2008 Holiday Happenings in the Valley and beyond!

2008 Holiday Happenings in the Valley and beyond!

No matter what the weather meteorologic or economic there's no denying that it's beginning to look a lot like holiday time.
This year, the entire editorial staff at Reminder Publications pitched in to help make this one of PRIME's most complete compilations of local holiday events yet.
And they all have my thanks.
From traditional performances of "A Christmas Carol" and "The Nutcracker" to community tree lightings and carol sings, Menorah lightings, and Holiday Pops concerts, you'll find plenty to do every day of the month
You'll also find many free and low-cost events from Santa's arrival at Mitteague Park in West Springfield to the events at Storroton Village to the lighting display at Look Park ( a free-will donation event) and Look Park's Santa's Workshop tours that will help everyone get in the holiday spirit, whatever their budget.
We hope you enjoy our annual gift to our readers. And whatever you choose to do this holiday season, enjoy.

Through Dec. 28, "A Christmas Carol" at Hartford Stage. 11th annual production of this holiday classic. Performances are Sun.- Thurs. at 7:30 p.m.; Fri.. and Sat. at 8 p.m.; matinees on Sun., select Wed. and Sat. at 2 p.m. Tickets: $27 to $66, $10 discount for children 12 and under. Box office: 860-527-5151 or visit hartfordstage.org for more specific information.

Through Jan 1, Winter Wonderland at Look Park. Free annual lighting display at Look Park on Rte. 9 in the Florence section of Northampton. display begins at dusk. Sponsored by the Look Park board of Trustees. No charge, but a free will donation is requested to help defray the cost of maintaining the display.

Through Jan 2, Mystic Aquarium's Sea of Trees. More than 20 Christmas trees bring the holiday spirit to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic Ct. Free with admission: $24 adults, $21 seniors, $18 children 3-17, free under age 2. Info: www.mysticaquarium.org.

Through Jan 3, Bright Nights at Forest Park. Springfield's nationally recognized holiday lighting display, sponsored by the parks Dept. and Spirit of Springfield. Wed.-Sun through Dec. 7, nightly from Dec. 10. Hours: Sun.- Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri & Sat. 5-11 p.m. Admission for cars, mini-vans, motor homes, Mon.- Thurs. $15, Fri-Sun. $18. Special times, pricing for busses. Visit www.spiritofspringfield.org.

Through Jan 4, Berkshire Museum's 24th Annual Festival of Trees. Eco-savvy and eco-fabulous enchanted forest of more than 200 trees, creatively decorated with natural materials and reused, recycled, repurposed, and reclaimed objects. Mon. Sat., 10 a.m. 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 5 p.m.; Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Admission includes Festival and Museum galleries: $10 adults, $5 children ($5/$3 members). Sponsored by Legacy Banks Foundation.

Through Dec. 14, 8th Annual Festival of Trees. At Tower Square, downtown Spfld. Free parking with validation. Hours: Wed. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Fri., Sat. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Photos with Santa, entertainment, more. $5 adults, $4 seniors, children under 12 and active military and their families admitted free. This event benefits the Springfield boys & Girls club.

Dec 1-3, Holiday Happening at Holyoke Creative Arts Center. Also Dec. 8-10, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at 400 South Elm st., Holyoke. Purchase unique handcrafted holiday gifts and view the many classes in progress.

Dec 4, "Spirit of the Season" shopping fundraiser. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Holyoke Catholic High School, 134 Springfield St., Chicopee. Specialty gift baskets, live and silent auction, performances by school Performing Arts club, music by Richard Murphy Quartet, hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit tuition assistance fund of the school's Parent Partnership.

Dec. 4, 21st Caroling on the Green, Elm Street Gazebo, West Springfield, 5:45-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 4-21, "It's a wonderful Life" at the Majestic Theater. Frank Capra's holiday classic recast as a 1940s radio play, with you as the studio audience. Complete with period costumes, a foley artist creating sounds. Tickets $21 and $24 for this special holiday show. Info: www.majestictheater.com.

Dec. 5, Chicopee Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. At City hall, 4:30 p.m., featuring the music of the Holyoke Catholic A Cappella Singers.

Dec. 5, Memories in the Making Art Auction. In a unique collaborative fundraising event, the Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter, the Tri-County Alzheimer's Partnership and the YMCA of Greater Westfield will hold an art auction featuring watercolor paintings created in the Alzheimer's Association art expression program at Westfield State College from 6:30-9 p.m. You may preview the work created by the MIM artists at the Alzheimer's Association website at www.alzmass.org. Select paintings are available for online bidding prior to the event. Tickets are $25/person (ticket price will be deducted in full on any single painting purchase) and are available at the YMCA of Greater Westfield, located at 67 Court St. in Westfield and at the Alzheimer's Association, located at 264 Cottage St. in Springfield.

Dec. 5, WinterFest at the Connecticut Valley Trolley Museum. The trolleys will be trimmed out the VC hall will be decked with lights, color, working train tables, Santa Claus, refreshments and good cheer. Warm and cold trolleys will leave North Station about every 20 minutes for a flamboyant trip through the "Tunnel of Lights." New for 2008 a WinterFest sing-along booklet with popular carols and a seasonable trivia that was specially prepared for those of you who must lip sync along with the impromptu caroling that accompanies our outbound trolleys. Open 5-9 p.m. weekends, Dec. 5-6, 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28. Adults: $10, member $5; seniors (62+) $8, member $4; youth (two to 12) $6, member $3; wee-ones (under two) $3, member $1.50. The Giftshop will be open during WinterFest hours.

Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, The Littlest Angel Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m. at the Westfield Women's Club, 28 Court St. Special matinee at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call the theater at 572-2646 to reserve your tickets today.
Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, Nuncrackers the Nunsense Christmas Musical, 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. Presented by The Exit 7 Players, 37 Chestnut St. Ludlow. This show is filled with typical Nunsense humor, some of your favorite carols and a "Secret Santa" audience participation Info: 583-4301 or www.exit7players.com.

Dec. 6, Breakfast with Santa at Look Park. Reserve early- this event sells out fast! A sit-down buffet in the Garden House featuring Santa, Rudolph and the Look Park family. Seatings are 9, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $8/adults, $6/children, under 2 years old are free. Look Park is located in the Florence section of Northampton. Call 413-584-5457.

Dec. 6, West Springfield Holiday Tour of Homes. A benefit for the Boys & girl's Club, six local homes will be decked out for the holidays on this annual tour. Hours are 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tickets (tax deductible):$15, available at each house day of tour or at the Boys & Girls Club, Sorrento's Pizza, Lally's Pipe & book, Elm St. Florist, and Floral concepts by Tom in Agawam. The Monte Carlo restaurant is offering a special tourgoers luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the tour. Info: 736-1831.
Dec. 6, Monastery Heights Annual Holiday Bazaar. Thirty-five local artisans and crafters will show their wares at Landmark at Monastery Heights retirement community, West Springfield, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: Sharon Beaudry 781-1282 or www.landmarkseniorliving.com.

Dec. 6, Springfield Symphony's Holiday Pops at 8 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 3 p.m., Matthew Savery, guest conductor. This year's Holiday Pops, a traditional New England concert, will be bigger and better than ever and children can have their photos taken with Santa. The orchestra and chorus performing Sleigh Ride, Skater's Waltz, I'll be Home for Christmas, Silent Night, audience sing-along, and other holiday favorites. In the spirit of holiday giving, the SSO is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the American Red Cross local chapter.

Dec. 6, Rick Adam Holiday Program, high school auditorium, West Springfield, 2-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 6, "Social Connection" 50-Plus Group Holiday Party. At the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 319 Granby road, Rte. 202, South Hadley. $4/person, plus non-perishable food donation. Reservation deadline Dec. 3. Call 413-533-1925.

Dec. 6-7, Yuletide at Storrowton Village. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the grounds of the Big e., West Springfield. Annual free winter festival. Tour 18th and 19th century buildings, listen to musical performances and storytelling, see craft demonstrations. Ice sculpting, old-fashioned Santa, kids' crafts, more. Caroling at gazebo at 4 p.m. both days.

Dec. 7-23, Santa's House Opens at Mitteague Park. Santa arrives at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 escorted by West Springfield Police and Fire Dept. representatives. Visit him Mon.- Fri. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sat. & Sun.2:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7, 14, 21, 27, Music for Christmas XXXIV. Music of Josquin des Pres, Tom s Luis De Victoria, Richard Wm. Donohue, Franz Gr ber Gregorian chant and carols. Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 183 William St., Portland, Conn. (860-342-2860); Dec. 14 at 4 p.m., Saint Peter Church, 107 East Main St., Torrington, Conn. (860-342-2860); Dec. 21 at 4 p.m., Saint Peter Church, 30 Saint Peter Lane, Higganum, Conn. (directions 860-345-8018); Dec. 27 at 4 p.m., Our Lady of Mercy Church, 15 South Canal St., Plainville, Conn. (860-647-6825). Presented by the New England Chamber Choir, Treble Choir and Chamber Ensemble.

Dec. 7-21, Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wright Tavern, Old Sturbridge Village. Visit with Sata and enjoy brunch on Sundays in Dec. from 10a.m.-2 p.m., $18.95 adults; $16.95 age 65 and up, $5 kids 10 and under, free under age 3. Reservations recommended. Visit www.osv.org.
Dec. 8 , Yuletide Open House Tours at Storrowton Village. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Big E. West Springfield. Guided tours by costumed interpreters of Storrowton's beautifully decorated homes, shops and antique buildings. Reservations required for groups of 12 or more.

Dec. 10, Yuletide by Lantern Light at Storrowton Village. 6-8 p.m., on the grounds of the Big E, West Springfield. Experience the magic of an old-fashioned winter evening on a self-guided tour of Storrowton's cozy homes and buildings, decorated for the season and illuminated by lanterns and candlelight. Old-fashioned craft demonstrations. Dress warmly. Reservations requested for groups of 12 or more.

Dec. 11-24, Santa's Workshop at Look Park. From 4-8 p.m. (Christmas Eve noon-4 p.m.), visitors will be greeted by Mrs. Claus as they come to visit "Santa's Workshop." See elves making toys and snap your own great photo with Santa! Free. Donations accepted. Hayrides offered from the workshop for $2/person. Info: 413-584-5457

Dec. 11, Music In Deerfield welcomes back Anonymous 4 to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Northampton, for The Cherry Tree, a program of Medieval English carols and American Christmas tunes. Advance tickets are $28. Undergraduate student tickets are $10 while children/high school students tickets for the Anonymous 4 concert will be $10. Tickets at the door: $32 adults and $10 for undergraduate students and $5 for children/high school students. Info about the series and tickets may be obtained by calling Music In Deerfield at 774-4200, online at www.musicindeerfield.org, or by mail, Box 736, Greenfield MA 01302.

Dec. 11, MSPCA Holiday Tree Lighting. 5 p.m. at Eastfield Mall. For information on purchasing ornaments to honor your pet, visit www.mspca.org/holidaytree.

Dec. 12-21, Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Experience the magic of a candlelight village at Christmastime and explore the history of the holiday's traditions. Admission: $14, children under 3 free. Info: www.osv.org.

Dec. 13, Wilbraham Christmas Home Tour. Six decorated homes and one log cabin will be ready for guests from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., along with decorated tables on display at Wilbraham United Church. Discount tickets available at church office, 500 Main St., Wilbraham, prior to tour day. Full price tickets available day of the tour at same location.

Dec. 13-14, Nutmeg Ballet's Nutcracker. Performances at 1 and 5 p.m. at Maxwell and Ruth Belding Theater, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts/Nutmeg Ballet bring Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker back to The Bushnell, delighting audiences young and old. This holiday favorite brings to life toy soldiers and dueling mice, princesses and sugarplums a delicious treat for the child in all of us. Tickets prices: $37.50-$49.50. Tickets on sale now.

Dec. 13, Santa Arrives at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. At Heritage State Park, Holyoke. Hurs: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Info: www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

Dec. 14, Santa Arrives at his Mittineague Park House, West Springfield, 2 p.m.

Dec. 14, 15, Festival of Carols. Annual concert, entitled "Sing We Now Christmas," will take place Dec. 14 at St. Cecilia's Church in Wilbraham at 7:30 p.m. and at St. Adalbert's Church in Enfield Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Members of the Springfield and Hartford symphony orchestras are expected to take part in this adult and youth choir concert.

Dec. 15, Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas, 7:30 p.m. at The William H. Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. An evening of holiday music with Broadway inspirational voices. Mixing popular holiday carols, Christmas songs and hymns, with songs from their Grammy-nominated CD, Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas, Broadway Inspiration Voices presents a night of joy and celebration of the holiday season through the music. Tickets prices: $18-$40.

Dec. 16, Nifty Nineties Hanukkah Celebration. A celebration to honor members of the community who are 90 and older. Come enjoy latkes, Haunakka cookies and entertainment by Rabbi Micah Becker-Kelin and the JCC Sunshiners. Tickets: $5 JCC members, $8 public. Call 739-4715. Info: Nancy Posnick 739-4715 x 325.

Dec. 17, Cookies with Santa at Look Park. From 4-8 p.m. in Santa's Workshop, located at at the Garden House for this special event. Hot chocolate, cookies and milk to honor all the elementary schools of Northampton. Look Park is located in the Florence section of Northampton. Info:413-584-5457.

Dec. 19, Christmas Carol Sing, 7 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church of Middle Haddam, Middle Haddam Road, Middle Haddam, Conn. (860-267-8344). Several solo selections including Adam: Cantique de Noel, Kent: I'll be home for Christmas, Dello Joio: The Holy Infant's Lullaby along with traditional carols sung by the audience. Web site: www.uccwebsites.net/secondcongmiddlehaddam.html. Presented by members of the New England Chamber Choir.

Dec. 20, Pops!: Holiday Pops! Spectacular. Performances at 3 and 8 p.m. at The William H. Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. Holiday Pops! Spectacular with Edward Cumming returns to The Bushnell after two nearly sold-out shows in 2007. Tickets are available through Hartford Symphony Orchestra Ticket Services. Visit them at 99 Pratt St., Suite 500, in Hartford, call 860-244-2999, or buy online at www.hartfordsymphony.org.

Dec. 21 , First Light Hanukkah Celebration. From 4-6 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish community Center, Dickinson St. Spfld. Come for latkes and the lighting of the giant Menorah. Info: Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, 739-4715 x 344 or rabbimicah@jcca.org.

Dec. 21, Santa Arrives at Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. At Heritage State Park in Holyoke from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Info: www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

Dec. 21, Jim Brickman Holiday Homecoming, 7 p.m. at The William Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. Jim's remarkable career includes six gold and platinum selling albums, three number one and 12 top 10 adult contemporary radio hits, a 2003 Grammy nomination , and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for "The Gift." Tickets: $35-$55.

Dec. 22, The Fifth Annual Chanukah Festival of Lights, 4-5 p.m., Majestic Theatre Lobby, West Springfield.

Dec. 31, First Night Junior in Holyoke. 12th annual celebration, featuring fun-filled activities especially for children and families. From 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Info: www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

Dec. 31, First Night Northampton. A day of family-friendly activities beginning at noon and lasting through the official greeting of 2009 at midnight. Fireworks at 6:15 p.m., cannon fire at 11:30 p.m. are just some of the highlights of this day of performances and entertainment. buttons available beginning Dec. 1 by emailing name, address, phone no and number of buttons requested. Until Dec. 30 prices are: Adult: $16 all day, $10 until 6 p.m., Seniors: $10, Kids 2-10: $10. Info: Cantique de Noel, Kent: I'll be home for Christmas, Dello Joio: The Holy Infant's Lullaby along with traditional carols sung by the audience. Web site: www.uccwebsites.net/secondcongmiddlehaddam.html. Presented by members of the New England Chamber Choir.

Dec. 20, Pops!: Holiday Pops! Spectacular. Performances at 3 and 8 p.m. at The William H. Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. Holiday Pops! Spectacular with Edward Cumming returns to The Bushnell after two nearly sold-out shows in 2007. Tickets are available through Hartford Symphony Orchestra Ticket Services. Visit them at 99 Pratt St., Suite 500, in Hartford, call 860-244-2999, or buy online at www.hartfordsymphony.org.

Dec. 21, First Light Hanukkah Celebration. From 4-6 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish community Center, Dickinson St. Spfld. Come for latkes and the lighting of the giant Menorah. Info: Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, 739-4715 x 344 or rabbimicah@jcca.org.

Dec. 21, Santa Arrives at Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. At Heritage State Park in Holyoke from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Info: www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

Dec. 21, Jim Brickman Holiday Homecoming, 7 p.m. at The William Mortensen Hall, The Bushnell, Hartford, Conn. Jim's remarkable career includes six gold and platinum selling albums, three number one and 12 top 10 adult contemporary radio hits, a 2003 Grammy nomination , and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for "The Gift." Tickets: $35-$55.

Dec. 22, The Fifth Annual Chanukah Festival of Lights, 4-5 p.m., Majestic Theatre Lobby, West Springfield.

Dec. 31, First Night Junior in Holyoke. 12th annual celebration, featuring fun-filled activities especially for children and families. From 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Info: www.holyokemerrygoround.org.

Dec. 31, First Night Northampton. A day of family-friendly activities beginning at noon and lasting through the official greeting of 2009 at midnight. Fireworks at 6:15 p.m., cannon fire at 11:30 p.m. are just some of the highlights of this day of performances and entertainment. buttons available beginning Dec. 1 by emailing name, address, phone no and number of buttons requested. Until Dec. 30 prices are: Adult: $16 all day, $10 until 6 p.m., Seniors: $10, Kids 2-10: $10. Info: www.nohoarts.org.