Current Special Exhibit
Service and Sacrifice: World War II – A Shared Experience
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston,
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AD: $18 |
Seniors/Students: $12
Ages 12 & under: Free |
Discounts for Veterans
1 866 JFK-1960 | 617-514-1600
jfklibrary.org | Exhibit details
Those who served in World War II did so for a variety of reasons, the universal draft being a major factor. They viewed their service through different lenses while sharing the experience of trying to win a war. For Americans of color, service in a war to "preserve democracy" was an ironic counterpoint to the suppression of their civil liberties at home. Women who were able to work in different capacities within the Armed Forces for the first time were greeted with hostility by their male counterparts. For all those involved, the war opened different avenues and changed perceptions. As a result, countless servicepeople went on to shape and change post-war American society. This exhibit will tell the stories of a few of the many.
December 1-31
Discover Newport Presents:
Christmas in Newport
Various Venues
Newport, Rhode Island
401-849-6454
ChristmasInNewport.org
Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 51st year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar with city-wide events and activities. PIctured: The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff.
December 1
Spectacle Live Presents: IL Divo: A New Day Holiday Tour
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell
8:00 p.m. | $49 - $129 | spectaclelive.com | Buy Tix
In 2004, a collective of distinct voices and dynamic personalities initially united and left an indelible imprint upon music and culture. Il Divo have ascended to unprecedented and unparalleled heights as multiplatinum classical crossover progenitors whose influence resounds in every corner of the globe. Over two decades, the original quartet—Urs Bühler, Sébastien Izambard, David Miller, and the late Carlos Marín—effectively changed the popular perception of classical and opera forever. In the middle of the Global Pandemic, the world tragically lost Carlos to COVID-19. Following careful consideration, thought, and time, they chose to honor his memory on their Greatest Hits Tour in 2022 accompanied by Steven LaBrie as a special guest baritone. Now, Il Divo continue to forge ahead in 2023.
December 1
Spectacle Live Presents:
Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Celebration
Plymouth Memorial Hall
83 Court Street, Plymouth
7:30 p.m. | $39 - $99
Buy Tix | spectaclelive.com
The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys Choir celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful program of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. What a perfect way to get in the Holiday spirit! Visit Spectacle Live to see additional performances from the Vienna Boys Choir.
December 2
Spectacle Live Presents:
Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Celebration
Cary Memorial Hall
1605 Mass Ave., Lexington
7:30 p.m. | $69 - $99
Buy Tix | spectaclelive.com
The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys Choir celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful program of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. What a perfect way to get in the Holiday spirit! Visit Spectacle Live to see additional performances from the Vienna Boys Choir.
December 2
ICC Presents:
Breakfast with Santa
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
$25 |
11:00 am -2:00 pm |
781-821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Tix
Join the ICC for a Christmas Breakfast along with a visit and gift from Santa. Enjoy chocolate chip pancackes, homemade baked good and hot beverages.There will also be plenty of arts and crafts with Liz, including ornament-making and face painting, and live music from Dave Try. Enjoy fun for the whole family.
December 2
ICC Presents:
Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Service
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:00 pm |
781-821-8291 | Free
irishculture.org |
Join the ICC for a very special Holiday evening as they light the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols. Stay and enjoy the festivities with mulled wine, mince pies and treats. This event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, so bring along your family and friends for a wonderful Christmas tradition at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton.
December 2
The Eustis Estate Milton
Eustis Estate Christmas Cheers
The Eustis Estate
1424 Canton Ave., Milton
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | 617-994-6600
$35 | Students: $15 | Members: $20
historicnewengland.org
Enjoy a magical evening of music and holiday cheer at the Eustis Estate. Explore the 1878 mansion, which has been lavishly decorated for Christmas, while live holiday music fills the halls. Advance tickets are required. Refreshments, wine, beer, and cider are included with your ticket.
Please call 617-994-6600 for more information.
December 2
Discover Newport Presents:
Bristol's Grand Illumination
The Burnside Building
Corner of Hope and Court Streets,
Bristol, RI
401-849-6454 | explorebristolri.com | eventbrite.com
A holiday tradition in Bristol that includes, caroling, music ensembles, dancing and the annual reading of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. Gather downtown at the Burnside Building for an evening of fabulous entertainment and holiday cheer. Entertainment begins at 4:15pm and features amazing local talent. Santa Claus arrives just before 6pm. Get excited as he flips the switch and lights up the Town tree and the giant snowflake over Hope Street! Don't miss out on the fun!
December 2
Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
14th Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Festival
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street,
Cumberland, RI
9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Free Admission | riverfolk.org
The 14th annual BRT Holiday Fair includes 26 vendors on site to allow plenty of Holiday shopping. The event features continuous live music by Bob Drouin, Russell Gusetti, Ed Sweeney, Cathy Clasper-Torch, Atwater-Donnelly, The Broad Street Fiddlers, plus raffle prizes, a bake sale table including Welsh cakes. Door prizes will be raffled off from each vendor with the raffle proceeds to benefit BRT's future programming.
December 2
Rockport Music Presents:
Cape Ann Big Band
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $19 - $36 | shows at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Buy Tix | rockportmusic.org
Get in the holiday spirit with Cape Ann’s own 17-piece big band, performing holiday favorites, old and new, infused with a bit of jazz, swing and rock n roll. Driven by the talents of local musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with its local community. The Band prides itself with having a repertoire that has no boundaries.
December 3
Rockport Music Presents:
Vienna Boys Choir
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $65 - $98 | 3:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | rockportmusic.org
Christmas in Vienna showcases these gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty in an extraordinary program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and, of course, holiday favorites. The Fort Worth Star Telegram raves “There’s no more gratifying sound than that of children singing. And there’s no more polished ensemble of children’s voices than the Vienna Boys Choir.”
December 3
ICC Presents:
Paul Byrom - Christmas in Canton
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
3:00 - 5:30 pm | $35 | $55 includes meet and greet
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org | Buy Tix
Tenor Paul Byrom is bringing his Chistmas show to the ICC. With classics like Ave Maria, I'll Be Home For Christmas, and many more, this is a show that will get you in the Christmas spirit. Considered by many to be one of Ireland's finest crossover tenors, Bryom's first album at age 14, The Golden Voice of Paul Byrom, led to a 25 year successful music career. His latest album with a full 65 piece orchestra, What I Did for Love, is his most crossover album to date and debuted in the top ten IMRO charts and no.1 on iTunes.
December 4
Áine Minogue - Christmas Concert
Wareham Free Library
59 Marion Rd,
Wareham, MA
7:00 pm
aineminogue.com
As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoy phenomenal success both in the United States and in Ireland, Áine has worked to explore their themes and to understand their very essence. Her voice, though uniquely her own, also reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology, and poetry. She has a dozen solo recordings on several labels including RCA Victor/BMG and has been nominated for FIMA awards for her work as a record producer. Her TV production work on “A Winter’s Journey” earned her a New England EMMY ® nomination. View additional concerts here.
December 6
Irish American Partnership (IAP) Presents:
Young Partners Boston Christmas Celebration
Meritage, Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. | irishap.org
Join the Boston-area Young Partners, Irish American Partnership supporters, and guests for an evening of fun and celebration at the Partnership's Christmas gathering. Enjoy cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds will go to fund the Partnership's Outdoor Play & Learning initiative. Young Partners chapters in Boston and New York get together for social and networking activities all year long, including presentations by prominent business figures, formal and informal get-togethers, and early access to Partnership programming.
December 7
ICC Presents: Boston Bakeology
Festive Favorites From Ireland
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | $65 | 781 821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Tix
Settle in with Boston Bakeology's Andrea Feeney and enjoy homemade mulled wine, and learn to make festive favourites from Ireland - Jambons, Sausage Rolls, shortcrust pastry from scratch, Irish mince pies & homemade custard! This is a hands-on class and participants each create the dishes in practical groups! All equipment and ingredients are provided! Join the ICC for a fun evening of cooking and merriment!
WIN FREE TIX!
December 7
Bill Blumenreich Presents:
Daniel O'Donnell
Bill Blumenreich: Chevalier Theatre
30 Forest St. (Medford Square), Medford
8:00 p.m. | Directions | chevaliertheatre.com | Buy Tix
Beloved as one of Ireland’s most popular artists, Donegal's Daniel O’Donnell, has been a household name in Ireland since 1983, when he launched his music career. He reach stardom in the USA in 2002, with his first PBS Special. Since then, he has recorded more than 35 albums, selling 15 million worldwide. His most recent album, "Daniel O’Donnell 60," released in 2021, contains such hits as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Always on My Mind. Grab you tix fast because this is his only New England appearance.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX!
December 8
Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Lúnasa
Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI
7:00 p.m. | $35 or $38 day of show
riverfolk.org
Blackstone River Theatre is delighted to welcome back to Rhode Island the international touring band Lunasa for its Irish Solstice Celebration concert. Named for a Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world. Lunasa band members include bassist Trevor Hutchinson, flutist Kevin Crawford, piper Cillian Vallely, and guitarist Ed Boyd. They will be joined by fiddler Colin Farrell as well as special guest Dave Curley, a multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer from Corofin, Co. Galway. You don't want to miss this special show!
December 8
Rockport Music Presents:
The Messiah by Handel & Haydn Society
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $65 - $98 | 7:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | rockportmusic.org
Handel's iconic Messiah is a treasured holiday tradition that will be performed by the incomparable Handel & Haydn Society in a special chamber arrangement for 13-member chamber orchestra and chorus led by Associate Conductor Ian Watson.
December 9
ICC Presents: Chloë Agnew & Friends Christmas Concert
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
5:30 p.m: VIP Meet & Greet + Preferred Seating: $60.00
7:00 p.m. | General Admision: $40.00 |
ICC Members: $35.00
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org | Buy Tix
Join Chloë Agnew, one of the most popular performers to visit the Centre, as she returns for her annual Christmas concert with some special guests. A former original member of Celtic Woman, at just age fourteen, Chloë’s experience and talent is evident in her Christmas show which combines classic holiday songs with traditional Irish melodies that bring audiences to their feet. Catch her live at the Centre to get you in the spirit of the Christmas season!
December 9
Eustis Estate Welcomes Santa
The Eustis Estate
1424 Canton Ave., Milton
10:00 am - 1:00 p.m. | 617-994-6600
$20 per adult | Members: Free
historicnewengland.org
Santa Claus is coming to the Eustis Estate! Visit the 1878 mansion house decorated for Christmas and take a photo with Santa from 10:00 - 1:00 p.m. All children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Once you have selected your child's tickets reserve your adult tickets here. Select a timeslot from the list to reduce your wait time. Walk-in visitors will be given the next available time slot.
December 10
Spectacle Live Presents: Eileen Ivers
Nashua Center for the Arts
201 Main St., Nashua, NH 03060
7:00 p.m. | $39 - $69
spectaclelive.com | Buy Tickets
It's the most wonderful time of the year …and for years Eileen and the band have been celebrating the glorious story of Christmas, thoughtfully, uniquely and with pure unbridled joy!! Eileen's Irish and American roots shine throughout the evening's beautiful mix of traditional, story-filled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and of course, foot stomping and hollerin' roots music. Eileen and the ensemble's plethora of instruments and voices weave throughout the evening, coupled with Ivers' signature warmth, inviting listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit and joy of the season.
WIN FREE TIX!
December 10 - 2 SHOWS!
Rockport Music Presents:
Lúnasa: Irish Solstice Celebration
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $29 - $46 | 3:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. (The 3pm show is sold out)
rockportmusic.org | Buy Tix
The acclaimed Irish traditional ensemble Lúnasa makes its Rockport debut bringing its Irish Solstice Celebration concert to the beautiful Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for two shows on December 10, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. They’re joined by guest vocalist Dave Curley, a multi-instrumentalist, from Corofin, Co. Galway. The group combines ancient traditional melodies with a driving contemporary tempo that brings out the magic of traditional Irish music at this special time of year.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WINNER OF FREE TIX TO THE SHOW AT 7:00 P.M.
December 13
Mná Mheiriceá Presents:
Glitz & Glam Holiday Party
W Boston
100 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116
6:30 - 11pm | Early bird tix: $95 (until November 25) | Admission: $135 | J1 Visa admission: $50
mnamheiricea.com | Buy Tix
Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of celebration and joy with Mná Mheiriceá. Bring your friends and loved ones to share in the holiday spirit. It's the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories and spread some holiday cheer. Expect a night of glitz, glamour, and holiday magic. Admission includes a welcome drink, food, live music and dancing, along with spot prizes and vendor showcases.
December 12
ICC Presents:
Christmas Luncheon for Seniors
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
irishculture.org
Join the ICC for the seniors special Christmas luncheon and get in the spirit of the Christmas season!
Check the website for details.
December 14
Rockport Music Presents:
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $62 - $94 | 8:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | rockportmusic.org
Cape Breton's distinctive brand of Celtic music is best exemplified by the master musicians Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, who have toured the world as Canada's musical ambassadors. The married couple and their talented family are bringing their Maritime magic to the Shalin Liu, performing Christmas classics and dance tunes to celebrate the holidays.
December 15
Spectacle Live Presents:
The Irish Tenors:
- 25th Anniversary: A Family Christmas
Plymouth Memorial Hall
83 Court Street, Plymouth
8:00 p.m. | $49 - $99
Buy Tix | spectaclelive.com
The Irish Tenors have been the acknowledged Celtic music kings since they burst upon the scene during a 1998 special. With ten best selling CD's to their credit, they share company with the likes of The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli as the biggest money makers PBS has presented. The Irish Tenors are the real deal! They have stood the test of time; audiences of all ages love the Irish Tenors and clamor to get tickets whenever they perform. Full houses and standing ovations are the norm at The Irish Tenors concerts.
December 16
ICC Presents:
2023 50/50 Grand Annual Raffle
+ OPEN HOUSE
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
781 821-8291 | Tix: $100
irishculture.org | Enter the drawing here: irishculture.org
Enter to win fantastic prizes while helping to support programming at the ICC including: Irish language, music, food, sports, entertainment, Gaelic games, rugby, camps, family fun days, festivals, concerts, sessions, day-trips, dance classes, & more! The Drawing will be held at the Centre on the 16th and prizes will be awarded on the night. Winners not in attendance will be notified from information provided at time of purchase. Only 2,500 tickets will be sold so grab them whileyou can. 1st Prize: 50% of all proceeds (less all prizes), 2nd Prize: $5,000, 3rd, 4th, 5th Prize: $1,000. Buy your tickets here now - GOOD LUCK!
December 16
Spectacle Live Presents:
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy:
A Celtic Family Christmas
Cary Memorial Hall
1605 Mass Ave., Lexington
8:00 p.m. | $49 - $99
Buy Tix | spectaclelive.com
An authentic Cape Breton celebration is coming to town with A Celtic Family Christmas, featuring wife-husband duo Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy along with their talented children. Be ready for a night of terrific music and dancing, stories and songs and plenty of fun and laughter.
December 16
Spectacle Live Presents:
The Irish Tenors:
- 25th Anniversary: A Family Christmas
Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center
744 West Main St.,
Hyannis, MA
8:00 p.m. | $49 - $99
Buy Tix | spectaclelive.com
The Irish Tenors have performed all over the world, including the best venues in America. From Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Gardens and Carnegie Hall in New York to The Hollywood Bowl in California – they have blazed the trail from coast to coast stopping in nearly every city in between; thrilling audiences at every stop with their enchanting Irish repertoire, sweeping secular selections and dynamic holiday fare.
December 16
A Celtic Christmas
Featuring Rose Clancy & Friends
Chatham Drama Guild
134 Crowell Road, Chatham, Cape Cod
3:00 pm & 7:00 p.m. | $20
chathamfiddlecompany.com
The extraordinary father-daughter duo of Eugene Clancy and Rose Clancy continues to bring beautiful Irish music to Cape Cod throughout the year. Their popular annual holiday show, A Celtic Christmas Concert, includes the songs and tunes of the season and features talented band members including Max Cohen, John Alden and Clayton March.
December 16
250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party:
A Retrospective on Revolution
Faneuil Hall and various other Boston locations | revolution250.org
The 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary & Reenactment begins with a dramatic look at the Boston Tea Party throughout the centuries. At Faneuil Hall, 250 years ago, the citizens of Boston resolved to "prevent the unloading, receiving, or vending the detestable tea sent out by the East India Company." These efforts would ultimately result in the Destruction of the Tea and propel America down the road to revolution. In the years following, citizens would return to Faneuil Hall to reflect upon the Boston Tea Party and seek inspiration from its legacy as they discussed the pressing needs of their time. This 90-minute presentation explores the dramatic events of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 as well as the Centennial and Bicentennial Commemorations that followed. (Screens positioned on the plaza outside Faneuil Hall will also project this presentation to general public outside the building).
December 17
ICC Presents:
A Celtic Christmas
Ciaran Nagle, Tara Novak & Ishna
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. | $40
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org
Buy Tix
Ciaran Nagle (vocals) and Tara Novak (vocals & violin/fiddle) have been performing together since they met back in 2005 on a bus at the beginning of a Christmas tour with Ciaran’s show, the Three Irish Tenors. They formed a duo and after touring the world together, they married in 2012. This special Celtic Christmas concert also includes Ishna whose members have performed for Riverdance, won Grammys and are among the best musicians in the world. Instruments include fiddle, guitar, piano, Irish whistles, uilleann bagpipes, bodhran, and percussion.
December 17-18
ICC Presents: Ellen's Boys
A True Repertory Theatre Production
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
Buy Tix: Friday 17 @ 7:30 pm
Buy Tix: Saturday 18 @ 2:00 pm
Buy Tix: Saturday 18 @ 7:30 pm
$20 - $25 |
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org
Written by Jim Sullivan, Ellen's Boys takes place over the course of a year, on the top floor of a Dorchester, MA triple decker in 1965 - the home of the Flaherty family. The play takes the audience on an emotional roller coaster where only their love for one another, and their sense of humor, can save the Flaherty family.
December 17
The Eustis Estate Milton
Eustis Estate Christmas Cheers
The Eustis Estate
1424 Canton Ave., Milton
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | 617-994-6600
$35 | Students: $15 | Members: $20
historicnewengland.org
Enjoy a magical evening of music and holiday cheer at the Eustis Estate. Explore the 1878 mansion, which has been lavishly decorated for Christmas, while live holiday music fills the halls. Advance tickets are required. Refreshments, wine, beer, and cider are included with your ticket.
Please call 617-994-6600 for more information.
December 23 - 2 SHOWS
Áine Minogue - Christmas Concert
Club Passim
47 Palmer St., Cambridge
5:00 p.m. |
7:30 pm | 617-492-7679
aineminogue.com
As traditional Irish music and dance continue to enjoy phenomenal success both in the United States and in Ireland, Áine has worked to explore their themes and to understand their very essence. Her voice, though uniquely her own, also reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology, and poetry. She has a dozen solo recordings on several labels including RCA Victor/BMG and has been nominated for FIMA awards for her work as a record producer. Her TV production work on “A Winter’s Journey” earned her a New England EMMY ® nomination. View additional concerts here.
December 26
Monthly Seisun/Ceili - Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE)
Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch
Canadian-American Club Inc,
202 Arlington St, Watertown, MA 02472
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. | barbaramboyd@comcast.net
781-893-2755 | cceboston.org
Join CCE for dance workshop. Enjoy music and song. Musicians are invited to join in. There is set, Ceili, old-time waltz with Sally, and other dancing. Fee $7 admission. Refreshments served. Donations of baked goods and raffle prizes always greatly appreciated. Bring your favorite mug for coffee and/or tea. Beginners always welcome as are all levels.
December 31
ICC Presents:
New Year's Eve Gala
With Margaret Dalton & Erin’s Melody
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:00 pm -12:30 am |
781 821-8291 | Tix: $85
irishculture.org | Buy tix
Dance your way into 2024 and don't miss this sell-out event. 7:00pm: Mulled Wine & Appetizers,
8:00pm: Dinner & Desserts,
Midnight: Champagne Toast.
Spot Prizes & Giveaways on the night! Entertainment by Margaret Dalton and Erins Melody. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the ICC. Call 781-821-8291 or purchase tickets online here.