NB FESTIVE EVENTS
DECEMBER 7
City of New Bedford Downtown Tree Lighting featuring a short parade, holiday sing-alongs, the New Bedford High School Marching Band and sweet treats starting at 5PM in front of the New Bedford Free Public Library.
Broken Glass Projection Mapping Presents Bringing Light and Art to Life at St. Anthony of Padua Church from 5-7PM. Walk into a 112-year-old landmark and behold the stunning architecture, with grand arcades marked by finely detailed columns. The church itself is a jaw-dropping site to see with the added effects of an epic light show curated by Broken Glass Projections, visually narrating the church’s history and dancing along the framework of the architectural wonder. The show will be set to a captivating soundtrack and hot chocolate will be served afterward. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP click here.
Gift your family something unique and made locally at the Holiday Market at the First Unitarian Church from 10AM to 3PM. The market will include a bake sale, plant sale, raffle, and vendors!
DECEMBER 8
At 5 PM, stroll through a classic display of holiday decorations at the City of New Bedford Tree Lighting in Clasky Common Park.
Deck the halls at the 30th Annual Historic Holiday Tour presented by the New Bedford Preservation Society from 1-5PM. This tour takes you on a festive stroll to and through historic homes in the city that are ornately decorated for the holidays. Explore both the exteriors and interiors that reflect the personal styles of past and present owners. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Preservation Society website here.
DECEMBER 10
Get inspired at the New Bedford Art Museum’s Starry Starry Night Holiday Party from 6:30 to 9PM. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the crisp night sky with a preview of deep-space photographs and otherworldly art. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the museum’s website here.
DECEMBER 12
Embrace the holiday spirit as you shop and stroll throughout downtown during AHA! Starry Night from 3 to 9PM. Enjoy the indoor/outdoor festivities featuring live music, holiday arts and crafts, live entertainment, and pop-up artisan vendors all centralized around downtown’s local shops and restaurants. For an extra special festive vibe, Broken Glass Projection Mapping is transforming the Custom House building into a giant snow globe with their unique light projection art. Stay tuned to the AHA! New Bedford website for more programming.
DECEMBER 14
Pamper yourself with festive entertainment as you shop local for your loved ones at the Downtown New Bedford Inc. Annual Holiday Stroll from noon to 5PM. This event is always filled with festive roaming entertainment such as holiday character performance art, wandering carolers, pop-ups and special experiences at local shops and restaurants, and meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stay tuned to the DNB INC. website for programming updates.
Unwind in the New Bedford Harbor Hotel Lounge with live entertainment, a special holiday menu, and featured cocktails after the Holiday Stroll.
Make memories with the family at A New England Nutcracker presented by The New Bedford Ballet at Keith Middle School. Two showings: 1 to 2:30PM and 4 to 5:30PM
DECEMBER 15
There’s nothing like a fresh fun take on a classic and The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra will have you aglow with holiday vim as they present Holiday Pops with two showings, one from 3:30PM to 4:30 and one at 7:00- to 8:00PM. Special guests include The Showstoppers and the Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestra.
Shop from local artisans at the Holiday Shop & Sip Artisan Craft Fair at The Gallery Bar. Enjoy delicious mocktails as you search for the perfect gift for your loved ones!
OTHER DECEMBER EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
The New Bedford Whaling Museum First Friday with the Spindle Rock River Rats, December 6 at 6PM. Expect bluegrass, gospel, fiddle tunes, sea shanties, folk and blues. First Fridays at the Museum feature fine art, live music and culture, a cash bar, and delicious tapas.
Learn about New Bedford’s French speakers at the Spinner Publications Book Launch Event at St. Anthony of Padua Church on December 14 from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Author Alfred H. Saulnier will discuss his book The French of New Bedford: The Early Years.
New Bedford Festival Theatre Presents Home for the Holidays: A family fun musical celebration at The Steeple Playhouse featuring Erin and Matt Band on December 21 from 4-5:30 PM.
Ring in the New Year at City Celebrates New Year’s Eve! Exciting performances throughout downtown including music, fire spinning, circus arts, a fireworks display over the harbor and more!
