Yankee ’s favorite events this season

Connecticut Winterfest And The Tunnel Of Lights

NOVEMBER 24–26,

DECEMBER 1–3, 8–10, 15–17, 22–23, 26–30

Ride the rails at the Connecticut Trolley Museum—in either a closed car or, for those hardy enough to brave the cold, an open “electric sleigh”—and join the motormen in singing traditional carols as the trolley travels through the “Tunnel of Lights” display. Afterward, warm up with a steaming cup of cocoa in the visitor center, where you can admire the model trains and displays and take advantage of a photo op with Santa. East Windsor, CT. 860-6276540; ceraonline.org

Massachusetts

AMERICA’S HOMETOWN THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

NOVEMBER 17–19

See the story of Thanksgiving brought to life as Pilgrims, Native Americans, soldiers, patriots, and pioneers climb out of the history books and stride onto the streets of Plymouth. Events include a “chronological parade” representing the march of time from the 17th through 21st centuries, a harvest farmers’ market, a historical village, a food festival, concerts, and more. Plymouth, MA. 508-746-1818; usathanksgiving.com

New Hampshire

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS

NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 17

The Music Hall presents the Ogunquit Playhouse production of this musical based on the 1954 classic film of the same name. White Christmas tells the story of WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have a successful song-and-dance act. Chasing romance, they follow a pair of singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge—crooning Irving Berlin hits such as “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” and “White Christmas” along the way. Portsmouth, NH. 603436-2400; themusichall.org

RHODE ISLAND

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT HEARTHSIDE

DECEMBER 3, 9, 10, 28, 30

Venture back in time at Hearthside, where volunteers in Victorian attire will guide you through rooms elaborately decorated with ornaments of lace and gold, festive garlands, and poinsettias. Look for live music and caroling, homemade cookies and hot cider, and a gift shop stocked with holiday goodies. On December 28 and 30, the “Home for the Holidays” candlelight tours are not to be missed. Lincoln, RI. 401-7260597; hearthsidehouse.org

VERMONT

CHRISTMAS IN WESTON

DECEMBER 2

A day of fun for all ages is in store during this townwide annual event. Visit with Santa at the Vermont Country Store before climbing aboard a horse-drawn wagon for a ride. Stop by the Weston Playhouse for puppet and magic shows or visit Old Parish Church for a reading of A Christmas Carol , then spend the day reveling in food tastings, greenhouse tours, and craft demonstrations, accompanied by music and caroling throughout downtown. Stick around for the lighting of the town tree at dusk. Weston, VT. westonvt.com

—Compiled by Joe Bills

Connecticut

NOV. 4–5: WESTPORT, CraftWestport. Get your holiday shopping started right at this longrunning annual juried fair, featuring 175 talented artists and crafters from across the country and a pop-up marketplace devoted to Connecticut artisans. artrider.com

NOV. 19: STAMFORD, Giant Helium Balloon Parade Spectacular. One of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, this yearly tradition features giant inflatable versions of favorite characters, awardwinning marching bands, and fabulous floats. stamford-downtown.com

NOV. 24–26, DEC. 2–3: TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES, Artists’ Open Studios SelfGuided Tour. Move along at your own pace as you embark on this free art adventure through northeast Connecticut, encompassing more than 80 artists working in a wide variety of media. aosct.org

DEC. 1–2: BETHLEHEM, Christmas Town Festival. O little town of Bethlehem … where thousands make an annual pilgrimage to secure the perfect Christmas card postmark. See the town green transformed with 70-plus vendors offering crafts and food, musical entertainment, kids’ activities, hayrides, photos with Santa, and more. 203266-7510; christmastownfestival.com

DEC. 2: WOODBURY, Glebe House Christmas Festival. Tour the charming c. 1740 Glebe House while it’s beautifully decorated for the holidays with wreaths, holiday lighting, and garlands—all for sale. A shopping bazaar offers many original gift ideas, too. 203263-2855; glebehousemuseum.org

DEC. 3: HARTFORD, Holiday Home Tour. Tour several gorgeous homes, including the historic Isham-Terry House and the 19-room Mark Twain House, all gussied up for the season. 860-280-3130; marktwainhouse.org

DEC. 8: MYSTIC, Festival of Lights. Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Aquarium team up for a winter walk lighted by some 4,000 luminaries. There’s a full lineup of events and activities around the village and at the aquarium, and live music throughout. oldemistickvillage.com; mysticaquarium.org

DEC. 9–JAN. 7: WETHERSFIELD, Three Centuries of Christmas Tours. Visitors stroll among the historic homes of the Webb-DeaneStevens Museum, enjoying tasty foods, good cheer, festive decor, and live music ranging from 18th-century tunes to holiday jazz. 860-529-0612; webb-deane-stevens.org

DEC. 16–17, 21: NEW HAVEN, “Holiday Extravaganza: A Classical Christmas.” Join the New Haven Symphony for a celebration sure to lift the spirits as it performs seasonal favorites, leads a carol sing-along, and more. 203865-0831; newhavensymphony.org

DEC. 31: HARTFORD, First Night. The fireworks at Bushnell Park are the culmination of this multicultural, alcohol-free New Year’s experience, with musical, artistic, and other performances and exhibits at venues across the city. firstnighthartford.org

Tarcoles