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“It was a magical core moment,” said Marisa Olsen about her family’s experience last year at the “All Aboard the Polar Express” event at Plymouth Center for the Arts. This year, it will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, combining art, creativity, and literature in a way that kids can enjoy.
Events committee chair Lynne Nybo said the event, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book “The Polar Express,” was so popular last year that the 11 North St. center added a second date this year.
Nybo said parents enjoy the festivities, too, and at this time of year especially, it’s important to “slow down for a few hours and spend time with family.”
The illustrations in the book, also by Van Allsburg, are so exceptional and artistic, Nybo said, that it felt like a good fit for the arts center.
Children can attend the party in their pajamas, mirroring the story – the Polar Express train picks up children during the night. At the party, they will receive a “golden ticket” to board the (pretend) train. There are different stations set up for making crafts and ornaments. One station is for writing a letter to Santa, which can then be “mailed” in a special North Pole mailbox. “Elves” – or kids dressed up like elves – are available to help with crafts or letters.
There will be hot chocolate and cookies, just like the children in the book were served on the train. Then the “conductor,” professional actor Evan Crocker, will read the book aloud. Nybo said he does an amazing job. A wide screen slide show will display the illustrations in sync with the reading.
Then Santa Claus will appear. The elves will deliver the letters from the mailbox “special delivery” and Santa will hand out “magic bells” to each child.
A backdrop image of the Polar Express will be set up for photos with kids and families. The pictures can be printed out immediately, and one of the craft stations will have supplies for creating a decorated photo frame.
Olsen, whose children are 7 and 9, said the event last year was “engaging and fun, and very accessible.” Her family will be back this year.
Tickets are $15 per child, and you can buy them here.
Monday, December 8
Celebrate five years of grassroots activism with the Community Land and Water Coalition at a free event from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the executive director, members, and volunteers will share information about how to get involved. A reception and a socializing will follow, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Attendance is either in person or on Zoom, and you can RSVP here. For more information, email rachel@communitylandandwater.org.
Learn about “The Ghosts of Christmas Past” with Dustin Pari, from 4 to 5 p.m., in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Pari will explain the history of the often-forgotten Victorian Christmas Ghost Story, a classic tradition. He’ll also share tales and real-life stories of holiday visits from the ghosts of Christmas past. Pari is known as an investigator on TV’s “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Hunters International,” and has appeared on “Destination Truth” and “Ghost Nation.” Registration is required – you can do so here.
Wednesday, December 10
Enjoy wine while painting your masterpiece at Plymouth Bay Winery, 114 Water St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Christine from Green Star Mercantile will provide guidance. Tickets include painting supplies and a complimentary glass of wine for guests 21 or older. Tickets are $39.19 and you can get them here.
Thursday, December 11
Charles Conway will discuss his memoir, “Layman’s Alzheimer’s Observations: A 10+ Year Caregiving Journey,” from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Conway will recount his experiences with Alzheimer’s, including the emotional and financial burdens that can overwhelm caregivers. Attendees will each receive a free copy of Conway’s memoir. Registration is encouraged, and you can do so here.
The Green Reads Book Club will meet at Independent Fermentations Brewing (IndieFerm), 127 Camelot Drive, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss “The Great Displacement,” by Jake Bittle. The book examines real-life stories of families in America displaced by natural disasters. Bittle studies the science and regulations affecting climate-related disasters and the responses to them and suggests how to move forward. The book club is organized by Sustainable Plymouth. You can register here.
The Plymouth Public Library Foundation offers an opportunity to get pictures with Santa from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Individuals, groups, families, and pets are all invited. There will be a photographer on hand who will use your phone or camera to take the photos. If you bring a pet, make sure they are leashed or in a carrier. You will also meet the foundation’s “Bear, the Reindog” – who also appears on the library foundation’s social media as “Sherlock Bones.” Participants can take home a winter treat. Registration is required, and you can register here.
Friday, December 12
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will screen at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., until Thursday, Dec. 18. The live-action film is now 25 years old, and even if you already know how the Grinch did it, it can be fun to watch on the big screen. Film times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Saturday, December 13
The America’s Hometown Garden Club will hold its annual Greens Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Wreaths, tabletop arrangements, cemetery baskets, and baked goods will be on sale to help support the club’s Plymouth community projects throughout the year. Cash, check, credit card, and Venmo will all be accepted. For more information email americashometowngardenclub@gmail.com.
Find unique gifts at a Winter Craft Fair to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Apartment complex, 25 Plaza Way (near Colony Place). The fair will feature creations by members of The Great Island Artisan Guild in the Pinehills. There will be a variety of handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, beach-themed items, hand-woven baskets, wood creations, woolen mittens, and more. You may find sewn and crocheted items, mosaics, and glass-painted items – a little something for everyone.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the holiday season with four Hometown Holiday performances at Memorial Hall during the weekend. Music Director Steven Karidoyanes will lead the orchestra in performances of “O Holy Night” and “Rejoice Greatly” from Handel’s Messiah, as well as a tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to recognize its 60th anniversary. At 3 p.m., the performance will feature soprano Kristen Watson as well as the Plymouth Community Intermediate School’s sixth grade chorus. At 7:30 p.m., the orchestra performs again, without the school chorus. Audience members are invited to bring unwrapped gifts to participate in the orchestra’s March of the Toys community parade, benefiting the Children’s Holiday Fund. Tickets for the concerts are $36, $61, $71, and $151, which includes a Memorial Hall restoration fee. You can get tickets here.
Looking for a special gift? Check out the Mayflower Brewing Hometown Holiday Marketplace, presented by Inebri-Art, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Mayflower Brewing Company, 12 Resnick Road. With more than 12 local vendors participating, the market promises a selection of unique handcrafted gifts. The event is free, but you can register here.
Sunday, December 14
The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, will welcome the public to visit its free display of more than 50 nativity scenes (creches) at 11 a.m. There will also be a Christmas carol sing-along, and refreshments. The creches were contributed for the event by members and friends of the congregation and come from all over the world. A card near each creche describes something distinctive about it, including where it came from and its special meaning. The public is also invited to attend the church’s 10 a.m. service in the sanctuary prior to the creche display.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Steven Karidoyanes, continues its “Hometown Holiday” concert series with two more performances, at 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. The orchestra will be joined by soprano Kristen Watson and the Plymouth Community Intermediate School’s sixth grade chorus for both performances. The audience is invited to bring unwrapped gifts for the orchestra’s March of the Toys community parade, to benefit the Children’s Holiday Fund. Tickets are $36, $61, $71, and $151, including a Memorial Hall restoration fee, and you can buy them here.
Actor Neil McGarry returns to the Spire to give his solo performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 3 p.m. The show delivers the classic story with McGarry using only the bare stage and the words of Dickens. McGarry has performed this and other solo shows around New England and further afield, including Europe and the United Kingdom. This performance has become a Plymouth holiday tradition. Tickets are $24.15 and $29.15, and you can get them here.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with a Christmas pajama party and matinee from 2 to 4 p.m.at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. Young and old alike are welcome. You are encouraged to wear pajamas, bring a cozy blanket, and watch a screening of the classic holiday film. Refreshments are included in the ticket price. Tickets are $9.39 for anyone under age 17, and $11.49 for adults, and available here.
Monday, December 15
Classical pianist Sergei Novikov will return to the Fehlow Meeting Room in the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., for a concert to inspire the holiday mood. Novikov will perform classical and jazz renditions of holiday music. A Russian immigrant, Novikov began his musical studies at age 6 on the three-stringed balalaika. In 1990, at 21, he moved to the United States where he dreamed of making a better life for himself. He has become a major force in contemporary composing while traveling throughout the New England area. The concert is free, but registration is required, and you can do so here.
Thursday, December 18
Celebrate the solstice with Lúnasa’s “Irish Solstice Celebration,” with special guest singer Dave Curley at the Spire at7:30 p.m. Since forming in 1997, the band has sold more than 250,000 records, performed more than 2,000 shows, and won multiple awards. Tickets are $40 and $44, and you can get them here.
The Seán Heely Celtic Band will perform its Celtic Christmas show at Memorial Hall at 8 p.m. Led by U.S. National Scottish Fiddle and Gàidhlig singing champion Heely, the band plays a blend of ancient melodies from Scotland and Ireland, rhythms from Galicia and Brittany, and original modern pieces. The show also includes historical narratives connected to the traditions the band honors. Tickets are $45.25, $56, $67, &78, and $89, and you can get them here.
Friday, December 19
Children are invited to an “All Aboard the Polar Express” party at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., from 5:30 to 7. See the lead item in this column for more information.
Steve Sweeney, who’s been dubbed the “King of Boston comedy,” will perform his standup at the Spire at 8 p.m. Although he’s performed nationwide and on TV or film throughout his 30-year career, Sweeney famously riffs on Boston personalities and characters, with a well-worn accent. Tickets are $31.15 and $32.15, and you can get them here.
Saturday, December 20
Children are invited to an “All Aboard the Polar Express” party at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., from 5:30 to 7. See the lead item in this column for more information.
Join other carolers for a Christmas Sing-Along from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library’s Manomet branch, 12 Strand Ave. No registration is required.
Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., will hold its 206th Annual Meeting and Forefathers Day Gala at the museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members and their guests are invited to have coffee starting at 9:30 a.m. and then attend the business meeting from 10 to 11:15 a.m. A buffet lunch and program will follow from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local architect and historian Bill Fornicari will present the program on the history of Plymouth’s Forefathers Day traditions. Tickets are $20 for museum members and their guests, $25 for non-members. You can get tickets here, call 508-746-1620, ext. 3, or email membership@pilgrimhall.org.