New Bedford 2011 Christmas & Holiday Schedule

New Bedford Christmas

Our 2012 list can be found here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-2012-christmas-holiday-schedule/2012/11/15

The following community events will take place throughout the City of New Bedford during the month of December to celebrate the holiday season. When shopping, please consider local retailers! The City of New Bedford offers FREE 2-hour parking at most paid parking locations. Full details here. 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!

December 1st

DRUMLINE LIVE! (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 1st at 8:00pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
With explosive percussion, resounding brass and dazzling choreography DRUMLINE LIVE, will march onto the stage of the Zeiterion.It’s a spectacular event when the large cast of performers from America’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities fill the theatre and blast the rousing and rhythmic sounds of the great brass past including Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tower of Power side by side with the hottest contemporary hip hop and R&B. A special pre-show bonus with the winning Dartmouth High School Marching Percussion Ensemble will showcase their awarding winning sounds in front of the Z.

December 2nd

Drumline Live Zeiterion Theatre New BedfordCove Street Neighborhood Group Tree Lighting
Date and Time: December 2nd at 6:00pm
Location: Park on the corner of Ruth Street and Salisbury Street

DRUMLINE LIVE! (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 2nd at 8:00pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
With explosive percussion, resounding brass and dazzling choreography DRUMLINE LIVE, will march onto the stage of the Zeiterion.It’s a spectacular event when the large cast of performers from America’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities fill the theatre and blast the rousing and rhythmic sounds of the great brass past including Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tower of Power side by side with the hottest contemporary hip hop and R&B.

December 3rd

Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll
Date and Time: Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th from 12 noon to 4PM
Location: Downtown New Bedford
During the first weekend in December, Downtown New Bedford will be bustling with holiday spirit, shoppers, families and festive activities. On Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th from 12 noon to 4PM, Downtown New Bedford Inc., will present the 4th Annual Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll. Artisans, crafters, restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques will come together to create a unique holiday shopping experience. The two-day holiday event is organized by Downtown New Bedford Inc., and aims to encourage holiday shoppers to buy local. Full details here.

City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 3rd at 4:30pm
Location: City Hall Plaza
Join Mayor Lang and New Bedford officials for an annual New Bedford tradition! On Saturday, December 3rd at 4:30pm, 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 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 for the whole family to celebrate the holiday season.

The New Bedford Art Museum’s “Not So Silent Night”
Date and Time: December 3rd at 6-9pm
Location: New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant St.)
Tickets can be purchased at newbedfordartmuseum.org or by calling 508-961-3099. Questions? e-mail: info@newbedfordartmuseum.org

  • A variety of delicacies from local restaurants
  • Open bar
  • Live piano music and holiday sing along
  • Featuring a silent auction of great holiday gifts
  • First chance to shop the artist’s boutique sale before it opens to the public!
  • All proceeds will go towards the museum’s youth educational programs

Craft-o-Rama at UGLY Gallery
Date and Time: Starts Saturday, December 3rd at 11am and goes until Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 6:00pm
Location: 246 Union St
Craft-o-Rama, New Bedford’s Premiere Artists’ Market, will be at UGLY Gallery from December 3 through December 17. Buy local handmade crafts including jewelry, clothing, pillows, soaps, wallets, dolls, scarves, prints, greeting cards and much much more!

Jingle Bell Rock Zeiterion Theatre New BedfordJingle Bell Rock! (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 3rd at 8:00pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Mickey Thomas of Starship and Eddie Money come together for Jingle Bell Rock! For an unforgettable night of great hits and the season’s favorites that will have you on your feet rocking into the holiday spirit.

December 4th

Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll
Date and Time: Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th from 12 noon to 4PM
Location: Downtown New Bedford
During the first weekend in December, Downtown New Bedford will be bustling with holiday spirit, shoppers, families and festive activities. On Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 4th from 12 noon to 4PM, Downtown New Bedford Inc., will present the 4th Annual Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll. Artisans, crafters, restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques will come together to create a unique holiday shopping experience. The two-day holiday event is organized by Downtown New Bedford Inc., and aims to encourage holiday shoppers to buy local. Full details here.

Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park
Date and Time: December 4th at 5:00pm
Location: Clasky Common at County and Pope Streets
Join the countdown celebration to illuminate festive displays of dazzling lights throughout Clasky Common Park on Sunday, December 4th at 5:00pm. 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
Date and Time: December 4th at 6:30pm
Location: Fire Station # 5, 3665 Acushnet Avenue

The New Bedford Art Museum’s Artist Holiday Boutique Sale
Date and Time: December 4th at 11am-5pm
Location: New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant St.)
Admission is FREE. Questions? e-mail: info@newbedfordartmuseum.org

  • Shop the artist’s boutique representing the regions fine art and craft that will be set up throughout the museum offering their work for sale.
  • Objects to include ceramics, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, textiles and much more.  Something unique for everyone on your list!
  • A percentage of each sale will be donated to the museum’s educational programs.Free refreshments and holiday music.
  • Come shop, enjoy festive music and free refreshments rather than battle the malls!

December 8th

AHA! Starry Night
Date and Time: December 8th at 5-9pm
Location: Downtown New Bedford.
Downtown New Bedford comes to life with dozens of businesses providing art exhibits, live music, great food, shopping and more! Full calendar of events here.

Humbug Voc Tech High School 2011Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Theatre Company Presents Humbug
Date and Time:  December 8th through the 10th at 7:00pm, December 11th at 2pm
Location: Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School
Admission: General $12, seniors $10 and students $6. Call the box office at 508-998-3321, ext 424.

December 9th

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Theatre Company Presents Humbug
Date and Time:  December 8th through the 10th at 7:00pm, December 11th at 2pm
Location: Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School
Admission: General $12, seniors $10 and students $6. Call the box office at 508-998-3321, ext 424.

December 10th

New Bedford Santa 5K Fun Run
Date and Time: December 10th starting at 11am.
Location: The run kicks of at 11am starting at the New Bedford City Hall and making a turn around at Pope’s Island Marina. Full details here.

A Christmas Carol (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 10th at 2pm and 7pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
New Bedford’s favorite holiday tradition, the wildly popular national touring musical production of A Christmas Carol, returns to The Z stage. It’s the time when little girls in velvet dresses and patent leather shoes, little boys with bow ties and family members with smiles on their faces come together each year to experience the wonder and magic of the season.

City of New Bedford’s Pictures with Santa
Date and Time: December 10th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: The Ashley Room on the first floor of City Hall, 133 William Street

20th Annual Holiday House Tour
Date and Time: December 10 (4 to 8 p.m.) and December 11 (1 to 5 p.m.)
Location: The James Arnold Mansion (Wamsutta Club), Tour Headquarters (427 County Street)
Tickets: $19 advance purchase w/ $2 discount to society members; $23 at the door. Contact: Catherine Potter, Preservation Society office, phone/fax 508/997-6425. E-mail:  NBPS2000@yahoo.com  – www.nbpreservationsociety.org

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Theatre Company Presents Humbug
Date and Time:  December 8th through the 10th at 7:00pm, December 11th at 2pm
Location: Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School
Admission: General $12, seniors $10 and students $6. Call the box office at 508-998-3321, ext 424.

December 11th

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Theatre Company Presents Humbug
Date and Time:  December 8th through the 10th at 7:00pm, December 11th at 2pm
Location: Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School
Admission: General $12, seniors $10 and students $6. Call the box office at 508-998-3321, ext 424.

Goulart Square Association Tree Lighting
Date: December 11th at 6:30pm
Location: Ashley Park on the corner of Rivet Street and Bolton Street

20th Annual Holiday House Tour
Date and Time: December 10 (4 to 8 p.m.) and December 11 (1 to 5 p.m.)
Location: The James Arnold Mansion (Wamsutta Club), Tour Headquarters (427 County Street)
Tickets: $19 advance purchase w/ $2 discount to society members; $23 at the door. Contact: Catherine Potter, Preservation Society office, phone/fax 508/997-6425. E-mail:  NBPS2000@yahoo.com  – www.nbpreservationsociety.org

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn Zeiterion Theatre New BedfordA Christmas Celtic Sojourn (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 11th at 7pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Brian O’Donovan’s outstanding gathering of Celtic singers, musicians, and dancers takes the Z stage. This year’s performances will feature a wide variety of singers, musicians, and dancers including Ruth Moody, the wonderful Canadian singer who is part of the trio The Waylin’ Jennys, now a staple on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. The Z’s block parties in a tent in front of The Z have become an audience favorite and this year The Z has added a special Block Party for the Holidays December 11th before and after A Christmas Celtic Sojourn. The Block Party begins with holiday fare, decorations and music at 6pm and continues after the show with dessert and an artist meet and greet. It’s a time for the family to come together for a very magical holiday night.

December 12th

Whaling City Christmas Cd Release PartySouth Central /South First Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: December 12th at 6:30pm
Location: Monte Park on the corner of Russell Street and Acushnet Avenue

CD Release Party for A Whaling City Christmas Vol 1
Date and Time: December 12th at 8:30pm
Location: Cork Wine & Tapas (90 Front Street, New Bedford)
Ethan Weiss hosts a CD Release Party for A Whaling City Christmas Vol 1. Marcus Montiero will perform live. This is an album of original Christmas music by local artists. All proceeds go to the New Bedford Education Foundation.

December 15th

Rockdale Avenue Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date: December 15th 6:30pm
Location: Park on the Corner of Court Street and Liberty Street (across from Hathaway School)

Yoga New Bedford art MuseumThe New Bedford Art Museum’s Yoga & Art
Date and Time: December 15th at 6-7:30pm, January 7th at 9-10:30am
Location: New Bedford Art Museum (608 Pleasant St.)
Members $12 / Non-Members $15
For centuries artists have been intrigued and inspired by the human body. How it moves. How it rests on the earth. How it flows in space. For centuries yoga practitioners have been intrigued and inspired by the human body. It’s ability to breathe, to transform and why it flows in space. All levels welcome. Sign up online today or reserve your space by emailing info@newbedfordartmuseum.org.

December 16th

Occasion~ally Christmas Fundraiser Concert
Date and Time: December 16, 7-9pm
Location: Grace Episcopal Church on 133 School St, New Bedford
Come join the Occasion Singers in a fundraising concert for the Youth Groups’ pilgrimage and mission trips. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased ahead of time through the church office (508) 993-0547, the youth group, or at the door the night of the concert. Denise Bastos, Melanie Hannack, Caroline Sargent Blais, Jacqueline Hinckley, Chris Saulnier, Eric Bosworth, and Rui Moniz all come together under Cassandra Morgan’s direction to bring old favorites and new works to life in a tight-knit harmonic blend. Some selections include “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, “Silent Night”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and many more. There will be a reception immediately following the concert.
Look them up online at http://www.occasionsingers.wordpress.com/

 

 

Pre-Xmas Rock Show – The O’Tooles, The McGunks, The Doll Eyes
Date and Time: December 16, 8-11pm
Location: Broad Street Tap (433 Broad St, Cumberland, RI)
Free admission!

December 17th

The New Bedford Symphony’s Hear the Cheer Holiday Pops (Order Tickets)
Date and Time:  December 17th at 3:30pm and 7pm
Location: Zeiterion Theatre (684 Purchase Street)
The Z holiday celebration culminates on December 17th at 3:30 and 7pm with The New Bedford Symphony’s Hear the Cheer Holiday Pops- a one-of-a-kind Holiday Season tradition on the South Coast. A beautifully decorated stage, Santa in the lobby greeting children of all ages, friends and family enjoy the music of the holiday season. The holiday concert features Steve March Tormé, The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, SouthCoast Children’s Chorus, and the Symphony’s Youth Orchestra.

December 18th

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date: December 18th at 6:00pm
Location: Riverside Park on the corner of Belleville Avenue and Coffin Avenue

Glass Armonica Holiday Concert
Date and Time: December 18th at 3-4 PM
Location: The New Bedford Museum of Glass, 61 Wamsutta St. in the New Bedford Antiques Center Building
Invented by Benjamin Franklin and performed by Marie Antoinette, come learn the fascinating history behind the instrument whose beautifully haunting melodies were once thought to incite madness in performers and audiences alike! Featuring the very talented and very sane Vera Meyer on the glass armonica. Free to Museum members, $5 to the general public.

Effective Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011 through Sunday, January 1, 2012 the City of New Bedford will offer FREE 2-hour parking at metered spaces in both the Downtown and on Acushnet Avenue and 2-hour FREE parking at the Elm Street Garage, the Zeiterion Theatre Garage and Custom House Square! You can park longer than two hours if you are shopping. Full details here.