Holiday Event Guide 2017

2017

Holiday Event Guide Presented by 1

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

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CONTENTS

8 How to Shed Stress & Focus on What’s Meaningful to Your Family

12

The Magic of a Gingerbread House

2017 Holiday Performance Guide 16 6

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

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“SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent. com. Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/ event/

NOV. 28 - DEC. 10 WANG THEATRE

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How to Shed Stress & Focus on What’s Meaningful to Your Family

T

By Brian Spero

he holidays, that magical season that begins around Thanksgiving and winds down after New Years, is often referred to as the most wonderful time of year. While the season certainly holds deep religious significance for many, no matter what you choose to believe or not believe in, how you were raised or where you were born, the season looms large on the American 8

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

cultural landscape and is there to be enjoyed by all. It’s a period where kids and sometimes parents have a little extra time off from school or work, there’s lots of activities and entertainment to choose from and we put an increased emphasis on getting together with friends and family. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? So why does the approach of the holidays trigger a sense of anxiety and even dread for millions of people?

Acknowledging the Many Sources of Holiday Stress Studies by the American Psychological Association suggest more than half of us feel increased stress, fatigue and irritability during the holidays, and as many as a third experience higher levels of sadness and anger. According to Susan Gere, professor and director of the Division of Counseling and Psychology in the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences at Lesley University, there are myriad factors capable of putting a strain on the season.

Gere explains that for many families it’s very clear what to do at the holidays, but that’s not so for everyone. Some have very elaborate, often demanding, rituals that in and of themselves can be a source of conflict and stress. Other families may face complexities from having to recognize several different cultures or religions, or they have a hard time deciding which side of the family with which to spend the holidays. Also, parents may not have the best memories of their own experiences, which can come with a sense of pressure to create something more positive for their children. From a lack of time or a limited budget to the burden of having to choose the right gift or host a gathering, there can be many things that influence your outlook.

Psychiatrist, parenting blogger and author of Saying Thank You (Mascot Books, 2015), a nonfiction children’s book that promotes the concept of gratitude to young readers, Monisha Vasa agrees there can be a variety of circumstances involved in making the holidays stressful for families. “On a practical level it becomes a much busier time of

year. Parents tend to feel pulled in different directions,” she says. “And certainly when parents are stressed, that obviously directly and indirectly impacts children.”

Vasa explains that with the holidays, many people feel like it’s a time of year where they are expected to exhibit happiness, and for a variety of reasons they don’t feel that way and there can be confusion or guilt. She says if you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed or having trouble managing, it’s all right to seek mental health support whether from a psychiatrist, therapist or counselor. Adds Gere, “The holidays can be celebratory, but it can also bring up a lot of sad feelings for some people. It’s important not to isolate them. If they’re feeling sad, that’s OK.”

Overcoming Busy Schedules and Outside Influences The realities of modern lifestyles can play a major role in making the holidays more difficult to navigate. No matter the season, it often can feel as though time is shorter, travel is further and dollars don’t go as far. “We’re busier year round, we’re working more, we’re taking less time off and children are often overscheduled these days,” says Vasa. We get used to a certain pace throughout the year, so the idea of slowing down around the holidays can feel that much more challenging, especially with technology that keeps us connected to work and responsibilities at times that were traditionally more sacred and protected.

To top things off, the holiday season has become an integral part of the retail economy in our nation, account-

2017 Holiday Events Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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ing for somewhere around 20 percent of sales totals for the entire year. Both parents and children are targeted by marketing for months on end imploring us to spend more money, plan elaborate parties, take exotic vacations and overindulge on gifts, decorations, food and drink. No matter how much you try, it can be difficult to escape the influence, much less not get caught up in the hype.

“I think in general one of the most common things I see in my practice is that we have an idealized version of what the holidays look like,” says Vasa. “We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make it look or feel a certain way according to a desired standard, but inadvertently that can create a lot of additional pressure and stress.”

While parents are certainly vulnerable to media messaging and marketing, Vasa stresses kids can be more easily influenced in terms of the expectations of the type of holidays they want to experience and the kinds of gifts they wish to receive.

“It’s easy in our consumer culture to get lured into thinking it’s about things, and the quantity of the things,” says Gere. “It’s the relationships that matter and the quality of time that matters. So making a holiday recipe together is pure gold in terms of satisfaction for all family members. Whereas hosting a huge party might be just a stress.”

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

Laying the foundation for a holiday season that’s more enjoyable and less exhausting can start with turning away from someone else’s picture of the “perfect” holiday, and realizing what it should look like for your unique family.

Vasa recommends focusing on bigger-picture priorities and values rather than the small details. “Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make the holidays look a specific way in terms of the food or the decorations, we forget the bigger point of spending time together, having fun and just generally experiencing the holidays as a time for family and togetherness.”

As is the case with virtually any stressful situation, it can really help to have a realistic, well thought-out plan going in. But rather than leaving the details to one or two designated people, make an effort to include the entire family. “Total involvement, that’s part of the fun,” says Gere. Bringing everyone together to make the plan not only lightens the workload that too often falls on the same person every year, but gives everyone a part in planning the season’s events.

“The more we can have a conversation around the experiences we want to have together, the feelings we want to share together, rather than a focus on the material aspects of the holidays, we gradually shift the attention away from things like gifts and objects and more toward the actual purpose of the holidays,” adds Vasa. “I also think if there’s an opportunity for families to be involved with some sort of service activity around the holidays that can really help bring our attention back to what’s most important.”

Gere agrees the holidays are a great time of year to show appreciation. “Some kind of acknowledgment and activity around sharing what we have with others, that’s pretty central to all spiritual traditions. It’s the renewal

of the spirit that’s at the heart of the holidays,” says Gere.

She recommends making an effort to have warmer, closer relationships with family and friends, doing things for others or taking part in the arts which are so prevalent this time of year as ways to relieve stress and nourish the spirit. “The other thing I would say is get some sleep and go outside in the sunshine. Those are biggies.”

Giving Kids What They Really Want In many ways our society is far more child-centered than it was perhaps 20 or 30 years ago. There seem to be many more toys and video games, entertainment options and activities for kids today – it can be easy for them to get a little wrapped up in all the gifts. But ask adults what they remember about their childhood holidays, and it’s rarely ever the presents, but rather the experiences they shared with the ones they loved that stand out the most.

While every child is different, for the most part Vasa believes what kids want is the time and attention of their parents. “When we see the holidays as a time to slow down, work a little bit less and focus on that time together, I think we’ll see it’s not so much about the shopping or exchanging gifts.”

Gere says hands-on, creative and artistic activities are always big winners. “Making a gingerbread house, making a menorah, sewing something special together, building a birdhouse as a gift. Any family holiday activities that can reflect and bring people into a creative process will certainly make children happy.”

Adds Vasa, “What’s memorable could be having a snowball fight with their parents in the backyard or baking cookies or going for a walk. Things that don’t necessarily take a lot of money or a lot of time but they’re meaningful experiences that can be shared together.” And often it’s not the big elaborate plans you have, but the seemingly small choices you make in between to take a drive to look at the holiday lights, build a snowman or volunteer a few hours at the food bank that leave a lasting impression.

“I have four children and their partners and I have five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and my sample tells me what everybody wants (around the holidays) is unstructured time in their pajamas with a good book and a good meal,” says Gere. “Each family has its own very specific things, but as a general rule what kids really want is cozy time with their family, with people not fighting, people having a nice time together and a few simple activities. Go to the local ice skating rink, go for a walk in the woods, go see the ice sculptures, watch a crazy holiday movie together. Those are the things kids love and desperately need.”

The stress people feel around the holidays is real, and it can come from many different sources and external factors. However, when we take ourselves off the hook for trying to reproduce someone else’s version of the holidays, we gain the opportunity to create memorable experiences, carry on traditions and start a few new ones of our own that impart meaningful messages of love, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, friendship, family and, of course, fun.

Brian Spero is a frequent contributor to Boston Parents Paper.

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HIS HOLIDAY SEASON, BE SURE to add the magic of a gingerbread house to your celebration. Your children will be captivated by the snowy layers of icing, the sugar windows and the festive candy decorations. And unlike the fairytale witch who owned a gingerbread house in the woods, you can encourage them to nibble on the hedges and pick off the nonpareils.

If you don’t have the time and patience to spend hours baking, assembling and decorating one of these charming centerpieces, visit one of these local bakeries that will do it for you.

It’s a Winner

For more than 15 years, Beth Venuto, of Ginger Betty’s Bakery in Quincy, has been decorating her award-winning gingerbread castles and houses with gumdrops and penny candy. In 2007, the bakery won the gingerbread contest at the annual World Trade Center’s Boston Christmas Festival for Best in Show, Kid’s Choice and Best Tasting, and since then

The Magic of a Gingerbread House has been taking home awards each year, such as Kids Choice (2015), Best Decoration (2014) and Best in Show (2013). You can order your own custom designed and handcrafted gingerbread house for any special occasion. Or visit the bakery for gingerbread cookies, gingersnaps, candies and kits for making your own edible buildings. Ginger Betty’s also offers parties where kids of all ages can make gingerbread masterpieces.

Ginger Betty’s Bakery, 215 Samoset Ave., Quincy, 617-472-4729; gingerbettys.com.

winter holiday season, the D’Orsi family likes to decorate gingerbread houses for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Thanksgiving as well. You can order everyday or undecorated houses all year long.

Plus, the shops offer a great selection of gourmet muffins, cookies, brownies and biscotti. Gingerbread Construction Company, 52 Main St., Wakefield, 781-246-2200; 562 Washington St., Winchester, 781-729-7700; gingerbreadusa.com.

A Tasty Business

If you want to learn how to make a gingerbread house, check out one of these workshops – just remember to make a reservation early as spots will fill up quickly. Zebra’s Bistro and Wine Bar in Medfield (zebrasbistro. com/gingerbread) hosts a Gingerbread House Making Class every year, which is recommended for children 6 years old and up. Verrill Farm (verrillfarm.com) in Concord offers three Gingerbread House Workshops for kids in early December. Or craft a gingerbread house with proceeds benefitting pediatric cancer research. For more information on this December 12 event in Winchester that is sponsored

by The Jimmy Fund, visit jimmyfund.org/ events/cancer-fundraising-events/ gingerbread-workshop.

What started out as a delicious hobby – selling handmade gingerbread houses and cookies at craft shows – turned into a full-time business for John and Janet D’Orsi. Now this husband and wife team has two stores: the original Gingerbread Construction Company retail store in Winchester and the company’s full-fledged bakery in Wakefield. Although some people may limit their gingerbread spice to the

Gingerbread Workshops

DIY Decorating

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

Would your children like to create their own work of art? While the Dancing Deer Baking Company in Boston does not have its own storefront, you can find its Sweet Home Gingerbread House Kit at Whole Foods markets, Roche Brothers and other local gourmet supermarkets during the winter holiday season, or on its website year round.

Dancing Deer Baking Company; 617-4427300; dancingdeer.com. ■ Robin Mason is a freelance writer in Bedford.

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Moscow Ballet

2017

Performance Guide The Nutcracker—Boston

violinist/vocalist. $10-25, December 17, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center, Regis College, Weston, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493, (617) 9236333, http://www.bostoncivicsymphony.org

Create an annual tradition with family and friends at one of New England’s most beloved holiday events and make memories to cherish for years to come.The Nutcracker will capture your imagination Dickens Festival Holiday and transport you to a magical world of brave toy Craft Fair—Braintree soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and a mystical Sugar Plum Fairy. $35-$204, November 24 - December 31, The Dickens Festival is a unique entertainment and shopping experience with something for the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 695-6955, http://bostonballet.org young and young-at-heart. Interact with costumed characters from A Christmas Carol. Visit Father Christmas, gentle and non-commercial. Bring your A Family Holiday Pops—Weston camera. Admission is free. There are many things for This year the Boston Civic Symphony is giving you sale — handmade items, roast turkey sandwiches twice as much fun with two performances of the and homemade apple pie. November 18. Free to atmost family-friendly holiday pops in New England. tend. All Souls Church,196 Elm Street, Braintree, MA We’ll have our usual holiday favorites, a sing-along, 02184, (781) 843-1388. plus a visit from “You Know Who.” Francisco Noya, http://www.allsoulsbraintreechurch.org/2017-dickens-festival.html conductor. With special guests: Ciarán Nagle, founding member of The Three Irish Tenors Tara Novak, 16

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

Holiday Show Fundraiser 2017—Beverly

Join our 15th annual Holiday Show Fundraiser to help kids in the North Shore explore their passion for dance at no cost. These dancers are in great need of support and to date Revive Dance Xchange has given over $230,000 in scholarships to kids in need. This is a fun event with a silent auction, games, dance performances and more. Open to the public and to non-dancers too. $20 Donation. December 16, 6PM. Beverly Rocci Post, Brimbal Ave, Beverly, MA (978) 922-5215, http://www.revivedancexchange.com

Urban Nutcracker— Jamaica Plain

Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington. Hip-hop and ballet. Urban Nutcracker is a classic holiday treat with an inner city twist! A true Boston story, local dance legend Tony Williams reimagined the classic holiday tale to become a Boston inner-city story with a neon-buzz, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky.

Annually, 150 performers – including professional ballet dancers – take the stage to showcase a broad diversity of dance forms celebrating multicultural Join heroine Clarice as she explores iconic Rockin’ Holiday Party & Show—Weymouth Boston.

Boston scenes such as Make Way for Ducklings, Performances by the Dance with Energy Companies. Top of the Hub, Chinatown, and the Boston Public Open to all Ages, Music, Crafts, Dancing. An Garden. The delightful story continues by following appearance by Santa! Refreshments for sale the magical journey of Clarice and her Nutcracker $5/ person. 2:00-3:30pm. Dance with Energy at guide through classical ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, Weymouth Club, 75 Finnell Dr., Weymouth, MA flamenco, and more. 284 Amory St # 5, Jamaica 02188, (781) 682-5831. December 10.

Plain, MA, 02130 http://weymouthclub.com/dance

2017 Holiday Events Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer—Boston

What The Dickens!—Boston

Performed by the highly acclaimed Cambridge Youth Dance Program (CYDP) dancers and an amazing roster of guest artists WHAT THE DICKENS! is a great show for the family both affordable and an intimate.

Dance veteran Deborah Mason and Broadway dancer Leslie Woodies co-direct this enchanting original production which tells Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol through the interweaving of classical ballet with tap and hip-hop. Boston Ballet alum Clyde Nantais plays Scrooge. $25-30, December 14-17, multiple times, Boston University Dance Theatre, 915 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, (617) 616-5124, https://www.cydp.org/what-the-dickens

The Nutcracker—Weston

Richly staged with original choreography by Chip Morris, Commonwealth Ballet returns to Casey Theatre at Regis College in Weston for their delightful presentation of The Nutcracker. The ballet is a 18

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

family-friendly performance which will entrance young and old alike. Plenty of free parking. “It was my 4-year-old daughter’s first time at the ballet. She was mesmerized and has been performing in our living room ever since. She said “it was awesome!” $20-$39. November 24, 25, 26 and December 8, 9, 10. The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA (978) 2636533. http://commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker/

The Nutcracker‑ Dorchester

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre brings its original, enchanting production of The Nutcracker to the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston from November 26-December 10 and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester from December 15-24. Now in its 30th season, JMBT’s The Nutcracker whisks young and old alike to the Land of the Sweets where dreams come true and anything is possible. $20-$75. December 15 at 7:30, December 16 at 2:00 & 7:00, December 17 at 1:30 & 5:00, December 22 at 7:30, December 23 at 2:00 & 7:00, December 24 at 1:30, The Strand The-

atre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA, (617) 354-7467. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3079856

The Nutcracker—Boston

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre brings its original, enchanting production of The Nutcracker to the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston from November 26-December 10 and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester from December 15-24. Now in its 30th season, JMBT’s The Nutcracker whisks young and old alike to the Land of the Sweets where dreams come true and anything is possible. $75-$20. November 25 at 2pm & 7pm, November 26 at 1:30 & 5:00, December 1 at 7:30, December 2 at 2:00 & 7:00, December 3 at 1:30 & 5:00, December 8 at 7:30, December 9 at 2:00 & 7:00, December 10 at 1:30 & 5:00, Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street, Boston, (617) 824-8400 https://cutlermajestic.org/Online/article/nutcracker_2017

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker 25th Anniversary—Lowell

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets and nesting dolls, and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press raves “Knock Out!” – New York Times, “Christmas Cheer!” – LA Times. $27.50+.

7:00. Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, (866) 722-8881.

November 28. http://www.nutcracker.com/your-city/get-tickets/lowell

Nutcrwwacker—Braintree

A wonderful holiday favorite for so many!

Celebrating our 21st season, Braintree Ballet is excited to bring some magic to your holiday season.

Come see Clara and her friends as they entertain you with bright colorful costumes, wonderful choreography, and all the rest that makes up a spectacular event! $25. Saturday December 9th,

Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre

2017 Holiday Events Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

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2017 Holiday Events Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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the United States.” — The Boston Globe. $25-$85.

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The Greater Salem Ballet Company The Nutcracker—Lynn

Follow Clara on her magical journey. Brave the battle of the mice and soldiers led by the Nutcracker Prince and be amazed by the growing Christmas tree.

Glide through the Christmas tree forest complete with falling snow and arrive at the palace of sweets where Clara is entertained by a cast of characters and dazzled by the Grand Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. $15-$47. Saturday, December 2, 2017, 12:00 pm & 4:00 pm, The Lynn Auditorium, 3 City Hall Sq., Lynn, MA, (781) 5997469. http://www.TheGSBC.comNutcrwwacker.

Braintree Ballet

The Hip Hop Nutcracker—Boston

A holiday mash-up for the entire family, THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER a contemporary re-imagination 2pm and 7pm and Sunday December 10th 2pm. East of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, sets out on a third national tour following the success of two middle school auditorium, 305 River St, Braintree, previous sold-out tours. THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER (781) 380-8856 is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker violinist. Through the spells cast by the mysterious 25th Anniversary—Boston Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms over-the-top production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets and nesting E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of sugarplums into 1980s dolls, and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press raves “Knock Out!” – New York Times, “Christmas Cheer!” – LA Times. $27.50+.

Sunday, December 3rd, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Place, Boston, MA 02108, (800) 745-3000, http://www.nutcracker.com/your-city/get-tickets/boston

“A Nutcracker with real soul” — Boston Metro

“You really don’t get more “original” that Williams’ version of “The Nutcracker” that features people who reflect the increasingly diverse neighborhoods of Boston and, frankly, many other metro areas in 24

Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

All Souls Church

Whatthe presents

Dickens!

A CONTEMPORARY DANCE TWIST ON A HOLIDAY TALE

December

14-17, 2017

BOSTON UNIVERSITY DANCE THEATER 915 COMMONWEALTH AVE, BOSTON

TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WWW.CYDP.ORG 2017 Holiday Events Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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December 14 -17, Boch Center Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston, http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/show-listing/rudolph-2017

ELF The Musical—Boston

“Everyone’s favorite Elf will make his return to Boston this holiday season with ELF The Musical at the Boch Center Wang Theatre!

New England Holiday Craft Spectacular

ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.” Tickets start at $37.50! November 28 - December 10. Boch Center Wang Theatre, 265 Tremont St, Boston,

Brooklyn. This new dance work celebrates love, http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/show-listing/rudolph-2017 community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. Special guest MC KURTIS BLOW, one of hip hop’s founding 18th Annual New England Holiday Craft Spectacular fathers, will open the show with a short set before rapping the introduction to The Hip Hop Nutcracker. The "Best New Hampshire Holiday Fair" (Yankee http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/show-listing/hip-hopMagazine) has relocated to the South Shore. nutcracker

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer—Boston

The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola.

Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

The 18th Annual event will now take place at the Event Center (former JC Penney) at the Hanover

Holiday Ornament Workshop

A Family Holiday Tradition at Red Jacket Resorts

in North Conway, New Hampshire

Mall in Hanover, MA on December 2 & 3, 2017.

Over 150 of the regions finest Artisans will display and sell their American made Arts and Crafts; including Floral Arrangements, Paper Crafts, Toys, Engraving, Aroma Therapy, Pottery, Personal Care Products, Leather, Scarves, Folk Art, Soy Candles, Hair Accessories, Quilts, County Decor, Decorative Painting, Custom Knives, Pet Treats & Accessories, Holiday Knits, Fine Art, Holiday Décor, Pillows, Fine Jewelry, Cutting Boards, Photo Art, Turned Wood, Landscape & Wildlife Photography, Cribbage Boards, Rustic Furniture, Fused Glass, Painted Stemware, Children's Clothing, Beach Glass Art, Steam Punk Accessories, Adult Apparel, Scrimshaw, Up-cycled Mittens, Fiber Art, Vintage Chic Décor, Knitted Hats, Original Oil Painting, Aprons, Ornaments, Doll Clothes, Fine Wood Crafts, Sheep Skin Slippers, Stained Glass, 3D Decoupage, Handmade Soap, Yarn, Wood Burning, Puzzles, Baskets, Wind Chimes, Classical Holiday To have your events added to the Guide, please post to http://bostonparentspaper.com/holiday-eventguide-submission.html

Three Fun-filled Holiday Packages!

THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S All Holiday Packages include: Delicious Holiday Dinners Daily Breakfast Daily Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park Passes Fun-filled Family Activities and more!

Thanksgiving and Christmas packages, 2 night minimum New Year’s package, 3 night minimum (12/30-1/2)

800-752-2538 redjacketresorts.com north conway, nh

vacations perfected

Rates vary. Terms will apply.

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are included Tickets start at $25! December 9. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, https://decordova.org/

ZooLights at Stone Zoo

ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Music, Baby Blankets, Terrariums, Ceramics, Dolls, Pine Cone Wreathes, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Sports Apparel, Custom Signs, Lamps and more. A "food sampling" extravaganza will be presented with such gourmet Specialty Food delights; such as Chocolates, Finishing Sauces, Dessert Mixes, Candy, Wine Slush Mix, Fudge, Pastries, Herbal Dips, Greek Oils, Pickles, Baked Nuts, Cranberry Jellies, BBQ Sauces, Teas, Balsamic Vinegars and so much more.

Admission is $8.00 / adult good for both days, and under 14 years of age are free. The New England Holiday Craft Spectacular is held rain or shine with plenty of free parking. December 2-3, 10am - 5pm Saturday and 10am - 4pm Sunday. Event Center of Hanover Mall, 1775 Washington Street, Hanover. https://castleberryfairs.com/

ZooLights is set to once again dazzle visitors of all ages when it opens for the holiday season on Friday, November 24. This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. New this year, guests will be able to see black bears, Smoky and Bubba and the festively decorated area around their exhibit. Stroll through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see bald eagles, Canada lynx, arctic foxes, and reindeer. Free (kids 2<) - $10 November 24 December 31 (except December 25). Stone Zoo 149 Pond Street, Stoneham http://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/zoolights To have your events added to the Guide, please post to http://bostonparentspaper.com/holiday-eventguide-submission.html

Holiday Ornament Clay Sculpture Workshop

Enjoy an afternoon of ceramic sculpture for the holidays! Create a sculpture or ornament of your own design inspired by winter at deCordova.

For ages 10+. No ceramic experience necessary.

Materials and firing (and holiday refreshments!)

Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

CHARLES PLAYHOUSE 74 WARRENTON ST.

BLUEMAN.COM | 1.800.BLUEMAN Groups of 8+ Call 617.542.6700

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TM

2018 Camp & Summer Expo Saturday, January 20, 2018 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm

e h t e v Sa e Dat

Meet camp directors and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

Held at:

Dedham Health & Athletic Complex

200 Boston Providence Hwy., Dedham BostonParentsPaper.com

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Boston Parents Paper | 2017 Holiday Events Guide

Sponsors:

MFA for the Holidays December Vacation Week Your sense of wonder comes to life with art making and activities from December 26 through 31.

mfa.org/holidays Dollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house with silver and porcelain miniatures. Dutch, 1700â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1800. Wood, silver, porcelain, glass, oil on copper, mother of pearl and pen and ink drawings.

Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection. On view in Gallery 242, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Photo courtesy Tony Rinaldo.

Supported by Pamela and Bradford Warner.

Art-making activities supported in part by UNIQLO USA

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