STARRY NIGHT | DECEMBER 12
Free Parking
Don’t worry about finding a place to park. During AHA! Night there is free parking at the Elm Street and Zeiterion Garages.
Start Your AHA! Adventure At The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center
Pick up a paper copy of the AHA! program here. (You can also download a copy – just note that it’s oversized if you try to print at home!) Park staff and volunteers are ready to answer any questions you may have. The Visitor Center (33 William St) is open 10am-8pm on AHA! days.
Follow the Flags
Many of our participating locations will have a yellow AHA! flag prominently displayed to help you find AHA! Night activities.
AHA! Happens Rain Or Shine
Be sure to check the AHA! event page, Facebook page and Instagram Stories as well as website and social for participating event partners for info about location changes, program rescheduling and cancellations.
AHA! Night Details | December 12
Even more events and details for AHA! Night!
3:00 PM
Frosty Festive Flag Decorations.
Please come visit our staff at The Beyond House, Young Adult Access Center this AHA night. Come take a tour, sit and conversate. We will be enjoying some hot apple cider, and popcorn while we come together to decorate flags. You can make the flag your own and bring it home to display on a mantle, tree, or wherever your heart desires. We cannot wait to see you.
4:00 PM
Free Hot Cocoa!
Stop by Destination Soups for a spot of hot cocoa! Free while supplies last. While you are there, be sure to enjoy one of their hot yummy soups, sandwiches, or salads with many vegetarian options.
Nebulae: The Universe Unveiled
Nebulae: The Universe Unveiled celebrates a remarkable new gift to the Art Museum: six awe-inspiring NASA photographs of deep space, captured by the Webb and Hubble Telescopes. Selected by Mark Munkacsy, President of the Astronomical Society of Southern New England, these images are more than just breathtaking; they are rich visual documents that reveal and contextualize some of the universe’s most profound events, from the birth and death of stars to the echoes of the Big Bang, the ongoing expansion of the cosmos, humanity’s origins, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
NBRR Downtown Pop-Up
The New Bedford Research & Robotics (NBRR) team and current resident artist, Fallon Navarro, will showcase cutting-edge work and live demonstrations of ceramic 3D printing and the GoFa (collaborative robotic arm) in action. This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of robotics and art, an introduction to the WATiR residency program, and a preview of the upcoming Residency Showcase on December 14th. Stop by to explore, ask questions, and engage with the innovative technology shaping the future of art and design.
16th Anniversary Celebration
Join Judith Klein and 18 guest artists to celebrate the 16th Anniversary of the Judith Klein Gallery! Artists will be exhibiting paintings, printmaking, mixed media drawings, and sculptures as well as showcasing unique jewelry, ceramics, and woodwork. Don’t miss this festive celebration!
Christmas on County
Visitors to the historic whaling mansion will enjoy the festively decked halls and hear docents describe some of the holiday customs of the original residents. In addition, participants are invited to taste-test home-baked holiday cookies and vote for their favorite in the Fifth Annual Cookie Challenge which features seasonal sweets from bakers in the area. Ugly holiday sweaters and seasonal accessories are encouraged. As a part of New Bedford’s AHA! Night, no admission is required.
Sip & Shop
Join Moby Dick Brewing Co. for their first ever Sip and Shop at the Launch! Shop local artists and artisans and enjoy a beer or cocktail from the bar.
Photography of David Zapatka
Join the New Bedford Whaling Museum where David Zapatka, author of four USA Stars & Lights books including two upcoming Spring 2025 releases, will share his images and stories of their capture. For eleven years, he has been documenting America’s historic lighthouses in a way seldom seen: in the dark of night. Admission is free as a part of AHA! Night. During the evening event, David will offer three different short lectures with his stunning photography projected in the Cook Memorial Theater:
4:45PM – Night Lighthouses of Massachusetts
5:30PM – Night Lighthouses of the Northeast
6:15PM – Night Lighthouses of America
Handprint Gnome Craft
Visit Youth Services on AHA Night to craft a handprint gnome for the holidays!
There is no registration for this free event and is available while supplies last. Hope to see you there!
4:30 PM
Warm Up by the Fire Pit!
Stop by the fire pit in Custom House Square to warm up during your AHA! stroll. While you are there you might just be serenaded with festive holiday music and jolly cheer!
Photos With Santa!
Bring the whole family for a special meet and greet event where kids can share their wishes, snap festive photos, and experience the joy of the season. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, and crafts with the team from United Way!
5:00 PM
Artist Trading Cards
Artists of ALL kinds are invited to create original pieces of artwork that will be traded with other artists during this special event at The Drawing Room.
Pieces must be submitted to The Drawing Room by Friday, December 6.
Each art piece must be 2.5” x 3.5”.
The pieces may be made with any medium, as long as they fit the dimensions above and are flat on the back. Feel free to paint, collage, write, embroider, sculpt, carve – anything goes! (However: NO GLITTER ALLOWED)
The community swap event will take place at The Drawing Room from 5 – 7 pm on Thursday, December 12 (during AHA!).
Note: you may submit up to three additional pieces (of the same size) to be sold at The Drawing Room (sales will end on January 10). Each piece will be available for $25, with the sale split between the artist and The Drawing Room.
Explore the mighty Evergreen Tree with Mobile Adventures!
Join the Mobile Adventures at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, from 5 PM to 8 PM, we’ll be diving into the fascinating world of evergreens. Learn how to read the hidden history of tree rings, discover how to identify various evergreen trees, and get creative with pinecone crafts! It’s an exciting adventure you won’t want to miss!
Starry Night at FHC
Season’s greetings from New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center! Stop by FHC from 5pm to 7pm to decorate scallop shells (perfect for holiday ornaments) and enjoy free hot chocolate. Then, do some last minute holiday shopping in our gift shop, which features wonderful items such as clothing, books, jewelry, and more.
Cummings Building Open Studios
Explore the Cummings Building Artists’ Studios during AHA! New Bedford, where you’ll find a variety of artworks across different mediums.
Enjoy live music by Aoife Clancy, a celebrated vocalist and instrumentalist from Co Tipperary, Ireland, known for her vibrant blend of Celtic and Americana traditions.
Light refreshments will be served as you immerse yourself in the creativity of local artists.
Make Your Own Gingerbread House and Backpack Filling Event
Join Pilgrim United Church of Christ and Mercy Meals & More to make your own Gingerbread House and enjoy some hot cocoa.
We’re also hosting a backpack filling event at the same time. Backpacks will be available to fill for those in homeless situations. Basic hygiene necessities as well as socks, hand and toe warmers, and snacks will be provided. Come by and fill one up! Courtesy of our partner Greater New Bedford Community Access Resource Exchange (GNB CARES).
Seaglass Theatre Company Carolers
Enjoy the ethereal sounds of The Seaglass Theatre Company Carolers as they roam downtown bringing festive cheer to every corner.
Sippican Band
The philosophy of the Music Program at Sippican School is: “To expand each student’s musical education, demonstrate the benefits of consistent effort, instill the need for accountability and team work in each student, and to have FUN”. Do not miss them bring it all together at Custom House Square for a Holiday mini-concert!
Southcoast Brass Band
The Southcoast Brass Band, a 7 piece New Orleans style brass band that plays blues, funk, and jazz, will be serenading AHA! attendees with festive holiday music! Find them in Custom House Square as well as couple other stops on your AHA! stroll.
5:30 PM
Broken Glass Video Projections
3D Video Projection Mapping takes things to a whole new level, and Broken Glass Projections is a fantastic and scintillating video projection mapping organization that will leave you in awe. Watch where light and art meet as they transform the Custom House into a winter wonderland of imagery that comes alive and pops right off the building! Show premier at 5:30pm with a continuous loop running until 7:30pm.
Open House
Visit Serlingpa Meditation Center, a refuge from the business and stress of ordinary life, and enjoy the sound of silence in the beautiful meditation center. Everyone is invited to enjoy the peace of the meditation room surrounded by beautiful Buddha statues. Take a shrine “tour”, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and browse the book collection. See you there!
6:00 PM
Tim Clark Live
Singer and guitarist Tim Clarke will perform with friends at Rose Alley Ale House from 6:00 – 9:00pm. Part of the Rose Alley Live Music Series. Enjoy some tunes while you grab a bite and a pint!
6:30 PM
Musical Bingo!
Challenge your friends or yourself at Musical Bingo Hosted by Good Thomas Entertainment! 4 rounds of musical brainteasers start at 6:30 and end at 8:30pm (when Karaoke begins!) Win prizes and enjoy $5 Pizza and $6 rum punch!
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
