The Hippo Press – Page 17

Kiddie Pool 25/12/25

Family fun for whenever

Escape to the museum

Some area museums offer special hours and events during the between-holidays week of Dec. 25 through Jan. 1.

• SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, see-sciencecenter.org, will be closed the Thursdays of Christmas and New Year’s Day but open Monday, Dec. 29, as well as its usual Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $14 per person ages 3 and up, the website said.

• The Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. in Manchester, currier.org, will hold its fourth annual December Days on Friday, Dec. 26, and Saturday, Dec. 27, with family-friendly activities running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. included with admission (kids 12 and under get in for free). The museum’s regular hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the website. Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and students with ID cards, and $5 for ages 13 to 17, the website said.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, is currently featuring the exhibit “Holiday Festival of Toy Planes and Model Aircraft,” which will be on display through Sunday, Jan. 4, according to a press release. The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas and New Year’s Day). The museum will be open extra days — Monday, Dec. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 30. Admission costs $10 for ages 13 and up, and $5 for ages 6 to 12, 65+, veterans and active military; kids age 5 and under get in free.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive in Concord, starhop.com, is closed on Christmas and Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Day but will be open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, and then Friday, Jan. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 4, according to the website. Admission costs $14 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, $11 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for ages 2 and under, the website said. Planetarium shows cost an additional $7 per person (free for children under 3) and run at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the website said.

This Week 25/12/25

Thursday, Dec. 25

The Gift of Lights display at NH Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 in Loudon, continues through through Sunday, Jan. 4, opening at 4:30 p.m. on most days (weather dependent), according to nhms.com, where you can purchase a ticket (one ticket per vehicle).

Friday, Dec. 26

Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, visitthefarm.com, keeps the fun going with Encore of the Lights running this weekend today; tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28, in the afternoon and early evenings. See the website to book tickets on a sleigh or logging sled to see the farm’s holiday lights display and to visit the farm animals, enjoy hot cocoa by the campire and more.

Friday, Dec. 26

The Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) will host Wheel Gone Wild: an R-Rated Game Show tonight at 7:30 p.m. This is the ultimate adults-only twist on your favorite game show, according to the website.

Friday, Dec. 26

The Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) will host I Love R&B: the Ultimate R&B Party Experience at 8 p.m.. Visit ILoveRNBParty.com for tickets for this 21+ event.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Hard-rocking band Chasing the Devil will perform at the Angel City Music Hall (179 Elm St., Manchester, 931-3654) tonight from 7 to 11:30 p.m., with special guests Angry Hill, Silent Season, and Trawl. Tickets are $23.18 through eventbrite.com.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will screen today at 2 p.m. at the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com). Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs the performance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Experience the slam dunks and trick shots of The Harlem Globetrotters today at 2 and 7 p.m., at the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester, snhuarena.com. They will take on their long-time rivals the Washington Generals.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Comedian Juston McKinney will perform at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight through Friday, Jan. 2, at 10 p.m. Tickets are $45 through the Nashua Center’s website.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

The Adam Ezra Group will perform at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) tonight at 9 p.m. Find more special meals, parties and other events to celebrate New Year’s Eve starting on page 24.

Save the Date! Thursday, Jan 8
Mania: the ABBA Tribute will take the stage at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. This show has toured every continent in the world and has played more than 3,000 live concerts in more than 35 countries. Featuring a cast of musicians and performers, Mania: The ABBA Tribute delivers an authentic tribute to the legendary Swedish band, according to the website. Tickets start at $38 through the Capitol Center’s website.

Featured Photo: Juston Mckinney. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/12/25

We know how to holiday

According to a recent study by health and wellness website Innerbody.com, New Hampshire is one of the most festive states in the U.S. The study examined Christmas-related online searches of topics including the sales of advent calendars, inflatable lawn decorations and festive holiday clothing. “New Hampshire has risen to 9th place in the rankings, up from 10th last year,” read a Dec. 16 press release from Innerbody, “suggesting an increase in its Christmas spirit.” This contrasts with its neighbors, Vermont and Maine, which rank among the states with the lowest (or “Grinchiest”) Christmas cheer.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The study ranked West Virginia as the most festive, and the District of Columbia as the least festive. Visit innerbody.com/most-festive-state.

Girl Scouts convert bags to benches

A Mont Vernon Girl Scout troop has collected enough semi-firm plastic bags — the type you get groceries in — to be recycled into a park bench. Girl Scout Troop 59205 is a group of four cadets in seventh grade, led by Scout Leader Bobbi Billow. When the project began, the troop had 13 members who all contributed to the project for a full year and helped reach the 1,000-pound milestone. “Month after month, the residents of Mont Vernon came together and averaged 100 pounds of plastic recycled per month,” Billow posted on Facebook on Dec. 1, “an incredible achievement for a small town with a big heart.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to a Dec. 15 press release from Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, Troop 59205 will donate their bench to the Mont Vernon Conservation Commission to be placed at Carleton Pond. This project was taken on as part of a challenge by Trex Recycling. Visit nextrex.com/view/programs.

New Hampshire and the Peace Corps

In a Dec. 15 press release, the Peace Corps (peacecorps.gov) announced its 2025 rankings of the top volunteer-producing states across the United States with New Hampshire ranked No. 3 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita. According to the press release there are currently 36 New Hampshire residents serving worldwide. “In 2025, the nation’s capital is the largest producer of volunteers per capita with 31 volunteers, more than 4 volunteers per 100,000 citizens. Vermont took the No. 2 spot for per capita production, with 24 volunteers.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: Volunteers in the Peace Corps travel to other countries to donate their time and expertise. The Peace Corps aims “to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served” and “to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans,” according to its website.

QOL score: 79

Net change: +3

QOL for the end of 2025: 82

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 25/12/25

Symphony NH

Symphony NH is postponing two upcoming concerts, the “executive director is taking a personal pay cut” and some staff will be given reduced hours, among other measures, due to financial challenges, according to an email from the Symphony NH Board of Trustees and staff on Dec. 18. “Last season brought unexpected financial challenges: declining ticket revenue, reduced charitable gaming income, and a drop in individual giving. At the same time, operating costs — especially venue expenses — rose significantly. These combined pressures have created a shortfall that we must address now to protect the long-term health of Symphony NH,” the email said. The Jan. 17 and March 28 music director finalist concerts will be rescheduled to next season; ticket holders can call 595-9156 or email snh@symphonynh.org for information.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross is looking for blood and platelet donations, especially of types O, A negative and B negative, according to a press release from the Northern New England Region of the American Red Cross. Those who donate through Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last, the release said. Donors between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25 will be “entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area,” the release said. Schedule a donation at redcrossblood.org.

Old buildings

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is offering a Career Exploration in the Old Building Trades vacation week program, according to a Dec. 10 newsletter. The programs take place Feb. 23-27 and April 27 to May 1, 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., and are open to ages 16 to 21, according to the application form, which you can find at nhpreservation.org/preservation-trades-initiative. The programs will take place at Canterbury Shaker Village and Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon and at Seacoast/Portsmouth locations, the site said. No experience is necessary. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 16.

Art & Bloom

The Concord Garden Club will take part in its 23rd annual “Art and Bloom” show in collaboration with the Women’s Caucus for Art, New Hampshire Chapter, and Kimball Jenkins Estate, 266 N. Main St. in Concord, where the show will be on display Thursday, Jan. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 24, according to a press release. “Club members and local floral professionals will create floral arrangements inspired by works of art and craft on display during Kimball Jenkins’ January art exhibition. [The show] will coincide with Intown Concord‘s Winter Festival,” the release said. For information about participating, see concordgardenclubnh.com.

Celebrate the life of Rob Reiner with a screening of one of his directorial gems, 1989’s When Harry Met Sally…, on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. at Red River Theatres in Concord. See redrivertheatres.org for tickets.

Andrew Pinard brings his Discovering Magic with Andrew Pinard show to New Hampshire Theatre Project, 959 Islington St. in Portsmouth, nhtheatreproject.org/onstagenow, on Friday, Dec. 26, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2:30 p.m., according to a press release. Tickets cost $32 general admission, $28 for seniors and students, according to the website.

Goffstown First Night: Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. downtown in the village, according to goffstownmainstreet.org/goffstown-first-night. The “fun-filled, family-friendly celebration” will feature a winter wonderland with princesses and other characters for photos, hands-on activities, music, a New Year’s Eve ball drop every hour on the hour and more, the website said.

Mosaic Art Collective, 66 Hanover St., Suite 201, in Manchester, mosaicartcollective.com, is inviting local artists to submit work for its next show, “Peaceful Rebellion,” which opens Wednesday, Jan. 28, according to the December newsletter. “This open call is for works that celebrate the act of art making and the awareness and solace it provides us,” the newsletter said. See the website for details; the deadline is Jan. 14.

Cookie Art — 12/18/2025

on the cover

Those holiday cookies aren’t just tasty treats, they are mini canvases, ready to become works of sugary art. In this week’s cover story, experts explain how to give your cookies a professional coating of glossy icing.

Also on the cover, Michael Witthaus talks to Ric Blair of The Celts before their Friday show in Derry (page 17). Find even more music this weekend, holiday and not. Michael checks out the music-forward eatery Riley’s Place in Milford (page 28) and find shows, holiday-themed and not, in the Music This Week (page 30) and in the Concert listings (page 34). And, need to relax? John Fladd recommends you make some just-the-basics banana bread (page 22).

Read the e-edition

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Kiddie Pool 25/12/18

Family fun for whenever

Santa visit

• Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, continues its Santa’s Christmas with times Friday, Dec. 19, through Sunday, Dec. 21, as well as on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, according to visitthefarm.com. This event will feature a visit to Charmingfare’s North Pole, including an opportunity to see Santa Claus, get cookies from Mrs. Claus, see Santa’s reindeer and more as well as visits with farm animals, camp fires, and more, the website said. See visitthefarm.com for entry times for and ticket options (some include a horse-drawn ride through a Christmas Trail) and to purchase admissions.

Still some Nutcracker

• The Nutcracker 2025 will be presented by Ballet Misha at the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to tickets.anselm.edu.

• The Nutcracker will be presented by the Safe Haven Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. at Stockbridge Theatre, 44 N. Main St. in Derry. Tickets are for sale at pinkertonacademy.org/stockbridge-theatre.

• The NH School of Ballet will present The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St. in Concord, according to theaudi.org/events.

• The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker will screen on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 22, at 3 and 7 p.m at the O’Neil Cinemas in Londonderry (16 Orchard View) and Epping (Brickyard Square, 24 Calef Highway) via Fathom Entertainment; see fathomentertainment.com, where you can find times and locations. Get a look at the filmed production at rbo.org.uk/ballet-essentials-the-nutcracker.

Still some Pops

• The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra will present Holiday Pops with singalong and a Special Jolly Guest on Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. at Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Germonty Drive in Salem, according to nhphil.org.

Author: The Hippo Press

Kiddie Pool 25/12/25

This Week 25/12/25

Quality of Life 25/12/25

News & Notes 25/12/25

Cookie Art — 12/18/2025

Kiddie Pool 25/12/18

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