Many downtown shops and restaurants will remain open for the evening, and the City of New Bedford will offer free hayrides and a holiday sing-along, as well as free hot chocolate and cookies. Santa Claus will be popping up all over. St. A puppet Santa will be on hand at Gallery X. Maggie Cleveland will be reading poetry at Wics and Balms from 7 to 9 p.m. There'll be storytelling, craft-making, and solstice music.
All activities are free and open to the public.
Free parking is available at the Custom House Square. A free shuttle, linking all sites, will run continuously, with commentary from New Bedford Preservation Society guides. Youngsters can make holiday greeting cards. From 5 to 7 p.m., have pictures taken with Santa aboard the Lagoda. Hot dogs and drinks from Naughty Dawgs will be available for purchase.