2012 Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll

Each holiday season the downtown New Bedford district comes to life with hundreds of shoppers filling the streets thanks to great holiday deals and activities. Organized by Downtown New Bedford Inc., the Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll is a must attend weekend event (December 1st and 2nd) for anyone looking to support local businesses and enjoy some great holiday entertainment. Here is a list of activities and participating retailers provided by Downtown New Bedford Inc. Check back as I’ll update this article as more details area released.

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Saturday from 12-4 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Custom House Square by antique fire truck and set up shop in Mare’ Studios, 27 Centre Street. On Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 4 p.m. Santa will greet his young admirers and pose for free souvenir photos. Visit Cork Wine and Tapas, 90 Front St., before or after your visit with Santa, for fresh baked cookies & milk, fresh hot coffee and autumn sangria samples for the adults. 12 – 4 pm. Trolley transportation and Antique Fire Truck rides will bring visitors around downtown.

Marching Band and Tree Lighting Ceremony

On Saturday at 4:30 p.m., stroll along with the NB High School and All-City Middle School Marching Bands and Color Guard for a parade up William Street to the Library for the City’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Mitchell, The City Council, and Miss New Bedford. The city’s giant tree will sparkle on the Library steps after the parade and lighting ceremony. Be sure to visit all the following to see what they have to offer:

• Arthur Moniz Gallery – 22 William St.
• ArtWorks! – 384 Acushnet Ave. Children’s Craft and activities featuring – Elves’ Recycling Workshop make-your-own Snowman Soup and Nature’s Bounty ornaments.
• First Unitarian Church, 71 Eighth St. on Saturday from 10-2pm for their annual Holiday Fair.
• Gallery 65 at 65 William St. – offering a great selection of fine contemporary art & craft by artists from the South Coast and Cape Cod. 11-5 p.m.
• New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St. Artist Boutique: Unique, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists. on Sunday only. 10 – 4 p.m.
• New Bedford Whaling Museum – 18 Johnny Cake Hill – will be open for shopping in their gift shop and the local artisan vendor fair in Jacobs Family Gallery. Live performances in the auditorium include: Saturday at 12:30 p.m. – Kathy Medina’s Studio of Dance Winter Concert and at 3 p.m. Cheryl McCormack Dancers Holiday Show on Sunday at 2 p.m. The New Bedford Youth Ballet will present excerpts from A New England Nutcracker. At 3:15 p.m. Showstoppers “A Christmas Cabaret”.
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitors Center – 33 William St. Children’s and family craft activities from 1-4 p.m.
• Ocean Explorium- 174 Union St. – 10-4 p.m. track Santa’s journey in hi-tech on the amazing “Science on a Sphere” and enjoy festive family crafts, such as decorating shells and Holiday themed crafts, treats of cider and cookies.- Saturday Only: Buy one admission, get one free.
• Seaman’s Bethel-15 Johnny Cake Hill – performance by members of the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra, 1-4 p.m.
• Travessia Winery – 760 Purchase St. Complimentary tasting of our 2009 Trapeze Pinot Noir expertly paired with Brigadeiro Barn’s Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. While supplies last and valid with any purchase. Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m.
• Whalemens Shipping List – 17 Johnny Cake Hill – – music, sweets and more. 12 – 4 p.m.
• YMCA- 25 So. Water St. – Crafts and treats.
• Zeiterion Performing Arts Center – 684 Purchase St.– Saturday,Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol” – this national production features lush sets, lavish costumes and the classic tale of a soul who is lost, then found. Tickets $15 and up. Call 508-994-2900.