Current Special Exhibit
Service and Sacrifice: World War II – A Shared Experience

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston, Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AD: $18 | Seniors/Students: $12
Ages 12 & under: Free | Discounts for Veterans
1 866 JFK-1960 | 617-514-1600
jfklibrary.org | Exhibit details

Those who served in World War II did so for a variety of reasons, the universal draft being a major factor. They viewed their service through different lenses while sharing the experience of trying to win a war. For Americans of color, service in a war to "preserve democracy" was an ironic counterpoint to the suppression of their civil liberties at home. Women who were able to work in different capacities within the Armed Forces for the first time were greeted with hostility by their male counterparts. For all those involved, the war opened different avenues and changed perceptions. As a result, countless servicepeople went on to shape and change post-war American society. This exhibit will tell the stories of a few of the many.

Through December 31

Discover Newport Presents:
Christmas in Newport

Various Venues
Newport, Rhode Island
401-849-6454
ChristmasInNewport.org

Founded in 1971, Christmas in Newport began as a two-week festival that celebrated the noncommercial traditions of the holiday season. Now in its 54th year, the annual program boasts multiple activities for nearly each day of the December calendar with city-wide events and activities. PIctured: The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff.

December 1

BRT Presents:
Áine Minogue - "To Warm the Winter's Eve"

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
3:00 p.m. | $23 or $26 day of show | brtri.org

“To Warm the Winter’s Eve” is a musical celebration of the Celtic mid-winter and Christmas season by acclaimed Irish harpist/singer Áine Minogue. Minogue has done extensive research into Irish and Celtic winter traditions and has unearthed some unusual and haunting selections from Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and of course, Ireland. The concert is a spellbinding journey through Celtic lore and tradition, mixing music and poetry. Áine has appeared on compilations for labels such as BMG, Virgin Records, Rounder, and Putumayo. Her music videos have been aired on PBS’s “Out of Ireland."

December 5

Rockport Music Presents:
David Benoit's - Charlie Brown Christmas

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | 8:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | $42 - $69
rockportmusic.org

An unforgettable pairing of jazz and the holidays arrives in Rockport as the phenomenal pianist David Benoit returns with his heartwarming Charlie Brown Christmas concert! Get in the yuletide spirit as Benoit and his band pay homage to Vince Guaraldi's iconic soundtrack.

December 6

ICC Presents:
Chloë Agnew's Celtic Christmas

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
VIP Meet & Greet + Preferred Seating - 5:30 p.m: $60.00
7:00 - 9:30 p.m. | General Admision: $40.00 | ICC Members: $35.00
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org | Buy Tix

Back by popular demand, join Chloë Agnew for a very special Celtic Christmas Concert to get in the mood for the festive season. There's no better way to kick off your holiday season than spending the evening at the ICC with the whole family for a traditional Irish Christmas. Chloë gained fame as one of the original, and at 14, the youngest member of Celtic Woman. Catch her live at the Centre for some holiday fun!

December 6-7

Rockport Music Presents:
Cape Ann Big Band Holiday

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $19 - $36 | rockportmusic.org
Dec 6 @ 7:00 p.m. | Dec 7 @ 2:00 p.m. | Dec 7 @ 7:00 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit with Cape Ann’s own 17-piece big band,  performing holiday favorites, old and new, infused with a bit of jazz, swing and rock n roll. Driven by the talents of local musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with its local community. The Band prides itself with having a repertoire that has no boundaries.

December 7

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
15th Annual Holiday Craft Fair and Festival

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Free Admission | brtri.org

The 15th annual BRT Holiday Fair includes 26 vendors on site to allow plenty of Holiday shopping. The event features continuous live music by Bob Drouin, Josh Kane, Ed Sweeney, Dean Robinson, Cathy Clasper-Torch, Atwater~Donnelly, The Vox Hunters, and The Broad Street Fiddlers, plus raffle prizes, a bake sale table including Welsh cakes. Door prizes will be raffled off from each vendor with the raffle proceeds to benefit BRT's future programming.

December 7-8

Discover Newport Presents:
Bristol's Grand Illumination

The Burnside Building
Corner of Hope and Court Streets, Bristol, RI 
401-849-6454 | christmasbristolri.com

A holiday tradition in Bristol that includes, caroling, music ensembles, dancing and the annual reading of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. Gather downtown at the Burnside Building for an evening of fabulous entertainment and holiday cheer. Entertainment begins at 4:15pm and features amazing local talent. Santa Claus arrives just before 6pm. Get excited as he flips the switch and lights up the Town tree and the giant snowflake over Hope Street! Don't miss out on the fun!

December 8 - TWO SHOWS!

Rockport Music Presents:
Lúnasa: Irish Solstice Celebration

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $29 - $46
3:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m.
rockportmusic.org | Buy Tix

The acclaimed Irish traditional ensemble Lúnasa is returning and bringing its Irish Solstice Celebration concert to the beautiful Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for two shows on December 8, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  They’re joined by guest vocalist Dave Curley, a multi-instrumentalist, from Corofin, Co. Galway.  The group combines ancient traditional melodies with a driving contemporary tempo that brings out the magic of traditional Irish music at this special time of year. Don't miss some of the finest pickers, pipers and fiddlers in the world - Lúnasa will get your spirit (and your feet) moving!

December 8

BRT Presents: Seamus Egan's Good Winter:
A Celtic Christmas with Moira Smiley and Yann Falquet

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
3:00 p.m. | $28 or $32 day of show | brtri.org

From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Seamus Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. Seamus is joined by Moira Smiley, an American singer, composer, and musician who performs on banjo, accordion, piano, and body percussion, as well as BRT's favorite Yann Falquet who plays guitar and sings with the Quebecois group, Genticorum.

December 10

Irish American Partnership Presents:
Young Partners Boston Holiday Celebration

Venue TBA - Boston, MA
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. | irishap.org

Join our Boston-area Young Partners, Irish American Partnership supporters, and guests for an evening of fun and celebration at the Partnership's Christmas gathering on December 10th. This group offers young professionals opportunities for professional networking and a link with modern-day Ireland. Over the course of nearly 40 years, the Partnership has raised over $53 million, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Ireland in support of the country's future. Enjoy cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. The proceeds from this event will go to fund the Partnership's Outdoor Play & Learning initiative. Full details to come.

December 12

Rockport Music Presents:
Christmas with the Celts

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | 8:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | $39 - $55
rockportmusic.org

Enjoy high-steppin', cheerful holiday classics, lively ancient Irish carols, hilarious spontaneous humor, thrilling Irish dancing and much more from one of Ireland's most popular touring groups. Celebrating 14 years of successful national touring, come see why the Celts' performance is more than just a concert, it's a spiritual experience of music and dance uniting communities.

December 13

Rockport Music Presents:
Handel's Messiah with the Handel & Haydn Society

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $65 - $98 | 7:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | rockportmusic.org

For the 170th consecutive year, the Handel & Haydn Society reignites your sense of wonder and joy with the greatest story ever told in song - Handel's masterful Messiah.

December 14 - TWO SHOWS!

Blackstone River Theatre Presents:
Lúnasa

Blackstone River Theatre
549 Broad Street
Cumberland, RI
3:00 p.m. tickets | 7:00 p.m. tickets
$36 - $40
brtri.org

Blackstone River Theatre is delighted to welcome back to Rhode Island the international touring band Lunasa for its Irish Solstice Celebration concert. Named for a Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world. Lunasa band members  include bassist Trevor Hutchinson, flutist Kevin Crawford, piper Cillian Vallely, and guitarist Ed Boyd. They will be joined by fiddler Colin Farrell as well as special guest Dave Curley, a multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer from Corofin, Co. Galway. You don't want to miss this special show!

December 14

Rockport Music Presents:
Seaside Yuletide: Jon Butcher | Allen Estes | Sal Baglio

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | 8:00 p.m.
Buy Tix | $29 - $39
rockportmusic.org

Three of the North Shore's most beloved songwriters and performers converge for A Seaside Yuletide, a night of rootsy holiday spirit and song featuring Jon Butcher, Allen Estes (pictured) and Sal Baglio.

December 14

ICC Presents: 2024 50/50 Grand Annual Raffle
+ OPEN HOUSE

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
781 821-8291 | Tix: $100
irishculture.org | Enter the drawing here: irishculture.org

Enter to win fantastic prizes (last year's lucky winner won $70,000) while helping to support programs at the ICC including: Irish language, music, food, sports, entertainment, Gaelic games, rugby, camps, family fun , festivals, concerts, sessions, dance classes, & more! The Drawing will be held at the Centre on the 14th and prizes will be awarded on the night. Winners not in attendance will be notified from info provided at time of purchase. Only 2,500 tickets will be sold so grab them fast. 1st Prize: 50% of all proceeds (less all prizes), 2nd Prize: $5,000, 3rd, 4th, 5th Prize: $1,000. Buy your tickets here now - GOOD LUCK!

December 15

ICC Presents: Paul Byrom in Concert

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
VIP Meet & Greet After the Performance: $55.00
4:00 p.m. | General Admision: $35.00
781 821-8291 | irishculture.org | Buy Tix

Paul Byrom returns to the United States following the success of his latest album How Will You Remember Me. Enjoy Paul's exquisite tenor voice singing some of your favorite Irish classics, as well as favourite Christmas classics, like O' Holy night, White Christmas, Silent Night, and some well known modern classics also. Suitable for all ages and musical tastes - join Paul for an unforgettable evening of singing, laughter and Christmas nostalgia! Act fast as tickets are limited and you won't want to miss out on this musical treat.

December 15

Rockport Music Presents:
Back Bay Ringers

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
2:00 p.m. tickets | 5:00 p.m. tickets
978-546-7391 | $20 - $25
rockportmusic.org

Get in the holiday spirit with the Boston-based Back Bay Ringers! Under the direction of Griff Gall, BBR has quickly developed a reputation for excellence, regularly performing at Boston-area landmarks such as Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall, the Boston Children's Museum and the Prudential Center.

December 21

Rockport Music Presents:
Livingston Taylor

Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main Street, Rockport, MA
978-546-7391 | $38 - $52
8:00 p.m. | rockportmusic.org

Enjoy the much anticipated return of folk's legendary Livingston Taylor, performing such hits as "Carolina Day," "Get out of Bed," "I Will Be in Love with You" and "I'll Come Running." From upbeat storytelling to touching ballads inspired by a varied repertoire of folk, pop, gospel and jazz, Taylor is known for his ability to take audiences on a musical journey.

December 22

ICC Presents: An Irish Christmas
Featuring Irish Tenor Ciaran Nagle & Tara Novak

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
4:00 - 7:00 pm | $40 | ICC Members $35
781 821-8291 | Details to come

irishculture.org | Buy Tix

Irish Tenor Ciaran Nagle, fiddler Tara Novak, (pictured) and Ishna are ready to get you in the Christmas spirit with a program of music, song & dance fit for the season. Enjoy an Irish Christmas show and please check backk as we add more details.

December 31

ICC Presents: New Year's Eve Gala
With Margaret Dalton & Erin’s Melody

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:00 pm -12:30 am | 781 821-8291 | Tix: $85
irishculture.org | Buy tix

Dance your way into 2024 and don't miss this sell-out event. 7:00pm: Mulled Wine & Appetizers, 8:00pm: Dinner & Desserts, Midnight: Champagne Toast. Spot Prizes & Giveaways on the night! Entertainment by Margaret Dalton and Erins Melody. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the ICC. Call 781-821-8291 or purchase tickets online here.

December TBA

ICC Presents:
Breakfast with Santa

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
$25 | 11:00 am -2:00 pm | 781-821-8291
irishculture.org | Buy Tix

Join the ICC for a Christmas Breakfast along with a visit and gift from Santa. Enjoy chocolate chip pancackes, homemade baked good and hot beverages.There will also be plenty of arts and crafts with Liz, including ornament-making and face painting, and live music from Dave Try. Enjoy fun for the whole family.

December TBA

ICC Presents:
Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Service

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
7:00 pm | 781-821-8291 | Free
irishculture.org |

Join the ICC for a very special Holiday evening as they light the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols. Stay and enjoy the festivities with mulled wine, mince pies and treats. This event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, so bring along your family and friends for a wonderful Christmas tradition at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton.

December TBA

The Eustis Estate Milton
Eustis Estate Christmas Cheers

The Eustis Estate
1424 Canton Ave., Milton
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | 617-994-6600
$35 | Students: $15 | Members: $20
historicnewengland.org

Enjoy a magical evening of music and holiday cheer at the Eustis Estate. Explore the 1878 mansion, which has been lavishly decorated for Christmas, while live holiday music fills the halls. Advance tickets are required. Refreshments, wine, beer, and cider are included with your ticket.
Please call 617-994-6600 for more information.

December TBA

ICC Presents:
Christmas Luncheon for Seniors

Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
irishculture.org

Join the ICC for the seniors special Christmas luncheon and get in the spirit of the Christmas season!
Check the website for details.