There’s never any shortage of fun to be had during the holiday season, that’s for sure – in fact, sometimes there’s just so much going on, it’s hard to know where to be and when! With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best holiday events in Westerly and nearby Mystic in the hopes of making it easier to fill your calendar with plenty of family-friendly fun and no stress!
Downtown Mystic’s Holiday Stroll & Luminaria
Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6:00-9:00pm
A favorite annual holiday tradition is coming soon! Don’t miss the Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Luminaria on Tuesday, December 4th from 6-9pm.
Enjoy the festive sounds of local choirs and specials in the shops. Come visit Santa and his North Pole friends while getting your presents wrapped at the Mystic Museum of Art. And be on the lookout for local pirate troupe Free Men of the Sea will be strolling around performing sea shanties as well.
To add to the ambiance, the streets and Mystic River Park will be lined with hundreds of beautiful luminaria to light your way through town.
Wandering entertainment including: Saxophone Santa, Ledyard High School Carolers, Noank-Mystic Community Band, Union Baptist Bell Choir, Freemen of the Sea, Mystic River Chorale, Pine Point School Choir & more.
Festival of Lights
Friday, December 7, 2018, 5:00-9:30pm
Mystic Village and Mystic Aquarium
Walk through Olde Mistick Village’s winter wonderland from dusk until 9:30 pm when thousands of luminaries light the walkways of the Village leading the way to Mystic Aquarium. Stroll through the Village and enjoy holiday decorations, shopping and live music throughout the night! Visit OldeMistickVillage.com for a full schedule of events.
Then gather at Mystic Aquarium and enjoy this dazzling holiday tradition full of community spirit. Bring a non-perishable food item for each visitor and enjoy free admission. Hear Saxophone Santa as he serenades the crowd then get your picture with him – on dry land or while he’s diving with some of his elves – all while enjoying the splendor of holiday festivities at the Aquarium.
Seasonal entertainment and storytellers bring your holiday experience to life as you explore all of your favorite Aquarium exhibits.
Admission is free with one non-perishable food item per guest. All food items will be donated to the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center in New London.
Westerly’s Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria
Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 5:00-9:00pm
Hosted by the Westerly Pawcatuck Downtown Business Association and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
You won’t want to miss the 22nd Annual Holiday Stroll & Luminaria! The event will be held in historic downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 5:00-9:00 PM.
Sidewalks will be lined with beautiful luminaria, and families can enjoy a hayride with Santa while listening to strolling carolers filling the air with their holiday cheer. A complimentary cup of hot chocolate and a cookie will warm you up while shopping at the local stores, which will be running special promotions and offer money-saving coupons. Bundle up and enjoy an evening of hospitality, friendship, and lots of holiday cheer while getting a head start on your holiday shopping and supporting the downtown merchants and artists!
Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 9 AM – 4 PM
Hosted by the Westerly Agway
Pets, children and families all welcome! Pets and children get a gift bag!
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with music
Saturday, December 8, 2018 2:00-3:30pm
Hosted by Colonial Theatre Shakespeare
$10 requested donation
The Colonial Theatre Shakespeare will be performing a theatrical reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to raise money for our educational theatre program at Westerly High School. The reading will be held in the Babcock Auditorium at Westerly High School (use the parking lot entrance via Vose Street). The company would love for you to come celebrate this holiday classic with them. Holiday refreshments will also be available. RSVP at [email protected]
The Ken Serio Jazz Trio CD Release Party and Christmas Jazz
Sunday, December 9, 2018 8:00-11:00pm
Hosted by Perks and Corks
The Trio will perform Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue in its whole, to celebrate the release of Kind of Blue Live that was recorded at Perks and Corks in 2017 and will be released on CD on December 1st. The rest of night will be Christmas jazz!
Christmas Pops with The Chorus of Westerly
Saturday, December 15, 6:00-7:15pm
Sunday, December 16, 2:00-3:15pm or 4:30-5:45pm
Hosted by Kent Hall and the Chorus of Westerly
New Years Eve Magic Show with Russ DeSimone (Ages 5+)
Monday, December 31, 2018 at 11 AM – 12 PM
Hosted by the Westerly Library
Start the New Year’s magic early with this high energy magic show which combines audience participation and comedy with good ol’ family fun! A true experience of wonder, sure to please both children and “children at heart!” The show will be followed by a countdown to 12 (noon) to ring in the new year early!
