There is no shortage of things to do in the next few weeks leading up to December 25. Whether you’re interested in family activities, opportunities to give back to our servicemen and women, or enjoying classical musical performances, the Tri-Town region has something for everyone.
Rochester has its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s arrival on Monday December 9 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall. Music will be provided by Rochester Memorial School students, followed by refreshments in Town Hall.
Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library in Rochester will host two holiday themed events: a silent auction and open house on Saturday, December 7, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm; and, on December 14 starting at 11:00 am, there will be a marathon reading of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Refreshments will be served.
ORRHS Drama Club’s presentation of A Christmas Carol runs from December 5 – 7 at 7:30 pm with a final show on December 8 at 2:00 pm. This annual event is a tour de force not to be missed, bringing together the acting and musical talents of numerous students and volunteers working behind the curtain preparing period costumes and props with a story as timeless as Christmas itself.
If you are looking for something a bit more sublime, The Cantata Choir of the First Congregational Church in Marion will present ‘The Heart of Christmas’ by Pepper Choplin on Sunday December 15 with two seatings – the first at 9:30 am and the second at 11:30 am. This remarkable concert, under the direction of Choir Director Cassandra Morgan, has 63 singers and is accompanied by a professional 18-piece orchestra. This is a free concert; however, tickets are required due to limited seating. You can get your tickets while they last at The Bookstall and the General Store in Marion.
For the nineteenth year, Marion will host The Village Stroll between 3:00 and 6:00 pm on December 15. Santa will arrive via boat. Food and beverages will be available at various venues along the strolling path which steps off at Handy’s Tavern located at 152 Front Street. This is a perennial favorite for the young at heart as well as youngsters of all ages.
Sippican Woman’s Club will host its Annual House Tour on Saturday December 14 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm showcasing five homes professionally decorated for the season. Local businesses have partnered in making this a tour to remember. Joining with the homeowners will be Eden Landscapes, Bunny’s Bouquets, Always in Bloom, Serendipity by the Sea, and members of the SWC. A tea will be served between 2:00 and 4:00 pm at St. Gabriel’s Parish Hall as well.
A Gingerbread House Gala and Silent Auction sponsored by Habitat for Humanity is being held at the Marion Music Hall on December 5 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Bakers of all ages and ability will submit gingerbread houses to be sold along with other goods in their silent auction. A $50.00 donation is requested. Choirs will sing Christmas carols, and refreshments will be offered by Harriet’s, Lindsey’s and Artisan Kitchen.
For the third year, the Sippican Lands Trust, in coordination with business neighbors, will have a Christmas Stroll on Friday December 6 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Pilgrim Landing Plaza on Front Street. This is a free event that includes face painting, gingerbread decorating, ornament decorating, treats, and a visit from Santa.
The Sippican Choral Society will perform ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ by Benjamin Britten on Friday, December 6, at 8:00 pm at the Grace Episcopal Church, County Street, New Bedford and on December 8 at 4:00 pm at the Wickenden Chapel, Spring Street, Marion. Tickets are $12.00 and are available at The Bookstall in Marion and Symphony Music Shop, 94 State Road, in Dartmouth.
Marion Art Center will be open for holiday shopping Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. On December 14, Timothy Wade, local sand and ice sculptor and painter will demonstrate ice carving at 10:00 am outside on the patio, while inside wood carver Mike McCarthy will demonstrate bird-carving.
St. Anthony’s and St. Rita’s are jointly holding a ‘Harborside Christmas Fair’ on December 7 at St. Anthony’s church in Mattapoisett from 9:00 am- 2:00 pm. Great gifts and baked goods will be some of the items available for purchase during this glittering event.
‘Holiday in the Park’ at Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park takes place on December 14 at 4:00 pm with Santa’s arrival, food and beverage tent, craft activities and face painting for the little ones. There is also a tree lighting and carol sing-along. Concurrent with this event, Mattapoisett’s Lions Club will collect toys and food. Bring a new unwrapped toy or canned foods for distribution to local families in need.
ORR High School presents its ‘Holiday Concert’ on December 12 at 7:00 pm with performances by the band and chorus. The following week, on December 19 at 7:00 pm, the Junior High School will bring their holiday concert to the public with performances from their band and chorus.
Mattapoisett Historical Society’s Museum opens its doors for the holiday with a variety of events. On December 7 from 9:00 am to noon, you can view a Toy Train Exhibit, and holiday shoppers can purchase unique gift items. Drop-in with your kids throughout the day on December 14 and enjoy making an ornament or stop by on December 21 when classic Christmas cartoons will be shown. Hot chocolate will be served.
Looking to help the troops? Join Veterans Services from Mattapoisett and Rochester, in conjunction with Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops, who will be organizing Christmas Care Packages for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Your donations may be dropped off at Mattapoisett Town Hall by Friday, December 6. Items especially needed are travel-sized personal hygiene items and non-perishable foods of all types. Other useful items include gloves, hats, paper, pens, t-shirts and much more. Contact the veteran’s office at 508-758-4100 ext. 212 for complete details.
By Marilou Newell
