Enjoying the Holidays in Ashland
Nov 30, 2020 11:20AM ● By Cynthia Whitty
The holidays in Ashland this year are all about light. From Light Up Ashland to the Winter Wonderland Stroll and Illuminate Ashland, the town will shine bright.
Chrissy Reynolds, owner of Annemarie’s Dance Centre and founder of Illuminate Ashland, is organizing live, virtual performaces this year. “I’m thrilled we are able to pull a communal performance together,” she said. “I know the event will not be the same as in previous years, but I think this year, more than any other, the message that art has the ability to heal, to create, to express, to understand, to unite, is more important than ever. And, with any luck, we will have audience members back in our public spaces next year.”
Here are some activities and dates to remember. Events are free, except where indicated.
December 5:
Light Up Ashland!
Light Up Ashland will fill the town with beautiful luminaries and brighten spirits, as well as support the Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF). Here’s how Light Up Ashland works: Purchase your luminary kit from Blush Bouquets, 20 Front St., from Friday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 5. Purchase two kits for $6; six kits for $12; or 12 kits for $24. All proceeds will support AEF. Each kit contains a luminary bag with either a star or snowflake cut out, a sand bag, and a tea light candle. Set up luminaries on your front walk, drive way, or front steps beginning Dec. 5, and keep them up as long as you like to share light and joy!
December 5
through January 1:
Winter Wonderland Stroll
2020 has been a year most of us will never forget. To help ease the stress and usher in the New Year, the town is sponsoring a Winter Wonderland Stroll with five stops along the way. Town staff hope that you enjoy the small pleasures this season brings and that you find comfort and peace in even the smallest twinkly light. Here is what you can plan to do, Dec. 5 through Jan. 1:
1. Take a winter stroll and enjoy the greenery and candy cane path at Mill Pond Park.
2. Capture a festive moment on the front steps of Town Hall, which will be decorated for that special photo.
3. Stop by Stone Park for a sparkly and fun light display in the gazebo.
4. Swing by The Corner Spot for a walk through the tunnel of love and see how community comes together through art.
5. Revel in the lights of the huge tree at 125 Front St. (across the street from the library) and enjoy inspirational messages and a labyrinth/meditation walk. In Montenegro Square, the menorah will be lit beginning Dec. 10 and the trees will be lit brighter than ever to welcome 2021.
December 5, 5:30 PM: Illuminate Ashland (livestreamed)
Illuminate Ashland marks its fourth season honoring the important role art plays within a community. This year Illuminate will be livestreamed for audience members to watch from the comfort of home. This event is sposnored by Chrissy Reynolds and Annemarie’s Dance Centre, Arts! Ashland Alliance, and the Town of Ashland.
Performing in town spaces transformed by the beauty of candlelight will be The Movement Project Performance Company, NATyA Dance Collective, Ashland resident and guitarist Joe Stillitano (The Cardinal), and Felice Pomeranz from the Gilded Harps.
This virtual event is free and open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in attending must register in advance through Annemarie’s Dance Centre. Call 508-881-5109 or send an email to [email protected]. A link will then be shared.
