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NEW BEDFORD (Mondays) Toe Jam Puppet Band Creative Arts Playgroup Come sing, dance and play the hour away with the famous Toe Jam Puppet Band Two shows 10:30am and 12:30pm. Zoo admission + $5/family. Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, 508-991-4566 www.bpzoo.org (Thursdays) Mexican Night The Kinsale Inn, 13 Water St, Mattapoisett. 508-758-4922 www.kinsaleinn.com (Sundays) Meditation for World Peace Chanted prayer, teaching and guided meditation with Buddhist nun Kelsang Gomlam. 11am-12:30pm. $10 per class. Serlingpa Meditation Center, 512 Pleasant St., New Bedford. 508-979-8277 (Sundays) Greater New Bedford Track Club Sunday Striders, weekly training runs. All levels of ability welcome; non-members are encouraged to join group. Marathon training continues. 8am. Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida St., New Bedford. 508-994-7209 www.gnbtc.org (Sundays) Seisiun Night All musicians and non-musicians are welcome. The Kinsale Inn, 13 Water St, Mattapoisett. 508-758-4922 www.kinsaleinn.com (thru Wed. 12/31) Annual Xmas Show Celebrate the holiday season at Gallery X festive annual holiday exhibition. Stop by and take a look at our fine wares, suitable for gift giving. Wed–Fri 11am–5pm; Sat & Sun 11am–3pm. Gallery X, 169 William St, New Bedford, 508-992-2675 www.galleryx.org (thru Thu. 1/1/09) LaSalette Shrine Festival of Lights Largest religious display of outdoor holiday lights: daily concerts. LaSalette Shrine, 947 Park Street, Attleboro. 508-222-5410 www. lasalette-shrine.org

An exhibition celebrating arts education and particularly these ten artists (David Baggarly, John Borowicz, John Cox, Jason Duval, Hoyt Hottell III, Mark Parsons, Peter Pereira, Ben Shattuck, Carolyn Swiszcz and David Walega) who were either born and or raised in the South Coast and are now successfully pursuing careers in the professional visual arts. 12–5pm. AHA! Night (second Thursday of each month) 5 – 9PM. Admission: $3/Adult; $2 Seniors/Students. Children under 17 years are free. New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford. 508-961-3072 www.newbedfordartmuseum.org (Mon. 12/1–Wed. 12/31) Holiday Exhibition & Sale An exhibition and sale of our region’s talented artists. Come and view a wide variety of artwork for sale including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, note cards, handmade toys and more. Unique one-of-a-kind items will make great holiday gifts! Tue-Sat, 12-5pm & til 9pm on AHA! Nights (second Thu every month). Free. ArtWorks!, 384 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford. 508-984-1588 www.artworksforyou.org (Mon. 12/1) Classic Movie Night: A Midnight Clear (1992), directed by Keith Gordon, based on William Wharton’s autobiographical novel of World War II. The series is organized by local film reviewer Rob Gonsalves. 7pm. Free. Millicent Library, 45 Center Street, Fairhaven (Walnut St. entrance) 508-9925342 (Tue. 12/2 & Wed. 12/3) Greens Market Workshop Learn how to design extraordinary decorative wreaths and holiday accents. At the same time, your endeavor will help support the Museum’s holiday fundraising efforts by crafting items for our Wreath Auction and Greens Market. All materials supplied. 9am. Free. Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum at the Coachman’s House., 396 County St, New Bedford. 508-997-1401 www.rjdmuseum.org

(thru Thu. 1/15) Theatrum Rdo: The Late Work of Richard Winther Daily 9am-6pm. Closed on major holidays. University Art Gallery, College of Visual and Performing Arts University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, 715 Purchase St, New Bedford. 508-999-8555. Lantonsen@ umassd.edu. www.umassd.edu/cvpa/universityartgallery

(Wed.12/3) Members Holiday Party Ring in the holiday season with a special showcase of performers featuring songs of the sea that were sung by New Bedford whale men, as well as holiday classics. Light refreshments will be served. 5 & 7pm. Free/members; $10/non-members. New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. 508-997-0046 www. whalingmuseum.org

(Mon. 12/1–Wed. 12/31) Home Grown – 10 From The South Coast

(Thu. 12/4-Sat. 12/6) Annual Holiday Sale

The UMass Dartmouth Clay Club celebrates the holiday gift-giving season. A wide variety of undergraduate and graduate student work will available for purchase—including pottery, sculpture, painting, prints, textiles, jewelry and baked goods. 10am-6pm. Free. UMass Dartmouth Star Store campus, 715 Purchase St, downtown New Bedford. 508999-8907. [email protected]. (Thu. 12/4-Sun. 12/7) High School Musical New Bedford High School Drama Club presents an exclusive production of Disney’s High School Musical. Two high school students who are worlds apart—the school’s hoops star and the president of the science club—secretly decide to audition for their school’s musical, a decision that turns both their world and their school upside down. 7:30pm on 12/4, 5 and 6; and at 2 pm on 12/6 & 7. $12 adults, $2 discount seniors & students. New Bedford High School Main Auditorium, 230 Hathaway Blvd., New Bedford. 508-207-7956. www.nbhsdrama.com (Fri. 12/5) Gala Preview Party The opening of the RJD Holiday Exhibit and Wreath Silent Auction. Enjoy fabulous hors d’oeuvres and yuletide spirits in the festively decorated rooms of the Museum. Take home a gorgeous wreath, custom designed by friends of the Museum. 8pm. $40/members; $45/non-members. Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St, New Bedford. 508-997-1401 www.rjdmuseum.org (Fri. 12/5) Lights On! Taunton The single largest annual event in the city, celebrating a 90 year-old tradition of the lighting of Taunton Green. Twenty performance sites located throughout downtown will host a variety of local and regional talent, from amateur to professional, as well as kid-friendly attractions such a horse-drawn hayrides and trackless train & Santa’s grand arrival. Sponsored by the Heart of Taunton the fun begins at 5:30.Taunton Green and various venues. 508-880-4960. www. heartoftaunton.com (Fri. 12/5 & Sun. 12/7) Music of Inspiration and Light- Sippican Choral Society Under the direction of Brian Roderick and accompanied by pianist Michelle Gordan, the Sippican Choral Society proudly presents it’s 2008 holiday concert: Music of Inspiration and Light. Eighty plus voices will perform classical and traditional selections of Shipovalnikov, Mendelssohn, Wilberg and Rutter. The concert will feature four hands piano, organ, and percussion. Music of the season will also include selections performed by the Sippican Chamber Choir, a

featured soloist, and audience participation. 12/5 at 8pm Grace Episcopal Church, County Street, New Bedford; 12/7 at 4pm Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, Front Street, Marion. Adults $12, Students $5. Contact: Deborah Osuch, [email protected] (Sat. 12/6) Official Christmas Tree Lighting Bring in the season and attend our festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony filled with dazzling lights, holiday music and fun for the entire family. Join Mayor Lang and city officials illuminate the official Christmas tree on the steps of the New Bedford Free Public Library. 5pm. Free. City Hall Square, on the steps of the main library. 508-979-1410 (Sat. 12/6) A Christmas Carol

The classic tale of a soul lost and found, featuring the stingiest man alive, Ebenezer Scrooge, with Tiny Tim, The Cratchit Family, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. 2 & 7pm. $31, $25, $15. Zeiterion Theatre, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. 508-994-2900 www.zeiterion.org

New Bedford to join him for a yummy breakfast! Enjoy pancakes, sausage, pastry, juice, cereal, milk and coffee. Celebrate the season and bring the entire family for great food, fun, crafts and pictures with Santa. 8:30–10:30am. $5/adult; $4/children, HOLY FAMILY HOLY NAME, 91 Summer St, New Bedford. Cecilia M. Felix 508-9933547. www.hfhn.org (Sat. 12/6) Christmas Dreams Bazaar Purchase a holiday gift from a fine selection of arts and crafts, enjoy delicious ethnic foods, and try your luck at our giant raffle. Also featuring surprise boxes, attic treasures, children’s gift booth, and Chinese auction. 9:30am–5:30pm. Free. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Church Hall, County & Wings Sts, New Bedford. Contact: Marge Ferreira 508-992-7727 (Sat. 12/6) Downtown Holiday Stroll A merry holiday event for the entire family. Join us and enjoy carolers, strolling musicians, holiday goodies, free children’s activities and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Downtown New Bedford will shine with the joys of the holiday season! 12Noon–9pm. Free. Downtown New Bedford. Contact: 508990-2777 (Sat. 12/6 & Sun. 12/7) 17th Annual Holiday House Tour

(Sat. 12/6) Home For The Holidays Yuletide event and fundraiser. View stunning live trees decorated in unique holiday traditions by local businesses. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet, sparkling cocktails and fine entertainment. 5–8pm. Admission fee. New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford. 508-961-3072 www.newbedfordartmuseum.org (Sat. 12/6) Holiday Greens Market Purchase unique tabletop decorations, wreaths, and greens from our Holiday Greens Market in the Coachman’s House. View these exclusive offerings at RJD website and place an order in advance. 9am–12Noon. Admission fee. Rotch-JonesDuff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St, New Bedford. 508-997-1401 www. rjdmuseum.org (Sat. 12/6) Breakfast With Santa Old Saint Nick will make a stop to visit our school and invite all the children of Greater

The Holiday House Tour has become an annual tradition in the city and is the perfect way to welcome in the yuletide season. Featuring historic homes in the west of County Street neighborhood, all decked out for the

holidays. The Candlelight Tour will be held on the 6th and the Sunday Afternoon tour will be held on the 7th, with a pre-tour Holiday Brunch offered at the Wamsutta Club. A holiday raffle of fine gifts and artwork will be held at the Club during tour hours. The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum will collaborate with us this year to provide guests with a special visit to this beautifully restored mansion. Special holiday collections will be displayed there, as well as the restored “Carpenter’s Son” painting, recently returned to the Parlors of the RJD. Time(s): Candlelight Tour Sat 4–8pm; Sun 1–5. The pre-tour brunch will be held from 11:30am–1pm. $16/members; $18/nonmembers in advance; $22/at the door. Brunch/$15. Begins at Wamsutta Club, 427 County St, New Bedford. Catherine Potter 508-997-6425. www.nbpreservationsociety. org (Sat. 12/6 & Sun. 12/7; Fri. 12/12-Sun. 12/14: Fri. 12/19-Sun. 12/21 Holiday Lights At The Zoo Bring the family and enjoy miles of sparkling holiday lights and decorations, strolling through Buttonwood Park Zoo and Buttonwood Farm. Experience the “Polar Express” train ride to the North Pole Village and visit with Santa Claus. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at The Bear’s Den Café. The North Woods Gift Store will be opne for your holiday shopping needs. 6–9pm. Admission fee. Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford. 508991-4556. www.bpzoo.org (Sun. 12/7) Clasky-Common Park Festival Of Lights Celebration The annual holiday tradition continues as we celebrate the season with the illumination of the City of New Bedford’s oldest park. Take a stroll and see the festive displays and dazzling lights that bring back memories of days past. Santa Claus arrives by fire engine to greet the kids. Musical entertainment features the area’s finest performers. An evening the family will treasure filled with the sights and sounds of this wonderful time of the year. 5pm. Free. Clasky-Common Park, New Bedford. 508-979-1410 (Wed. 12/10) Vienna Boys Choir One of the great choirs of the world, the Vienna Boys Choir has been enchanting audiences young and old for over 500 years. Join us at the magnificent St. Anthony of Padua Church for a very special holiday concert of joy with seasonal favorites and music from the world over. 7:30pm. $47, $42, & $25. St. Anthony of Padua Church 1359 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford. 508994-2900. www.zeiterion.org

(Thu. 12/11) Book Discussion Breakfast With Buddha by Roland Merullo will be the discussion book. Public invited. 10am. Free. Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven (Walnut St. entrance). 508-9925342 (Thu. 12/11) AHA! Night: The Creative Holiday Featuring unique gifts in galleries, shops, museums and the creations of artisans and designers. Support New Bedford’s emerging cultural economy! 5–9pm. Free. Downtown & National Park. 508-264-8859. www.ahanewbedford.org (Thu. 12/11) RJD House Home for the Holidays Tour our magnificent museum and experience our Home For The Holidays theme and jovial decorations. 5:30–8pm. Free. RotchJones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St, New Bedford. 508-997-1401 www.rjdmuseum.org (Fri. 12/12) Benoit Square Lighting and Caroling Holiday lights at Benoit Square are lighted. Sing carols and wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. Enjoy hot chocolate and treats inside Fire Staion #3. 6pm. Free. Benoit Square, Junction Main and Adams streets, Fairhaven. (Fri. 12-Sun. 12/14) Old-Time Holiday Weekend Close to thirty non-profit groups host a variety of holiday themed events, including craft fairs and ships luncheons, A Dickens reading, musical entertainment, sing-alongs and more. Several locations throughout Fairhaven, MA. 508-979-4085. See what’s up? EVENTS Magazine website for more info. www.whatsupeventsmag.com (Fri. 12/12–Sun. 12/14) The Christmas Quarter A wonderful holiday story of a child whose family has recently moved and because of this, the child fears Santa will not be able to find where the family lives now. Meanwhile, the child finds a quarter and has to deal with the choice of being truthful or not, after discovering the handy man has lost his lucky quarter. Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30PM. Admission fee. Your Theatre, at St. Martin’s Church Hall, 136 Rivet St, New Bedford. 508-993-0772, 508-993-1396. www.yourtheatre.org (Sat. 12/13) The Brick Church Fair The church will be alive with activity. Crafts, baked goods, cookies, home cooking, Vermont cheddar cheese, chance auction, Fairhaven photos, refreshments and more. 10am-3pm. Lobster roll luncheon will be

served from 11am-1pm or until sold out. First Congregational Church, 34 Center St, Fairhaven. 508-993-3368 or email fccs@ comcast.net

an open house and show collections of Christmas decorations. 11am-4pm. Free. Academy Building, Main Street and Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven.

(Sat. 12/13) Christmas at the Cottage Marion Garden Discussion Group will hold their annual Christmas Boutique. The sale features beautiful seasonal handmade items, arrangements, greens & decorations hand made by the garden club members- features. The doors open at 9:30am. Location: The Marion Music Hall, Front St, Marion. 508-728-8674

(Sat. 12/13) Holiday Luncheon A luncheon of hot soup or chowder and sandwiches will be served at the Harrop Center next door to the Unitarian Memorial Church. 11am-1:30pm. Prices vary depending on items ordered. Harrop Center of Unitarian Memorial Church, Center St, Fairhaven. 508-992-7081

(Sat. 12/13) Booksigning Laura Backman, children’s author and Lemon The Duck will be at the store to sign copies of her book Lemon The Duck Noon2pm. The Bookstall, 151 Front St, Marion, MA 508-748-1041 (Sat. 12/13) Town Hall Shops Non-profit and church groups have booths to sell holiday related items and more. Some of the organizations with tables are: WhitfieldManj1ro Friendship Society, Fairhaven Village Militia, Fairhaven Mother’s Club, Fairhaven Improvement Association, Scout Troop/Pack 52, FHS Art Club, FHS Drama Club, Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee and others. 10am-4pm. Free.Town Hall, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven. 508-979-4085 (Sat. 12/13) Holiday Marketplace The Unitarian Church parish house will be the site of 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. 10am-4 pm. Free Admission. Unitarian Memorial Church parish house, 102 Green St, Fairhaven. 508992-7081 (Sat. 12/13) Children’s Old Fashioned Craft Making Drop by the Youth Room at the library to make paper doll chains, paper airplanes, snowflakes, etc. All ages. Handicap accessible. 10am-2pm. Free. Millicent Library, 45 Center St, Fairhaven. 508-992-5342

(Sat. 12/13) Lobster Roll Luncheon Lobster roll luncheon will be served from 11am-1pm or until sold out. First Congregational Church, 34 Center St, Fairhaven. 508-993-3368 (Sun. 12/14) Annual Christmas Concert & Caroling Celebrate the season with traditional holiday music featuring David Langevin on organ and the Spirit of St. Anthony Choir directed by David Touchette. Complimentary hot chocolate following the concert. 3pm. Freewill Donation. St. Anthony Of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford. 508-993-1691. www.saintanthonynewbedford.com. (Sun. 12/14) Old-Time Christmas Carol Sing 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. 1pm. Free will offering. Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Pl., Fairhaven. 508-994-3826. (Sun. 12/14) Service of Lessons and Carols 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. 4pm. Free. (Donations accepted.) Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St, Fairhaven. 508-992-7081.

(Sat. 12/13) Unitarian Memorial Church Sanctuary Tours Guided tours will be given of the English gothic church built in 1904 by Henry Huttleston Rogers. 10am-4pm. Donation $1. Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St, Fairhaven. 508-992-7081.

(Sun. 12/14) Community Concert Series: Synergy Brass Quintet The popular and well-traveled Synergy Brass Quintent brings to Fairhaven its “magical approach” to performance. 2pm. $10 adults, school age children free with a paid adult. Concert tickets available at the door. First Congregational Church, 34 Center St, Fairhaven. 508-993-3368

(Sat. 12/13) Academy Building Christmas Open House The Fairhaven Historical Society will hold

(Sun. 12/14) Annual Holiday Brunch Celebrate with friends at RJD House’s festively decorated parlors and enjoy a savory

assortment of brunch offerings and complimentary cocktails. View the Museum’s traditional decorations with seasonal greens and stunning floral arrangements. 11am & 12:30pm. $40/members; $45/non-members. Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St, New Bedford. 508-997-1401 www.rjdmuseum.org (Sun. 12/14) Christmas Candlelight Service During this special time of the year, come and view the old chapel’s dazzling decorations with greens, laurels and candles. Also enjoy traditional carols sung by a local choir. 3pm. Free. Seamen’s Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill. New Bedford. 508-992-3295 (Wed. 12/17) Meditation in Fairhaven Rev. Ann Fox will lead the session of insight meditation with some discussion. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a firm cushion. 7-8pm.There is no charge, but a goodwill offering for the church will be accepted. All are welcome to attend. Sessions are scheduled monthly. Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green St, Fairhaven. 508-992-7081. www.uufairhaven.org (Thu. 12/18) Booksigning Theresa Barbo wil be signing copies of her book, Cape Cod Bay, A History of Salt & Sea. 5-6:30pm. The Bookstall, 151 Front St, Marion, MA 508-748-1041 (Sat. 12/20) Hear The Cheer Come and hear the merriest celebration of the season! The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. David MacKenzie, and joined by special guests soprano MaryAnne Paguin and tenor Jason Robinette, will present two delightful performances celebrating the joys of the holiday season. The program will include traditional favorites, an audience sing-a-long, and some special surprises for the young ones! Location: Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Wheelchair Access. 3:30pm & 7pm. Adult $15, $23, $30. $38; Student $10.Zeiterion Theatre, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. 508-994-2900 www.zeiterion.org www. nbsymphony.org (Sat. 12/20) Town Hall Sing-Along Annual sing-along outside the Town Hall, followed by a visit from Santa on a fire truck and refreshments. 7pm. Free. Town Hall, 40 Center St, Fairhaven. (Sat. 12/20) Hepcats Swing Dance Dance to the great swing tunes with Hepcats DJs Joe, Sandy and Ashley. All ages welcome. No partners required. Beginners lesson from 7:30-8pm, dance from 8-11pm. $8. First Congregational Church, 34 Center

Street, Fairhaven. 508-993-3368 (Sun. 12/21) Christmas Pageant Traditional holiday presentation to celebrate the meaning of the season with the talented students of Holy Family Holy Name School. Over 200 students portray the Birth of Christ in tableau and song. 3pm. Freewill Donation. St. Lawrence Church, 565 County St, New Bedford. Cecilia M. Felix 508-9933547. www.hfhn.org (Sun. 12/26) THE LORE Lounge at Gallery X Live Soul, jazz & spoken-work, featured & open mic artists. Non-alcloholic. Bring your poetry & your love. 8pm. $5. 508-566-6269. Gallery X, 169 William St, New Bedford, 508-992-2675 www.galleryx.org (Sun. 12/28) Gregg Allman Tickets from prior postponed shows will be honored at this performance. Joining Gregg on the tour will be Bruce Katz (keyboard), Jerry Jemmott (bass), Steve Potts (drums), Mark McGee (guitar), Jay Collins (sax) and Floyd Miles (percussion). 8pm. $48, $58, $68. Zeiterion Theatre, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. 508-994-2900. www.zeiterion. org (Wed. 12/31) City Celebrates New Year’s Eve! Come out, bundle up, and bring the family to our spectacular annual New Year’s Eve celebration. A wide variety of events will be presented at multiple sites throughout downtown and the National Park. Delight in the arts, children’s activities, delectable foods and warm beverages, fabulous local entertainment venue and lots of guaranteed fun. Spend the evening with good friends and family and take pleasure in the diverse art galleries, retailers, fine restaurants and New Bedford’s cultural heritage. Festivities begin at 5pm. Admission: Button. Downtown National Park, New Bedford. Lee Heald 508-996-8253.