Eight Great Things To Do This Holiday Weekend – 12/24/20

ONE: Yes, there’s a lot we have to worry about, but research shows that optimism is a powerful weapon when you’re trying to improve yourself or your community, or just looking for peace of mind. Lane Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College, is a proponent of the philosophy of optimism. He even talked about it during a recent episode of The 495 podcast. On the day of the winter solstice, Glenn published an inspiring essay dealing with all things encouraging and hopeful. Looking to start the holiday weekend off on the right foot? Click here and give it a read.

TWO: Take the family for a ride and visit the Holiday Light Show. This event features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to arrive in their car with their favorite snacks or beverages and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance that extends over the one-mile route. Located at Crescent Farms in Haverhill, Mass., the show is open evenings from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. until Dec. 30. Tickets are $25.00 per vehicle and must be purchased online. Visit here for details and to purchase tickets.

 

THREE: Let your holiday spirit soar to new heights at the Festival of Planes, a special holiday exhibit at the Aviation Museum of N.H. The exhibit will feature over 1,000 vintage model planes and toy aircraft, with the brand new 50-foot long Wall of Planes. This walkthrough is an immersive experience also featuring Christmas trees, a living room with a fireplace, and a starry winter sky with model planes soaring overhead. Admission to the Festival of Planes is $10 per person, $5 for veterans, seniors 65+ and children under 13 and free for children under 5. The Aviation Museum is open this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 27, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and during the week. Click here for more information.

FOUR: If your holiday celebration is limited this year because of the pandemic, take your family out of the house and into the car for the Light Up Methuen Christmas tree hunt. All around the city of Methuen, businesses have decorated trees, and the Methuen Rotary needs your help in choosing the winners. The event is ongoing until Jan. 1. For more details and tree locations, visit the Methuen Rotary Club’s website here.

FIVE: Cure the day-after-Christmas blues by enjoying a night of live music, delicious food and craft beer at Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewery in Nashua, N.H. This Saturday, Max the Sax is set to perform your favorite songs in his style that uses a saxophone, acoustic guitar and vocals to create a unique mix of pop, rock, reggae, jazz and country. The event runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26. For details on the event, check here or visit the restaurant’s website.

SIX: Bundle up and get moving this weekend with The Real Little Women: A Walking Tour led by May Alcott. This event is a seasonal, exclusive walking tour led by an actor playing Louisa May Alcott, as you explore a 19th century Concord and the letters and journal entries of those who knew her best. Discover the real women that inspired Alcott’s “Little Women,” the book that has delighted generations. This is a 1.5-mile walking tour with one steep hill and lasts about 75 minutes. Tours will be held Saturday, Dec 26, and Sunday, Dec. 27, from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. For details and accommodations, check out the Concord Tour Company website here.

SEVEN: Take a break from all of that holiday cooking and stop by A-Brews Tap & Grill on Saturday, Dec. 26, for the weekly blues jam featuring the Riverside Blues Band. Enjoy good food, craft beer and the hottest blues jams north of the Merrimack from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Find more information here.

EIGHT: Conclude your holiday weekend by supporting local farmers at Mill No. 5’s The Farm Market. Bundle up and browse local produce, eggs, jams & jellies, and so much more. The market is located on Middlesex Street in Lowell and will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, rain or shine. Visit their website here.

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BONUS: Special Christmas & New Years Eve Eats Around the Merrimack Valley 

Artisan Chef Catering

Artisan Chef Catering in Lowell will be offering an exclusive holiday menu, available through Jan. 31. Make your holiday special with delicious meals, appetizers and desserts from fig and apple stuffed mushrooms to herb-crusted sirloin to apple crisp. Minimum orders of $50 placed the week of Dec. 27-31 will qualify to receive a free cheese display with your order. For more information, visit here.

Burtons Grill & Bar

This year, Burtons Grill & Bar is helping you get creative with their cook-at-home holiday dinner packages. With these, you can cook and serve a fantastic meal for 4-12 people in just a few easy steps. You’ll cook your main course, (prime rib or crab-crusted salmon) from scratch using Burton’s provided ingredients. Then, simply heat your chosen sides and dinner is served. To place your holiday dinner order, or find step-by-step cooking instructions, click here.

Grazie Italian Restaurant at Four Oaks Country Club

Enjoy classic Italian cuisine at Grazie Italian Restaurant in Dracut. Whether you choose dine-in or takeout, Grazie will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Consider giving the gift of Grazie by purchasing a gift card for a loved one. When you spend $100 on a gift card, you’ll receive a $10 gift card for yourself, or spend $500 and receive a $75 gift card and a set of four unique Grazie wine glasses. For more information and holiday updates, visit Grazie’s website.

Simply Elegant Catering

Simply Elegant Catering had extended their dinner package to New Year’s Eve. Impress your family with a delicious meal from Simply Elegant Catering. Choose an appetizer, salad, three sides, two proteins and two desserts to complete your holiday dinner package. All New Year’s Eve orders by Dec. 28. Check out their menu here.

Stones Hospitality Group 

Cobblestones in Lowell and Moonstones in Chelmsford are ready to safely welcome families this holiday season. Private rooms will be offered for families looking to dine out, while a special holiday takeout menu will be provided for those who wish to enjoy these delicious meals from home. Make sure you follow Cobblestones on Facebook for holiday menus and updates.

 

Save the Date: New Years Brunches

Visit the Swanson Meadows Event Venue & Restaurant in Billerica for the Jazz Brunch, a fun brunch experience featuring local jazz musicians. The full restaurant menu, including some breakfast favorites, will be available to guests. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3. For more information, visit the Swanson Meadows website or click here.

Kick off 2021 with Andover’s newest restaurant, 34 Park, who will be offering New Year’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the beginning of a new year. 34 Park’s brunch menu allows guests to enjoy an upscale brunch experience featuring abundant portions and locally sourced ingredients. For reservations or more information, click here. 

Enjoy delicious scratch-made comfort food and a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails at Tavern in the Square in Lowell during their New Year’s Day brunch starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. For details and reservations, click here.