March 28, 2024

Holiday Lights Make Spirits Bright

Rehoboth Ramblings

Posted

This time of year I always envy hibernating bears sleeping through winter, but especially this year. Wouldn’t it be great to be asleep for the next few months and then wake up in the spring to find out that things have got much better? Plus think of the opportunity to lose some of that excess weight many of us have piled on this year, due to compulsive comfort eating. Alas, humans can’t hibernate.

But as long as we’re awake, we might as well enjoy one of the low-risk holiday festivities available this difficult year – taking in the bright lights of the holidays. First, thanks to all the homeowners who are cheering us up with their own individual Christmas light displays.

The biggest light display around is Gillette Stadium’s “Magic of Lights”. This is a mile-long drive-through holiday lights display featuring LED lights and digital animations. Find out more on https://magicoflights.com/events/foxborough/. The display includes a Blizzard Tunnel, the 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and the Night before Christmas. This event will continue through Jan. 2. Tickets are $35 per vehicle (not per person).

 La Salette Shrine https://lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/ will again offer their   Christmas light display, but this year things may be a little different.  There is no entrance fee or reservations needed at this popular Attleboro event, but visitors are requested to read the shrine’s guidelines on keeping social distance and wearing masks before their visit. The shrine website notes that the Christmas celebration will take place every night though Jan. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. and suggests trying to visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.

Two historic mansions in Rhode Island, Blithewold in Bristol and The Breakers in Newport, are offering special outdoor light displays. Both historic houses are also open, with limitations and restrictions in place, for indoor visits through the holidays too, but there are plenty of sparkling lights to enjoy if you just want to stay outdoors (which would be my choice this holiday season.)

The theme at Blithewold is “Night Lights – An Illuminating Experience!” and it will run through Jan. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. (Closed on Mondays). The organizers say, “Beautifully lit paths throughout the grounds will reveal stunning custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, virtual-reality stops, selfie photo opportunities, and all the beauty that Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum have to offer. And, the whole family can enjoy an interactive all-ages illuminated scavenger hunt!” On Wednesday and Saturday nights, they will be serving hot drinks (either with or without alcohol). “Night Lights” is free for Blithewold members; Non-members: $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pre-registration is essential. You can choose the evening you want to visit on their website: https://www.blithewold.org/

At the Breakers, the traditional holiday evenings with live music and Sundays with Santa will not be offered this year. However, they are making up for it with a new outdoor light spectacular called “Sparkling Lights”. The Newport Mansions website describes this event: “The exterior of The Breakers and its landscape will be awash in thousands of festive colored lights, including 28 spruce trees glittering and glowing; The Breakers façade bathed in color; and illumination of the historic paths, shrubbery and trees in various colors. The Children’s Cottage will be outlined in lights and visitors will be able to peek through the windows at Santa’s Workshop inside. Holiday music will fill the air.”

Both The Breakers and The Elms have been lavishly decorated and will be open for indoor tours this holiday season. “Sparkling Lights” at The Breakers is   included in the $26 ticket price for touring the mansion. To find out more: “Celebrate the Holidays” on www.newportmansions.org.

A Time to Give: Christmas is the time for giving and many people desperately need some help this year. So many people are suffering severe financial hardship after losing their jobs due to businesses closing during the pandemic. One way to help is to donate to a food bank or food pantry. All of these organizations report that they are seeing need like they have never seen it before.

 The Rehoboth Food Pantry, at 51 Winthrop St., says “We rely solely on our neighbors and local businesses who provide 100% of our funding to keep our shelves stocked, and funds available for fuel assistance. If you can donate food or   funds, please contact us.” They are also seeking volunteers to help at the pantry. Visit www.rehobothfoodpantryma.org  or phone (508) 493-1922.

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