Irena Kaci
December is maybe the cheeriest month, which seems appropriate given the old adage about darkness and dawn. Perhaps it’s also the lightest before the plunge into New England’s toughest three months. Even with the creep of frost and freeze, December warms us with hot chocolates, sparkling decor, and the promise of holiday season magic. With each passing year, Worcester nurtures and expands the landscape of joy and celebration and that becomes delightfully apparent during December.
Perhaps you’d like to observe the seasonal magic by taking in a show. With Hanover’s jam-packed schedule, you won’t have to travel far. The staggering lineup of The Boston Pops Holiday Tour, Presented by Broadway in Worcester and a sensory friendly version as well as the traditional version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol allows for Holiday flavored options aplenty.
I connected with Hanover’s own Senior Manager of Marketing Sarah Hallowell to get the deets on these shows. “The Boston Pops will be here on December 5th for an 8pm showing,” Hallowell begins, “The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will perform holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. They are joined by the Metropolitan Chorale, known as one of Metro Boston’s premier choral ensembles. Santa Claus himself will make a guest appearance during the concert’s finale. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family, friends and merry music with the Holiday Pops this December. Performing festive favorites from cultural traditions around the world, conductor Keith Lockhart along with the Pops, will get you in the holiday spirit quicker than you can sing ‘fa la la la la.’”
Presented by Broadway in Worcester with Tony Award®Winner Matt Doyle is a new to the Hanover show, but an awesome one nonetheless. Hallowell explains, “The intimate evening will feature songs from his album, Make The Season Bright, and timeless classics from the Great American Songbook,” Hallowell continues, “Perfect for cozying up with holiday cheer (and maybe an ugly sweater or two), the evening promises unforgettable music and a warm holiday glow. Matt will be joined by Grammy® Award® and Emmy Award® winning music director John McDaniel on piano.”
“Matt Doyle won the 2022 Tony®, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as Jamie in Broadway’s revival of Company. Broadway credits include Tony-winning musicals The Book of Mormon and Spring Awakening; Tony Award-winning Best Play War Horse; and the revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Matt made his UK stage debut as Frank Sinatra in Sinatra The Musical. Off-Broadway credits include Conversations With Mother, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, and Brooklynite. On television, he played Jonathan on the CW’s Gossip Girl. He has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, at symphonies across the country, and continues to headline a sold-out solo show throughout New York City and beyond.”
On December 17th, you don’t even have to brace yourself for a Sensory-Friendly Performance of A Christmas Carol. That’s because this performance is “intended for guests who are neurodivergent, have sensory sensitivities and need additional accessibility accommodations.” As part of these accommodations “the most starling moments of the show have been softened, house lights are kept on for the entirety of the performance, and sounds are lower in volume and intensity,” says Hallowell adding, “accommodations of support will be provided, including a quiet area for individuals and families that need a break from the experience where staff and volunteers can assist patrons’ needs.”
On December 18th through the 28th, A Christmas Carol will feature in its classic representation. “Adapted by Main Stage Artistic Director Troy Siebels, The Hanover Theatre proudly presents our 18th annual production of A Christmas Carol,” says Hallowell, “Award-winning set designer, Kelly James Tighe brings the show to new heights with fresh scenery creating the perfect playground for state-of-the art projections and innovative lighting design. New York based, John Little, reprises the epic role of Ebenezer Scrooge noted to be ‘simply marvelous as the bitter old cheapskate’ (METRMag). Featuring original music composed by Worcester’s own Steve Gagliastro, this festive holiday favorite is accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer for A Christmas Carol that is timeless, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind.”
But if you are seated early, you might even get to enjoy a unique pre-show concert featuring the most versatile, and largest theatre pipe organ in New England. Led by accomplished organist Sean Redrow, the music is guaranteed to whisk you away to a bygone era when theatergoing was at its grandest most nostalgic point.
Last but not least on December 19th and 20th, enjoy a showing of Sister’s Christmas Catechism. Hallowell continues, “The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. The concept is simple: “It’s CSI: Bethlehem in this holiday mystery extravaganza, by the author of the Late Nite Catechism series, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages, whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic. Bring your cameras because in Sister’s Nativity your mother might be cast as the Virgin Mary, or your husband as the Ass!”
If communing with all things natural and gorgeous is more your aim this season, consider The Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill’s holiday offerings. Public Relations Manager Liz Nye tells us a bit about it, “We are gearing up for our winter light show, Night Lights. We’re really excited, not only because the event will feature more lights (half a million!) and garden spaces than ever, but also because Night Lights was recently nominated for USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights list, part of the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Nominated by a panel of experts, Night Lights is among 20 incredible light shows hosted by botanic gardens across the country that are being considered this year. We hope to make it into the top 10 and represent the region on this national level.”
The theme for this year’s display is “Dazzling Gardens” and it runs from November 22nd to January 4th. “Dazzling Gardens is all about spotlighting the stars of our garden—the beautiful plant collections, dramatic architecture, and enchanting landscapes. As always, there will be fun and festive experiences for all ages,” says Nye.
New England Botanic Gardens CEO Grace Elton adds, “We’re so proud to be nominated for USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. With half a million lights, dazzling displays, and festive experiences, Night Lights offers something joyful for everyone. Behind the sparkle, our talented team of staff and volunteers dedicates countless hours to creating a uniquely special celebration of the winter season.”
But it’s not just the arts organizations that are partaking in the holiday joy. Timberyard Brewing in East Brookfield is hosting a weekly Winter Market every weekend, beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving and lasting until the weekend before Christmas. Alyssa Fahey from Timberyard explains, “The markets feature local craft vendors and food vendors. Two weekends we will have smaller markets set up because we will be hosting Santa. Santa days will be Sunday December 7th and Saturday December 13th.” Timberyard Brewing has been a community staple for just over 7 years, and they have been working hard to bring holiday offerings for the last 5 years. “Each market features a unique and rotating list of vendors, including both regulars and first-timers. The vendors offer a variety of goods, such as homemade soap, cosmetics, food, jewelry, candles, and pottery. Additionally, two of the market dates will include photo opportunities with Santa and a toy drive to support local families in need. Occasionally, Santa brings his band for a fun sing-along with the children. It’s always a great atmosphere where guests can enjoy shopping while sipping on a craft brew.”
Founded by Kim Mowers and Barbara Alteri, The Burncoat Center for Arts & Wellness (BCAW) has been around since early 2020. In the six years they have transformed from an art & wellness center to a thriving community of retail spaces, featuring plenty of local artists as well as a refillery. Mowers says, “Our mission has remained consistent: to build a stronger, more connected Worcester community while educating and providing sustainable options. By creating welcoming, family-friendly events like Worcester Wonderland, we hope to bring residents together, celebrate local talent, and foster a sense of belonging for people of all ages. Our goal is to create traditions that the community can look forward to year after year.”
One such consistent event is some version of Winter Wonderland, which has been an offering of the BCAW for the past four years. “We have hosted holiday events at Redemption Rock Brewing for the past four years, and Worcester Wonderland is a new event that combines all of our past holiday celebrations into one larger, more comprehensive experience,” Mower adds, “This year, we will be hosting the event at The Joy of Music Program, located just down the street from us. Each year we grow, improve, and add new experiences based on community feedback and participation.”
Some of the offerings include photos with Santa, local vendors who will have lots of handmade gifts and crafts, seasonal treats as well as music and entertainment. There will also be raffles, giveaways and opportunities to support local businesses to round out the winter-themed atmosphere. “This year, proceeds from Winter Wonderland raffles will help support our mission to secure a mobile refillery in order to expand sustainable, plastic-free refill options for the Worcester community,” Mowers explains, “We chose this cause because of its direct, positive impact on local families and its alignment with our mission to provide accessible sustainability resources and strengthen neighborhood connections.”
How lucky to live in New England, with all its seasonal wonders! It is an opportunity for folks and businesses alike to make the most out of the natural rhythm and lean into all things warm and bright against a backdrop of frost. It is exactly this kind of contrast that makes the Holiday season such a cozy experience for those of us who call Central Massachusetts home.