Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Fun coming to Bedford

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

With Thanksgiving come and gone, we’re officially in the Holiday season. With last year basically a pass, it’s nice to reintroduce some of the traditions.

Friday, December 3

Winter Market 2021 at The Umbrella

For one weekend a year, the Umbrella Arts Center transforms into a bustling WINTER MARKET, with dozens of Umbrella Studio Artists opening their studios and selling their wares. Adding to the fun? Live music and prize drawing!

Friday, December 3: 1-5 pm
Saturday, December 4: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday, December 5: 10 am-5 pm Celebrate the holidays with The Umbrella, in the heart of historic Concord.

You’ll find guest fine art and craft vendors from the region joining the studio artists, and

Off the Wall, an annual small works gallery show with small works priced under $300 (in-person and online), is perfect for unique holiday gifts;
New Directions is a gallery exhibition in our newly renovated Main Gallery; and
The Ceramics Program holiday sale features a wide variety of work from Umbrella students.

More Info Umbrella Arts Winter Market

Saturday, December 4

St. Paul’s Advent Fair

On Saturday, December 4, from 9 am to 2 pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual Advent Fair.

The Fair features gifts, crafts, food, and holiday cheer for all ages, with all proceeds benefiting the work and ministries of the church.

St Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 100 Pine Hill Road in Bedford

For more information, click St. Paul’s Advent Fair:

Concert with Back Bay Ringers at First Parish on Bedford Common:

The First Parish Music Committee is delighted to present the Back Bay Ringers, who have serenaded Boston-area audiences with their annual Christmas concert series for over 15 years.

The concert will take place on Saturday, December 4th at 2 pm at First Parish in Bedford, 75 The Great Road.

As the weather cools, the leaves change colors, and fall marches steadily on towards winter, the Back Bay Ringers return for their bi-annual visit. Their concert will feature traditional, but perhaps slightly less often heard pieces. While the program will inspire peace and contemplation with classics like Silent Night and The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open Ffire), it also might have you fighting the urge to clap your hands and sway to On This Day, Earth Shall Ring (and ring and ring!). Either way, it is a program you won’t want to miss! Especially the grande finale, All I Want for Christmas is You.

Tickets for in-person or online are available at www.backbayringers.org/events .

For the safety of the performers and audience, masks and social distancing will be required.

For more information, click Back Bay Ringers: First Parish on the Common:

Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Bedford Common

The town’s front yard wil blaze with thousands of twinkly white lights at 5 pm on Satursday, December 4. The festivities (music, a visit from Santa, and more) will conclude at 6 pm.

For more information, click Tree Lighting Ceremony

Beer Garden at Suzanne & Company

Stop by the front lawn at Suzanne & Company at 90 Great Rd for more holiday cheer!

The Beer Mobile will be set up in a fenced area, selling both beer & wine from 4:30 to 7 pm.

There will be fun for the kid. Bring them by to enjoy a snowy winter wonderland with a special appearance by Frosty the Snowman and live music from the Regency Brass.

Sunday, December 5

The Bells of Christmas —a free Zoom presentation

First Parish music and choral director Brad Connor will present a First Parish Lyceum on bells at 3 pm on Sunday, December 5

The program is presented without charge on Zoom,

For more information, click The Bells of Christmas

Sunday, December 12

Holiday House Tour: Front Steps Edition Take 2

Get ready to bundle up and make your way around Bedford to enjoy some of the best displays in town. Last year was so much fun that we had to bring back the COVID-friendly version of this annual tradition, hoping to make it even better!

We’re partnering with the Bedford Chamber of Commerce to get more people involved and excited. House tour proceeds e will again be donatedto Bedford families in need. We’re working with the schools, police department, fire department & town officials to discreetly distribute the funds directly to families in our community, brightening the holiday season for them

For more information, click Holiday House Tour

Friday, December 17

Gliding Along with a Song

First Parish in Bedford Music Director Brad Conner’s annual Christmas singalong will take place on Friday, December 17 at 7 pm.

Like last year, it will be on Zoom, but there’s a twist! This year’s presentation in conjunction with the Bedford Council on Aging will include the airing of a program of holiday music and carols from around the world.

The Silver-Ebony-Ivory Trio—Carol Epple, flute; Elizabeth Connors, clarinet; and Brad Conner, piano— will be joined by Cynthia Mork, soprano; Benjamin Sears, baritone; and Dean Groves, percussion. They will have everyone singing and moving to the music in their program Gliding Along with a Song. Enjoy favorites such as White Christmas, Simple Gifts, Fantasia on Greensleeves, Sleigh Ride, and many more.

This will be an in-person event at First Parish on Bedford Common, 75 The Great Road, or you may watch the performance remotely on Zoom. Either way, it will be a delightful addition to your holidays.

In-person guests may wish to put a donation in the basket to help the Bedford Food Bank and as a way of spreading holiday cheer.