New Bedford 2012 Christmas & Holiday Schedule

The following community events will take place throughout the City of New Bedford to celebrate the 2012 holiday season. When shopping, please consider local retailers! Typically, the City of New Bedford offers FREE 2-hour parking at most paid parking locations during December. Send an e-mail to info@newbedfordguide.com or reply with a comment to get your public Christmas or other holiday event added to this list! Also, check out our calendar for holiday and non-holiday events: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar.

November 30th

Cove Street Neighborhood Group Tree Lighting (6 p.m.)

Location: Park on the corner of Ruth Street and Salisbury Street

December 1st

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. Full entertainment list here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/2012-downtown-new-bedford-holiday-stroll/2012/11/15

City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting (4:30 p.m)

Location: City Hall Plaza
Join Mayor Mitchell and New Bedford officials for an annual New Bedford tradition! The parade will step off from the bottom of William Street (at North Water Street) and will march up to City Hall Plaza for the lighting of the City’s Official Christmas Tree on the steps of the Main Library. The New Bedford High School Marching Band, the All-City Middle School Marching Band and Colorguard will participate in this festive event for the whole family to celebrate the holiday season.

Fairhaven Town Hall Toy and Food Drive (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m)

December 1, 2012, to mid-December, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.and Saturday, December 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Fairhaven Town Hall is partnering with the United Way and the New Bedford Firefighters’ Union to bring Christmas presents to area children in need. This toy drive will run from December 1 to mid-December.New, unwrapped toys may be dropped in the donation box. Make a toy donation a part of your family’s annual Old-Time Holiday Weekend, as the toy donation box will be available at the Town Hall on Saturday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to coincide with Town-wide festivities. Rumor has it that one of Santa’s elves will be at the donation box to help. The Town Hall is also a drop-off location for the ongoing United Way food drive. Please consider bringing non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, beans, peanut butter, etc. for the Town Hall collection bin. Handicap accessible. For more information, call the Selectmen’s Office at 508-979-4023 and ask for Anne.

All That Glitters at the New Bedford Art Museum (6-9 p.m.)

Sip champagne from an open bar and nosh on hors d’oeuvres by Harriet’s Catering while exploring our holiday auctions. Preview and shop at our Holiday Boutique featuring the works of local artists and artisans. And all while supporting the arts! All the proceeds from the weekend’s holiday events go towards NBAM’s free youth art education programs.

It’s a Wonderful Life – The Radio Show Version (8 p.m)

The Marion Art Center Players will open their production of “It’s A Wonderful Life – The Radio Show Version” on Friday, November 30, with shows on Saturday, December 1, Friday, December 7, Saturday, December 8 (all at 8:00 pm) and a 4:00 pm matinee on Sunday, December 9. This beloved tale, written by Frank Capra, has been adapted by Tony Palermo as a 1940s-style radio-on-stage production complete with a live audience and live sound effects. Rex McGraw is directing a stellar cast who will be put through their paces playing several roles each. This show is a perfect way to enjoy the season with family and friends. Tickets are $12.50 for Marion Art Center.

Plumb Library Annual Holiday Open House (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Drop by the Plumb Library on Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for the Annual Holiday Open House. Featured at the Open House: Silent Auction, Bake Sale, Wreath Sale and Pick-up, Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate, Pampered Chef Items, Children’s Table with crafts and face-painting by the Junior Friends. All proceeds from this program go toward the Friends of Plumb Library and their support of the library’s programs.

December 2nd

Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll

Many Moods of Christmas (4 p.m.)

Starting with the Irish 12th century Wexford Carol, the concert will display the diversity of Christmas music, from familiar popular songs, folk carols and hymns to an ancient chant set to African rhythms. The well-known regional chorus is directed by Brian Roderick, and accompanied by pianist Michelle Gordon and organist Dwight Thomas. The Sippican Chamber Choir will also perform, and the Southcoast Children’s Chorus will sing under the direction of Leslie Piper. Please visit our website at www.sippicanchoral.org.

Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park (4:30 p.m.)

Location: Clasky Common Park at County and Pope Streets
Join the countdown celebration to illuminate festive displays of dazzling lights throughout Clasky Common Park. Members of the Parker Elementary School chorus will perform and Santa Claus is expected to join the celebration.

Far North End Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (6:30 p.m.)

Location: Fire Station # 5, 3665 Acushnet Avenue

The Sippican Choral Society Christmas concert (8 p.m.)

The Sippican Choral Society will present its Christmas concert on Friday, November 30 at 8:00 pm at the Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford and Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 pm at Wickenden Chapel at Tabor Academy. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the Bookstall in Marion; Gail’s Goodies in Mattapoisett; Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth or at the door.

December 4th

South End Business Association Tree Lighting

Date and Time: Tuesday, December 4th—Reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 4:00 p.m. and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Howland Green Library, 3 Rodney French Boulevard

December 5th

The Neediest Families Fun Day

Santa will be at the Standard Times building (25 Elm Street, New Bedford) so parents can bring their kids and cameras to take pictures. There will be food for $5, a raffle and a bake sale. All proceeds will go to the Neediest Families Fund. The Standard Times is also a running Toy drive until December 5th.

In 1921, The Standard-Times and The Salvation Army joined forces to make the Holidays a happier time for underprivileged families in Greater New Bedford. Together, the two organizations founded the Neediest Families Fund. Since then, the Neediest Families Fund has raised thousands of dollars to help families and provide them with warm clothes, a good meal, and gifts for the holiday season. Last year our SouthCoast community joined together and helped the Neediest Families Fund raise over $200,000. With your renewed support the Neediest Families Fund will be able to provide thousands of SouthCoast families with a holiday meal and gifts for children under their Christmas tree.

December 7th

Padanaram Christmas Festival (5-8 p.m.)

The Padanaram Christmas Festival is Friday, December 7th from 5-8 p.m. Several local businesses will be participating. There will also be a door decorating contest, so make sure you vote for your favorite door! Click on the flyer to view all the events.

Lighting of Benoit Square (6:30 p.m.)

Benoit Square, Main & Adams Streets, Fairhaven. The North Fairhaven Improvement Association will light the decorated square and welcome Santa Claus to North Fairhaven. Free.

It’s a Wonderful Life – The Radio Show Version (8 p.m)

December 8th

New Bedford Preservation Society’s Annual Holiday House Tour (4-8 p.m.)

To herald the holiday season, residents of New Bedford’s historic neighborhoods will once again be opening their beautifully restored homes for the New Bedford Preservation Society’s signature fundraising event – the 21st Annual Holiday House Tour. The elegant parlors of the magnificent Rotch-Jones-Duff House will be featured along with the historic Nathan and Polly Johnson House and several private historic residences, some of which have never before been open for the tour, all beautifully decorated for the holidays. Feel the presence of the past in the varied 19th century architecture and interiors which are as diverse as the owners. This year’s candlelight tour will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th, with the December 9th Afternoon Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Both tours start at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street, tour headquarters, where an elegant pre-tour brunch will be held on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle and silent auction of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items.

Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-tour/2012/11/02

New Bedford Santa 5k Fun Run

What traditions do your friends and family uphold during the holiday season? Perhaps you go to an annual tree lighting, spend time shopping together, or get into season by trimming the tree whilst listening to your favorite carols. How about dressing up in Santa suits and going for a friendly 5K run together? This may sound like an unlikely way to celebrate the holidays, but if you witnessed the 1,600 jolly St. Nicks running through New Bedford streets last winter, you know that it is no joke. This year, the Santa Run will happen again on Saturday, December 8th and they are expecting an even greater numbers of participants in what is described as a “fun run” that invites runners of all ages and abilities to join. Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/2012-new-bedford-santa-fun-run/2012/09/12

Rogers School Breakfast, Craft Making and Book Fair (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Hosted by the Rogers School PTO, a pancake breakfast served. The breakfast is $5.00 and includes: pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. There will be crafts for kids to make or take home with them and a Scholastic Book Fair. There will be a visit from Santa between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Parents please bring your cameras and your children can get a picture with Santa. Additionally, a food pantry donation box available if anyone would like to bring can goods to donate. The donations are going to M.O. Life’s food pantry.

Ice Sculptor at the MAC (10 a.m.)

On Saturday, December 8, Timothy Wade, local sand and ice sculptor and painter, will give an ice carving demonstration starting at 10:00 am on the patio outside the Art Center. Visitors are invited to come and watch as he transforms ice into beautiful sculpture, take a few pictures with the finished product or stop by on their way along the Sippican Women’s Club House Tour. The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion, MA 02738. For more information, visit MAC’s website at www.marionartcenter.org or call 508-748-1266.

The Brick Church Fair (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

First Congregational Church, 34 Center Street
The church will be alive with activity. Crafts, Baked Goods, Cookies, Home Cooking, Vermont Cheddar Cheese, Chance Auction, Coffee Shop and much more. We will be raffling off a custom made rocking horse. “Heavenly Treasures,” our second-hand shop will be open all day. Lobster roll luncheon will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until sold out. Chowder and hotdogs will also be available. Handicap accessible. For more information, call 508-993-3368 or emailfirstcongfairhaven@verizon.net.

Unitarian Church Holiday Marketplace (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Unitarian Memorial Church parish house,102 Green Street, Fairhaven
The Unitarian Church parish house will be the site stress-free shopping with a variety of fine crafters’ booths, baked goods and the Women’s Alliance holiday greens. Festive holiday music, a visit from St. Nicholas and a Christmas tree decorated with love will spread holiday cheer throughout the halls. Free Admission. Handicap accessible. For more information, call 508-992-7081.

Fairhaven Town Hall Shops (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Non-profit and church groups have booths to sell holiday related items and more. Some of the organizations with tables are: VFW Ladies Auxiliary, HMHS Save Livesey Skate Park, Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, Church of the Good Shepherd, Fairhaven Village Militia, Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee and others. Entertainment provided by Fairhaven music students. The Bicentennial Committee will be displaying the Time Capsule contents prior to sealing the capsule. There will also be a drop boxes for new, unwrapped toys to be given to the area’s needy children and for the United Way food drive. Free. Handicap accessible. For more information, call 508-979-4085.

Unitarian Memorial Church Sanctuary Tours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green Street, Fairhaven
Guided tours will be given of the English gothic church built in 1904 by Henry Huttleston Rogers. A $1 per person donation is suggested. Handicap accessible. For more information, call 508-992-7081.

Holiday Ornament Crafting (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Art on Center, 15 Center St., Fairhaven
Art on Center with have lots of great crafting matrials on hand for you to design and make your own holiday ornaments. The cost is $5 per ornament. For more information, call 774-206-1709 or email info@artoncenter.org.

Winter Wonderland at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (3-5 p.m.)

Bring your family and friends to enjoy some winter crafts, hot chocolate, winter sports and games, and sign-up for Winter 2013 programs. Plus official lighting of the Holiday Giving Tree!

It’s a Wonderful Life – The Radio Show Version (8 p.m)

December 9th

New Bedford Preservation Society’s Annual Holiday House Tour (1-5 p.m.)

Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-tour/2012/11/02

Old-Time Christmas Carol Sing (1 p.m.)

Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven
TLC Play and Learn Campus Youth Choir and other voice ensembles will sing carols and other Christmas songs. A Sing-along will follow. All are welcome. Free will offering. Handicap accessible. For more info: 508-994-3826.

Service of Lessons and Carols (4 p.m.)

Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St., Fairhaven
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven presents a service of lessons and carols, with seasonal readings and music performed by Music Director Dwight Thomas and the choir of the Unitarian Memorial Church. All are welcome. Free. (Donations accepted.) Handicap accessible. For more info: 508-992-7081.

Goulart Square Association Tree Lighting (6:30 p.m.)
Location: Ashley Park on the corner of Rivet Street and Bolton Street

December 11th

South Central /South First Association Tree Lighting (4:30 p.m.)
Location: Monte Park on the corner of Russell Street and Acushnet Avenue

December 13th

The Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Bar 908 (5:30 – 9 p.m)

The 3rd Annual Holly Jolly Christmas Party to benefit local needy children and families will be Thursday, December 13th from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Your donation of $10 and one $10 toy gets you access to a buffet, live music and dancing.

Peace & Joy Postcards From New Bedford (6-10 p.m.)

Join us on Thursday December 13th (AHA! night) at ArtWorks in New Bedford, as we gather as a community to write and send HAPPY HOLIDAYS postcards from New Bedford to those we love all over the world. A live music and dancing celebration will follow! Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/516671108351974/

Rockdale Avenue Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (6:30 p.m.)
Location: Harrington Park on the Corner of Court Street and Liberty Street (across from Hathaway School)

December 14th

14th Annual Firefighter Union’s Toy Drive

Toy donations are accepted at Knuckleheads Bar (85 Macarthur Drive) until December 17th.

December 15th

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (6:00 p.m.)
Location: Riverside Park on the corner of Belleville Avenue and Coffin Avenue