Boston Irish Tourism Association

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Current Special Exhibit
"In Her Voice: Jacqueline Kennedy the White House Years" Exhibit

This exhibit highlights Mrs. Kennedy's 1964 oral history interview. Sealed for 47 years and published in September 2011, it is a series of wide-ranging conversations with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., in which Mrs. Kennedy reveals her thoughts and impressions on topics spanning John F. Kennedy's early campaigns to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The conversations cover Mrs. Kennedy's impressions of world leaders and events, her role as First Lady, and her life as a wife and mother living inside the White House.

Through December 9

Huntington Theatre Presents: Betrayal

Huntington Theatre Company
The Boston University Theatre
264 Huntington Avenue, Boston
617 266-0800 | huntingtontheatre.org

"The greatest and most moving of all Pinter’s plays." – The London Telegraph
For seven years, Emma and Jerry engage in a passionate love affair, deceiving their spouses, each other, and at times, even themselves. One of the 20th century’s most influential dramatists, Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter innovatively explores the complexities of love, guilt, and duplicity in this Olivier Award-winning classic.

Through December 16

ArtsEmerson Presents:The Pianist of Willesden Lane

Paramount Mainstage
559 Washington Street, Boston
617 824-8400 | Various Times | artsemerson.org

Set in Vienna in 1938 and London during the Blitzkrieg, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of noted pianist and author Mona Golabek’s mother, Lisa Jura. A young Jewish pianist, Lisa dreams of a concert debut at the storied Musikverein concert hall. When Lisa is swept up in the kindertransport, to protect her from the Nazi regime, everything about her life is upended except her love of music and her pursuit of that dream. Golabek performs some of the world’s most beloved piano music in this poignant tribute to her remarkable mother.

December 1, 8, 15 & 22

The Burren Presents:
3rd Annual SLAM Holiday Artist Market

The Burren Pub
247 Elm Street
Davis Square, Somerville
617 776-6896 | 12 - 4:00 p.m.
burren.com | Click here for more details.

Each week in December, a different mix of artists will offer a great selection of jewelry, pottery, textiles, painting, photography & so much more, so shoppers are sure to find an original gift for everyone on their list!
Showcasing the work of local artists in a variety of media including; painting, photography, jewelry, book binery, sculpture, glass, textile, ceramics and artisanal foods.
The Burren offers $5 artist market lunch special.
Click here for a list of exhibitors | | click here to view the schedule.

December 1

Áine Minogue in Concert

One World Coffeehouse
59 Main Street, Essex, MA
Concert: 8:00 pm | 978-768-3690 | oneworldcoffeehouse.org | minogue.com

This Pan-Celtic odyssey is an enchanting evening of msic, storytelling, and tradition. "With familiar carols and wintry Celtic ballads, tales, and poetry, her holiday concerts become a lilting, lulling way to make sweet sense of the season." - - Boston Globe
Áine’s harp has entertained former Irish Presidents and Prime Ministers. She is a regular performer at folk festivals and concerts throughout the country.

December 1

Sixth annual Shamrock and Holly Fair

Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre
19 Temple Street, Worcester
10:00 am to 4:00 pm | 508-873-4832 | aohworcester.com

A record turnout is expected this year, as selective shoppers search for that special gift. A great day to shop, have lunch, and take home fabulous baked goods. Parking is free, and there is no admission charge, however, donations will be accepted. Proceeds benefit the Dismis House. Sponsored by AOH Division 36 & LAOH Division 36.

December 1

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
The Clancy Legacy Christmas Celebration

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
8:00 pm | $15.00 advance | $18.00 day of show
riverfolk.org/schedule.html

Aoife Clancy, Robbie O'Connell, George Keith and Erik Wendelken
Check back for full details.

December 2

ICCNE - - Enjoy Breakfast with Santa!

Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
10:00 am | $12, Children (5-12 years) - $6, under 5 years - FREE!
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org

The Irish Cultural Centre welcomes the whole family to our annual Breakfast with Santa. Santa will be arriving from the North Pole via Ireland to visit the Irish Cultural Centre! Come take your photo with Santa, enjoy a tasty breakfast and soak up the Irish cheer at this popular children\'s Christmas event. For more information please contact the ICC office at 781-821-8291.

December 3

Music Worcester presents: The Messiah – George Frederick Handel

Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
8:00 pm | $40, Students: $20 | 508 752-0888 | mechanicshall.org

Messiah, the choral masterwork which remains perhaps the greatest achievement in the entire history of musical composition has been a noteworthy tradition in Worcester since 1897 under the sponsorship of Music Worcester. This eagerly anticipated performance ushers in the holiday season with a capacity audience each year.

December 5

Christmas Gathering
Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Workshop and Lecture Series

Boston College, Walsh Hall
2101 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton Campus
6:30 p.m. | Free & open to the public
617 552-6396 | facebook.com | bc.edu/centers/irish/gaelicroots

This annual celebration of the holiday season features music, songs and stories with Gabriel Donohue, Marian Makins, Seamus Connolly and Boston College students.

December 5-24

Holiday Pops 2012

Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
1-888-266-1200 | various times
$35-$129 | bso.org

Continuing one of Boston's most beloved holiday traditions, conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops open the 2012 Boston Pops Holiday Series on December 5. Symphony Hall is transformed into a magical place for all ages as the Boston Pops perform the most beloved holiday music. Be part of the traditional Pops sing-a-long, and enjoy a visit from jolly old St. Nick! Join together with the thousands of others and order your tickets early for upcoming concerts!

December 5-9

ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage Presents: La Belle et la Bete

Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont Street, Boston
617 824-8400 | Various Times | artsemerson.org

In this contemporary take on the original tale, the great love story of Beauty and the Beast gets reworked in an astonishing new multi-disciplinary performance. Masters of osmosis, blending real and virtual imagery, Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon set a new standard in multimedia performance with this production. The intense, luminous characters manage to transcend their broken hearts through their inexhaustible thirst for life. Audiences will be spellbound as all theatrical elements – from Belle's paintings to the characters’ dramatic transformations – spring to life, breaking the boundaries between real and virtual. With added passion and virtuosity, Lemieux and Pilon reimagine this universal story of resilience and the redemptive power of love against all odds.

December 7-16

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents:
ChristmasTime - 30th Anniversary Production

Robinson Theatre
617 Lexington Street, Waltham
Dec 7 & 14: 7:00 pm | Dec 8-9, 15-16: 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
781-891-5600 | Groups: 781-894-2330 | reagleplayers.com | Tickets

Reagle’s famed Christmas spectacle! The one Boston Christmas spectacle guaranteed to warm any heart! Children of all ages are enchanted by Santa’s Workshop, Teddy Bears’ Nutcracker, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Victorian Christmas, precision dancers and The Living Nativity. A cast of 200 comes gift wrapped in fabulous holiday sets and costumes - all backed by a full live orchestra.

December 7-January 13 - - EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 26TH

Huntington Theatre Presents:
Our Town by Thorton Wilder

Huntington Theatre Company
Roberts Studio Theatre
Calderwood Pavilion at Boston Center for the Arts
South End Boston
617 266-0800 | huntingtontheatre.org

Visionary director David Cromer brings his groundbreaking new version of this America classic to the stage.

December 8-9, 15-16, 22-24

Holiday Pops
7 Special Matinees for Kids

Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
11:00 a.m. | 1-888-266-1200 | $35-$129 | bso.org

Seven special Christmas matinee performances for kids. These special family concerts include a children's sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. For those seated at the floor tables, there are special kid-friendly menu options. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.

December 8

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Holiday Craft Fair and Festival

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI
9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Free Admission
riverfolk.org/schedule.html

Check back for full details.

December 9

JFK Library Presents: Celebrating the Life of Tip O'Neill

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston
4:00-5:30 pm | Forums are free and open to the public with reservations
Reservations: 617-514-1644 | jfklibrary.org

On the centennial of the birth of former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, journalists Mike Barnicle, Marty Nolan, Al Hunt, Cokie Roberts and Steve Roberts will share their memories of the Speaker with former ABC World News host Charlie Gibson. Watch a live webcast of Kennedy Library Forums through this link.

December 9

Áine Minogue in Concert

Cape Cod Cultural Center
307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Concert: 3:00 - 5:00 pm | $15 | 508-394-7100 | cultural-center.org | minogue.com

December 10

Boston’s Celtic Music Fest Presents:
Celtic Music Monday

Club Passim
47 Palmer Street
Harvard Square, Cambridge
8:00 p.m. | passim.org

BCMFest (Boston’s Celtic Music Fest) showcases Greater Boston’s best musicians, singers, and dancers from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and other Celtic traditions. BCMFest hosts an annual weekend-long festival in January that features more than 100 performers. All of the profits from BCMFest are used to fund the next festival. Don't miss this opportunity to see the December Fest.

December 11

JFK Library Presents:
A Discussion with Attorney General Eric Holder Jr.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston
6:00-7:00 pm | Forums are free and open to the public with reservations
Reservations: 617-514-1644 | jfklibrary.org

As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of numerous civil rights milestones during the Kennedy presidency, Attorney General Eric Holder will reflect on this history, the progress that has been made, and the challenges facing our nation today. Watch a live webcast of Kennedy Library Forums through this link.

December 12

JFK Library Presents:
The Life of Joseph P. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston
6:00-7:30 pm | Forums are free and open to the public with reservations
Reservations: 617-514-1644 | jfklibrary.org

Biographer David Nasaw will discuss his new book, The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy, with veteran journalist and radio host, Christopher Lydon. Watch a live webcast of Kennedy Library Forums through this link.

December 15

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Irish Step Dancers Christmas Performance

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI
2:00 pm matinee
riverfolk.org/schedule.html

Check back for full details.

December 15

ICCNE - - 2012 Annual Drawing & Holiday Open House

Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
6:00 pm | 781 821-8291 | irishculture.org

A $100 raffle ticket enters you into the Annual Drawing and you will receive a complimentary 12 month individual membership ($50 value) for new members for the year 2013. This year's Drawing is bigger and better than ever! Grand Prize: $30,000 with more than ten additional chances to win $2,500 and $1,000...and more! The Open House features live music, dancing, food, and cash bar.

December 15-16

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Annual Christmas Celebration

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
$18.00 advance | $20.00 day of show
Saturday: 8:00 p.m. | Sunday 7:00 p.m.
riverfolk.org/schedule.html

Check back for full details.