Things to See & Do

The Art of Birds: Avians as Symbols, Stewards, and Storytellers. October 8 - December 4, 2024 Learn from our distinguished group of lecturers about the wonder of birds as inspiration for diverse artistic traditions, cultural storytelling, and effective social change. Explore new perspectives on bird art through a diverse range of subject areas and through the research and work of curators, artists, conservationists, and scholars, in this series of five free programs, which all take place via Zoom. All registrants will receive a link to a program recording after each lecture.

Nov 27 - Jan 1  This annual family-focused event celebrates children’s books and a love of reading through dozens of decorated story trees. Each tree features hand-made decorations inspired by a picture book. Visitors can explore the artistic trees, and families can sit and read together or do a festive scavenger hunt. Related events, including An Afternoon with Authors & Illustrators, CostumeCharacter Day, and Holiday Members’ Night will take place in December. 

Stop by and admire the remarkable collection of menorahs held in trust for the community. This tradition, begun 35 years ago by Debra Stark, is continued by her son, Adam, to share the Festival of Lights with all.

The Concord Free Public Library will once again display Dr. Andrea Resciniti’s stunning holiday gingerbread house. Come and be inspired to create your own work of art for the holidays.

Known for his intricate woodblock prints that draw on a variety of Native and pop cultural elements, Marwin Begaye will discuss how his work examines issues of cultural identity through the intersection of American Indian and popular cultures. He will also talk about his ongoing research, which investigates the technical processes related to printmaking and the construction of mixed-media art.

Celebrate the season and enjoy the warm glow of candlelight at The Old Manse Museum as you explore the house decorated for Christmas. Learn about how residents have celebrated Christmas through the centuries. Warm up with hot cider and cookies in the gift shop while you finish your holiday shopping.

December 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 5:30 - 8 pm

Join the Concord Orchestra for“The Unknowable,”a program of Lili Boulager’s D'un Matin de Printemps, Gerald Finzi’sThe Fall of the Leaf, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, Piotr Tchaikovsky’s March Slave, and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7.

Get in the holiday spirit and discover inspiration for decorating your own home at the 14th Annual Holiday House Tour! Visit six of Concord’s most beautiful homes, festively decorated for the holiday season. The Tour will highlight historical homes in honor of the approaching 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Visit with the Alcotts, their notable neighbors, and faithful friends while they prepare for holiday celebrations. Enjoy interacting with living history portrayers as they share Alcott traditions and savor the cozy, fun-loving ambiance of the household from days gone by. Live music and caroling, theatricals and tableaux, along with take-home craft activities and unique mementos, are all part of this heartwarming experience.

December 7, 8, 14, and 15

Holiday Pops has been a Concord tradition since 1976! Bring the family and kick off the holiday season.