Thrilled about holiday festivities in New Bedford? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! Whether you're a New Bedford native or a holiday pilgrim, this guide reveals the city's seasonal soul.
Popular Events: One enchanting offering is “A Christmas Carol at the Zeiterion,” where audiences can experience the classic tale in a vibrant live performance. For the little ones, there's THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Kids Dance Party With Characters, which promises interactive fun with beloved holiday figures. And the Holiday Concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring heartwarming seasonal music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around New Bedford
- A Christmas Carol at the Zeiterion
- Holiday Concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
- THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Kids Dance Party With Characters
- Historic Holiday Tour
- Sea Glass Christmas Tree Maker Session
- New Bedford Whaling Museum Holiday Exhibit
- Fall River Holiday Parade (Fall River)
- Coastal Christmas Tree Make & Take
- New Bedford Holiday Market
- Holiday Lights Display at Fort Taber
See these and even more events listed below!
New Bedford Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Display at Fort Taber
What to Expect:
Historic military museum with holiday lights honoring veterans.
Description:
The Holiday Lights Display at Fort Taber features a vibrant and historic setting with lights honoring veterans and military artifacts.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Holiday Lights Display at Fort Taber
New Bedford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of high-quality handmade crafts by local artisans.
Description:
The 48th annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School features handmade work by artisans, welcoming both hobbyists and professionals to showcase their unique crafts during the Christmas season.
Where: Fall River | More Info: Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
New Bedford Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local shopping and holiday entertainment.
Description:
The New Bedford Holiday Market is a vibrant event featuring local artisans, designers, and vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and interactive activities throughout the historic downtown area.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: New Bedford Holiday Market
New Bedford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Kids Dance Party With Characters
What to Expect:
Interactive dance party with beloved holiday characters.
Description:
Join THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Kids Dance Party With Characters for an unforgettable afternoon filled with activities and a dance party featuring beloved characters. Enjoy a fun-filled event with kids' favorite characters, including a photo opportunity with Santa.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Kids Dance Party With Characters
Live Music Sundays at Play Arcade
What to Expect:
Live music performances by local artists in an energetic setting.
Description:
Live Music Sundays at Play Arcade feature talented local artists performing in a vibrant atmosphere filled with delicious food and drinks.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Live Music Sundays at Play Arcade
A Christmas Carol at the Zeiterion
What to Expect:
Classic tale of redemption through powerful performances.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at the Zeiterion is a poignant adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, bringing to life the struggles and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge through powerful performances and evocative staging.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: A Christmas Carol at the Zeiterion
Christmas Carol Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Quick-change performance with bad puns and witty songs.
Description:
A quick-change version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" set in a Victorian music hall, where three surviving members gamely face missed cues and ill-fitting costumes to solve the problem of having no one to play Tiny Tim.
Where: Fall River | More Info: Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Holiday Concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday concert with special guest appearances.
Description:
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents a joyous holiday concert featuring conductor Yaniv Dinur, special guests including the Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestra and Showstoppers, and a festively-decorated concert hall. The event offers a family-friendly atmosphere with both matinee and evening performances.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Holiday Concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
New Bedford Other Holiday Activities
Sea Glass Christmas Tree Maker Session
What to Expect:
Hands-on craft session with wine and local artisan guidance.
Description:
Create your own 9" lighted sea glass Christmas tree with local artisan Tracy Churchey. Sip wine while learning a new craft and taking home your masterpiece.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Sea Glass Christmas Tree Maker Session
Coastal Christmas Tree Make & Take
What to Expect:
Hands-on epoxy resin workshop for creating unique beach-themed Christmas decorations.
Description:
Create your own beachy Christmas tree panel using epoxy resin in a fun and creative hands-on workshop. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Coastal Christmas Tree Make & Take
NorthStar & the Zeiterion present Super Art Workshops
What to Expect:
Free art workshops for kids to create a community mural.
Description:
NorthStar & the Zeiterion present Super Art Workshops, a free series of workshops for 10-14 year olds led by comic book illustrator Roger Andrews and Playback Theatre teacher Jennie Kristel. Participants will tap into their creativity, create a mural together, and identify their unique superpowers to improve their community. Free food and transportation are provided.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: NorthStar & the Zeiterion present Super Art Workshops
Continental Knitting – Headscarf
What to Expect:
Unique knitting technique taught by an expert.
Description:
Learn the Continental knitting style with Kendra, who will guide you through making a headscarf. Discover the efficient German Continental method, which is easier than traditional English throwing style. Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Continental Knitting – Headscarf
Historic Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Historic home tour with brunch and holiday activities.
Description:
Explore beautifully restored historic homes in New Bedford, Massachusetts, during the Annual Historic Holiday Tour. This 29th annual event offers a unique opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while discovering the unique architecture of New Bedford. The tour starts at the James Arnold Mansion, where a brunch will be served, and includes a Holiday Raffle and Silent Auction.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Historic Holiday Tour
New Bedford Whaling Museum Holiday Exhibit
What to Expect:
Exploration of maritime history and cultural artifacts.
Description:
The New Bedford Whaling Museum's holiday exhibit features a collection of fine art, ethnographic objects, and nautical artifacts, showcasing the region's rich maritime history and cultural heritage.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: New Bedford Whaling Museum Holiday Exhibit
Fall River Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful procession through downtown Fall River.
Description:
The Fall River Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer.
Where: Fall River | More Info: Fall River Holiday Parade
Holiday Ice Skating at the Driscoll Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Emphasis on power skating and individual skill development.
Description:
Driscoll Skating & Skills offers comprehensive hockey training programs focusing on power skating, stickhandling, and passing. Their curriculum combines skating edge work and power skating drills, ensuring players develop essential skills for better hockey performance.
Where: Fall River | More Info: Holiday Ice Skating at the Driscoll Skating Rink
Christmas Day Dinner at the YMCA
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday meal with a focus on social connection.
Description:
Join the YMCA for a warm and welcoming Christmas Day dinner, a time to connect with friends and family in a cozy community setting.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Christmas Day Dinner at the YMCA
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Fall River (13 miles)
- Bristol (18 miles)
- Middleborough (18 miles)
- Taunton (20 miles)
- Newport (22 miles)
- Warwick (26 miles)
- East Providence (26 miles)
- Cranston (28 miles)
- Providence (28 miles)
- Attleboro (28 miles)
- North Kingstown (28 miles)
- Easton (29 miles)
- Pawtucket (29 miles)
- West Warwick (31 miles)
- Brockton (31 miles)
- Mansfield (31 miles)
- North Providence (32 miles)
- Johnston (33 miles)
- Barnstable (33 miles)
- Lincoln (33 miles)
- South Kingstown (34 miles)
- Cumberland (35 miles)
- Stoughton (35 miles)
- Yarmouth (36 miles)
- Randolph (37 miles)
- Smithfield (38 miles)
- Canton (38 miles)
- Coventry (39 miles)
- Franklin (39 miles)
- Braintree (39 miles)
- Woonsocket (40 miles)
- Weymouth (40 miles)
- Norwood (41 miles)
- Quincy (43 miles)
- Milton (43 miles)
- Dedham (44 miles)