Lights, A Chanukah celebration for everyone, 6 p.m. Menorah Lighting outside Westfield Athenaeum; 6:30 p.m., Community Chanukah Party, Amelia Park Children's Museum. Free. Dec. 20-24, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, held at Mortensen Hall. Renowned director Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, re-images the holiday season with Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The perfect way to come in from the cold, forget the holiday stresses and rediscover the magic of the season. Tickets start at $40. For more info, call The Bushnell at 860-987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office 860-987-5900 or visit www.bushnell.org. Dec. 21, Snowfire, Westfield, (cocoa, cookies and carols around a roaring Snowfire), 6:30 to 8 p.m., Amelia Park. Free. Dec. 21, Holiday Luncheon with Jimmy Mazz. Also Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will read "Twas the Night before Christmas." The Hampden Housing Authority located at 26 Springmeadow Lane can be reached by calling 566-8517. Office hours are Tuesday/Wednesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday 8 a.m. to noon. Dec. 26, Kwanzaa Celebration, 4 p.m. Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford (860) 249-1207, charteroakcenter.org. Hartford's biggest Kwanzaa celebration, honoring family, community and culture, presented in partnership with Sankofa Kuumba Cultural Arts Consortium. Don't miss performances by master dancers, musicians, drummers and the opportunity to learn about and participate in this joyous festival. Free. Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, 2012, December School Vacation Week, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate New England with the entire family during December School Vacation Week. Winter in New England brings fresh snow and days of brilliant sunshine, and Old Sturbridge Village brings cozy fires. Dec. 28 and 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., December Discovery Adventures, Sugar & Spice & All Things Nice! This December Discovery Camp at Old Sturbridge Village is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, have fun, and most of all to engage in the history of early 19th-century New England. Dec. 28 at 5 p.m., Families Cook, Old Sturbridge Village. Cost: $85 per person; $75 for OSV members. Dec. 31, 15th Annual "First Night Jr.," 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Holyoke Heritage State Park. All inclusive ticket includes unlimited rides on the merry-go-round, admission to the Children's Museum, magic shows by Ed Popielarczyk, musical show by Roger Tincknell, ice sculpture by Mike Rondeau, juggler, balloon sculptures, NY style ball drop, holiday favorites from Holyoke High Marching Band, costumed characters and so much more. Tickets $6 per person prior to Dec. 31 and $7 on day of. A