From the Parade of Big Balloons to First Night, there is no shortage of fun activities.
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First Night Northampton
With the exception of a hurricane, the weather here in Western Massachusetts has been pretty mild, so it’s almost hard to believe the winter holidays are bearing down on us,
But they’re coming, like it or not, and with them, a whole panoply of events and activities for the entire family. While it would take a lot more space than we have here to list them all, let’s look at some of the more popular ones in the area.
Right around the corner, time-wise, is the Parade of Big Balloons in downtown Springfield on Friday. This annual promenade of inflated versions of cartoon and other characters may be geared toward the younger crowd, but there is no doubt some parents take delight in viewing some of the old-time characters float by. The parade is produced by Spirit of Springfield, which also puts on the popular Bright Nights display at Forest Park.
“The Spirit of Springfield is looking forward to an exciting holiday season with grand events like Bright Nights at Forest Park and the Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons,” said Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield. “These events bring family, friends and the community together in celebration.”
Bright Nights is well known to almost everyone in the Pioneer Valley. Now in its 18th year, the festival of lights draws visitors from all over New England to Forest Park each year. This year, the Springfield display runs from Nov. 21 to Jan.1.
Another great holiday display at a popular park is the Winter Wonderland at Look Park in Northampton, which runs Nov. 23 through Jan. 1.
Further north in Franklin County are the area’s favorite candle shops – always packed during the holiday season. The renowned Yankee Candle Co. has been creating a festive atmosphere for decades in its South Deerfield shop, while the newer Kringle Candle in Bernardston, which was founded by former Yankee Candle owner Mike Kittredge and his son, has made quite a lot of scents – and cents – since opening in 2009.
Heading east, Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge has a wide array of holiday offerings, with the highlight being Thanksgiving weekend, which features hearth cooking, demonstrations of 19th-century table manners, a shooting match, a recreated wedding, and a Thanksgiving sermon. The other big events at the Village are the Christmas by Candlelight weekends on Dec. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23.
In the Berkshires, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge will present a special screening of “Heirloom Meals: Savor the Holidays” on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m.
This American Public Television special was created and produced by Stockbridge resident Carole Murko. This hour-long program features a segment filmed at Norman Rockwell Museum, and captures recipes, stories, and the deep connection between food, family, and heritage. Delicious treats will follow the program. The cost is $16 and includes Museum admission. The cost is just $10 for members.
In neighboring Connecticut, Hartford Stage will bring the magic of Charles Dickens’ heart-warming “A Christmas Carol” to life from Nov. 23 through Dec. 29. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and company captures the spirit of a Victorian Christmas as well as the hearts of adults and children alike.
Last, but by no means least, First Night Northampton is the perfect way to ring out the old year and ring in the new. The festivities start early in the day, so both children and their parents need not worry about staying up too late. For those who do, however, the annual ball raising at midnight atop the Hotel Northampton is always a raucous good time.
