Posts Tagged ‘First Night’

The annual tree lighting on Boston Common was held on December 1st this year. The unseasonably warm evening drew hundreds of local residents out to the Common, where they were treated to free samples and give-aways from vendors like Dunk Donuts, Nantucket Nectars, Hood, and Jet Blue.

The event was hosted by WCVB-TV’s J.C. Monahan and Anthony Everett, and featured a number of great performances by talented stars, including renowned saxophonist Grace Kelly and the Boston Children’s Chorus. Former American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus, a native of Barnstable, performed some classic holiday tunes dressed in a snow-queen-like ensemble, including sparkly white flowers over her ears. The a capella group, Rockapella, most well-known for singing the theme song on the TV show “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” gave a lively performance of their holiday favorites, with choreographed dance routines and interpretive hand movements. “Percussionist” Jeff Thacher of the group grew up in Boston and attended Berklee College of Music. The group is currently on tour with the Boston Pops. Featured performer, New Kids on the Block member, Joey McIntyre, himself a native of Needham, surprised the hundreds in attendance by introducing fellow New Kid and Worcester native, Jordan Knight, on stage to sing “Little Drummer Boy” with him. Later in the show, Jordan’s brother Jonathan, another NKOTB member, joined his bandmates and the other performers on stage for the lighting of the tree.

Check out HEC exclusive video of Joey’s Performance of “O Holy Night”

A variety of holiday of events and performances will continue throughout the month of December. Check out some of our favorites below:

Nutcracker
 Nov. 25-Dec. 31


This year’s Boston Ballet performances of the holiday classic will be the last year you can see it in the same form it has been since the 90s. The current sets and costumes will be retired at the end of this year and will return to the stage entirely re-imagined with new sets and costumes in 2012.

The Slutcracker 
Dec. 2-24

This alternative version of the classic show uses sexy costuming, stripper poles, and burlesque-style dance routines for a naughty re-telling of the Nutcracker at the historic Somerville Theater.

Zoolights 
Dec. 2-4, 9-1, nightly Dec. 16-Jan. 1, 2011 (closed Dec. 24-25)


Come view the annual light show at the same zoo where they filmed Kevin James’ The Zookeeper! The event also features ice carving, Santa, and more than two million holiday lights all over the Franklin Park Zoo.

36th First Night Boston. Dec 31

The country’s oldest and largest New Year’s arts celebration will help ring-in 2012 with a variety of music and dance performances all over the city, as well as ice sculptures and fireworks. Over 1,000 artists in 200 exhibitions and performances in 35 locations will participate.

Other holiday events/performances:

“Radio City Christmas Spectacular” Citi Performing Arts Wang Theatre, Dec. 2-28

“The Snow Queen” American Repertory Theatre Loeb Drama Center, Dec. 10-31

 37th Holiday Pops (Boston Pops Holiday concerts). Boston Symphony Hall, Dec 7-24

 41st Christmas Revels Boston Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, Dec. 16-29