The holidays are an exciting and joyful way to spend time with family and friends and rejoice on all of the wonders of life. Whether you’re looking for fun activities or you’re still looking for the perfect holiday gift, there’s much to do in the city this time of year. Here are four festive ways to celebrate the holidays:
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Movie Classics!
Watching movies is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends. Not only can these films bring you joy, they have the ability to bring out the holiday spirit in anyone.
Step out for a night in the city and enjoy Ralphie Parker and his family’s holiday adventures in the 1983 classic A Christmas Story which will be playing at The Luna Theater on Sunday, December 10th. Clarence gets his wings in It’s a Wonderful Life at the Pollard Memorial Library on December 15th and at The Luna Theater on December 16th. Don’t get stuck "Home Alone" and catch Chris Columbus’ beloved comedy classic at The Luna Theater on December 24th.
Photo by Meghan Moore
Celebrate with Music and Theater
Traditions such as music and tales about discovering the marvels of the season are great opportunities to enjoy the holidays and make new memories.
Running from now to December 24th, Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic that is bound to bring out the festive in anyone. There’s more holiday fun for all ages on Saturday, December 9th at the Pollard Memorial Library for Jingle Jam. Then, experience orchestral entertainment on Saturday, December 9th at the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert. If you’re looking for more local orchestras, join the UMass Lowell String Project’s Winter Showcase on Thursday, December 14th. There’s also the 2017 Holiday Pops Tour, coming to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, December 17th, that captures the magic of the holidays with their signature Sleigh Ride and other classic holiday music.
Deck the Halls with Art and Treasures
The arts can be another great place to look for inspiration. The various shows and receptions available not only provide you with a look into the local art scene, but also enhance your holiday experience with activities that can become new traditions.
Join Western Avenue Studios (WAS) for their Holiday Open Studios on Saturday and Sunday, December 9th and 10th for endeavors that include browsing art, speaking with artists, and purchasing unique gifts. The Arts League of Lowell is displaying their Holiday Treasures Members’ Show reception on Saturday, December 9th where special holiday-themed art treasures can be purchased. Loading Dock Gallery’s show, Winter Lights: Gifts for the Holidays, will run to Sunday, December 31st and features hand-made products from soaps to furniture. There’s also Ayers Loft Gallery’s Peace on Earth members’ show reception on Saturday, December 9th. This show, which will run to Thursday, January 4th, is a reminder of the joyful times ahead while shining a light on local artists and their work.
Photo courtesy of The Vintage Witch
Walkin' in a Crafty Wonderland
Holiday-themed markets offer creations from local artisans that might change the way you do holiday shopping and prepare for festive times, and can help you find new activities to incorporate into your holiday traditions.
Unique gifts and art from over 30 local artists are available at WAS’ Handmade Holiday Shopping Night on Thursday, December 14th. Then there’s The Holiday Oddity Market on Saturday, December 9th at Mill No. 5 where you can find gift options for that someone on your holiday gift list with an eccentric taste. Do some lunchtime shopping at The Brush Art Gallery and Studios on Friday, December 15th for Soup and Shop and enjoy complimentary soup while browsing through the available art and other creative products. Then, on Saturday, December 16th, Mill No. 5’s It’s a Wonderful Market has more vendors of vintage, handmade and artisanal goods that are perfect for the holidays.
