Out About

RHODE ISLAND

CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSIONS

NOVEMBER 21–JANUARY 3

Three magnificent Newport homes—The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House—are filled with thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers, evergreens, and wreaths. Trees are decorated, tables are elegantly set, and white candles flicker in the windows, all to create a magical holiday setting. Newport, Rhode Island. 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org

CONNECTICUT WINTERFEST & THE TUNNEL OF LIGHTS

NOVEMBER 27–DECEMBER 30

Ride the rails at the Connecticut Trolley Museum, either in a closed car or, for those hardy enough to brave the cold, in an open “electric sleigh.” Join the motormen in singing traditional carols as the trolley traverses the “Tunnel of Lights,” and later, warm up in the Visitor Center while sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate and admiring the many model trains and displays. Check the website for the full schedule. East Windsor, Connecticut. 860-627-6540; ceraonline.org

Maine Gingerbread Spectacular

DECEMBER 12–13

The Opera House plays host to this delightfully competitive gingerbread-house contest, featuring castles, cabins, and everything in between, all constructed of gingerbread and assorted other confections. You’ll be serenaded by live music as you stroll past the magical creations and shop at the holiday bake sale. Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 207-6336855; boothbayoperahouse.com

Massachusetts Craftboston Holiday

DECEMBER 11–13

Featuring 175 exhibitors, CraftBoston Holiday at the Hynes Convention Center is a must-attend event for artists, collectors, and craft enthusiasts. Conveniently located in the fashionable, concentrated shopping district of Back Bay, this annual show is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, while meeting and supporting the artisans who made them and learning about fine contemporary crafts and craftspeople. Boston, Massachusetts. 617-266-1810; societyofcrafts.org

New Hampshire Vintage Christmas

DECEMBER 1–31

Celebrate the winter, the warmth, the light, and our collective memories of holidays past. Created by The Music Hall in partnership with Strawbery Banke Museum, this month-long, citywide program celebrates its 10th year with a diverse lineup of events, including readings, presentations, candlelight strolls, gingerbread houses, skating— and a taste of Broadway, as the Ogunquit Playhouse brings Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical to The Music Hall. See the website for the full calendar of events. Portsmouth, New Hampshire. vintagechristmasnh.org

Vermont

Thanksgiving Weekend On The Farm

NOVEMBER 27–29

Discover how Thanksgiving was observed at the 1890 Farm House at Billings Farm & Museum. Visit the parlor for the “History of Thanksgiving” program, plus don’t miss the cider pressing, horse-drawn wagon rides, and harvest and food-preservation activities for all ages. It’s also the last weekend of the season to see Billings’ farm-life exhibits. Woodstock, Vermont. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org