23 holiday activities on the South Shore: Parades, markets, North Pole trips and more
As the days grow darker earlier, communities all along the South Shore are finding ways to put a little sparkle into the night skies with tree lightings and colorful festivals to keep the Grinch safely at bay.
Beyond events such as Quincy's lighting ceremony and Plymouth's annual tree lighting on the town green, not to mention the Celebration of Lights in Marshfield, holiday markets throughout the area offer shoppers a wide array of unique gifts from local crafters, vendors and artists.
Santa, known for his ability to make good time wherever he needs to be, will make multiple stops to take part in parades and sit for photos while listening to Christmas wishes. He will also give his reindeer a day off when he arrives in Quincy by helicopter.
With people's minds focused on gifts and preparations, they might want to take a break with other winter events of the non-Santa variety such as art exhibits and concerts.
Whatever your personal taste, there's no reason not to have a jolly good time over the next few months.
Plymouth Philharmonic presents America's Hometown Celebration concert
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St.
Tickets/admission: $35
For more information: Plymouthphil.org
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Baroque & Beyond," a concert in partnership with America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration. Among other selections, the performance will include Baroque-era favorites such as Pachelbel's "Canon and Gigue," Handel's Water Music Suite No. 2 and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, as well as several pieces of Americana music.
Concert for mental health at Break Rock Brewing
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Where: Break Rock Brewing, 34 Victory Road, Quincy
Tickets/admission: $50
For more information: Kelly Banks, 617-471-5686, ext. 405
Break Rock Brewing will host an evening of live music, food, raffles and more. Proceeds will help provide access to mental health services in the community. Tickets can be purchased at Givebutter.com.
America's Hometown Celebration Thanksgiving Parade
When: Opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. Nov. 18; parade begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Plymouth waterfront near Plymouth Rock on Water Street
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Usathanksgiving.com
Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life have traveled to the historic Plymouth Harbor and waterfront to experience a bounty of authentic Americana. The celebration of Thanksgiving becomes history brought to life with the annual parade, several historical reenactments and activities for the entire family.
For road closures, free parking and shuttle information, visit Usathanksgiving.com/transportation. For a complete schedule of activities, visit Usathanksgiving.com.
New England Harvest Feast at Plimoth Patuxet Museums
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: From $42.95 (advance purchase required)
For more information: Plimoth.org
The 17th-century meal will be accompanied by centuries-old psalms and songs. Member tickets are limited to the number of people included in your membership. For more information on your current membership, call 508-746-1622, ext. 8223.
If you would like to explore membership benefits, or become a new member at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, visit the museum's membership page.
Fall Juried Art Show at the James Library
When: Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Exhibit lasts through Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: James Library and Performing Arts Center, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:Jameslibrary.com
The James Library’s Fall Juried Art Show will be judged by Misty Flores, assistant curator at Rienzi, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Cash and prizes will be awarded to winners.
Holiday market at Eustis Estate in Milton
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Eustis Estate, 1424 Canton Ave., Milton
Tickets/admission: Free for members and children under 13. $5 for nonmembers
For more information: Call 617-994-5914
This open-air market will feature local craftspeople selling unique holiday gifts including jewelry, fiber art and foodstuffs. Tickets are available every half hour from 10 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. When a time zone is full, it will disappear from the available ticket options below.
Plymouth Thanksgiving Farmers Market
When: 12-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20
Where: West Plymouth Square, 101 Carver Road, Plymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Search Plymouth Farmers Market on Facebook
The event will feature local vendors selling Thanksgiving-related food items, as well as other offerings.
Edaville Family Theme Park
Edaville North Pole Limited
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 29; Dec. 6, 13, 20
Where: Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St., Carver
Tickets/admission: From $59.95 (children 2 and under admitted free)
For more information: Edaville.com
Journey to the North Pole in Edaville's vintage steam train to meet Santa and see thousands of Christmas lights. Passengers will be served hot chocolate and cookies while Santa’s elves make this a memorable trip for the whole family. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet each child with a gift.
Edaville Festival of Lights
When: Thursday-Sunday now through Dec. 31
Where: Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St., Carver
Tickets/admission: $12.95-$42.95
For more information: Edaville.com
The Festival of Lights features steam trains, Christmas lights, food, local businesses and crafters, Santa and vintage amusement rides. Tickets sell out quickly, so online purchases are suggested. Edaville is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Santa's Express at Edaville
When: Friday-Sunday through Dec. 23
Where: Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St., Carver
Tickets/admission: $69.75-$74.95
For more information: Edaville.com
Limited dates and times remain to be a VIP guest at Edaville. Arrive before the park opens for the day to catch your train. During the journey,. and Mrs. Claus will be joining the passengers. Riders will be served their choice of milk or juice and a Christmas cookie.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way through the train to visit with each child and greet them with a Christmas gift. This train has a very limited capacity so Santa will be able to spend more time with each child along the journey, which lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The ride includes a gold ticket, so upon the return to Edaville, families will be able to experience the amusement rides, lights and regular train rides.
South Shore Celebration of Lights
When: Friday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St. Entrance at 62 S. River Street, Gate E
Tickets/admission: $24.99-$50. Price set according to vehicle type
For more information: Fiestashows.com/fs/south-shore-light-show
More than a mile of roadway in the Marshfield Fairgrounds has been transformed into a glittering display of over 1 million LED lights featuring a 300-foot multicolored tunnel and animatronic scenes.
Quincy Holiday Tree Lighting
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Hancock Adams Common, Quincy Center
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Discoverquincy,com
Kilroy Square Holiday Market in Quincy
When: 4-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Dec. 1; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Nov 25, 26. Dec. 2, 3
Where: Kilroy Square, 25 Cottage St., Quincy
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:Kilroysqmarkets.com
Kilroy Square will host holiday pop-up markets in November and December featuring a mix of 24 vendors each day in a heated tent, desserts, coffee and food trucks.
Outside the tent, Boy Scout Troop 42 will be selling trees and wreaths. They will be joined by Rumphius Farms, which will offer its own fresh and decorated wreaths.
Wicked Women Makers Market in Marshfield
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St., Marshfield
Tickets/admission: $5 (16 and under admitted free)
For more information: Search "Wicked Women Makers Market" on Facebook
Wicked Women Makers Market is hosting its fifth annual Holiday Market with over 40 local vendors, Decanted Wine Truck, SlackTide Coffee Roasters Mobile Coffee Truck and more.
Hull Holiday Showcase on Small Business Saturday
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Nantasket Beach Resort, 45 Hull Shore Drive
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:Hullchamber.com
This in-person event is a place to shop for unique and affordable holiday gifts, decorations, home décor, handmade items and local apparel, as well as coastal holiday arts and crafts created by local artisans.
Holiday hayrides and more in Hingham
When: !0 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Nov. 25; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23
Where: Leaves from Hingham Rotary Clock Tower outside of La Petite Maison, 142 North St.
For more information:Discoverhingham.com
Everyone is invited to join Holly Jolly Hingham and holiday festivities on Saturdays while you holiday gift and entertaining shopping.
As part of the ongoing Christmas celebration, kids can drop off their letters to Santa in the designated mailbox outside the clock tower, and people of all ages can rake a photo with the holiday cut-out characters.
Rockland Holiday Stroll
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Along Union Street, Rockland
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:365southshore.com
The town of Rockland comes together on Union Street each year to kickstart the holiday season with its annual Holiday Stroll.
The parade leaves the fire station at 4 p.m. and ends at the "North Pole," known the rest of the year as the Magoun-Biggins home in Union Square.
Visitors can watch dancers and a Tae Kwon Do exhibition following the parade. The Rockland Police Department will perform a K-9 demonstration at 5:30 p.m.
Click here for a full list of activities and events.
Santa arrives by helicopter in Quincy
When: Noon Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Pageant Field (Merrymount Park), 1 Merrymount Parkway, Quincy
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Discoverquincy,com
Quincy's 70th annual Christmas Parade
When: Noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Parade begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and Walter Hannon Parkway and continues up Hancock Street to the North Quincy Parkway
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Discoverquincy,com
Plymouth Holiday Tree Lighting
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Town Hall Green, 26 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
Join Santa and the town of Plymouth for the annual holiday tree lighting on the town hall green. This evening event includes the Winter Light 5K Road Race, the Christmas parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Quincy Coastal Christmas Fair to benefit nonprofits
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Quincy Point Congregational Church, 444 Washington St., Quincy
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:Quincypointcong.com
This annual holiday event transforms the church into a festive space, all in the spirit of supporting local nonprofits.
This year, the proceeds will benefit two causes: the New England Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital, Quincy, and Interfaith Social Services, serving families in need across 14 South Shore communities.
The church is seeking donations of children’s books to be given to Interfaith Social Services.
A concert at 7 p.m. will feature students and teachers from South Shore Children’s Chorus and members of the Island Grove Chorus of Abington, with the fair following Dec. 2.
Plymouth Holiday Market
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information:Memorialhall.com
The two-day Plymouth Holiday Market will feature 120 local vendors. Items for sale will include art and designer wares, home goods, jewelry, specialty food and more.
Quincy Menorah Lighting
When: 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Hancock Adams Common, Quincy Center
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Discoverquincy,com
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Holiday things to do on the South Shore
