Celebrate the Holidays in New Bedford

Highlights Include Downtown Tree Lighting on Dec. 7, Clasky Common Tree Lighting on Dec. 8, and AHA! Starry Night on Dec. 12

NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City’s holiday season will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 7 with the annual Downtown Tree Lighting.

Explore New Bedford and AHA! are teaming up this year to promote the City’s slate of holiday events, which includes popular annual celebrations like the Clasky Common Tree Lighting on Dec. 8, AHA! Starry Night on Dec. 12, and the Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 14. Expect festive music, live performances and hot chocolate, as well as pop-ups and other unique shopping experiences across the City this season.

“The free family programming throughout the City in December is the perfect way to do some shopping and get in the holiday spirit, all while supporting local businesses and organizations,” Explore New Bedford Director Ashley Payne said.

Explore New Bedford’s NBfestive website, explorenewbedford.org/nb-festive, has a full list of holiday happenings around the City. Check it often for event updates throughout the season.

City of New Bedford Downtown Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-6 p.m.

Where: Pleasant Street in front of the Main Library

Details: Join Mayor Mitchell, City officials, and New Bedford friends and neighbors near and far for the annual celebration. At 4:30 p.m., a parade will march from the bottom of William Street, near the Whaling Museum, to the library steps for the tree lighting. The festive parade will feature the New Bedford High School marching band, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Clasky Common Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.

Where: Clasky Common, County and Pope Streets

Details: Join Mayor Mitchell and others for the annual celebration at Clasky Common with musical performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of holiday cheer.

AHA! Starry Night

When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 3-9 p.m.

Where: Downtown New Bedford

Details: AHA!’s holiday event will be one to remember. The Custom House building will be transformed into a giant snow globe with an awe-inspiring light show by Broken Glass Projection Mapping. There will be crafts, games, pictures with Santa, live music and more at this free family event.

Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll

When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Downtown New Bedford

Details: Presented by Downtown New Bedford Inc., the popular event will feature food and drink specials, family friendly entertainment like antique fire truck rides and carolers, a visit from Santa, live music and more with shops open until 8 p.m.

Visit explorenewbedford.org/nb-festive for more on these and other holiday events throughout the City.