Author: Angie Sykeny

Angie Sykeny is a Hippo staff writer covering local arts, theater, music and pop culture. She can be reached at [email protected].

Tooned in

Yellow Submarine, classic cartoons animator visits Manchester

Relive the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons with legendary animator Ron Campbell, who has planned a three-day stop in the Granite State as part of his Beatles Cartoon Art Show Tour.

Campbell will be at Creative Framing Solutions in Manchester from Friday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 6, exhibiting and selling around 70 original works of art he has created during his retirement from his 50-year career in television cartoons.

The collection of watercolor and ink cartoon paintings is largely focused on Campbell’s work as an animator for The Beatles’ 1968 animated feature film Yellow Submarine and as director of The Beatles’ Saturday morning cartoon, The Beatles, which aired on ABC from 1965 through 1969.

“You can buy all kinds of Beatles [fandom merchandise], but it’s very rare to be able to get a piece of artwork by one of the people who helped present the [Beatles] cartoons you watched when you were a child,” Campbell said.

In addition to The Beatles paintings, the show will feature paintings inspired by some of the other cartoons Campbell contributed to, which include Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, Rugrats, The Smurfs, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, George of the Jungle, The Yogi Bear Show, Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels, Ed, Edd n Eddy and more.

“This isn’t a serious art show; it’s not Picasso or Rembrandt,” Campbell said. “These are bright and colorful paintings that are very fun to look at and bring back a lot of nostalgic memories for people.”

Each person who purchases a painting will receive a certificate of authenticity along with a custom drawing done by Campbell on site.

“I’ll do The Beatles, Fred Flintstone, Scooby-Doo — whatever cartoon character the customer would like,” he said.

Originally from Australia and now residing in Arizona, Campbell has been bringing his Beatles Cartoon Art Show to cities across America for several years now, but has been exhibiting and selling his artwork in some capacity since he retired in 2008. Only when he started meeting his audience in person, he said, did he realize the “enormous impact” that his cartoons had on the American citizens who grew up with them.

“I’ve learned now from my experiences talking to people that those Saturday morning cartoons were some of their happiest memories from their childhood,” he said. “They would rush down the stairs on Saturday morning, screaming, because it was the one time where they had total control of the TV. It was a special, magical time for them.”

Campbell, who turns 81 years old this month, said he “never gets tired of meeting the audience” and has no plans to stop touring. He’s bringing the show to Kennebunk, Maine, next weekend and hopes to return to a more regular tour schedule once Covid restrictions are loosened.

“Sometimes, when I’m just sitting in my chair, I get a bit drowsy and grouchy, but as soon as I know I’m going to be leaving and doing a show, that gets me up and working and planning,” he said. “It keeps me young.”

The Beatles Cartoon Art Show with Ron Campbell
Where: Creative Framing Solutions, 89 Hanover St., Manchester
When: Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free; RSVPs recommended
More info: Call 320-5988 or visit creativeframingsolutions.com or beatlescartoonartshow.com

Art

Exhibits

• “SLEIGHBELL STUDIO” Exhibit features a curated collection of fine art and crafts affordably priced for holiday gift giving. Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen). On view now through Dec. 12. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• “MOMENTS IN NATURE” The New Hampshire Art Association presents oil paintings by BJ Eckardt. Concord Chamber of Commerce Gallery, 49 S. Main St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “UNSEEN LIGHT” The New Hampshire Art Association presents infrared photography by Mark Giuliucci. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AN EXTRAPOLATION OF CLOSE OBSERVATION” The New Hampshire Art Association presents prints and paintings by Kate Higley. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “SMALL WORKS – BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery’s annual holiday exhibit featuring small works of art in various media, priced affordably for gift buying. Virtual. On display now through Dec. 31. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

Fairs and markets

• VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SHOP The Warner Historical Society presents an online shop at warnerhistorical.org/store featuring hand-painted holiday ornaments, calendars, mugs and drinking glasses, T-shirts, books, jigsaw puzzles and more, plus a holiday raffle. Curbside pickup on Sat., Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Upton Chandler House Museum (10 W. Main St., Warner). Call 456-2437 or email [email protected].

• “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: AN ART SHOW & SALE Features all kinds of art, including oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, tapestry, woodworking, wearable art, book making and more, created by local artists and artisans. Up now through Dec. 20. In person at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook; masks required) on a drop-in and by-appointment basis and virtually at shop.twovillagesart.org. Show hours at the Bates Building are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Visit twovillagesart.org.

• THE CRAFTWORKERS’ GUILD HOLIDAY FAIR Virtual shop features seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by more than 40 juried artisans and craftspeople. Now through Dec. 22, with curbside pickup at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford) daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

Special events

• NHAA 80TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY New Hampshire Art Association hosts a silent art auction fundraiser. Bidding runs through Dec. 11. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• PAINT NITE a 21+ event featuring the creation of a “Starstruck Snowman” light-up wine bottle at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, chunkys.com) on Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m. On Sat., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., Chunky’s Nashua (151 Coliseum Ave.) will feature a “Birch Buddies Wine Bottle With Lights” project. Tickets $37 and $35, respectively (follow link through Chunky’s website to buy).

Featured photo: Ron Campbell. Photo by Alex Lowy Photography.

The Art Roundup 20/11/26

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

Beatles animator Ron Campbell. Photo by Alex Lowy Photography.

• Virtual art shop: The Picker Artists, an artist co-op in Nashua, is having a virtual holiday sale now through Nov. 30. The online shop features a wide variety of art and crafts, including jewelry, photography, quilting, pottery, stained glass, paintings, collage, prints, 3D art and more. There’s a 20-percent discount on most items priced above $50 with the use of a promo code, according to the website. Orders can be picked up at the Picker Artists building (3 Pine St.), either by going inside (masks required) or by calling to request that they be brought out to your car. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday by appointment or by chance. Visit shoppickerartists.com or call 930-5080.

• A final look at Manchester’s ponds: Catch “Manchester’s Urban Ponds: Past, Present, and Future: A Celebration of the Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program’s 20th Anniversary,” on display in the Millyard Museum’s (200 Bedford St., Manchester) State Theater Gallery, before it closes on Nov. 28. Through its cleanup efforts, the Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program has helped restore the city’s ponds to their historic uses. “Although ponds may not be the first thing one thinks about in Manchester, the Queen City has several ponds that have played an important role in the area’s history,” program coordinator Jen Drociak said in an email. The exhibit provides a look at the history of some of those ponds, including Crystal Lake, Dorrs Pond, Maxwell Pond, Nutts Pond, Pine Island Pond and Stevens Pond. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and up and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, and is free for kids under age 12. Call 622-7531 or visit manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum.

• Beatles animation: Ron Campbell, animator of Yellow Submarine and director of Saturday Morning Beatles Cartoon, is coming to Creative Framing Solutions (89 Hanover St., Manchester) to exhibit, sell and discuss his original cartoon paintings of The Beatles and other works from his 50-year career in animation, including Scooby-Doo, Smurfs, Rugrats and more. He’ll be there on Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. Campbell will also paint original remarques of any one of his cartoon characters onsite for customers who purchase his artwork. The event is free and open to the public. According to a press release, RSVPs are “strongly recommended” as “the demand for meeting Ron Campbell is expected to be great.” Private viewings are available by appointment. Masks are required. Call 320-5988 or visit creativeframingsolutions.com.

• An unlikely angel: Manchester author Nathan Graziano just released a new novella, his ninth full-length book of prose and poetry. Fly Like The Seagull follows The Seagull, a polymorph and modern angel modeled after actor Steven Seagal, who is sent to bring a new mythology and revive faith in the faithless fictional town of Northboro. “Fly Like The Seagull peels back the good, the bad and the ugly and takes a big, juicy bite along the way as [Graziano] navigates the reader through the underbelly of a modern life,” Rob Azevdeo, fellow local author and host of the radio show Granite State of Mind, said of the book in a press release. Visit nathangraziano.com.

• Prestigious exhibit winners announced: The New Hampshire Art Association has announced the Award Winners of its 21st annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition, titled “Intrinsic Moments.” First place was awarded to Jacqueline Harrington for her art piece “Dreaming of My Roots,” created using pressed flowers. “The medium surprised and delighted me, leaving me wanting to know more about the artist’s process,” a juror commented, according to a press release. “The work’s composition and colors are as interesting as its materiality, creating a strong visceral and joyful response.” Second place went to Kathryn Terwilliger-Smith for her oil painting “The Game,” and third place went to Lee Gordon for his glass piece “Hem and Haw.” The exhibit, which features juried artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members, is on display now through Nov. 29 at NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) and in a virtual gallery on the NHAA website. One of the NHAA’s most prestigious exhibits of the year, according to the NHAA website, it is held in honor of Joan L. Dunfey, who was a resident of the New Hampshire Seacoast and a steadfast patron of the arts. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesday by appointment. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• Art school improvements: The Institute of Art and Design at New England College in Manchester has expanded its offerings for art students, according to a press release. Three additional majors have been added: 3D Studies, Animation, and Game and Digital Media Design. The Institute has also brought on new renowned faculty and redesigned student spaces around campus to create a new photography lab and studio and a new gathering space in the library. Visit nec.edu or call 623-0313.

Art

Exhibits

• “MOMENTS IN NATURE” The New Hampshire Art Association presents oil paintings by BJ Eckardt. Concord Chamber of Commerce Gallery, 49 S. Main St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “UNSEEN LIGHT” The New Hampshire Art Association presents infrared photography by Mark Giuliucci. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AN EXTRAPOLATION OF CLOSE OBSERVATION” The New Hampshire Art Association presents prints and paintings by Kate Higley. 2 Pillsbury St., Concord. On display now through Dec. 17. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “BIG GIFTS IN SMALL PACKAGES” Artwork priced under $100. Presented by the Seacoast Artist Association. On display now through Dec. 26. 130 Water St., Exeter. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• “SMALL WORKS – BIG IMPACT” Creative Ventures Gallery’s annual holiday exhibit featuring small works of art in various media, priced affordably for gift buying. Virtual. On display now through Dec. 31. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

Special events

• NHAA 80TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY New Hampshire Art Association hosts a silent art auction fundraiser. Bidding runs through Dec. 11. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• PAINT NITE a 21+ event featuring the creation of a “Starstruck Snowman” light-up wine bottle at Chunky’s (707 Huse Road, Manchester, chunkys.com) on Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m. On Sat., Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., Chunky’s Nashua (151 Coliseum Ave.) will feature a “Birch Buddies Wine Bottle With Lights” project. Tickets $37 for the Manchester event and $35 for the Nashua event (follow link through Chunky’s website to buy ticket).

Theater

Shows

• THE ADVENTURES OF SLEEPYHEAD New Hampshire Theatre Project presents its 2020 – 2021 MainStage Season Opener. Fri., Nov. 27, and Sat., Nov. 28, 7 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 29, 2 p.m. Live in person at 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, and virtual live-stream. In person tickets cost $10. Virtual tickets cost $10 per streaming device. Call 431-6644 or visit nhtheatreproject.org.

Classical

Events

• UTE GFRERER Concert soloist performs. Sat., Nov. 28, 6 and 8 p.m. The Music Hall Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. $130 for a table of two, $260 for a table of four and $390 for a table of six. Visit themusichall.org.

• A DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS WINE DINNER WITH PICCOLA OPERA Piccola Opera’s Dickens Carolers perform. Sat., Dec. 5, 6 to 8 p.m. LaBelle Winery & Event Center, 345 Route 101, Amherst. $387.20 to reserve a table of four, $580.80 to reserve a table of six. Visit labellewineryevents.com.

Handmade holidays

Where to see and shop for art throughout the season

Find all kinds of unique handmade items by local artists and craftspeople at these holiday-inspired art shows and events, some offered in-person, some offered virtually and some with both options.

• The Warner Historical Society has a virtual holiday shop online now at warnerhistorical.org/store, with curbside pickup on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Upton Chandler House Museum (10 W. Main St., Warner). The shop features hand-painted holiday ornaments, calendars, mugs and drinking glasses, T-shirts, books, jigsaw puzzles and more, plus a holiday raffle. Call 456-2437 or email [email protected].

• Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) presents its annual “Sleighbell Studio” exhibit now through Dec. 12. It features a curated collection of fine art and crafts affordably priced for holiday gift giving. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• Two Villages Art Society and the Hopkinton Historical Society present “Home for the Holidays: an Art Show & Sale” now through Dec. 20 in Contoocook and online. The show will feature all kinds of art, including oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, tapestry, woodworking, wearable art, book making and more, created by local artists and artisans. The show will be held in person at the Bates Building (846 Main St.; masks required) on a drop-in and by-appointment basis and virtually at shop.twovillagesart.org. Show hours at the Bates Building are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28. Visit twovillagesart.org.

• The Seacoast Artist Association presents its holiday exhibit, “Big Gifts in Small Packages,” now through Dec. 26, at 130 Water St. in Exeter. The exhibit features a variety of artwork priced under $100 for gift buying. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.

• Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford presents its annual holiday exhibit, “Small Works — Big Impact,” virtually now through Dec. 31. The exhibit features small works of art in various media, priced affordably for gift buying. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair will be held virtually from Friday, Nov. 27, through Tuesday, Dec. 22, with curbside pickup at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford) daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair will feature seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by more than 40 juried artisans and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

• Wrong Brain (55 Third St., Dover) will have its ninth annual “Holidaze Bizaare” alternative craft fair from Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, with fair hours Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. There will be art, apparel, jewelry, ceramics, stuffies, candles, candy and more by dozens of emerging local artists. Virtual shopping with curbside pickup will also be available. Call 834-9454 or visit wrongbrain.net.

• The New Hampshire Art Association hosts its holiday exhibition, “This Merry Moment,” online and at the NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) from Dec. 2 through Jan. 2. The exhibit and sale will feature a variety of artwork and greeting cards created by NHAA members. Gallery hours are Monday and Tuesday by appointment; Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held virtually on Zoom on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. Call 431-4230 or visit nhartassociation.org.

Featured photo: Hand-painted ornaments for sale in the Warner Historical Society’s virtual holiday shop. Courtesy photo.

Shows for the season

Where to see holiday theater, music and dance

There are all kinds of holiday shows coming up — both live in-person and virtually from home — including traditional favorites like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker and festive music performed in a variety of styles.

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents a youth production of A Christmas Carol Jr. from Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Nov. 29, with showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for kids. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• The Winter Wonderettes will perform iconic ’60s versions of classic holiday tunes live at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) from Nov. 27 through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 to $48. Select performances will also be livestreamed for $20 per viewer. Call 433-4472 or visit seacoastrep.org.

• The Players’ Ring presents a one-man adaptation of A Christmas Carol, performed by Christopher Savage, live at The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) and virtually from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. Live showtimes are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost the same for the live and virtual shows: $24 for adults, $20 for students and seniors and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• LaBelle Winery & Event Center (345 Route 101, Amherst) presents “A Very Merry Sinatra Christmas,” a three-course dinner featuring Boston jazz singer Rich Dimare, on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dimare will perform Frank Sinatra songs as well as holiday favorites. Tickets cost $75 per person. Call 672-9898 or visit labellewinery.com.

• The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) presents a concert, “Joyful Christmas” with fiddler Eileen Ivers, live on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents its Holiday Spectacular concert from Dec. 4 through Dec. 20, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Inspired by the golden age of television variety shows, the concert features more than 30 classic Christmas songs and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for kids. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• LaBelle Winery & Event Center (345 Route 101, Amherst) will host A Dickens’ Christmas Wine Dinner featuring Piccola Opera on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. The opera company will perform Christmas carols throughout the three-course meal. Tickets are sold by table only; it’s $387.20 to reserve a table for four and $580.80 to reserve a table for six. Visit labellewineryevents.com or call 672-9898.

• The Manchester Community Music School will host an Outdoor Holiday Stroll in place of its annual Holiday Pops Concert on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees will be escorted in small groups around the holiday-lighted school grounds, where students and faculty will perform live. Tickets cost $25 per person or $225 for groups of 10 and include holiday treats. Registration is required. Call 644-4548 or visit mcmusicschool.org.

• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents “Songs for the Holidays” at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 6, with performances at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $18. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• Guitarist Gary Hoey performs a Ho Ho Hoey 25th Anniversary holiday concert at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry) on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $50. Call 437-5100 or visit tupelomusichall.com.

• Symphony New Hampshire will perform its Holiday Pops concert on Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester); Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua); and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for students and free for youth under age 18 accompanied by a ticket-buyer. Visit symphonynh.org or call 595-9156.

• The Music Hall will show a filming ofClara’s Dream: A Jazz Nutcracker,performed there by Mad Theatricals in 2004, at its Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students, military and first responders. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord presents “Have Yourself a Rockin’ Little Christmas with Lucinda,” a livestreamed holiday concert by singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.

• Ballet Misha performs The Nutcracker at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $28. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• Boston jazz singer Rich Dimare performs “A Sinatra Christmas” at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29 in advance and $39 at the door. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.

• The Music Hall presents A Very Ida Christmas, a holiday show written and performed by Susan Poulin, at its Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• The Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) will show a rebroadcast of the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students, plus a $3.75 per-ticket fee. Visit banknhstage.com or call 225-1111.

• The Boston Camerata presents “An American Christmas,” on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth). Tickets cost $45. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• The New Hampshire School of Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) on Saturday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m., and at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700, anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities) on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

• Safe Haven Ballet presents The Nutcrackerat The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $45 for seniors and children. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

Featured photo: Ballet Misha performs The Nutcracker. Photo by Matthew Lomanno.

Fresh air festive

If nothing else, 2020 seems to have inspired a lot of event innovation. Virtual tree-lightings, drive-thru holiday displays and socially distanced performances — New Hampshire is finding ways to celebrate even if those celebrations look a little different this year.
Here’s a look at holiday activities from Thanksgiving through the end of the year (all events are subject to change, of course). Whether it’s enjoying a light display from the comfort of your car (or from your house) or watching a performance in a reduced-capacity venue, find the holiday fun that fits your comfort level.

Holiday fun downtown and outdoors

Celebrate the holidays safely outside (or from your car) with these downtown strolls, light displays, modified parades and other social distance-conscious activities.

• Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is an ongoing citywide celebration of the holidays featuring a number of shows at The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., themusichall.org, 436-2400); shopping in Market Square; Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars, happening weekends from Dec. 11 through Dec. 20 at Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., 433-1100, strawberybanke.org); Labrie Family Skate at Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock Pond; the 30th annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at the Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., 436-8433, portsmouthhistory.org) now through Dec. 22, and more throughout the holiday season. Visit vintagechristmasnh.org.

• The Gift of Lights opens on Thanksgiving Day and continues through Jan. 3 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106 North, Loudon). The drive-thru Christmas light park spans 2.5 miles and features 80 holiday scenes and 520 light displays. It’s open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Purchase tickets online or at the gate. The cost is $25 per car. Visit nhms.com/events/gift-of-lights.

• The Town of Pelham and Pelham Community Spirit are presenting the first annual Festival of Lights on the town’s Village Green, where you can enjoy a spectacle of tree lighting displays from your car to ensure social distancing. The lights will be up from Thanksgiving until after the New Year. Visit pelhamcommunityspirit.org.

• Downtown Nashua hosts Plaid Friday, a shopping event alternative to Black Friday, on Nov. 27. Wear plaid to be eligible for giveaways, discounts and more at participating businesses. Stop at 201 Main St. first to pick up a swag bag with a map, coupons, discounts and offers. Registration is required. Visit downtownnashua.org.

• Great American Downtown is hosting a holiday lights contest for Nashua families and business owners. Now through Dec. 3, photo submissions will be accepted for residential and downtown Nashua businesses with the best festive decorations. Online voting will take place between Dec. 5 and Jan. 3. To enter, email a jpg image of your festive lights, along with your home or business address, to [email protected]. A printable map of the contenders will be available online. Visit downtownnashua.org for details.

• The Celebrate Laconia Lights Festival is an ongoing citywide celebration of the holidays featuring special events throughout the season. It kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 29, with a downtown holiday parade led by Santa starting at 4:30 p.m. The parade will move through Lakeport and Weirs Beach before returning to downtown, where there will be a City on the Lakes Holiday Walk. There will be trees for sale to decorate and display in Rotary and Stewart parks, and Santa will light the trees around 6:30 p.m. The trees will remain up through the end of the year. Also starting on Sunday, Nov. 29, will be the Lights Festival Coloring Contest, with submissions accepted through Friday, Dec. 11, and the Light-Up Laconia Holiday Decorating Competition, which will run through Dec. 18. An online interactive map of Laconia homes and businesses with holiday displays will be available, and the public is invited to vote for their favorites online. Visit celebratelaconia.org.

• Concord’s Midnight Merriment has been reworked this year as a month-long celebration with holiday decorations, special promotions and refreshments at downtown shops and restaurants throughout December. Visit intownconcord.org.

• The Beaver Brook Association (Brown Lane Barn, 52 Brown Lane, Hollis) will host a greens gathering and wreath making event on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Participants will go on a hike to gather mountain laurel, hemlock and white pine, pine cones and berries, then create a holiday wreath with those materials. The cost is $25, and registration is required. Visit beaverbrook.org.

• Fright Kingdom (12 Simon St., Nashua) presents its holiday event, “The Fright Before Christmas,” on Friday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. It features a scary winter wonderland, a creepy Christmas costume contest and food trucks on site. Tickets cost $29 and must be purchased in advance. Visit frightkingdom.com or call 809-1173.

• In place of its holiday parade, Salem is having a “Christmas in Whoville” holiday display competition from Friday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 6. All participating homes, schools, community centers and businesses will have their displays illuminated from 4:30 to 11 p.m. A list of addresses will be shared with the public, and residents can vote online for their favorite displays. Visit salemnhparade.org.

• This year’s Salem Night of Lights will be a drive-thru holiday experience happening on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Salem High School (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Visit townofsalemnh.org.

• In place of its holiday parade, Exeter will host a Drive-Thru Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Exeter High School (1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter). The school will be decorated with holiday lights, displays, inflatables and scenes, and Santa will greet drivers from a safe distance. Visit exeterholidayparade.org.

• Milford presents “Miracle on Elm Street,” a holiday drive-thru event, on Saturday, Dec. 5, with half-hour time slots from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The drive starts at the Keyes Memorial Park west entrance (127 Elm St.) and will have stops along the way with treats for kids. The cost is $5 per car. Registration is required. Visit milford.nh.gov.

• Santa’s Merrimack Holiday Tour will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride through town in a Fire Department vehicle, stopping at seven different locations between 2:45 and 3:45 p.m., to greet people at a safe distance. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org/holiday-happenings or call 882-1046.

• Canterbury Shaker Village (228 Shaker Road, Canterbury) will host A Magic Journey through the North Shop Barn from Dec. 11 through Dec. 23, and from Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, daily, from 1 to 5 p.m. The North Shop Barn, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland, will feature art vignettes like a Shaker Christmas, a dollhouse, a skating panorama and snowy forest scenes; a Find-the-Elf treasure hunt; hot cocoa and cider; and shopping at the Village Store. Additionally, there will be a Christkindlmarkt-inspired artisan market of handcrafted holiday gifts on weekends; food trucks with sweet treats on Saturdays, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, and a live musical performance by Massimo Paparello and his Brass Quartet on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and is free for youth. Visit shakers.org or call 783-9511.

• The Southern New Hampshire Tour of Lights will run from Dec. 11 through Dec. 27. A list of addresses will soon be released for the public to visit holiday light displays at homes throughout Amherst, Antrim, Fitzwilliam, Jaffrey, Merrimack, Milford, Peterborough and Rindge. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org/holiday-happenings or call 882-1046.

• A modified Hampstead Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13, starting at 2 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church (26 Emerson Ave.). Instead of its traditional march down Main Street, the parade will split into different parts of town, covering 19 miles of road. Visit hampstead.nhlions.org.

• Enjoy a Winter Solstice Luminary Walk at Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis) on Sunday, Dec. 20, with time slots from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a self-guided marked trail with a nature story about the origins of the Winter Solstice and fun facts about New England wildlife and the tradition of the Yule log. The cost is $12. Visit beaverbrook.org.

Featured photo: The Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Courtesy photo.

Gather together?

Zoom dinners, outdoor meet-ups and more holiday tips

Nicole Chute, Health Promotion and Communication Specialist for the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services, shares some guidance on how to celebrate the holidays as safely as possible.

How risky is it to be traveling and/or gathering this holiday season? Should people even be considering it?
We’re strongly encouraging folks to just stay home this holiday season, if possible, and celebrate with the people who live in their own household. … With the substantial community spread in the state of New Hampshire and in Hillsborough County, we really don’t want anyone, especially anyone who is older or has underlying conditions, to do any in-person activities this year. … If you can video chat with family members and friends, that’s always safer than getting together with them and spending time [in contact] with them.

Got any fun ideas or tips for virtual gatherings?
Think about the things you would do together and how you would usually celebrate if you were together and try to do a virtual version of it. Cooking meals together over video chat is a great one. Also, I just heard that Zoom is going to be offering free calls without the 40-minute cap for the whole day on Thanksgiving, so that’s one way that people will be able to gather virtually.

If someone is hosting an in-person gathering, what can they do to make it as safe as possible for their guests?
Keep it small, and limit your time together. The more time you spend with people, the greater the risk is of contracting Covid from somebody who has it. Also, stay outdoors. I know it’s going to be cold, but if it’s a nice day on Thanksgiving, try to have people outside. … Make sure you have hand sanitizer available, encourage mask use for anyone coming in, and space out any chairs to allow people to practice social distancing while they’re at your home. … You want to be practicing general food safety and good handwashing while you’re preparing any food. We’re encouraging people to do more of a buffet-style meal with prepared plates that people can grab and go, versus everyone grabbing their food out of the same food dishes and touching the same serving utensils. … Something else I’d recommend to a host of any gathering is to talk to the people who are planning on coming over beforehand and remind them to practice social distancing, mask wearing and handwashing [during the days leading up to the gathering].

If you’re a guest, what additional steps can you take to protect yourself?
First, if you’re sick — and that means any new symptoms, whether it’s just a throat tickle or any little thing — you need to stay home. … Any time you’re spending time with people who don’t live in your house, it’s so important to keep that social distance, wear that face covering and wash your hands often, even if no one has symptoms, because we know that this virus can spread asymptomatically. … Try to stay outside, and keep your time there short.

What’s the safest way to travel?
It’s definitely safer to drive [than to fly] as long as you’re driving with members from your household, but if you’re driving long distances, you’re probably going to need to stop for gas or at a rest area, so just make sure you’re practicing healthy behaviors there, too, like using hand sanitizer after you’re done pumping gas, and washing your hands at the rest stops. If you’re in an airport, make sure you’re washing your hands, wearing your mask, keeping your distance from others and avoiding touching your face.

What’s the safest way to go about lodging?
There isn’t too big of a difference between staying at someone’s house versus staying at a hotel. … I’d recommend bringing some [disinfectant] wipes and wiping down the room when you get there. If you’re staying at a hotel, make sure you’re wearing a mask while checking in, and find out what all of their Covid protocols are.

Should people be quarantining post-gathering/traveling?
In New Hampshire, we tell any travelers, visitors and residents who leave New England that they must quarantine for 14 days upon their return to the state, even if they feel OK. They can end their quarantine early at seven days if, on the seventh day, they get a PCR Covid test that comes back negative.

What’s happening with students? Do you have any special guidance for them?
A lot of school districts are looking at remote learning for at least two weeks after the holidays, just to make sure that kids don’t come back to school and spread anything. I know there are going to be a lot of college kids traveling home, and if they’re traveling from out of state to come home to New Hampshire, they need to quarantine. Just plan on staying home with your family and the people who live in your house.

What about holiday shopping?
Online shopping is the best way to avoid any contact with anybody, so if you can do your shopping online I would definitely recommend that.

Featured photo: Nicole Chute. Courtesy photo.

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