Johnny's List at a New Location

Hi! Please visit http://johnnyslist.org for weird events around Boston and beyond!

Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 01/04/09

I am switching away from Blogspot! Apparently if you want search engines to acknowledge your existence efficiently, you need your own domain name. That is now http://johnnyslist.org. If you are reading this then you're subscribed in a weird way and should please go to johnnyslist.org to re-subscribe. :)

This week I've included a few recurring events to make up for the lack of special one-shot events in January.

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Boston Celtic Music Festival		Jan 9 - Jan 10	Boston Metro
Here's the weird event of the week is the Boston Celtic Music Festival, which takes place at several venues in Cambridge. There will be participatory dance as well as performance of dance and music. And they're having some kind of "Olympics", which is sort of sad because it's clearly meant to be a draw, but goes completely undescribed on their website. The festival looks great, though. Club Passim, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA. more
Boston No Pants Ride		Jan 10	Boston Metro
Every year the pranksters in Boston (and New York) ride the subway with only their underwear. Now that's classy. 1:30-3:30pm. On the subway, Boston, MA. more
Chocolate Tour of Boston		Jan 11 - Jan 25	Boston Metro
But this event is more suitable for most of us: a tour of Boston's chocolate makers. 2009: Meet at MIT Lobby 7, 2-5pm. Meet at 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. more
Introduction to Commedia dell'Arte		Jan 6 - Jan 20	Boston Metro
This event is also part of MIT's January break of creative workshops. You can learn a kind of improv comedy dating back to the Renaissance. There are a number of dance classes and more, too. MIT, Cambridge, MA. more
Wenham Museum's Model Railroad and Hobby Show		Jan 10	North Shore
Also weird, but more family-oriented, is a train show. It doesn't actually happen in the museum (which has a model train collection and is doing a Lego Trains exhibit Jan 17), but down the street at a local school, with 75 dealer tables. Snow date the next day. Buker School, School Street, Wenham, MA. more
Gadgets & Gizmos @ Phillips House		Jan 11	North Shore
While you're on the north shore, check out this historic look at old timey kitchen appliances at the Phillips House. It's a good excuse to spend a day in Salem. 2009: Also Feb 8, Mar 8, 10:30am-12pm. 34 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA.978-744-0440. more
Winter Trails Day		Jan 10	Metro West
Winter Trails Day actually takes place across a number of dates, but the main event is free snoeshowing and free cross-country skiing at the Weston Ski Track. If there's snow. Weston Ski Track @ the Martin Golf Course, Weston, MA. more
Also Fun
Forest Hills Cemetery Concert		Jan 11	Boston Metro
Because special events are thin in January, here are a few regularly occurring events to check out. You can make your own trail day by walking Forest Hills Cemetery. Cemeteries are always kept cleared of snow in the wintertime. Go anytime, or attend the madrigals concert they have planned January 11. 95 Forest Hills Ave, Boston, MA.617-524-0128. more
Arnold Arboretum		Jan 11	Boston Metro
The Arnold Arboretum is also open and cleared during the winter. They're having a guided walk Jan 11 and a poetry reading Jan 20. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA.617-524-1718. more
Boston Poetry Slam		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Boston Metro
Speaking of poetry, the Boston Poetry Slam is every Wednesday night, 8pm-midnight. It's more like a series of one person plays, because the "readers" really perform more like actors. I've seen a little and recommend it. Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617 354-2685. more
CoCo Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Ferncroft		Jan 1 - Dec 31	North Shore
Yearning for summertime? You can rent it! There's an indoor, year-round water park on the North Shore in Danvers, MA. The Sheraton Ferncroft, 50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers, MA.(978) 777-2500. more
Urban Oasis (Cambridge)		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Boston Metro
You can also get a little summer at Inman Oasis. This is the only hot tub rental place in Boston (unless you want to pay for a hotel room with a hot tub, or visit my place), the former Urban Oasis. There's a "community tub" which you don't need to reserve in advance for, but need to bring a swimsuit. And they have a number of private room tubs as well. 243 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA.617-491-0176. more
LazerZone (Marlborough)		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Metro West
Or try this indoor arcade. Adults and kids are both welcome, and I tried it out last year. It's highly recommended! 416 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA.508 303-9900. more
LazerZone (Randolph)		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Metro West
The other LazerZone is in Randolph. Rt. 28. 330 North Main St, Randolph, MA.781 961-3300. more
Boston Bowl		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Boston Metro
Now that the Good Time Emporium is gone, check out Boston Bowl. They have 44 bowling lanes, pool, arcade, batting cages. The best part is they're one of a very few places in Boston that's open 24 hours. And they have "cosmic bowling", Fri & Sat after 7:30pm, which is some kind of glow-in-the-dark experience. 820 Morrisey Blvd, Boston, MA.617-825-3800. more
Sacco's Bowl-Haven		Jan 1 - Dec 31	Boston Metro
Sacco's is smaller, but closer. They have bowling and 8 pool tables. And they have a similar "Moonlight bowling" event on Fridays, with a disco ball and dim lighting. You should always call ahead when bowling because leagues sometimes reserve an entire place. 45 Day Street, Somerville, MA.617 776-0552. more
Midnight Seduction		Jan 10	Boston Metro
Are you interested in sexuality? Go beyond the books and dry lectures and you may see a little at this free party. Mystery location, Cambridge, MA. more
Bostons Rock Fetish Nite		Jan 9	Boston Metro
Or visit this nightclub event which is more public but involves dancing and music. Castillo's Night Club, 355 Ferry Street, Everett, MA. more
Recurring Events
Free Admission to the Old State House Museum		Jan 1 - Jan 31	Boston Metro
The entire month of January is free for Massachusetts residents (bring an ID) at the Old State House Museum. 206 Washington St , Boston, MA, Boston, MA. more
MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)		Jan 5 - Feb 1	Boston Metro
Over winter break, MIT holds a variety of classes, lectures, and special events many of which are open to the public. Snowball fight, learn Tai Chi, participate in making the world's largest matzah ball, or naming the largest number ever named. Or attend "charm school", and learn your manners. MIT, Cambridge, MA.617-253-1000. more
Sleigh rides & smores at Point of View Farm		Jan 2 - Feb 28	New Hampshire
Weekends through February, you can get a real sleigh ride in New Hampshire. 160 South Road, Deerfield, NH.603-463-7974. more
Kimball Farm Horse-Draw Sleigh Rides		Jan 2 - Feb 28	Northern Mass
Or closer to Boston in Haverhill, MA, if there's snow. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more

Like this blog? Subscribe by email, and get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog, and see the 4-minute podcast. Send encouragement and ideas to johnny@johnnyslist.org

Last chance for holiday lights!

This is the very, very last week to go out and see some holiday lights at night. Don't miss it!

Holiday Lights		grade	S Dec 28	M Dec 29	T Dec 30	W Dec 31	R Jan 1	F Jan 2	S Jan 3	S Jan 4
Stone Zoo's Zoolights	Stoneham, MA
Daily 5-9pm. 250,000 lights and lots of animals. But the animals are mainly sleeping in their holes and the rest are poorly lit. Only OK. Santa is available. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA.617-989-2000. more		B-	X	X	X
Holiday Landscapes	Stoneham, MA
It's a private home but a really expansive lights display, with lights that flash in rhythm to music broadcast over an FM transmitter. 83 Franklin St, Stoneham, MA. more		?	X	X	X	X	X
Edaville Railroad's Christmas Festival of Lights	Carver, MA
The biggest and best "holiday lights" display in New England. It's quite non-religious, with Santa letting kids sit on his lap but also plenty of generic fare like Frosty the Snowman and a tip of the hat to Hannukah. I don't think you'll see Jesus at all. Come at night and take a 20-minute train ride, or ride the ferris wheel our carousel. They have 7 million lights, and fireworks every Friday night in December. See website for coupons. Daily. I've been and it's a ton of fun even for adults who are kids at heart and like people-watching. Rt 3S to exit 6, Rt 44W for 8 miles to Rt 58 for 8 miles. Pine Street, Carver, MA.877-EDAVILLE. more		A+	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
La Salette Shrine Festival of Lights	Attleboro, MA
Daily, 5-9pm. Very religious, it's a shrine. Over 300,000 lights covering 10 acres. Trolley rides Fri-Sun. 947 Park Street, Attleboro, MA.508-222-5410. more		B+	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Springfield's Bright Night at Forest Park	Springfield, MA
5-9pm, but to 11pm Fri, Sat. 550,000 lights. Surprisingly good though -- the 2nd to Edaville. Check out Springfield Museums or zoo (open during school holidays in Dec) at same time. Daily. And check out the holiday lights at Dunn & Phillips, 185 Belmont Ave., Springfield. Rt 83, Springfield, MA.413-733-3800. more		A	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park	Campton, NH
This one features outdoor lights you can drive through in your car, or on their horse-drawn sleigh, and a non-commercial holiday gift center, too. Fri, Sat, Sun, 4:30-8:30pm. Exit 28 off I-93. Branch Brook Campground, Route 49, Campton, NH.(603) 726-7001. more		A-	X			X
Lighted Christmas Rides @ Charmingfare Farm	Candia, NH
They have a 30 minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer. Petting zoo. Route 27, Candia, NH.603-483-5623. more		?	X			X
La Salette Shrine & Center	Enfield, NH
Another very religious site has 45,000 evening lights spread across 30 acres. 603-632-7087. more		B	X	X	X	X
Annual Fantasy of Lights	New Haven, CT
Benefits the Easter Seals. Light House Point Park, New Haven, CT.(203) 777-2000. more		?	X	X	X	X

Quirky Boston Events for Week of Dec 28

The big event of the week is New Years Eve and I'll be so disappointed if you go to a bar where the "New Years Celebration" is just like everyday business and your idea of a creative celebration of life is getting drunk and forgetting what happened. You can do better! I now present the biggest list of arty New Years Eve events in New England. I know it's the biggest because I Googled every single town in the state, so much that Google briefly shut me out for too much searching. So here are some great ideas.

Oh, and the radio show that I have a spot on now has podcast, so you can listen to Johnny's List anytime. Just go to Out with Joe and you can listen to the whole program, or just click on my segment.

-Johnny

First Night Celebrations
First Night Boston		Dec 31	Boston Metro
Let's start with the big one in Boston, First Night. You buy one ticket and get admission to dozens of dance, music, & participatory events, all within walking distance of each other downtown. It's really fantastic and you must give it a shot. It's the largest New Years celebration in the country. The trick is to stand in the back and don't be afraid to leave & go next door midway through a performance. Starts in the early afternoon and goes through midnight. Various Locations, Boston, MA. more
First Night Grand Procession & Fireworks		Dec 31	Boston Metro
Don't want to pay for a ticket? The parade is free and ends with a big bang in Boston Common, where there are usually ice sculptures. (Except last year it wasn't cold enough and they had some kind of snow-plastic instead.) Starts at 5:30pm and ends with fireworks at Boston Common at 7pm, and then over Boston Harbor at midnight. From Hynes Convention Center to Boston Common, Boston, MA. more
First Night Workshop @ New England Aquarium		Dec 30	Boston Metro
Want to join in the parade? Head to the New England Aquarium a day early and make your own giant puppet on a stick to carry. 10am-3pm. Parade down Boylston Street on New Year's Eve. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA. more
Radio Drama for First Night		Dec 31	Boston Metro
One of the First Night events I'll single out is this 1940s radio drama. They have actors at microphones pretending to be in a sound studio doing a radio show. I've seen it and it's interesting and fun. 7:30pm. Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Place, Boston, MA. more
First Night Tours @ Otis House		Dec 31	Boston Metro
While you're at First Night, make sure to visit this historic 1796 mansion right in downtown Boston. 11am-9pm. 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA.617-227-3956. more
Bright Night Providence		Dec 31	Rhode Island
Tired of First Night Boston? Why not get a hotel room and visit another city? Everyone wants a stake in this game. Providence has a First Night experience, too, with two sets of fireworks, and world-famous acrobats as the headliners! Providence, RI. more
First Night Worcester, MA		Dec 31	Worcester
But wait! Worcester is getting in on the act, too! And they'll have shuttles so you don't have to drive. Worcester, MA. more
First Night Northampton, MA		Dec 31	Western Mass
Further away but trying harder than Worcester is First Night Northampton. Northampton, MA. more
New Year's Needham, MA		Dec 31	Metro West
They'll have a respectable First Night in Metro West as well. Needham, MA. more
City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve, New Bedford, MA		Dec 31	Southern Mass
There was a First Night New Bedford, but the city yanked it and replaced it with "City Celebrates", which is similar. Here's the website. New Bedford, MA. more
New Years Rockport Eve		Dec 31	South Shore
There will also be short 45-minute performances at 15 venues in the downtown area of Rockport. Rockport Downtown area, Rockport, MA. more
Beverly’s New Year		Dec 31	North Shore
There's a parade at 6pm and the celebrations end early, at 8pm. And there don't seem to be fireworks. Cabot Street, Beverly, MA.978-922-8558. more
First Night Chatham, MA		Dec 31	Cape Cod
This is the only one on Cape Cod. Chatham, MA. more
Billerica Family First Night		Dec 31	Northern Mass
In Billerica they'll have ice sculptures and a parade in front of city hall, but no town-wide performances, and it ends at 8pm. Billerica, MA. more
Brockton's Blast into 2009		Dec 31	South Shore
Similarly, in Brockton there's a celebration outside city hall until 8pm that goes no further or later. Brockton, MA. more
First Night Newport, RI		Dec 31	Rhode Island
They're also having a smaller one in Newport. Newport, RI. more
First Night Westerly, RI		Dec 31	Rhode Island
Still smaller, but respectable -- an ice skating rink and fireworks -- is in Westerly. Downtown Westerly, Westerly, RI.401-596-7761. more
First Night Portsmouth, NH		Dec 31	New Hampshire
I couldn't find anything in Concord, the capitol of New Hampshire, but they're having a First Night celebration in Portsmouth. Portsmouth, NH. more
First Night Wolfeboro, NH		Dec 31	New Hampshire
This is the only other one in NH that I found. Wolfeboro, NH. more
First Night Hartford, CT		Dec 31	Connecticut
Fireworks at 6pm and midnight. Hartford, CT. more
First Night Danbury, CT		Dec 31	Connecticut
And in Danbury. Danbury, CT. more
First Night Wesport, CT		Dec 31	Connecticut
And more, in Westport CT and Weston, CT. Westport, CT. more
First Night Burlington, VT		Dec 31	Vermont
And it's the Quadricentennial celebration in Vermont. Quadricentennial means it's really old, except as compared to anything in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Burlington, VT. more
First Night Montpelier, VT		Dec 31	Vermont
Burlington is not actually the capitol of Vermont. It's Montpelier, the "smallest capitol in the nation", which is doing it too. Montpelier, VT. more
First Night St. Johnsbury, VT		Dec 31	Vermont
St. Johnsbury, VT is about as far north as Montpelier. Maybe you could visit and go skiing, too. St. Johnsbury, VT. more
First Night Quincy, MA		Dec 31	South Shore
Quincy appears to have cancelled their First Night celebration, according to the Patriot Ledger. But it's unclear so I'll list it anyway. Call them. Quincy, MA. more
First Night Parties
New Years' Eve Contra Dances		Dec 31	Metro West
OK, let's say you're afraid of walking in the cold and just want to stay in a single place for New Years. Pick up any paper and you'll see that restaurants and bars are having their usual non-special special celebrations. Here are some parties that are out of the ordinary. The first one is a fantastic folk dance in Concord. 8pm-1am. Scout House., 74 Walden St., Concord, MA. more
New Year's Eve Dance Party at Folk Arts Center of New England		Dec 31	Boston Metro
Or, try this folk dance, which is more easily subway accessible. Church, 11 Homer Street, Newton, MA. more
Nudist resort New Years'		Dec 31	Connecticut
Or, perhaps you'd like to try a party at a nudist resort. Woodstock, CT. more
New Year's Eve @ Wachusett Mountain		Dec 31	Worcester
Most ski resorts are having a New Years celebration. I'll list only a couple for you. The best one like Wachusett Mountain have firworks and let you ski at night until midnight! And they have snow tubing, too. There's a shuttle from the Commuter Rail you can take. See their website. Princeton, MA. more
Nashoba Ski Area New Year's Eve Celebration		Dec 31	Northern Mass
Skiing, riding, tubing until 11:30pm and then a parade and fireworks! Let's hope the fireworks don't start an avalanche. Westford, MA.978-692-3033. more
Roaring 20s New Years Eve @ Beechwood Mansion		Dec 31	Rhode Island
Doing the New Year 1920s style in an old Newport mansion sounds like so much fun!! Call immediately; they may already be sold out. Astors' Beechwood Mansion, 580 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. more
Framingham History Center New Year's Eve		Dec 31	Metro West
And here's another historical society closer to Boston. But it's unclear from their website if they're doing it "old timey". Framingham, MA. more
New Year's Eve Sober Dance (Wareham)		Dec 31	South Shore
They'll have folk dancing in Wareham, also. Wareham, MA. more
New Year's Eve at the Irish Cultural Center of New England		Dec 31	South Shore
OK, if none of the above appeals, I give up. I have failed to separate you from the desire to just get smashed and dance. Here are a few of the more exceptional of the normal parties. 200 New Boston Dr, Canton, MA. more
Spirit of Boston New Year's Cruise		Dec 31	Boston Metro
Here's a creative idea: seeing the fireworks from a ship. Call for reservations. Commonwealth Pier, Boston, MA.617-748-1450. more
The Resolution Ball		Dec 31	Boston Metro
A young professional event, i.e. a singles thing, black tie optional, Boston's longest-running New Years' Eve gala, dinner included, cocktails, dancing. Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer Street, Boston, MA.781-444-7771. more
New Year's Dancin' Eve		Dec 31 - Jan 4	Metro West
This one's not just a party, it's an entire weekend for dance lovers! So I decided to include it. Marriott Hotel, Burlington, MA. more
New Years Day
New Years Day Kite Fly		Jan 1	North Shore
You can learn to fly a kite in Nahant alongside some pros. Call for location, Nahant MA.978-937-8290. more
Free Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo		Jan 1	Rhode Island
Admission is free. It's a great excuse to check out the best zoo in Rhode Island. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI.401-785-3510. more
First Day Free @ Gardner Museum		Jan 1	Boston Metro
It's also free at the Gardner Museum, the museum that never changes (except the garden, and the performances, and they're building an addition.). 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA.(617)566-1401. more
Free Admission to the Old State House Museum		Jan 1 - Jan 31	Boston Metro
Going a step further, the entire month of January is free for Massachusetts residents (bring an ID) at the Old State House Museum. 206 Washington St , Boston, MA, Boston, MA. more
L Street Brownies New Year's Day Swim		Jan 1	Boston Metro
Every year, crazy people go for a swim on New Years. Why not show up and cheer them on? What a way to eliminate a hangover. 2009: 10am registration, 11am swim. Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road, Boston, MA.617.635.5104. more
Penguin Plunge		Jan 1	Rhode Island
Or they tell special needs kids they should jump in. 2009: 12pm. Mackeral Cove, Jamestown, RI. more
Hangover Classic (race and polar swim)		Jan 1	Boston Metro
This one's near Newburyport, MA. Salisbury Beach, 3 Broadway Street, Salisbury, MA. more
New Years' Day Polar Bear Plunge		Jan 1	Rhode Island
Insane people dip into the water. 2009: 11am-12:30pm. Easton's Beach, Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI.401-846-0028. more
The Week in Weird
Moby Dick - The Marathon		Jan 3 - Jan 4	Southern Mass
OK look there's more going on in January, just... Not much more. Here's a gem. People gather and listen to a nonstop reading of Herman Melville's classic, Moby Dick. It takes 25 hours. New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA. more
Sleigh rides & smores at Point of View Farm		Jan 2 - Feb 28	New Hampshire
Weekends through February, you can get a real sleigh ride in New Hampshire. 160 South Road, Deerfield, NH.603-463-7974. more
Kimball Farm Horse-Draw Sleigh Rides		Jan 2 - Feb 28	Northern Mass
Or closer to Boston in Haverhill, MA, if there's snow. Kimball Farm Corn Maze, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill, MA.978 521-3990. more
Quadtrantids Meteor Shower		Jan 3 - Jan 4	Metro West
Or stay up late Jan 3rd to see the meteor shower, which peaks at 1am Jan 4th. Go someplace without any city lights, like a large field or lake. Everywhere. more more

Like this blog? Add your email at johnnyslist.blogspot.com to get it weekly, and see my spreadsheet of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com. Get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog.

This just in: Last minute Xmas additions

Here are some last minute additions for this week! Happy Holidays!

-Johnny

This Just In
Oktoberfest in December		Dec 27	Worcester
9:30pm-12:30am. It's a belated Oktoberfest with participatory German dancing, a cake eatest contest, and a yodeling contest. Nick's German Restaurant, 124 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA.508-752-6213.
Christmas Eve Caroling - Louisburg Square on Beacon Hill		Dec 24	Boston Metro
7:30pm. They'll have bell ringing and caroling, too. A different house at Louisburg Square hosts every year. The tradition of singing Christmas carols started here! I called to confirm it is open to anyone who wants to come. 5 Louisburg Square, Boston, MA.

Like this blog? Add your email at johnnyslist.blogspot.com to get it weekly, and see my spreadsheet of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com. Get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog.

Boston Events: Holiday Lights special

This week most of the holiday lights close down, although a few hang on through New Years. It's another good activity for Christmas Day or this week.

Holiday Lights		grade	S Dec 21	M Dec 22	T Dec 23	W Dec 24	R Dec 25	F Dec 26	S Dec 27	S Dec 28
Millis Wonderland	Millis, MA
Nightly 6-10pm. This is a private home, not a commercial "attraction", but still good. Slowest nights are Tuesday-Thursday. 60 Causeway Street, Millis, MA. more		?	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Stone Zoo's Zoolights	Stoneham, MA
Daily 5-9pm. 250,000 lights and lots of animals. But the animals are mainly sleeping in their holes and the rest are poorly lit. Only OK. Santa is available. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA.617-989-2000. more		B-	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Holiday Landscapes	Stoneham, MA
It's a private home but a really expansive lights display, with lights that flash in rhythm to music broadcast over an FM transmitter. 83 Franklin St, Stoneham, MA. more		?	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Edaville Railroad's Christmas Festival of Lights	Carver, MA
The biggest and best "holiday lights" display in New England. It's quite non-religious, with Santa letting kids sit on his lap but also plenty of generic fare like Frosty the Snowman and a tip of the hat to Hannukah. I don't think you'll see Jesus at all. Come at night and take a 20-minute train ride, or ride the ferris wheel our carousel. They have 7 million lights, and fireworks every Friday night in December. See website for coupons. Daily. I've been and it's a ton of fun even for adults who are kids at heart and like people-watching. Rt 3S to exit 6, Rt 44W for 8 miles to Rt 58 for 8 miles. Pine Street, Carver, MA.877-EDAVILLE. more		A+	X	X	X	X		X	X	X
Bridgewater Festival Of Lights	Bridgewater, MA
Free. 200,000 lights with a walk-through village. Santa and free coffee and hot chocolate by an outdoor fireplace. At the private home of Dale and Cindy Higgins. 5-9pm M-F, 5-10pm SS. 55 Alexander Drive, Bridgewater, MA.508-279-2894. more		?	X	X	X	X	X
La Salette Shrine Festival of Lights	Attleboro, MA
Daily, 5-9pm. Very religious, it's a shrine. Over 300,000 lights covering 10 acres. Trolley rides Fri-Sun. 947 Park Street, Attleboro, MA.508-222-5410. more		B+	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Holiday Lights at Buttonwood Zoo	New Bedford, MA
6-9pm. And many daytime visits by Santa, see Web site. 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, MA.(508) 991-6178. more		?	X
Springfield's Bright Night at Forest Park	Springfield, MA
5-9pm, but to 11pm Fri, Sat. 550,000 lights. Surprisingly good though -- the 2nd to Edaville. Check out Springfield Museums or zoo (open during school holidays in Dec) at same time. Daily. And check out the holiday lights at Dunn & Phillips, 185 Belmont Ave., Springfield. Rt 83, Springfield, MA.413-733-3800. more		A	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park	Campton, NH
This one features outdoor lights you can drive through in your car, or on their horse-drawn sleigh, and a non-commercial holiday gift center, too. Fri, Sat, Sun, 4:30-8:30pm. Exit 28 off I-93. Branch Brook Campground, Route 49, Campton, NH.(603) 726-7001. more		A-	X					X	X	X
Lighted Christmas Rides @ Charmingfare Farm	Candia, NH
They have a 30 minute horse drawn night ride. Live reindeer. Petting zoo. Route 27, Candia, NH.603-483-5623. more		?	X		X	X		X	X	X
La Salette Shrine & Center	Enfield, NH
Another very religious site has 45,000 evening lights spread across 30 acres. 603-632-7087. more		B	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Candlelight Stroll @ Strawbery Banke	Portsmouth, NH
Strawbery Banke is a re-enactment museum where you'll meet actors dress as people from history. This event features the 18th century and has live music, a bonfire, participatory caroling, demonstrations on ancient musical instruments and the Masons, hundreds of candles, a gingerbread house contest, and more. Sounds really great! 4-9pm. Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH.603-422-7514. more		A+	X

Johnny's List of Quirky Boston Events: 12/21

It's a tough week out there if you want a break from family goodness or merchant madness! But I found a few gems for you. Happy holidays. :)

-Johnny

The Week in Weird
Scandal Tour of Gore Place		Dec 26	Metro West
The event of the week is a breath of fresh non-Xmas air at Gore Place, the historical mansion. They're doing a special "scandal tour" all about what made for 18th and 19th century scandals in the time where you couldn't show a little ankle. It's essentially the only non-Xmas thing happening this week. 52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(781) 894-2798. more
All-Night Israeli Dance Marathon		Dec 24 - Dec 25	Boston Metro
But wait! Here's another. Who doesn't like dancing? I'm guessing this event is a lot of fun and they're inclusive of anyone interested in Israeli dance. Dec 24 @ 6pm-4am. MIT Walker Gym, 142 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. more
Xmas Day: Movies, Chinese Restaurants, and a few Bars		Dec 25	Boston Metro
Now Christmas Day itself, that is a problem. A few movie theatres will be open. Restaurants are closed by law but a few bars will be open. Here's one, for example, The Fireplace in Brookline. And see IMDB for a list of movie theatres. Various Locations, Boston, MA. more more
Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas Day		Dec 25	Boston Metro
Also Christmas Day, see a walking tour of Beacon Hill, focusing on Jewish history. Reserve in advance. Meet at Milk St near Devonshire St, Boston, MA. more
Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston Common		Dec 21 - Dec 29	Boston Metro
And there will be menorah lightings on Boston Common every day, including Xmas. Boston Common near Park St. Subway, Boston, MA. more
Ho Ho Holidays
Holiday caroling - High Street Hill		Dec 24	Boston Metro
Always Christmas Eve at 5:45pm on the Upland Road Green. Upland Road Green, Brookline, MA. more
Various Churches Have Xmas Concerts		Dec 24 - Dec 25	Boston Metro
You won't have to look far to find a church that has a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service. A couple top picks would be the First Church in Boston, which is Unitarian and shouldn't be too preachy, 12/24 at 5:30pm. Or the Christmas Pageant at Trinity Church, which is that huge church in Copley Square, 12/24 @ 4:30pm or the Xmas Day Service at 11am. Various Locations, Boston Area. more more
ImprovBoston Holiday Spectacular: What the Dickens!?!		Dec 18 - Dec 27	Boston Metro
Also if you're a little tired of the holidays, ImprovBoston will be lampooning the Season of Shopping, Dec 21 @ 8pm, Dec 22, 23, 29 @ 8pm & 10pm. Cambridge, MA. more
Recurring Events
Harvard Square Holiday Crafts Fair		Nov 29 - Dec 23	Boston Metro
Here's one that looks promising: a church selling goods. I seem to recall that made Jesus angry. Whatever, it's Christmas! Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6, M-F 12-7:30. Daily Dec 18-23. Church at corner of Church St & Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Shaker Supper @ Hancock Shaker Village		Nov 8 - Dec 27	Western Mass
You get a tour by re-enactors, an authentic dinner, and a cappella Shaker music from the 1830s. Nov 8, 29, and Dec 27. 34 Lebanon Mountain Rd., Hancock, MA. more
Petting Zoo in front of Seasons Four Furniture Store		Nov 21 - Dec 28	Metro West
It's a merchant event with a petting zoo, Santa, elmo, face painting, singers, balloon animals, etc. 1265 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA.(781)861-1200. more
The Nutcracker		Nov 28 - Dec 28	Boston Metro
And... It's The Nutcracker. If you're ever going to check out ballet (I haven't), this would probably be it. Opera House, Boston, MA. more

Like this blog? Add your email at johnnyslist.blogspot.com to get it weekly, and see my spreadsheet of 2000 New England Activities. Send me encouragement and ideas at JohnnysAlwaysOn@yahoo.com. Get inspired at Wheel Questions, my other blog.