Shutesbury Holiday Shop returns with 26 vendors
SHUTESBURY — The Shutesbury Holiday Shop will return for its 13th year on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 in the Shutesbury Athletic Club’s Function Room at 282 Wendell Road.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7, visitors can shop for all kinds of crafts from 26 vendors, including clay food charms, dishware, crochet critters, greeting cards, knitwear, soaps, salves and other local artists’ creations. After shopping, attendees on Friday can finish the night with dinner from Soups and Stews, a fundraiser for the Friends of the of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library.
“The Shutesbury Holiday Shop was founded in 2012 to provide a welcoming venue for talented local artists, artisans, crafters, authors, and musicians of all ages to show and sell their work and to create a one-stop shopping experience for people who enjoy buying handmade for the holidays,” the event post on Facebook states.
Tree lighting, carols and Santa Claus at the Shutesbury Town Common
SHUTESBURY — Santa Claus will stop by the town common on Dec. 7 at the town’s annual tree lighting and carol singing at 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will hear Santa Claus read the story of Christmas and lead the carolers as they sing holiday classics. A few attendees will even receive gifts from the jolly visitor. Free doughnuts, hot cocoa and hot cider will be available for residents to stay warm.
In the case of rainy or cold weather, festivities will move inside the Shutesbury Community Church, the church sponsoring the holiday celebration.
For more information, call Shutesbury Community Church pastor Mark Ellis at 413-349-8444 or email shutesburychurch@gmail.com.
Quonquont Farm’s Holiday Market continues
WHATELY — Quonquont Farm is opening its farmstand doors for the second weekend of its Holiday Market on Dec. 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Toys, ornaments, candles, books, Quonquont shirts and tote bags, jewelry, wrapping paper, holiday cards, ceramics and artwork by local artist Jo-Ann Denehy will fill the farmstand, along with food options like the farm’s cider, chocolate, candy, cocktail items, apples, vegetables and Brookledge Sugarhouse’s maple products.
“Come wander, shop, and soak in the simple joy of the season — right here on the farm,” reads an announcement from Director of Operations Jenelle Wilkins.
Appalachian music at Mount Toby Concerts
LEVERETT — Local musicians Michael and Carrie Kline of Sunderland will perform with Joe Blumenthal and Jim Armenti on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Mount Toby Concerts.
The “folklorist-musicians” will perform tunes rooted in Appalachian music and culture, “[weaving] songs and stories, evoking the times that really matter, time with family and friends, spiritual times, wrapped in a patchwork quilt of vivid imagery,” according to Mount Toby Concerts’ website. With the help of Blumenthal’s upright bass and Armenti’s mandolin, “Their voices carry the songs with truth and authenticity, and their guitar accompaniment and haunting harmonies get you where you live… You can smell the biscuits baking.”
Suggested donations range from $15 to $25. For reservations, call 413-885-1695 or email diacrowe@yahoo.com.
Historic Deerfield to host events in the holiday spirit
DEERFIELD — From Dec. 6 to Jan. 12, Historic Deerfield visitors can roam the Deerfield Wreath Walk.
Around 70 wreaths made by volunteer crafters will hang from the doors of buildings along Old Main Street. A tradition of 25 years, the Deerfield Wreath Walk is free to all roamers.
The holiday festivities will continue on Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. as attendees of “Winter Frolic 2025” string together popcorn and cranberry garlands, cook ginger snaps and craft apple pomanders, spice pouches and holiday decorations inspired by Deerfield architecture in the Hall Tavern kitchen. Local music group Merry Company will play the soundtrack for the activities and apple cider will be available for sipping.
Tickets are $7 for adults and free for kids age 17 and under, Historic Deerfield members and Deerfield residents. To purchase tickets, visit Historic Deerfield online at https://www.historic-deerfield.org/ and click “EVENTS.”