Art New England’s
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
A unique resource highlighting what to do, see, buy, gift, and receive this holiday season.
Art New England’s
2 017
HOLIDAY GUIDE
A unique resource highlighting what to do, see, buy, gift, and receive this holiday season. CONNECTICUT Connecticut River Museum 67 Maine Street, Essex, CT ctrivermuseum.org Tu–Su 10–5
Annual Holiday Train Show: November 16, 2017–February 19, 2018. Train artist Steve Cryan works his magic with this true locomotive extravaganza! Visitors are challenged to find a scavenger list of various objects hidden within the fully operational, 26-foot model train layout, while toddlers can get hands-on at an American Flyer and Lionel Train layout.
Holiday Craft Shopping at Guilford Art Center
411 Church Street, Guilford, CT (203) 453-5947 guilfordartcenter.org M, Tu, W, F, Sa 10–5:30, Th 10–8, Su 12–5 Visit Guilford Art Center’s annual holiday shopping event, Artistry: American Craft Shopping for the Holidays, from November 2, 2017– January 8, 2018. Shop distinctive and unique crafts by more than 200 American artisans, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, ornaments, accessories, toys, specialty foods and more. Open seven days a week.
The Glass House
199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT (203) 594-9884 (203) 978-3011 designstore.theglasshouse.org M, Th–Su 10–5, Tu–W by appointment Through November 30: The Glass House Design Store offers sleek items for the modernist in your life. From martini mixers and Hermès scarves to a cheese grater inspired by the architecture of Zaha Hadid and a paperweight designed exclusively for the store by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, find a gift that is sure to impress that person who already has everything.
North Haven Holiday Wonderland of Crafts
Best Western Plus 201 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT (203) 751-6267 fairsandfestivals.net November 25, 10–4 More than 80 exhibitors display their handcrafted goods for show and sale at this indoor craft fair. In its 10th year, this impressive display of holiday craftsmanship is the perfect place to find gifts for the whole family.
Spirit of Giving Holiday Marketplace 37 Heminway Park Road, Watertown, CT (860) 945-5246 watertownctrecreation.com November 25, 10–2
The perfect opportunity for holiday gift shopping, the marketplace exhibits the work of local artists and artisans and is a celebrated feature of the town-wide Santa’s Light Parade and Festival. Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, nearby restaurants and businesses are participating in the festivities, offering great incentives to shop local.
Whiting Mills Holiday Open Studios 100 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT (860) 738-2240 whitingmills.com December 2–3, 11–5
Visit the studios at Whiting Mills to enjoy the work of the resident creative community, including live music, crafts, food, and more. Shop a wide range of unique gifts made by resident handcrafters and artisans and explore the work of guest artists in the Laurel Room Marketplace.
MAINE Christmas at Victoria Mansion 109 Danforth Street, Portland, ME victoriamansion.org M 11–6:30, Tu–Sa 11–4:30 Closed December 25.
Christmas tours: November 24–January 7, 2018. Visit one of America’s finest examples of the Italian Villa Style during the spectacular winter season. Built between 1858 and 1860, it was designed by architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT, and contains masterful trompe l’oeil paintings by the Italian-born artist Giuseppe Guidicini.
Downtown Holiday Festival
Various locations in Biddeford and Saco, ME heartofbiddeford.org Friday, December 1, 5–7 Kick off the holiday season with Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, performances from children’s dance and singing groups, and plenty of fabulous shopping opportunities.
Wesleyan Potters
350 South Main Street, Middletown, CT info@wesleyanpotters.com wesleyanpotters.com
Decorative Pillows by Raisa Antonia. At Guilford Art Center.
Wesleyan Potters 62nd Annual Show and Sale: November 24–December 10. The show includes more than 10,000 fine quality works of pottery, jewelry, sculpture, basketry, fiber arts, wood, paper crafts, metal work, prints, toys, and more by over 260 artists. See website for hours. Students from The Academy of Dance. Photo: Elsie Johnston.
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Festival of Lights
Downtown Rockland, ME (207) 593-6093. Event #201 ci.rockland.me.us November 24–26 Celebrate the start of the holidays in true Maine fashion. On Friday, November 24, Santa arrives on a Coast Guard boat while cookies, cocoa and free carriage rides delight spectators. That evening, be sure to catch the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree. Carriage rides continue on Saturday before the Festival of Lights Parade down Maine Street, and Sunday concludes with a chance to meet Santa at a pancake breakfast.
First Night/First Day
Fort Point Channel 7th Annual Holiday Stroll
Various locations in Boston, MA firstnightboston.org December 31, noon–12:30 a.m. January 1, 2018, 11–2
290 Congress Street, Boston MA (617) 933-8399 friendsoffortpointchannel.org
Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve tradition of ice sculptures, dancing, and fireworks for more than 40 years. Family Fireworks will be held at 7 p.m. in Boston Common, and the Countdown Pyrotechnics and Light Show will be held in Copley Square at midnight. Music and other performances will occur at indoor venues through the Back Bay. On New Year’s Day, First Day children’s entertainment will be held in Copley Square. Free and open to all.
Celebrate the holidays with Friends of Fort Point Channel on December 8, 4–8 p.m. at Fort Point Channel’s 7th Annual Holiday Stroll. Pick up your map of holiday stops and check out the deals, steals, tastings, and treats waiting at each location. Free to the public.
MECA Holiday Sale
Maine College of Art, Porteous Building 522 Congress Street, Portland, ME meca.edu F 5–9, Sa 10–5 On December 1 and 2, browse a distinct array of handmade items from carefully selected vendors at this special juried sale that supports Maine College of Art’s education, outreach and student programs. Many vendors are talented MECA alumni, faculty and staff. Free admission.
Picnic Holiday Sale
8 Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME picnicportland.com December 10, 11–6
Fort Point Channel. The “Copley Countdown,” a multi-sensory display of live music, dazzling light show and pyrotechnics in Copley Square. Courtesy of Conventures, Inc.
Explore this indie craft fair featuring handmade and vintage goods by local vendors at the Brick South Building at Thompson’s Point. Enjoy indie musical acts from the area or take a photo with the fair’s mascot, the Yeti, before shopping for unique holiday gifts.
MASSACHUSETTS The Christmas Revels
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA (617) 496-2222 revels.org December 8–27 Join The Christmas Revels: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice for a holiday celebration set in Renaissance Venice. Every year, Revels presents a not-to-be-missed celebration of the winter solstice through the traditions, songs, costumes and dances from cultures throughout time and around the world. A true feast for the senses!
38th CANDLELIGHT STROLL Celebrating winter and holiday traditions across the centuries. Candlelit lanes, strolling musicians, hand-crafted decorations and costumed role-players. Sat Dec 2, 9 & 16, 5-9 pm Sun Dec 3, 10 & 17, 4-8 pm Tickets: StrawberyBanke.org
DAILY Dec through Feb 9 am to 9 pm Except during Candlelight Stroll weekend evenings.
14 Hancock St. Portsmouth NH 03801 603.433.1107
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Paradise City Arts Festival
Royal Plaza Trade Center 181 Boston Post Road West (Rt. 20 W) Marlborough, MA (800) 511-9725 paradisecityarts.com November 17–19 “Art Lovers’ Heaven: The Paradise City Arts Festival may truly be nirvana for art enthusiasts and holiday shoppers ready to kick off the season.”—The Boston Globe. One-of-a-kind furniture, home furnishings, fashion, jewelry, paintings and sculpture by 175 extraordinary artists. Just 30 minutes from downtown Boston, with live music, special exhibits and delightful dining. Free parking.
A Seaside Christmas in Orleans Various locations in Orleans, MA orleanscapecod.org/explore November 25–December 31
From a pancake breakfast with Mrs. Claus, to a “Santa Stampede” 5K race featuring contestants dressed as Santa, or elves and reindeer, this quirky, town-wide celebration of the season on Cape Cod offers fun for everyone. In addition, special deals and events will occur at local businesses throughout the month. See website for schedule and details.
SoWa Power Station 540 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA sowaboston.com December 2–3 Sa 11–7, Su 11–5
HOLIDAY
Open Studios December 2, 3, 9 & 10th From 12 - 5pm
Handmade Holiday Shopping Night Thursday, December 14th from 5 - 9pm
Brewery taproom open all event days. Free parking (and lots of it).
Art New England
122–160 Western Avenue Lowell, MA (978) 710-8605 info@westernaveneustudios.com westernavenuestudios.com
Lowell is a city filled with art, and the artists of Western Avenue are celebrating the season with Holiday Open Studios. Four days on December 2, 3, 9 and 10 from noon until 5 p.m. If you miss that, there is Handmade Holiday Shopping Night, Thursday December 14 from 5–9 p.m.
SoWa Winter Festival
Housed in the spacious SoWa Power Station, this incredible holiday festival features more than a hundred of the region’s best artisans and specialty food vendors, food trucks, Christmas carolers, and much more.
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MONTREAL Merry Montréal
Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, QC montrealenfetes.com December 21, 2017–January 1, 2018 Located in Old Montreal, this event is a Canadian holiday tradition, welcoming families with countless free activities, an enormous Christmas market, spectacular celebrations, and the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Canada. See website for complete schedule of events.
Noël sur l’Avenue
Mont-Royal Avenue East, Montreal, QC (514) 522-3797 mont-royal.net December 3–31 The event kicks off with a traditional torch-lit Christmas walk that attracts more than 10,000 people every year. A Christmas sleigh will glide down Mont-Royal Avenue to the site of an enchanting “Christmas in the Park” filled with activities for all. Throughout the month of December, stroll along the avenue, located in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal district—one of the most creative neighborhoods in North America—to take in the many bookstores, bakeries, and vintage and vinyl record shops that have decorated their windows for the season.
Candlelight Stroll
woodsmoke from the bonfire while costumed performers recreate the traditions of times past.
Strawbery Banke 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH (603) 433-1100 strawberybanke.org December 2–17 Sa 5–9, Su 4–8
Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour
An annual holiday tradition at Strawbery Banke since 1979, Candlelight Stroll showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions. The Museum grounds glow with candle lanterns, the houses are adorned with hand-made decorations crafted from live greens and dried flowers and herbs collected from the gardens, and the air is filled with the sound of holiday music and scent of
Multiple venues, Jackson to Eaton, NH (603) 356-2642 countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com December 9–10, 11–4 Satisfy your sweet tooth with the ultimate holiday cookie tour. This self-guided tour includes eleven inns, each displaying holiday finery, sweets and treats. Take home recipes from the Holiday Recipe Cookbook and enter for a chance to win a getaway at a participating inn.
The Nutcracker Market
Palais des Congrès de Montreal, Merchant Hall 1001 Jean Paul Riopelle Place, Montreal, QC grandsballets.com November 30–December 10 M–W 11–7, Th–F 11–9, Sa–Su 11–5 This charity Christmas market supports the Canadian Grand Ballet’s Nutcracker Fund for Children, which annually allows 2,800 children from disadvantaged communities in Greater Montreal to participate in educational workshops in the visual arts, costume design and dance. These children then attend a free performance of The Nutcracker ballet. The market attracts tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy browsing countless gift ideas under one roof for a great cause.
The Stewart Museum
20 Chemin du Tour de l’Isle, Montreal, QC (514) 861-6701 stewart-museum.org W–Su 10–5 Santas Are Taking Over The Museum: November 15, 2017–January 7, 2018. This annual exhibition of Santa Claus figurines delights children and adults alike. An elegant Rudolf Szálasi German doll castle that comes to life at the sound of music will also be on display. Santa will be at the museum in person on Sundays, November 26 and December 3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Button Factory Open Studios
855 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH buttonfactorystudios.com December 2, 11–5 Some of the best artists on the New Hampshire Seacoast welcome you into their studios to find the perfect holiday gift this year. The Button Factory boasts a large roster of fine painters, as well as talented woodworkers, fabric artists, jewelers, photographers and many more.
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Light the Tree Holiday Celebration Atkinson Resort & Country Club 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, NH atkinsonresort.com Thursday, November 30, 5:30–8
This annual, family-friendly holiday tree lighting celebration features hayrides, caroling, ice carving, arts and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, and more. In addition, the club’s Seacoast Grille Restaurant and Merrill’s Tavern will be open to the public for the duration of the event.
Santa’s Stocking Stuffer Craft Fair
The Corning Museum of Glass
Head to this craft fair for great stocking stuffer items, and more. Jewelry, quilted home décor items, glass art, gourmet foods, wearable art, wooden crafts and holiday floral arrangements are all available. Free admission.
After-Thanksgiving Sale: November 24–26. Visit the Museum Shop for great discounts of up to 90% off holiday items, from glass ornaments to glittering jewelry from around the world. Doors will open early at 7 a.m. on Friday, November 24. Annual Studio Glass Sale and Holiday Open House: December 2–3. Find handmade glass objects by artists who make work at The Studio.
North Conway Community Center 2628 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH joycescraftshows.com December 16–17 Sa 10–4, Su 10–3
One Museum Way, Corning, NY (607) 937-5371 cmog.org Daily 9–5
NEW YORK Candlelight Tour
Courtesy Atkinson Resort & Country Club Staff.
RHODE ISLAND
Southold Historical Society Museum Complex 55200 Main Road, Southold, NY southoldhistoricalsociety.org Friday, November 24, 3–6
Art & Design Film Festival
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Southold Historical Society on the North Fork of Long Island is a delightful way to start the holiday season. Have some good old-fashioned fun visiting Santa in the barn and tour historic houses on the complex. The Thomas Moore House will be decorated in a Colonial holiday style, and the Ann Currie-Bell House from the Victorian era will be decorated by the local lifestyle shop, White Flower Farmhouse.
The Providence Center for Media Culture presents the Third Annual Art & Design Film Festival, screening in theaters in Providence, Newport and Jamestown. Films featuring cultural giants from Vincent Van Gogh to Alfred Hitchcock meet documentaries about Italian car design, titans of the fashion industry and a Mexican village that produces fireworks. See website for complete listings.
providencecinematheque.com November 2–12
Arts Providence Holiday Show 1 Sabin St., Providence, RI artprovidenceshow.com December 9–10, 4–8
ARTISTIC ICONS SERIES
AMERICAN RHAPSODY
Featuring over 200 artists from greater New England and beyond, this holiday show is the next generation of the RISD Alumni and Student Holiday Sale. See the work of RISD alumni artists as well as new creators of fine art, craft and design.
Block Island Shopping Stroll
Various locations on Block Island, RI blockislandchamber.com November 24–26
GIVE THE GIFT OF GERSHWIN THIS SEASON! FEBRUARY 22 · THE VETS · PROVIDENCE RI TICKETS @ FIRST-WORKS.ORG 57
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November/December 2017
Make a trip to Block Island to shop and win prizes at the 28th Annual Block Island Shopping Stroll. Pick up an entry form at the Chamber of Commerce office at the ferry landing between 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Friday or Saturday. Visit each shop listed on the form and have it stamped to be eligible for fabulous raffle prizes.
Christmas at Blithewold 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI (401) 253-2707 blithewold.org Tu–Th, Sa–Su 11–5, F 11–8
A Toast to the Twenties: November 24, 2017–January 1, 2018. Every year, Blithewold Mansion dazzles with its displays celebrating the magic of the Christmas season. Each room is filled with elaborate holiday decorations, this year themed “A Toast to the Twenties.” Celebrate the exuberant Roaring Twenties with a holiday tour, and check the website for more special events, including a winter marketplace, afternoon teas and concerts.
Christmas in Newport
Various locations in Newport, RI christmasinnewport.org December 1–31 Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport is a tradition of community collaboration that offers special events throughout the month of December. From lantern walking tours and holiday concerts to bake sales and puppet shows, all events are free to attend, or benefit a non-profit or charity. See website for complete event listings.
Helen Day Art Center
VERMONT
90 Pond Street, Stowe, VT (802) 253 8358 helenday.com Tu–Sa 10–5
Billings Farm & Museum
69 Old River Road, Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2355 billingsfarm.org Christmas at the Farm: December 2–3, 16–17, 23–24, 26, 2017–January 1, 2018. Learn how Christmas was celebrated in Vermont the 19th century. Linger as treats are baked in the farmhouse kitchen woodstove, make historic ornaments and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride (December 26–January 1).
Festival of Trees and Light: December 1–30. This local tradition features a gallery full of evergreens decorated by master crafters and artisans. Many of the handmade ornaments are for sale. Families are invited to shake off the snow and come inside to create holiday decorations, play dreidel games and decorate gingerbread houses with New England Culinary Institute students. Opening reception: Friday, December 1, 5 p.m.
Cotton Mill Open Studio and Holiday Sale
Holiday Inn Tours
Explore three stories of the renovated historic cotton mill building for festive art, food, and fun. Now housing more than 60 small businesses and artists’ studios, the Cotton Mill opens its doors for its 19th year, inviting you to enjoy the work of local painters, dancers, woodworkers, musicians and culinary masters.
Local inns bedecked for the holidays open their doors to the public for the annual Holiday Inn Tours. Walk through history and learn more about some of Southern Vermont’s most famous and historic inns throughout Manchester, Dorset and Arlington. Each location hosts in a unique way, offering a cozy and entertaining Saturday afternoon.
Various locations across Southern VT manchestervermont.com December 2 and 9, 12–4 p.m.
74 Cotton Mill Hill, Brattleboro, VT (802) 257-7731 thecottonmill.org December 1–3
FirstWorks Artistic Icons Series
Montpelier Art Walk
The VETS 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI (401) 421-2787 first-works.org
Multiple venues, Montpelier, VT (802) 223-9604 montpelieralive.org December 1, 4–8 p.m.
Give the gift of peak performing arts experiences this holiday season. American Rhapsody: The Gershwin Songbook: Thursday, February 22, 7:30 p.m. Relive the Jazz Age and Roaring ’20s with an evening of iconic American music by composer George Gershwin, featuring the 17-piece Gershwin Big Band. Premium tickets also include admission to the pre-show Cocktail Speakeasy.
Shop handcrafted gifts by local artists during this downtown art walk. More than 20 local businesses participate, welcoming you to explore the wares of galleries, boutiques, and arts centers. Participating stores will also serve baked goods to visitors.
Frosty Drew Observatory 61 Park Lane, Charlestown, RI frostydrew.org F 6:30 p.m.
Every Friday night in winter (October 13, 2017–February 23, 2018), the Observatory, Sky Theatre, and telescopes at Frosty Drew open to the public for free stargazing, starting at 6:30 p.m. and running as late as the weather permits. From dazzling planets to star clusters and galaxies, the immense majesty of space is truly visible from one of the darkest sites in Rhode Island.
Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market
Montpelier City Hall 39 Maine Street, Montpelier, VT touchofvt.org Saturday, December 16, 9–4
New England Center for the Circus Arts will be among performers featured during the weekend event. Photo courtesy of NECCA.
Craft Vermont
Sheraton Conference Center 870 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT vermonthandcrafters.com F 10–8, Sa 10–6, Su 10–5 Vermont Hand Crafters’ premier three-day, annual event takes place November 17–19. The largest and oldest juried show of Vermontonly artists and craftspeople in the state. Showcasing unique and limited-edition pieces. List of exhibitors is available on the website.
Now in its 13th year, the Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market gathers together some of the best makers in the state. Shop for handmade holiday gifts, and try your luck with tickets for a raffle benefitting the Good Beginnings of Central Vermont. Each vendor has donated one unique craft to the raffle—there are nearly 50 chances to win.
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