Clara’s Tea Returns, and Other Seasonal Events You May Need to Know About Now

Sorry to interrupt what remains of the lull before the winter holiday season with news of . . . the winter holiday season. It’s necessary, and you may thank me, and yourself should you decide to take action. The truth is—if you don’t move now (or soon), you may find your beloved holiday traditions to be sold out. Like what happens with The Polar Express, every year.

And so, coming soon:

Northern Stage’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast starts with previews on November 20 and will run through January 1. It’s a “show suitable for all ages.” Because the character of Belle is a bookish sort, Northern Stage is partnering with the Children’s Literacy Foundation with Belle’s Book Nook, a designated space in the theater’s Roesch Lobby, where patrons are invited to “cozy up with a book and hot cocoa before the show or during intermission.” Bring your own reading material or select a book from the in-house collection. In a related vein, patrons are asked to bring a new children’s book for Belle’s Book Drive. Books will be distributed to kids in the area after the show’s run. Tickets are here.

Clara’s Dream, an annual production of City Center Ballet will return to the stage at Lebanon Opera House on December 14 and 15. And after having been absent over the last few years for pandemic-related reasons, Clara’s Tea will be held this year at the Lebanon Ballet School on Lebanon’s pedestrian mall. Dancers in costume from Clara’s Dream—including a cadre of little Pastry Chefs—will be serving tea and pastries. The two events are coupled. You will first need a ticket to Clara’s Dream in order to purchase a ticket for the tea. Tea tickets are here, with a link to LOH box office for tickets to the show.

A favorite of mine—the Vermont Almanac—is available for pre-order here. If you’re unfamiliar, it describes itself as “stories from and for the land.” Of Vermont, and rural life, that is. It’s got a little of everything, the literary equivalent of Dan and Whit’s: essays about farming, photos of maple sugaring, recipes, historical pieces, artwork, poetry. In fact, this year’s volume (Vol. 5) features cover art by William B. Hoyt, an Upper Valley artist who lives in Hartland, Vermont. This is real sit-by-the-fire-and-savor-the-pages stuff, for yourself or for gift-giving.

Be a hero. A Book Angel, to be exact. The Norwich Bookstore (photo, above) continues the tradition. From a holiday wreath, you can choose a paper angel that will prompt you about a specific child’s wish and then choose a book yourself—and the bookstore staff are ever so helpful with recommendations—that will be delivered to that child. If you’re too busy to browse, you can also make a simple monetary donation to the program while in the store or online.

For many years, we've partnered with community members to help get books to kids in need around the Upper Valley during the holiday season. We work directly with local organizations and agencies to field requests from the kids they serve, and ensure that every child on our list receives a book.—Norwich Bookstore

Too early, like me, to get your head around the upcoming holiday shopping? Two words: 19 Days. Since 2013 and beginning with Dan and Whit’s, 19 Days of Norwich and now, the Upper Valley, has raised money for the Upper Valley Haven. Shop local at participating businesses and they will donate a percentage of the profits. Begins December 1. Check here for more info and a list of businesses (coming soon). It’s a community thing. Be the light.

(Photos courtesy of Northern Stage and Norwich Bookstore)

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And in case you are wondering . . . Susan B. Apel shuttered a lifelong career as a law professor to continue an interest (since kindergarten) in writing. Her freelance business, The Next Word, includes literary and feature writing; her work has appeared in a variety of lit mags and other publications including Art New England, The Woven Tale Press, The Arts Fuse, and Persimmon Tree. She connects with her neighbors through Artful, her blog about arts and culture in the Upper Valley. She’s in love with the written word.