New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
This weekend is made up of pretty mild temperatures. While we will experience lows below freezing, each day will warm up into the 40s. If you’re a fan of wearing thermals, hoodies, or flannels, you will be thrilled. However, Saturday will experience something that only happens on few corners of the world – contradictory weather in the same day: “Periods of sun, with a snow shower.” No one in New England would balk at this of course. Rain, sleet, snow and sunny? Yeah, we call that “Tuesday.” Otherwise, the weekend will mixed clouds and sun – with no precipitation forecasted for Friday or Sunday.
As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!
Friday, December 12th
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.
Sparkle! An outdoor family event! (Bristol, R.I.) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Festive fun for the entire family! Come, stroll through Blithewold’s illuminated gardens and Greenhouse, breathe in that crisp Christmas air, or join our carolers as they spread holiday cheer. Come, enjoy music, cocoa, and roasted marshmallows around a roaring bonfire in Blithewold’s Enclosed Garden. Carol singing begins at 6:30 p.m. around the bonfire. Hot Cocoa is free; S’mores kits will be available for $1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809. Phone: 401.253.2707. Email: amillora@blithewold.org.
Painting with a Splash: Reindeer Fun, Starry Night, & Northern Lights (7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Saturday, December 13th
XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.
3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.
Explorer Zone Day at Buttonwood Park Zoo: Solar System (1:00pm-3:00pm)
Ocean Explorium Explorer Zone Days here at the Zoo. Join us to learn a little more about the critters that call the ocean home!
Cookie decorating (Mattapoisett) (1:00-3:00pm)
Come to the Mattapoisett Library as part of the Mattapoisett Holiday Stroll – listen to some holiday stories and decorate a cookie to take home!
Creative Auctions Holiday Auction (1pm – close)
Looking for some deep discounted NEW items? Creative Auctions is hosting their annual Holiday Auction. Doors open at 1pm and auctions start at 2pm at the Bank Street Armory on 72 Bank Street in Fall River. Get here early because we had a standing room only crowd this past Saturday! Preview of items to expect:
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.
23rd Annual Holiday House Tour (4:00pm-7:00 pm)
Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, costumed portrayers, spot the Peppermint Pig Scavenger Hunt, holiday raffle.
427 County St., New Bedford. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508.997.7431 to make your reservation. Details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-house-tour/2014/11/0
Parent’s Night Out (4:00-7:00pm)
With the holidays around the corner, “Parents Night Out,” gives parents the opportunity to drop their children off in a fun and safe environment while they run their errands. Fun fitness games, moves, and a pizza party are a few of the ways we will kick off the evening. Parents must register their children no later than December 12th. Ages 6-13. $5. Payment is due at the time of registration. Check or money order payable to “City of New Bedford.” Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street, N.B. 508.991.6298.
Painting with a Splash: Mr. Snowman(8+), The Eye (Advanced) & three other XMas themes (12:30pm, 3:00pm, 7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (7:00 pm)
The Bullard Street Neighborhood Association at Riverside Park on corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Avenue. Santa Claus is ccoming to town with Mrs. Claus for this special occasion to visit with all of the girls and boys.
Sunday, December 14th
New Bedford 5k Santa Run (11am)
The 4th Annual New Bedford 5K Santa run is expected to host 1,000 Santas running through downtown New Bedford. Still want to sign up? Head over to the YMCA downtown starting at 9:30am to race time. The 5K kicks off at 11am. Details: http://www.thesightings.com/event/santa-sightings/
XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.
Santa Sightings 5K Race (11:00am)
To benefit the New Bedford Cultural Commision, Gifts to give of New Bedford and the Southcoast YMCA. New to this year, Youth Runs for 6 and under and 7-12. Registration takes place 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7 a.m. Dec. 14. $35, $10 for youth racers. For information visit www.the-sightings/events/santa-sightings. Race starts and finishes at New Bedford City Hall, New Bedford.
3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.
23rd Annual Holiday House Tour (1:00pm-5:00 pm)
Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, costumed portrayers, spot the Peppermint Pig Scavenger Hunt, holiday raffle.
427 County St., New Bedford. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508.997.7431 to make your reservation. An elegant pre-tour brunch at the Wamsutta Club will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items. $19 advance purchase, $23 at the door. All proceeds benefit the society. Details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-house-tour/2014/11/0
New England Irish Harp Orchestra (2:00pm)
Mark your calendars for a holiday performance in the beautiful upstairs reading rooms by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra at the Mattapoisett Library. This exciting and educational presentation, sponsored by the Library Trust, will be preceded by the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library downstairs in the community meeting room at 1:00 p.m.
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights & Polar Express Train Ride (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.
Polar Express is inspired by the run-away hit movie! This holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.
A Christmas Carol 2014 (2:00pm & 7:00pm)
This beloved production with outstanding sets and lavish costumes from the nationally touring Nebraska Theater Caravan has become the gem of New Bedford’s holiday traditions. Starring miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge, this classic tale of love, generosity and the Spirit of Christmas stirs the hearts of audience members young and old. Join our Zeiterion family for a matinee or evening performance and experience the joy of the season! Tickets: https://ticketing.zeiterion.org/public/Default.asp
Painting with a Splash: Hot Cocoa (6:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.
