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For many who celebrate Christmas, a creche (otherwise known as a nativity scene) representing the story of the birth of Jesus – is a must-have decorative piece for the season. On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, welcomes the public to view a display of creches from around the world from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It includes a mix of creche styles and has been a seasonal tradition for years, according to Pat Cronin, chair of the church’s membership ministry team.
Cronin and fellow team member Nancy Sweeney organized the display. Cronin said that last year there were more than 40 creches on view. The diverse items come from the generosity of people who loan their personal creches to the church specifically for this event.
Creches are personal to the people who own them, Cronin said, adding that she’s had a small creche in her home for at least 50 years.
To provide a backstory, a card placed near each creche will describe something distinctive about it: including where it came from, who made it, if a family member painted it, and other details. While many of the creches may have been handed down from generations, and others purchased on trips abroad, Cronin said that some are newer and can be “kind of silly.”
“Last year, one of the creches had Covid masks,” she said, adding that the person who shared it said they never wanted to use it again. There are also a few that children can handle.
Cronin said the public is also welcome to attend the church service at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. The service will be a special one, with six musicians playing Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto Grosso.” The music was organized by Judy Donn, and consists of three violins, a double bass, a viola, and a cello.
The creche exhibit, which is free, will be displayed throughout the hall below the sanctuary. Coffee and cookies will be served, too.
Monday, December 9
“Wicked” continues at Plimoth Cinema, inside Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ visitors center, 137 Warren Ave., through Dec. 12. It’s the untold story of the witches of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, played by Ariana Grande. Showtimes are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. “Maria” opened at the cinema this week, and stars Angelina Jolie as the famed opera singer Maria Callas. In an interview with the New York Times, Jolie said she felt an affinity for Callas, who much like herself was also a famous, enigmatic celebrity who drew praise and criticism. Showtimes are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 or $11 for club card holders, $10 for seniors or museum members, and $8.50 for seniors with club cards.
Tuesday, December 10
Ever wonder about the real reasons the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower? An evening with Jennifer Rose Sinsigalli may help provide answers. The discussion with the local author, who writes as J. L. Rose, will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, in the Pinehills. The author will discuss her historic novel “Before the Mayflower.” Tickets are $6 and you can buy them here.
Wednesday, December 11
The Teen Craft Club at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St.,will be crafting No Bake Treats for Teens in the Fehlow Meeting Room from 6 to 7 p.m.These treats require no oven use, so think Chex mix, Rice Krispy treats, and “muddy buddies.” The event is free but space is limited, so register to save your spot here.
Thursday, December 12
The Americana Theatre Company opens its production of “An Americana Christmas Carol” at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., and continues with shows on Dec. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 21. The play, written by the company’s artistic directors Derek Grant Martin and Jesse M. Sullivan, is a twist on the classic Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol.” In this version, we witness an actor “wreaking havoc” as the star of the play, while his former wife tries to rein him in. The production, directed by Marianne Savell, was first presented in 2022. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for students and seniors, and you can buy them here or call 508-591-0282.
The Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., invites art center friends to join a “Most Enchanting Christmastime” holiday trip to Newburyport, hosted by Jeannine Brayman. Attendees leave the arts center by bus at 9 a.m., and the trip includes a tour of Newburyport, lunch at a local restaurant, and time to browse shops and museums after lunch. The bus returns to Plymouth at 6 p.m. The cost is $120 per person, which includes transportation and lunch. You can buy tickets here.
The Spire Lobby Series presents singer-songwriter Jenna Nicholls at the Spire at7:30 p.m. Her melodies have been compared with “vintage vinyl spun anew,” and her work has been featured on TV and in several short films, full-length productions, and documentaries. Nicholls has performed in venues worldwide, including the Beacon Theater in New York and Carnegie Hall. Tickets are $15 for this lobby series event, and you can get them here.
Saturday, December 14
Santa will make an appearance at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., for a special breakfast buffet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today, as well as on Sunday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 21. Children can visit with Santa, decorate their own gingerbread man cookie, write a letter to Santa, and create a holiday ornament. Tickets are $16 for member children under 12, $18 for non-member children under 12, $26 for adult members, and $28 for adult non-members. You can buy tickets here – the sale ends Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Boston-based band The Delta Generators performs at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Since their debut in 2008, the band has earned numerous awards and played to sold-out audiences across New England and beyond. The band consists of front man, Brian Templeton on vocals, harp and acoustic guitar, brothers Charlie O’Neal on guitar and Rick O’Neal on bass, and Jeff Armstrong on drums. Their music blends a variety of influences, including blues, roots, R&B, and rock, resulting in a unique sound. Tickets are $25.20 and $28 and you can buy them here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is inviting “believers” to come aboard “The Polar Express” and take a journey together with this popular holiday movie and the orchestra’s music at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. today, or Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. Conductor Stephen Karidoyanes is joined by mezzo-soprano Roselin Osser in this live music take on the movie’s soundtrack. Santa is expected to make an appearance, and the event also features the sixth-grade chorus from PCIS, led by director Jessica Fuller. Audience members are invited to bring an unwrapped toy gift to join the “March of the Toys” to benefit the Children’s Holiday Fund for the Plymouth Area Coalition. Tickets are $30, $55, $65, and $100 and you can get them here.
Is it easy being green? Maybe not, but you can get plenty of greens at America’s Hometown Garden Club’s annual greens sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. The sale will feature wreaths, tabletop arrangements, and cemetery baskets. Proceeds from the sale will support the club’s community projects. Cash, check, credit card, and Venmo are accepted. Contact americashometowngardenclub@gmail.com for more information.
Sunday, December 15
The public is invited to a creche display at the Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See the lead item in this column for more information.
Tuesday, December 17
Sip some cider while you create your own little world in the Terrarium and Taps class at High Limb Cider, West Plymouth Plaza, from 6 to 9 p.m. The class, presented by Inebri-art, will teach you how to create a tiny world of plants, rocks, and moss encapsulated in a glass terrarium. Each participant will make one terrarium to take home and will be able to use the skills learned to make more terrariums in the future. The class supplies a medium glass vessel, plants, soil, stones, moss, charcoal, and more. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.
Get creative while sipping your favorite brew at New World Tavern, 56 Main St. Inebri-art will present a class on painted glass holiday ornaments, from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants will paint a glass ornament with a cardinal and birch trees, representing the beauty of winter and the holiday season. Tickets are $35, and ornaments are limited, so sign up to hold your spot here.
Thursday, December 19
Is the stress of the holiday season bearing down on you? Even if you’re not freaking out, the weekly yoga class at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. can help you face the day refreshed and renewed. Each Thursday, a certified yoga instructor leads the class in a series of poses to stretch and relax your body and mind for a suggested donation of only $10. You will meet at the back entrance of the library carrying your own yoga mat, and you’ll be directed to the Fehlow Room for the class.
Friday, December 20
The Celtic band, Cherish the Ladies, will perform at 8 p.m. at the Spire, with doors opening at 7p.m. The band has shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for more than 30 years. In their Celtic Christmas program, the “ladies” put their signature mark on classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night” with arrangements that highlight the group’s unique Celtic instrumentation, harmonies, and step dancing. The New York Times has called the group “passionate, tender and rambunctious.” Tickets are $49.50 and $55, and you can get them here.
Saturday, December 21
Prepare to make some “bad decisions” with good people at the Bad Decisions Christmas Extravaganza at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., starting at 6:30 p.m. The event, in partnership with South Shore Action for Hope, will feature music and dancing in the spirit of the holiday season. Music from the band All Sinners kicks off the night, followed by announcements from South Shore Action for Hope, which aims to help fund research for curing children’s diseases. At 8:45 p.m., Bad Decisions will perform. The extravaganza is meant for all ages, and there will be snacks and beverages available for purchase at the bar. Tickets are $39 and you can get them here.