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It’s a way to support local businesses while going on a sociable holiday shopping spree. That’s the idea behind the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Business Crawl, set for 3 p.m. today (Monday, Dec. 15.) One goal of the event is to boost the local economy and encourage shoppers to spend money at businesses that are chamber members, said J.R. Perkins, the group’s director of marketing and events.
Perkins said the crawl is loosely based on the chamber’s “cash mob” events, which were loosely based on the idea of a flash mob. That’s a planned gathering where people show up at a certain location in a way that seems spontaneous. With the cash mobs, the chamber gathered a group of people and had them visit a specific business at the same time.
“Typically, for a cash mob, the chamber would pick one business and then we would ‘mob them’ so everyone who shows up for the cash mob, we would all go in the storefront together,” Perkins said. The shoppers were encouraged to spend whatever amount they wanted, giving it a financial boost.
This year, the crawl will be a bit more fluid. Instead of bringing a group of people to a certain store or a couple of stores, Perkins said, the groups will assemble at two distinct meeting places at 3 p.m. – the Waterfront Visitor Information Center, 130 Water St., and in front of See Plymouth’s office at 4 North St. Everyone will go shopping from those spots.
A representative of the chamber will be at both meeting points to rally everyone and dispense information. “Support local, spend money wherever you want to,” Perkins said, “but we obviously try to prioritize our members.”
As for any perks or deals shoppers might find at the stores, businesses will choose to do what they want, whether it’s offering a discount or giving out a treat.
“We’re trying to deter people from using the big corporations like Amazon… [to] keep the money in the community,” Perkins said.
The event will take place rain, snow, or shine.
There’s a button on the chamber’s website to register if you plan to attend. It’s not required, but it gives the chamber a rough idea of how many folks might be coming. You can register here.
Monday, December 15
“Ella McCay,” a comedy/drama directed by James L. Brooks and starring Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Woody Harrelson, is screening at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The film, set in 2008, follows a young lieutenant governor who’s juggling family and work life while preparing to step into the role of governor when the incumbent governor (played by the brilliant Albert Brooks), takes a role in the Obama administration. The live action film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will continue screening through Thursday, Dec. 18. 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.
Classical pianist Sergei Novikov will return to the Fehlow Meeting Room in the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., performing 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.
Join other shoppers for a sociable Holiday Business Crawl hosted by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce at 3 p.m. See the lead item in this column for details.
Tuesday, December 16
The public is invited to take a “Hall-a-Day Stroll” in Plymouth Town Hall, 26 Court St., from 3 to 5 p.m. The free event will feature decorated offices, employees wearing festive ugly sweaters, a kid-friendly elf scavenger hunt, cocoa and cookies in the atrium, and a visit with Santa to top off the fun.
Wednesday, December 17
The deadline for donations to the Plymouth Town Hall Toy Drive is at 12 p.m. The drive is a partnership between the Town of Plymouth and the Plymouth Family Resource Center to collect toys for local children and teens in need. Donation boxes are located at the main entrance and the atrium at Town Hall, 26 Court St.
Open Mic Night takes place in the Speakeasy lounge at Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music and watch local talent – or try it yourself. There’s no cover charge, and the pub has a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and food available.
Thursday, December 18
Families with children under 10 can enjoy a “Merry Afternoon” at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., from 3 to 4 p.m. The event takes place before a cozy fire where participants will hear an old-fashioned Christmas tale from the English Court. After the story, kids can get creative decorating their own gingerbread cookies – a tradition from Queen Elizabeth’s time. Tickets are $9.39 for children who are museum members, and $11.39 for non-member children. Adults who accompany the children are free. You can get tickets here.
Celebrate the winter solstice with Lúnasa’s “Irish Solstice Celebration,” with special guest singer Dave Curley at the Spire at 7:30 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 buy 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 p.m. Kids can wear their pajamas, write letters to Santa, and enjoy the story of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book “The Polar Express,” read by the “conductor,” actor Evan Crocker. There will be stations for making ornaments and other crafts, cookies and cocoa will be served, and Santa will appear. “Elves” will be available to help with writing and delivering letters to Santa or making ornaments. Tickets are $15 per child and are available here.
“You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine,” a documentary about a tribute concert honoring the late songwriter, will screen at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The concert took place on what would have been Prine’s 76th birthday two years after he died from Covid-related complications, and features interviews and performances from artists like Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, and Kacey Musgraves, among others. “Ella McCay,” a comedy/drama starring Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Woody Harrelson, will continue screening through Wednesday, Dec. 24. The film, set in 2008, follows a young lieutenant governor who’s juggling family and work life while preparing to step into the role of governor when the incumbent governor (played by Albert Brooks), takes a role in the Obama administration. 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.
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.
Santa – who sure gets around – will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. at Book Love, 7 Village Green South in the Pinehills. Take photos with the old guy, fill out a holiday wish list, and enjoy free samples of hot chocolate from Stuzzi Café & Sweet Shop, located across the green. (As a sweet aside, Stuzzi’s candies look like pieces of art.)
Saturday, December 20
Children are invited to the second night of an “All Aboard the Polar Express” party at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Kids wear their pajamas, write letters to Santa, and listen to Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book, “The Polar Express,” read by actor Evan Crocker. There will be stations for making crafts, cookies and cocoa will be served, and Santa will appear. Tickets are $15 per child and are available here.
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.
Irish and Nashville musicians will perform Christmas with the Celts, led by show founder and songwriter Ric Blair, at the Spire during two holiday shows at 3 and 6 p.m. The performances will include a combination of modern Christmas hits, lively ancient Irish carols, humor, Irish dancing, a children’s choir, and Christmas ballads with string arrangements. This year, the group will introduce Irish musicians Patrick D’Arcy from Dublin and Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, Ireland. Singer and fiddler Luisa Marion will also be featured. Tickets are $62.50 and $69. Get tickets for the 3 p.m. show here, and for the 6 p.m. show here.
Sunday, December 21
The Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, invites you to make reservations for Brunch with Santa, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Santa will be visiting. For reservations, call 508-927-4961.
The second annual “Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Run 5K” will set off from Mayflower Brewing Company, 12 Resnick Road, at 9 a.m. Participants can dress as Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” adding a comical note to the run/walk/jog event. There are options for registering, and each package includes a free Mayflower beer at the end of the run. Find all the details here.
Friday, December 26
Joshua Tree, a U2 tribute band, will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m. The band covers all phases of U2’s musical catalog without “compromising artistic integrity” or impersonating the famous group. Tickets are $38.20 and $42, and you can buy them here.
Saturday, December 27
Families with children of all ages are welcome to come play with Legos in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Build something of your own design or try one of the challenges the library will offer. No registration is required.
Tuesday, December 30
Molly Hojnoski, a certified children’s yoga teacher, will offer a yoga class for children age 3 to 5 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Registration is required and opens on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Go here to register.
Wednesday, December 31
Families are invited to celebrate at a “Noon Year’s Eve” event welcoming 2026, at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be music, crafts, dancing, and a countdown to noon. The event is geared for families with children age 3 and older. No registration is necessary.
Once again, Independent Fermentations Brewery will present a New Year’s Eve Funday with the Shady Roosters from 2 to 5 p.m. to kick off your new year celebration. The music will be rootsy rockabilly, blues, and country. The event will feature IndieFerm’s craft beers on tap, kombucha by the bottle, and a selection of wine and other beverages. The cost of entry is $5 cash at the door.