The boys of the NYPD Choir were singing “Galway Bay”
And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day.
– The Pogues, Fairytale of New York
Huntington Harbor Parade of Lights
© huntingtonlighthouse.org
Saturday, November 9
Huntington, NY
The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society presents this annual FUNdraiser for the historic light’s restoration and maintenance, and all vessels, homes and businesses are welcome to participate. The parade starts at 6pm, and prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact co-chairs Pam Setchell at pam@huntingtonlighthouse.org or Leigh Sterflinger at leigh@huntingtonlighthouse.org, or log onto huntingtonlighthouse.org.
Holiday Harbor Lights Illuminated Boat Parade
Friday, November 29
Various venues in Newport, RI
A visual treat for participants and spectators alike, this tour of the harbor starts at 6:15 pm. There’s prime viewing from Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf, and Newport Yacht Club (on Long Wharf) is open to the public that evening. Prizes for Best Decorated Sailboat (recreational & commercial), Best Decorated Powerboat (recreational & commercial), Best Decorated Fishing Boat, Best Decorated Porch or Dock, and Most Team Spirit will be awarded. For more details, contact Newport Harbormaster Tim Mills at 401-845-5815 or tmills@cityofnewport.com.
Santa Arrives by Tugboat & 19th Annual Mystic Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, November 30
Various venues in Mystic, CT
Santa will arrive at Mystic River Park at 2 pm on the tugboat John Paul, and there’s a tree lighting in the park at 6 pm. Then decorated vessels will parade down the Mystic River. Boats of all types and sizes are welcome, and prizes will be awarded for Most Charismatic Crew, Innovative Vessel, Best Dressed Vessel, and Miss Mystic Vessel of Grandeur. Boats of all types and sizes are welcome, and entrance requires only a toy or coat donation to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. To learn more, log onto mysticchamber.org.
Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions
Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions
Saturday, November 30 to Saturday, December 28
Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Presented by the Preservation Society of Newport County, this annual celebration showcases The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House decked out in yuletide finery. For a schedule of live music, tours and other events, visit newportmansions.org.
Downtown Milford Lamplight Stroll
© milfordlive.com
Friday, December 6
Various venues in Downtown Milford, CT
Presented by the Downtown Milford Business Association, this classic New England event includes a visit from Santa, horse & carriage rides around Milford Green, yuletide carolers, and performances by the Cornerstone Christian Adult & Youth Choirs. The town’s finest shops, spas and salons will enthusiastically greet visitors with refreshments, holiday cheer and a unique holiday shopping experience. Festivities run from 6 to 10 pm. For more information, log onto downtownmilfordct.com.
46th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll Weekend
© nantucketchamber.org
Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8
Nantucket, MA
This is an enchanting, magical tribute to the wonderment of bygone Christmases. At noon on Saturday, the Jolly Man in Red arrives at the dock via Coast Guard vessel and is escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to board a vintage whaleboat. At the top of Main Street, the Magical Talking Tree entertains children of all ages, while Victorian carolers, festively decorated shop windows, and a lively scavenger hunt add to the scenic backdrop of an event that’s nautical and nice! For more details, visit nantucketchamber.org/nantucket-stroll.
49th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7
Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI
Bring the whole family for an evening of Christmas cheer! Festivities begin at 4:30 pm with Frosty the Snowman. The Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long with Bianca Sings starts at 5 and the Mayor lights the tree at 6, immediately followed by Santa & Mrs. Claus arriving by boat. Bowen’s Wharf restaurants and shops are open before and after the event, the latter offering in-store promotions, gift wrapping and more. This event takes place whether the weather’s clear, raining or snowing. Visit bowenswharf.com/events for more information.
38th Annual Christmas in Edgartown
Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 15
Various venues in Edgartown, MA
One of New England’s loveliest towns hosts a weekend full of holiday fun for the whole family. Come be a part of the holiday magic! For more information, log onto edgartownboardoftrade.com.
72nd Annual Community Carol Sing
© mysticseaport.org
Sunday, December 22
Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT
Visitors from near and far return year after year to participate in this event, which starts with a holiday concert by the Mystic Seaport carolers in the Greenmanville Church at 2 pm. The carol sing, led by former Ledyard High School choral director Jamie Spillane and backed by the Museum carolers and a brass quartet, commences at McGraw Quadrangle at 3 pm. The Treworgy Planetarium presents a free program, “The Star of Bethlehem,” exploring the winter skies by merging science, mythology, religious observance, winter traditions and music. A holiday craft workshop will also be hosted in the Howell Classroom (lower level of the planetarium), and the museum’s 19th century seafaring village will be decorated for the holidays. Free admission will be given from 10 am to 4 pm with the donation of a canned food item. Visit mysticseaport.org for more information. ■
