From glow-in-the-dark skating and a quiet winter solstice concert to the Railers’ Teddy Bear Toss, hometown funk, and A Christmas Carol at the Hanover Theatre, here are our five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend
Here are the Worcester Guardian’s five picks for things to do in Worcester this weekend:
- Skate After Dark (With a Glow-Up): Your Friday night ice time just got a neon twist. The Downtown Worcester BID is popping up a Glow-in-the-Dark Park at the Worcester Common Oval during evening skating hours, complete with glowing swings and see-saws that add a playful, light-up layer to the rink. It’s free, family-friendly, and open to all ages — whether you’re skating or just soaking in the vibes. Regular skating admission and rentals apply if you hit the ice. Friday, Dec. 19, from 5-9 p.m. at the Worcester Common Oval.
- A quiet solstice, perfectly timed: Singer-songwriter Cara Brindisi marks the winter solstice (a couple of days early) with an intimate, acoustic concert at Assumption University on Friday, Dec. 19. Scaling back her annual tradition after a milestone year, Brindisi brings songs and stories centered on peace, light and transformation — along with seasonal favorites — to Curtis Hall for a reflective evening that leans into the spirit of the longest night of the year.
- When the ice rains Teddy Bears: Saturday, Dec. 20, is your chance to catch the Worcester Railers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss at the DCU Center. Bring a new stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Railers’ first goal — all donations go to the Friendly House. Your game ticket also unlocks free pre-game skating at the Worcester Common Oval (with free skate rentals) and photo ops with Santa. A feel-good night of hockey, holiday spirit and flying teddy bears. Puck drops at 6:05 p.m. and the Railers take on the Norfolk Admirals for the last of a three-game series.
- Funk, soul and a homegrown holiday groove: Worcester’s own Blue Light Bandits return home for a Friday night show at Off The Rails on Dec. 19, bringing their soul-soaked blend of rock, funk and R&B to the stage with special guests Between The Waves. The band, which has racked up millions of streams and continues to evolve its sound, promises a high-energy hometown set perfect for easing into the weekend. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m.
- Bah, humbug — and then some: The Hanover Theatre’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” returns starting Thursday, Dec. 18, with performances running through Dec. 28. This year’s staging features new scenic design, immersive projections and lighting, original music by Worcester’s Steve Gagliastro, and a familiar turn as Ebenezer Scrooge by John Little. Arrive early for a pre-show performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, a holiday tradition in its own right.
For more events, visit the Discover Central Massachusetts events calendar.
Have an event, news tip, information, joke, favorite recipe or anything else you’d like to tell us about? You should. Contact carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
