1 Stop by Debra’s Natural Gourmet in West Concord to see their annual menorah display. Thirty-four years ago, Debra Stark began this beautiful tradition to share the Festival of Lights with the community. A display with more than 40 menorahs from around the world dazzles onlookers each December. See our article on p. 22 for more information. On display now through December 31. debrasnaturalgourmet.com
Courtesy of the Concord Museum2 Concord’s renowned literary tradition takes a creative twist during the holiday season when the Concord Museum opens the 27th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. A benefit exhibition with related programs, Family Trees fills the Museum with trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes fancifully dressed for the occasion with charming original ornaments inspired by children’s picture books. Open now through January 2. concord museum.org
3 Experience the Old Manse as you’ve never seen it before. “On the Gold Light” Twilight Tours of the Manse allows you to wander the halls and explore the chambers of the Old Manse lit by candles and the setting sun. This is truly a magical experience. Reservations available now through March 11. thetrustees.org
4 Enjoy the arts! Concord is alive with music and art throughout the winter months. Turn to p. 52 for “Arts Around Town” and don’t miss out on all that Concord’s talented artists have to offer.
5 Celebrate Chanukah as the Town of Concord and Temple Kerem Shalom present the Chanukah celebration at Rideout Park. Bring the family as the menorah is blessed and lit. Stay and enjoy music, games, Chanukah stories with the Concord Free Public Library, and latkes from Debra’s Natural Gourmet. December 21. visitconcord.org
6 Embrace the Icelandic tradition known as Jolabokaflod. It’s traditional in Iceland to exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading. Start your own Jolabokaflod festivity by stopping by Barrow Bookstore to pick up a wrapped book and a packet of hot chocolate. Weather permitting, the books will be outside and on Dec. 24 there will be snacks and recorded music from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. In the case of bad weather, books will be available inside the store. December 23 – 24. barrowbookstore.com
7 Shop local this holiday season. The shopping districts of Concord Center, West Concord, Thoreau Depot, and Nine Acre Corner have everything you need to make the holiday season special. From unique gifts to farm-fresh turkeys, produce, and baked goods, whatever you need you’re sure to find it in Concord. Extra credit if you plan ahead and buy your Valentine’s Day gifts early! Our complete list of “Where to Shop, Where to Eat” on p. 41 (along with walking maps) will show you where to go. And be sure to see our Guide to Holiday Gift Giving online at issuu.com/discoverconcordma/docs/giftguide22fullbook for the best gifts in Concord.
8 Get into the holiday spirit with this 90-minute Historical Holiday walking tour in downtown Concord. The tour will begin outside Barrow Bookstore, where you will learn about the origins of Christmas in Puritan New England. Throughout the tour, you will hear tales of how the authors who called Concord home, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott, celebrated the holidays. Visit concordwalkingtours.com to make a reservation.
9 Visit the Lincoln Memorial Illustrated exhibition at the Concord Museum. The exhibition explores the planning and construction of the Lincoln Memorial through illustrations, sculpture, archival materials, and ephemera, and it traces its role as a symbolic site in illustrations, political cartoons, and popular culture. Turn to “The Lincoln Memorial Illustrated – A Fascinating Exhibition at the Concord Museum” on p. 14 for more information. Now through February 26. concordmuseum.org
10 The Concord Free Public Library will once again host a delightful Gingerbread House Display, perfect for the season and sure to delight children of all ages. Visit their website for dates and times. concordlibrary.org
©Jennifer C. Schünemann11 Celebrate the season at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. A perennial favorite holiday destination, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House will celebrate the season with guided tours of the c. 1650 home adorned with tasteful, festive décor. Discover the ways in which the Alcotts and their fictional counterparts, the Marches, commemorated this special season—from the November 29 joint birthday of Bronson Alcott and daughter Louisa May, to timeless family traditions of Christmas and the New Year. Visitors will receive a commemorative bookmark and take-home craft activity. louisamayalcott.org
12 Join The Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for a conversation with George Wuerthner, respected ecologist and author of 38 books. His presentation, “Fire Suppression & Climate Change” will provide insights and an overview to the major factors driving large wildfires in the west and will discuss the ecological importance of these blazes as well as policies that could help to protect communities from such events. January 24. walden.org/events
Courtesy of the Concord Museum13 Visit with President Lincoln as the Concord Museum once again hosts Steve Wood and his amazing performance as Abraham Lincoln. Wood’s first-person historical interpretation, “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, campaign debates, and the Civil War, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address. February 20. concordmuseum.org
Courtesy of the Concord Museum15 Go outside and play this winter. Why not put on your mittens and go hiking, skating, sledding, or even skiing this weekend? Turn to “Outdoor Winter Fun” on p. 32 and enjoy the season!