Nov 14-22, 2011: Thanksgiving & Xmas Parades, Super MegaFest, Civil War Encampment, Evil Circus, Meteor Shower, Japanese Cultural Festival, Mark Twain & Abraham Lincoln
Nighttime holiday lights are here! The first few venues open for the season and a little bit of Christmas just can’t wait for Thanskgiving to break out. Events INSIDER has the largest list of holiday lights and Santa events in New England, and it’s all starting this week!
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
p.s. Love this blog? Subscribe to email, 
, or 
and if you help get the word out, I’ll put you on my priority list to win free stuff and send you the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won’t find in the blog! 
| Super Megafest – tix giveaway | Metro West
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 This fan convention is the biggest in New England, and the proof is their huge list of celebrities like Patrick Stewart from Star Trek, and Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings! Sheraton Framingham, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA. event website |
|
| Vaudevillainy – A Diabolical Evening of Circus – tix giveaway | Boston Metro
Fri 11/18 |
 I reviewed this troupe last year and it was the best local circus show I’ve ever seen. YOU MUST SEE IT! This time the theme is mad scientists and evil villains, with juggling, aerials, acrobatics, + burlesque. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets! 18+. 7:30pm.OBERON, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight – tix giveaway | Springfield
Sat 11/19 |
 Hal Holbrook is perhaps the most successful re-enactor of all time, practically inventing the occupation. He’s everyone’s most beloved Mark Twain, and because of his age (86) this may be your last chance to see him in New England. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets! HS, 500 Beech St, Holyoke, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Straight No Chaser – tix giveaway | Boston Metro
Fri 11/18 |
 One of the most popular a capella groups in the world — from Indiana University and best known for their holiday music — is coming to the Wang Theatre, and I have a pair of tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win. Wang Theatre, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Phineas & Ferb – tix giveaway | Worcester
Thu 11/17 – Fri 11/18 |
 Phineas and Ferb is the cartoon show from the Disney Channel — ask your kids — and they’re coming to Worcester (and Lowell Nov 26) for a stage (not on ice) show. It’s musical and they’ll try to foil Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil plans. And I’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA. event website on facebook |
|
| Frog Pond Opening Day & Skate Performance | Boston Metro
Fri 11/18 |
 CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER. 6pm. Boston Common, Boston, MA.617 635-2120. primary website another on twitter on facebook |
|
| America’s Hometown USA Thanksgiving Celebration | South Shore
Fri 11/18 – Sun 11/20 |
 Hold on, Christmas, can we celebrate Thanksgiving first? I’ve been to this fest that attracts 125,000. There’s a concert Friday night, a parade, festival, scavenger hunt, and Air Force flyover on Saturday, and a smaller harvest fest Sunday. They’ll also have an encampment of historical re-enactors, the Mayflower II ship, and a ton more. Water Street, Plymouth, MA.508-746-1818. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Thanksgiving Harvest Fest and Civil War Encampment | Northwest Mass
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 Why can’t all harvest fests be like this? Blacksmithing demos, hay rides, and the World Wood Stacking Competition are just a start! There’s a civil war encampment (a re-enactment), pony rides, and even a Hay Bale Tossing Championship. Make your trip to Northwest Massachusetts a whole weekend trip and see Mass MoCA while you’re nearby! 10am-4pm. Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA. event website on facebook |
|
| Dog Sled Fun Run (with Wheels, not Snow Sleds) | Boston Metro
Sat 11/19 |
 So you’ve always wanted to see dog sledding but don’t want to leave Boston or endure the snow? The Yankee Siberian Husky Club will give a presentation including real dog sledding (but with wheels). 1-3pm. Houghton’s Pond, 840 Hillside St, Milton, MA. event website on twitter |
|
| Leonids Meteor Shower | Metro West
Wed 11/16 – Fri 11/18 |
 When you go to watch a meteor shower, go someplace without city lights, like a big pond or open field in the suburbs. The best viewing is just after midnight on Nov 17 or 18, if it’s not cloudy. Everywhere, Everywhere. primary website another on twitter on facebook |
|
| Free Star Parties | Metro West
Sun 11/20 |
|
This local park is doing an astronomy night. Go outdoors at night and learn from a real astronomer. Oo oo! Can I look in the telescope? Register in advance. 7-10pm. Cancelled if cloudy. Moose Hill, 293 Moose Hill St, Sharon, MA.781-784-5691. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Day of the Dead Family Festival | Boston Metro
Sat 11/19 |
 The Day of the Dead is wonderful, and you’ll find dioramas and kids activities here. But it’s definitely for kids, I mean real kids, not big kids at heart like me. Peabody Museum, 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Japanese Cultural Festival | Boston Metro
Sun 11/20 |
 The Japanese are awesome, because the first word in their “cultural festival” description is “Ninjas”, and it’s definitely NOT just for kids. OMG! NINJAS! NINJAS! NINJAS! Ahem. Sorry, I like ninjas. Comes with a free shuttle bus so you can get there easily on public transit. 1-4pm. Showa Boston Institute, 420 Pond St, Boston, MA. event website |
|
| Harvard Innovation Lab Opening Celebration | Boston Metro
Fri 11/18 |
 Like the Charles River Museum of Industry, the Harvard Innovation Lab is too eclectic to describe, but their technology-inspired lectures, performances, and even dances are always amazingly creative. So I don’t really know what this event is. But it’s going to be good. Boston, MA. primary website another on twitter on facebook |
|
| Greenberg Toy & Train Show | Lowell
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 If you like model trains, you’ll find a bunch, including LEGO dioramas, on display here. Kids under 12 free. Adults just $7. That’s something to CHOO CHOO on. (Get it? Chew on? Hello… ? *crickets* *crickets*). Shriner’s Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA. event website on facebook |
|
| Historic Thanksgivings at The Old Manse | Metro West
Sun 11/20 |
 What was it like for women before dishwashers, microwave ovens, and telling men to fetch their own damn beer? The Old Manse is one of New England’s finer historic home museums, and they’re having a festival with old-timey crafts, music, and animals. Re-enactors tell stories about the life of real women during the Revolutionary War. The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978-369-3909. event website on facebook |
|
| “And Now Mark Twain!” | Springfield
Thu 11/17 |
 The Springfield area is doubly blessed with Mark Twain this week, everyone’s favorite old-timey American author. Here’s a Mark Twain re-enactor who’s not Hal Holbrook, but ready to take over, I’m sure. He’ll say stuff that’s witty and incisive. Go, witty Mark Twain man, go! 12:30pm. West Springfield Council on Aging, West Springfield, MA.508-869-6749. event website |
|
| Tellabration – with Abraham Lincoln | New Hampshire
Sat 11/19 |
 Storytelling isn’t just for kids! This festival brings together performers in what are essentially one-man/one-woman stage shows, which include Steve Wood, everyone’s favorite Abraham Lincoln re-enactor. New Hampshire Technical Institute Library, Concord, NH. primary website another |
|
| Celebrate Thanksgiving with Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale | New Hampshire
Sun 11/20 |
 And here’s another one. Both these events also include a re-enactment of Sarah Josepha Hale, the old-timey author who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and helped Thanksgiving become enshrined as a real, official American holiday. (Previously, it was known as “We Almost Made the Turkey our Official Bird Day”.). Center Meeting House, Newbury, NH. event website |
|
| Night at the Millyard Museum | New Hampshire
Thu 11/17 |
 Come in costume and this entire museum is open to roam about, talking with re-enactors playing people from the past. (If the two of you find a private room and have sex, you could be your own great-great-grandparent, but trust me, museum sex isn’t nearly as good as it sounds.). Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St, Manchester, NH.603-622-7531. event website |
|
| Brookline First Light Festival | Boston Metro
Thu 11/17 |
 Psst! Christmas means merchants, even if they call it “first light”. But this event, which hasn’t got a central location and is clearly designed to send you from one retail store to another, does seem reasonably creative, with free live music, dance, arts & crafts, readings, and even magic. 5-8pm. Various Locations, Brookline, MA.617-730-2468. event website on facebook |
|
| Rockland Open Studios | South Shore
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 I’d rather go to this open studios, because when you visit real artists homes and work studios, you meet real artists — not just their vendors. So you can ask questions, eat their refreshments, and maybe buy something. 12-5pm. ET Wrtight Building, 379 Liberty St. Sandpaper Factory, 83 East Water St., Rockland, MA. event website |
|
| Portsmouth, NH Holiday Arts Tour | New Hampshire
Fri 11/18 – Sun 11/20 |
 Portsmouth, NH is having open studios as well, but by adding the name ‘holiday’ they’re hoping you think Xmas and buy buy buy some artwork. It’s only a tour in the sense that you can tour around to each location using your little feet. Various locations, Portsmouth, NH. event website |
|
| Christopher Columbus Park Holiday Trellis Lighting | Boston Metro
Mon 11/21 |
 Because of commerce, there’s no putting off Xmas. However, I promise to only write about REAL EVENTS, not every high school that throws together some craft show. No description, but expect Santa, “performers”, they flick a switch and a tree lights up… hot chocolate and singing… 6pm. Christopher Columbus Park, 105 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting | Boston Metro
Sat 11/19 |
 Also unable to wait to Thanksgiving is Faneuil Hall. As a local, I sort of avoid Faneui Hall. You guys know it’s just a mall, right, placed where a museum should be? However, they’ll have bellringers! And caroling! I like that!! OMG! It’s CHRISTMAS! I should buy something! Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA. primary website another on twitter on facebook |
|
| Methuen Santa Parade | Lowell
Sat 11/19 |
 It’s music, the mayor, hot chocolate, and of course Santa, too. I love parades! It’s more creative and less commercial than the usual merchant holiday affairs. 1pm. Methuen, MA. event website |
|
| Haverhill VFW Santa Parade | North Shore
Sun 11/20 |
 I’m not a Christian, but everybody loves Santa when the Veterans of Foreign Wars club hosts a parade. Sit on Santa’s lap and hear him say you’ll have to be VERY good this year to get Justin Bieber in your stocking. 1pm. Rain date Nov 26 at 10:30am. Haverhill, MA.978-373-3777. primary website another |
|
| Charles Hotel Tree Lighting | Boston Metro
Mon 11/21 |
 This celebration is going to be so huge that the Charles Hotel and Harvard Square Business Association don’t list it on their websites, and no description is given elsewhere. Gee, no time is given either! Last year it was 5pm, with music and free snacks. Cambridge, MA. primary website another on twitter on facebook |
|
| The Legacy of Fanny Fern | Boston Metro
Thu 11/17 |
 Fanny Fern was the highest paid newspaper columnist in the United States in the mid-19th century. So here’s a lecture (not a re-enactment) about how she became a journalist and her stand for the womens’ rights. 7pm. Church, 404 Washington St, Brighton, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Custom Babies? At Museum of Science, Boston | Boston Metro
Tue 11/15 |
 Would you want to choose the sex of your baby? Or test for genetic disorders? This lecture explores existing and future conception technologies. What should the church smack us about and put a stop to? What should we smack back about and just do it anyway? 7pm. Reserve ahead. Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Local Connections, National Reflections: A China Town Hall Event | Boston Metro
Wed 11/16 |
 It’s only a video conference, and it’s multicast to several campuses, but it’s Zbigniew Brzezinski — now that’s a fun name!! — who was Zee Big New guy in Jimmy Carter’s administration as National Security Advisor, will talk and take questions about US-China relations. Free with refreshments! 6:30-9pm. Suffolk University, Amenities Conference Room, 1st Floor, 73 Tremont St, Boston, MA. event website |
|
| Animals and Humans in Old Norse Archaeology and Religion | Boston Metro
Mon 11/21 |
 This event description begins, “Archaeological digs in Scandinavia have revealed artifacts in the form of animals of all kinds”… sure, including John Carpenter’s “The Thing”! I’m sure they’d love you to ask about that at this lecture starting at 5:30pm. Reception follows. Peabody Museum, Cambridge, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Gay In America | Boston Metro
Mon 11/14 |
 Gay men are normal men. They are us. Nothing says that better than a book of photographs. So come to this book talk at the Harvard Coop. 7pm. Harvard COOP Bookstore, 1400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA.617-499-2000. primary website another on facebook |
|
| The Great East Japan Earthquake Innovating for the Future | Boston Metro
Fri 11/18 |
 The recent tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan was a crippling blow that very much affects their present and future. This free lecture will inform you about Japan’s past nuclear industry and the issues facing their economy and government today. 1-5pm. Fletcher School, 160 Packard Ave, Medford, MA. event website |
|
| The Mcintire District After Mcintire: Salem’s West End And The Death Of An Empire, 1815-1830 | North Shore
Fri 11/18 |
 Did you know that Salem was a major shipping port back in the day? Come get a tour of this 1821 maritime mansion and hear a lecture on Salem’s history — it’s more than just witches! Tour 6-7pm, talk 7-8pm. Free! Reserve in advance if possible. Phillips House Museum, Salem, MA.978-744-0440. event website |
|
| The Odd Fellows Dance Hall | Boston Metro
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 Pay just $20 for this venue’s 20th anniversary and see 3 simultaneous dance performances. (I’m not sure how you’d accomplish this. Maybe you could stand in the hallway with a view of all 3 doorways.). Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. event website |
|
| Boston International Fine Art Show | Boston Metro
Thu 11/17 – Sun 11/20 |
 Do you have money to buy art? Who does? Well, ladies, this art is “fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine”. Oh yeah. Pay just $15 to view hundreds of pieces you cannot afford under any circumstances. Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA. event website on facebook |
|
| Our National Thanksgiving – w/ Abraham Lincoln | New Hampshire
Sun 11/20 |
 Steve and Sharon Wood re-enact President Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale in this Thanksgiving season performance. Unfortunately, there’s no website with details, but it’s free, call for information. 2pm. Center Meeting House, Rte 103, Newbury, NH.603-763-9806. |
|
| City Of Bright Nights Ball | Springfield
Sat 11/19 |
 The good news: the holiday lights in Springfield are well worth supporting, as they bring in a lot of business. So you would think the local chamber would support it without a fundraiser? Hmm. Anyway, I’m sure it will be a great ball, but it’s $250 — or buy two tickets for only $500! Ouch. 6:30pm-12am. Sheraton Springfield, Springfield, MA.413-733-3800. event website |
|
| Great American Smokeout | Boston Metro
Thu 11/17 |
 Sometimes all you need is an excuse to stop procrastinating. That’s why the American Cancer Society made the Great American Smokeout, an annual event to encourage people to stop smoking. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any local Boston events this year to celebrate. MIT, Building 13 Lobby, Cambridge, MA.617-253-4481. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| My Dark Love (A Twilight Spoof) – my review | Boston Metro
Wed 11/9 – Thu 11/17 |
 Whether you love it or love to hate it, the vampire emo movies, the Twilight series, are being spoofed at ImprovBoston, my favorite comedy club. It’s all part of the “Comedy Lab” show that also features “The True-ish Hollywood Story”, a parody of E! Television, and a comedy about roommates. Click for my review! ImprovBoston, Cambridge, MA. event website my review! on twitter on facebook |
|
| The Rocky Horror Show | New Hampshire
Wed 11/16 – Sat 11/19 |
 Once, I get. Three times, I get. But there are clubs that do a stage show at the same time as a movie every week, all year. This is not one of those fan groups. Instead this is a real student theatre troupe that’s chosen to do Rocky. It’s PG-13 rated burlesque, basically. Keene State College, Keene, NH. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| PuppetSLAM | Boston Metro
Sat 11/19 |
 I really want to this see! It’s a puppet show FOR ADULTS, a series of short stage performances that often include poetry, music, dance. It’s like a poetry slam with puppets. This one features “Puppet Pandemic: The Boston Outbreak!”. If you can’t make this night, find one every two months at this venue. 8pm. 32 Station Street, Brookline, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Miss Massachusetts USA & Teen USA Pageants | Lowell
Sat 11/19 – Sun 11/20 |
 There’s either something VERY WRONG or something VERY RIGHT about a pageant that’s for teenagers. I’m going with wrong. Thanks for helping simultaneously to objectify women and promote unrealistic beauty standards. Lowell Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell, MA.978-454-2299. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Arabic Music with Tufts Takht and Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – Small Jazz Concert | Boston Metro
Mon 11/21 |
 I don’t list many music concerts, but Jazz + Arabic Music must equal something good! Tufts, Medford, MA. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| UBS Balloon Parade Spectacular | Connecticut
Sun 11/20 |
 Come see one of the largest helium balloon parades in the USA (Sunday 12pm) and they even have a preview (Saturday 3-6pm) where they blow up these giant street balloons. So who gets to play with them in-between? Pick me! Pick me! Stamford, CT.203-348-5285. event website on twitter on facebook |
|
| Gobble-Con | Connecticut
Fri 11/18 – Sun 11/20 |
 This is what, exactly? It’s a Japanese anime fesival with an emphasis on steampunk culture. Because they LOVE Thanksgiving in Japan. Stamford, CT. primary website another |
|
| Holiday Lights & Santa Events | grade | Mon 11/14 | Tue 11/15 | Wed 11/16 | Thu 11/17 | Fri 11/18 | Sat 11/19 | Sun 11/20 | |
| South ShoreCarver, MAEdaville Railroad’s Christmas Festival of Lights | A+ | R | |||||||
| The biggest and best “holiday lights” display in New England is quite non-religious, with Santa letting kids sit on his lap but also plenty of generic fare like Frosty the Snowman and a tip of the hat to Hannukah. They have a train ride, ferris wheel, carousel, and other rides, with 7 million lights. Tons of fun even for adults! 2011: Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 2-9pm. Pine Street, 877-EDAVILLE. more |
|||||||||
| South ShoreAvon, MAEnchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | |
| Free! It’s a 1958 Jordan Marsh display that’s been restored to health by Jordan’s Furniture. Website is unclear for how long the display goes. Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Dr more |
|||||||||
| New HampshireJefferson, NHSanta’s Village Christmas Magic | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Lights display, Santa, reindeer, rides. Days & Eves. Special New Years event 12/31. , 603-586-4445. more |
|||||||||
| ConnecticutNew Haven, CTFantasy of Lights | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| Benefits the Easter Seals. Was not able to confirm this is their 2009, not 2008, calendar. Open nightly. Light House Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, 203-777-2000. more |
Love this blog? Subscribe to email, Facebook, or Twitter and please tell your friends and get the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won’t find in the blog!