Category: Cover Stories

Back to Categories

Festive flavors

All kinds of holiday fun for foodies

From holiday-themed cooking classes and wine tastings to Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve dinners and more, check out this list of some of the tastiest events to experience this holiday season.

• The first annual Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village (9 Via Toscana, Salem) continues now through New Year’s Eve, featuring a collection of more than 30 small businesses and artists debuting in a festive, open-air marketplace, with art, sweet treats, home decor, apparel and more. Hours are Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. to close and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to close. Visit tuscanvillagesalem.com.

• The Portsmouth Historical Society presents its 32nd annual gingerbread house contest and exhibition at the Discover Portsmouth Center (10 Middle St.), which will also include a downtown scavenger hunt at participating retail storefronts in and around Market Square. Completed contestant creations will be displayed in downtown shop windows from Friday, Nov. 25, through Thursday, Dec. 22. All houses are free for public viewing. Visit vintagechristmasnh.org.

• The weekly Holiday Food & Arts Market series continues at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown (116 Goffstown Back Road) with events every Saturday from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each event in the series features a different menu of lunch items and baked goods, along with a unique selection of themed crafts, all to benefit the Y’s Center for Older Adults. See the event page on Facebook @yallardcenter for more details.

• Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire will hold its 12th annual Homeward Bound Food & Beverage Festival on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Nashua Country Club (25 Fairway St.). In addition to food and drinks from local vendors, the cocktail party-style event features a variety of auctioned items. Tickets are $100 per person. Purchase them online at familypromisesnh.ticket.qtego.net.

• The bi-weekly Cheese & Corks tastings at Local Baskit (10 Ferry St., Suite 120A, Concord) continue on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Featuring Kristy Ammann of Dole & Bailey — formerly the owner of Butter’s Fine Food & Wine in Concord — and Ambra Kash of Crush Wine & Spirits, the series includes “a series of wine and cheese chats to prepare you for holiday entertaining or cozy winter nights,” according to the event flier. The Nov. 30 tasting will cover New Hampshire-made cheeses to be paired with wines from around the world, while the Dec. 14 event will feature sparkling wines and creamy cheeses. Admission is free. Visit localbaskit.com.

• The Winemaker’s Kitchen cooking with wine series continues at LaBelle Winery with holiday recipes classes, to be held at its Derry location (14 Route 111) on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and at its Amherst location (345 Route 101) on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. each day. Attendees will get to enjoy holiday dinner samples and discover recipes with wine paired or prepared with each item. Recipes will include candied kielbasa, deviled eggs with Seyval Blanc egg filling, red wine caramelized onion dip for vegetables and chips, and baked brie with a red wine fruit compote. General admission is $35 per person, plus tax. Visit labellewinery.com.

• Join the William Pitt Tavern at the Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) for its annual Pickwick’s Mercantile holiday tavern dinners, with seatings available during the museum’s Candlelight Stroll (Saturdays and Sundays, from Dec. 3 through Dec. 18). Each dinner features four courses with locally sourced drinks and live music. As of Nov. 20, remaining availability included a 6 p.m. seating on Saturday, Dec. 17; and an 8 p.m. seating on Sunday, Dec. 18. The cost starts at $95 for adults ages 21 and older ($125 per person with included beer and wine) and $65 for kids ages 12 and under. Visit strawberybanke.org/pickwickholiday.cfm.

• The Made in New England Expo returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St.) on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by EventsNH, the expo features a variety of unique gifts, specialty food items and other products from all across New Hampshire and other neighboring New England states. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 and over, $2 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2. Visit madeinnewenglandexpo.com.

• Join Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown) for its annual holiday sip and shop event on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring gift-giving opportunities from local vendors and 10 percent off wine purchases available throughout the afternoon. Admission is free. Visit zorvino.com.

• Enjoy holiday afternoon tea with The Cozy Tea Cart of Brookline, to be held at the Gatherings at the Colonel Shepard House (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford) on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. In addition to seasonal teas, there will be assortments of festive tea breads, sandwiches and pastries to be served. The cost is $39.95 per person and reservations are required. Visit thecozyteacart.com or call 249-9111.

• On Sunday, Dec. 4, Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Nashua (151 Coliseum Ave.) will host a five-course dinner party alongside a special screening of the 1989 film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Local chef Keith Sarasin and his team at The Farmers Dinner will present the meal. The event starts with a “secret” appetizer and complimentary craft beer or wine tasting at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticketholders, followed by the movie screening at 7 p.m. Admission is $75 per person and includes the dinner and the movie (vegetarian and wine pairing options are also available). Visit chunkys.com.

• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry) will hold special adult-and-child gingerbread house decorating classes on Sunday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 18, with three sessions available each day, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m., and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kids and adults will work together to create a festive masterpiece using royal icing and an assortment of provided treats. The cost is $48 per house. Visit culinary-playground.com.

• Chef Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast in Hollis has several upcoming holiday-themed events planned, including virtual pie basics classes on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Barbour will demonstrate her favorite pie dough recipe and share various cooking wisdom and tips with attendees. Register online at thecreativefeast.com to receive a link via Zoom.

• Join Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline) for a snowman felting workshop and winter wine tasting — two sessions are available, on Thursday, Dec. 8, or Thursday, Dec. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $45 per person and include a two-hour instructor-led class on how to craft a felted snowman (all materials are provided), along with a seasonal wine flight of four wines (or a non-alcoholic beverage). Additional snowman felting kits will be available to purchase at the end of each class. Visit averillhousevineyard.com.

• Join Birch Wood Vineyards (199 Rockingham Road, Derry) for the Birch Wood Experience on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., featuring a multi-course meal of hors d’oeuvres, a mashed potato martini station, salads and your choice of an entree (chicken piccata, slow-roasted prime rib, pan-seared salmon or stuffed peppers), each paired with the chef’s selection of a starch and a vegetable. Admission is $50 per person and reservations are due by Nov. 30.

• Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown) will hold its annual Tidings & Tinsel group holiday party on Friday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. As of Nov. 15, few tickets still remained. Tickets are $70 all-inclusive and feature a multi-course dinner menu, a cocktail hour, dancing and more. Visit zorvino.com.

• Fulchino Vineyard (187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis) will host a three-day Christmas festival from Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 11, featuring artisan food vendors and craftspeople, a fire pit, hot cider and doughnuts, and family photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $15 for adults ages 21 and over (all adult tickets will also include one free wine glass per adult and a complimentary wine tasting), $7.50 for attendees ages 12 to 20 and 1 cent for kids ages 12 and under, for counting purposes. Visit fulchinovineyard.com.

• The Canterbury Community Farmers Market Association will hold a special indoor winter market on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the gymnasium of Canterbury Elementary School (15 Baptist Road). Visit canterburyfarmersmarket.com.

• The Currier & Ives Cookie Tour will return for its 17th year on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than a dozen businesses in and around the Monadnock region participate in this annual cookie tour, providing visitors with homemade treats, refreshments and recipes to take with them. Tickets are $20 per person (cash only) and will be available beginning Dec. 1 at The Inn at East Hill Farm (460 Monadnock St., Troy), New England Everyday Goods (16 Colls Farm Road, Jaffrey) and the Woodbound Inn (247 Woodbound Road, Rindge). Visit currierandivescookietour.com.

• The Hopkinton Recreation Department has gingerbread house workshops planned on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Slusser Center (41 Houston Drive, Contoocook) with two sessions available, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per house for town residents and $25 per house for non-residents. Register online by Dec. 2 at hopkinton.nh.rec.com.

• Join the Rodgers Memorial Library (194 Derry Road, Hudson) for a holiday cookie swap on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants are asked to contribute four dozen of their favorite homemade holiday cookies along with a recipe copy. Visit rodgerslibrary.org.

• The Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour returns for its 25th year on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, with self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Several inns in various White Mountain region towns provide cookies and candy to taste, as well as holiday recipe and decorating tips. Eight inns are participating, each of which are no more than 15 minutes apart from each other. Advance tickets come with reserving a lodging package at one of the participating inns. Those not wishing to reserve an overnight package can purchase tickets for $35 per person by visiting cookietour.square.site. See countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com for more details.

• Join St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1160 Bridge St., Manchester) for a special baked lamb dinner on Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at noon. Dinners must be pre-ordered by Dec. 7 — the cost is $20 per person and includes lamb, rice, beans and salad, and orders are available while supplies last. Visit stnicholas-man-nh.org.

• Enjoy a holiday wine tasting at Tuscan Market (9 Via Toscana, Salem) on Friday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring Tuscan Brands wine director Joseph Comforti. Sample from more than 25 types of wines, enjoy light bites and have the opportunity to win one of more than 10 unique raffle prizes. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online. Visit tuscanbrands.com.

• Save the date for last-minute gift-giving ideas at a holiday market at The Factory on Willow (252 Willow St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., presented by Loon Chocolate and 603 Charcuterie. More than a dozen local food and artisan vendors will be in attendance, and there will be food provided by The Potato Concept and 603 Charcuterie, along with live music all weekend from Bradley Copper Kettle and Friends. Admission is free. See the event page on Facebook @thefactoryonwillow for a full list of participating vendors.

• Don’t miss a special five-course dinner party at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester (707 Huse Road) on Sunday, Dec. 18, accompanied by special screenings of both the 1964 television film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the 2003 film Elf. Local chef Keith Sarasin and his team at The Farmers Dinner will present the meal. The event starts with a “secret” appetizer and complimentary craft beer or wine tasting at 5 p.m. for VIP ticketholders, followed by the first movie screening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $75 per person and includes the dinner and both movies (vegetarian and wine pairing options are also available). Visit chunkys.com.

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Pelham (150 Bridge St.), meanwhile, will hold a family-friendly dinner party and screening of the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., featuring the culinary talents of Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar. Admission is $75 for adults, with vegetarian and wine pairings also available. The kids’ menu is $25 for five courses, ending with Christmas cookies and milk (local farm fresh milk and decorated cookies). Visit chunkys.com.

• The Bedford Village Inn will hold its annual Feast of the Seven Fishes on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. in its Great Hall. The evening will include a cocktail party with various chef-attended stations and options from grilled calamari salad and oysters on the half shell to monkfish and cauliflower chowder, smoked trout dip with chives and cracker, fra diavolo, lobster and crab stuffed sole and more. Tickets are $95 per person (the dinner is 21+ only) with a cash bar also available. Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• Ring in the new year with LaBelle Winery Derry (14 Route 111) during a special Swinging Big Band New Year’s Eve dinner on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The event will include a three-course plated dinner and a performance by the Freese Brothers Big Band in LaBelle’s vineyard ballroom. Enjoy a winter kale salad, your choice of an entree (New York strip steak or roasted vegetable cannelloni) and a trio of profiterole for dessert. Tickets are $100 per person and include the dinner, a wine pouring, the band performance and admission to LaBelle Lights after the show. Visit labellewinery.com.

• Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline) will hold a special five-course Brazilian dinner and wine pairing to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for self-guided tours of the vineyard, production room and wine cellar, with dinner and wine to be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $89 per person. Visit averillhousevineyard.com.

• NHSCOT will celebrate Hogmanay with a plated dinner, live music and more, at LaBelle Winery Derry (14 Route 111) on Sunday, Jan. 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. Dinner options include shepherd’s pie, lamb stew, fish and chips, and a kid’s meal of chicken strips and macaroni and cheese. Admission is $32 for teens and adults ages 15 and up, $15 for kids and teens ages 6 to 14 and free for kids under 5. Visit nhscot.org.

Featured photo: Photo courtesy of Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast in Hollis.

Back to Categories

Santa in the Gate City

Nashua’s Winter Holiday Stroll returns

By Mya Blanchard

[email protected]

The Winter Holiday Stroll in Nashua returns for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, Nov. 26.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a candlelit procession along Main Street, from City Hall to Library Hill, where the holiday tree will be lit to kick off the event as well as the holiday season.

“I really want to bring the community together in a way that we haven’t been together in a few years now,” said Carolyn Walley, the executive director of Great American Downtown, which organizes the event.

“In previous years we’ve seen about 35,000 to 40,000 people,” Walley said. “We haven’t had it in the past two years, so [this year] we’re expecting at least 40,000, maybe 45,000. There’s a big buzz about it going around.”

Live entertainment will start at 5:45 p.m. with more than 30 different acts performing throughout the downtown area, along with food and novelty vendors. There will also be an indoor craft fair at Saint Patrick’s Church from 3 to 9 p.m. Attendees will also be able to play carnival games and enjoy food from different food trucks.

Some new editions to this year’s event will include a caricature artist, an ax throwing trailer, and Santa’s Village at 30 Temple St., where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present along with a kids’ train ride.

“This is an event that people grow up with. I was raised in Nashua [and] I’ve been going to this event since middle school,” Walley said. “It’s one of those events that people have gone to their whole life [and are] bringing their kids to now. … The fact that it hasn’t happened in the past two years, everybody was really upset about it, so it’s very much missed, and … the … response the community has given it [now that it’s] being brought back has been overwhelming.”

Great American Downtown’s Winter Holiday Stroll
When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Nashua
Cost: Free admission
Visit: downtownnashua.org

Merry and bright

Midnight Merriment returns to downtown Concord

By Mya Blanchard

[email protected]

Downtown Concord’s 29th annual Midnight Merriment celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec 2, and goes until midnight.

“Many of the downtown stores stay open until midnight and some of them do different things to promote people shopping later in the evening, so some of them will do special deals,” said Jessica Martin, the executive director of Intown Concord, which organizes the event.

Holiday music will play as people walk the downtown streets surrounded by festive lights and displays.

In addition to shopping, attendees can make s’mores, drink hot chocolate, participate in a holiday dance party and have their picture taken with Santa Claus at City Plaza.

There are new additions to this year’s event, including a free shopping trolley sponsored by Xfinity.

“It will take people to some of the areas downtown that aren’t as easily accessible by foot,” Martin said.

Another addition is a gingerbread showdown contest at Eatxactly Sweet Cafe.

Between the sales and festivities, this event helps create the incentive to shop locally.

“Black Friday is the week before, so it’s just another push for people to shop local [and] support downtown businesses. … Not only are you buying your holiday gifts, but you’re also keeping your money local, [and] supporting your friends and your neighbors in doing that, so it’s really important,” Martin said.

Some of the businesses will partner with nonprofits, and firefighters will be present asking for donations for muscular dystrophy. Members of the Concord Dance Academy’s Booster Club will be at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce offering free gift wrapping.

“Some of the goals for this event are always to support the downtown businesses, educate the public on the importance of shopping local, [try] to kick off the holiday season on a good foot [and] put Concord on the map as far as being a holiday shopping destination,” Martin said. “Another smaller goal is to try to expand people’s definition of downtown, so that’s why we’re using the free trolley this year so [people can explore] some of our really fun, interesting shopping destinations.”

Martin said that “[Midnight Merriment is] just a really quintessential New England holiday experience.”

Intown Concord’s 29th annual Midnight Merriment
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Downtown Concord
Cost: Free admission
Visit: intownconcord.org

Featured photo: Santa visiting the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. Courtesy photo.

Back to Categories

Santa Claus is coming…

Holiday events for junior Granite Staters, including meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Nothing says the holidays more than the awe and delight in children’s eyes. The list below has a bunch of events that will excite kids throughout the season.

• Bass Pro Shops (2 Commerce Drive, Hooksett) is having free photo appointments with Santa now through Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24. Visit basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland to reserve a time slot.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com) has lots of holiday family fun on the calendar. The Christmas Tree Spree runs Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27. Admission costs $22 per person or $129 for four people and a tree. The day will also include visits with the barnyard animals, a horse-drawn ride, a visit with Santa’s Reindeer, a campfire and pony rides that can be purchased online.

Santa’s Christmas runs Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4; Friday, Dec. 9 through Sunday, Dec. 11; Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18; Wednesday, Dec. 21, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Pick a time when you buy tickets for either a four-person or 10-person sleigh ride. The event also includes a stop at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, a visit to the barnyard, an opportunity to shop for Christmas trees, a campfire, a special mailbox for letters to Santa and the big man himself.

The week post Christmas, Charmingfare holds an Encore of the Lights event, where attendees can “climb aboard our horse drawn ride and travel 30 minutes through our Christmas light displays and see the Reindeer at the North Pole, according to the website. The event also includes Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, a visit to the barnyard, a campfire and more.

And ring in 2023 with a New Year’s Eve Ride. This evening event features a fireside meal, music and a ride along the trail of holiday lights.

• Gilford’s Parks and Recreation department and the Gilford Youth Center will be hosting Santa Land at the Youth Center (19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford) on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will feature games, bounce houses, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, storytimes and a visit with Santa. Visit gilfordyouthcenter.com.

• The Millyard Museum’s (200 Bedford St., Manchester) holiday open house is on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature games, cookies, children’s crafts, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Visit manchesterhistoric.org.

• Enjoy Mr. Aaron’s holiday party at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and tickets cost $13. Visit ccanh.com to purchase tickets.

• Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua) is hosting Santa in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. Come take a photo with Santa. See Nashua Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

• Londonderry Access Center TV (281 Mammoth Road) is hosting Santa live on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. Kids can come visit with Santa live on air. This is a first come, first served event. See lactv.com.

• AR Workshop (875 Elm St., Manchester) is hosting family-friendly projects on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Craft prices range from $30 to $90 and admission can be purchased online at arworkshop.com.

• Granite Base Camp (300 Blondin Road in Manchester; experiencebasecamp.org, 623-5962) will hold a Holiday Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The morning will include a visit with Santa, arts and crafts and other activities and more. The cost is $15 per person.

• Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester) is hosting its annual American Girl Doll Christmas tea party on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your American Girl Doll for a tour followed by refreshments and crafts. Tickets cost $15 per person and can be purchased at manchesterhistoric.org.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover) is hosting its annual Jingle Bell Extravaganza on Sundays, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Meet Santa, do holiday crafts, do a science experiment and get a special treat — pajama wearing is encouraged.The event is included with the cost of tickets, $15 for members, $20 for non-members; children under 1 year old are free. Visit childrens-museum.org to reserve a spot.

• Elf training is coming to Derry Public Library (64 East Broadway, Derry) on Monday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 3:30 and 5 p.m., with a special infant elf training at 10 a.m. Visit derrypl.org to sign up.

• Join Santa for breakfast at the Milford Town Hall (1 Union Sq.) on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Breakfast will be pancakes and sausages. Price is $9 per person; children ages 2 and younger eat free. Visit milfordnh.recdesk.com and to reserve a spot.

• Manchester Vineyard Church (750 Pine St.) is hosting a Christmas Fest for kids ages 3 to 10 on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring games, crafts, stories, the Manchester mounted police, a cotton candy machine and more. Register at manchesterchristmasfest.com.

• Santa Claus will arrive by helicopter at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820) on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. Arrive at the museum by 10:45 a.m. to park and see the landing, according to a press release. Santa will talk to kids (who will receive goodie bags) until 1 p.m. when he will depart by fire truck, the release said. The museum will be open and free to visitors on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The museum’s holiday exhibit, “Holiday Festival of Toy Planes and Model Aircraft” which features more than 2,000 aviation-related toys, games and other items, will also open on Dec. 10. The exhibit will feature “12 Planes of Christmas” scavenger hunt, the release said. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and is free for ages 5 and under, seniors and veterans/active military.

• The Kids Night at the Y will have a holiday palooza on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. and has childcare-trained staff to watch over kids while parents are free to take some time to themselves. Program costs $45 for one child, and $40 for each additional sibling. Visit bit.ly/ygl-kids-nights to register in advance.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) is hosting a family holiday concert featuring Ben Rudnick and Friends on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. Doors to the event open at 12:30 p.m. and tickets cost up to $12. Visit labellewinery.com to order tickets.

• The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford) is hosting a Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 17, with Santa visits at 5 p.m. Visit theeducationalfarm.org.

• Drop kids off at AR Workshop (875 Elm St., Manchester) for a mini Santa and friends wood block workshop on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. This program is recommended for kids ages 6 and older. Visit arworkshop.com for more information and to register.

• S’mores with Santa is back at the gazebo in New Boston’s center on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit with Santa after the tree lighting ceremony. Visit newbostonnh.gov.

• Join the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) for a family New Year’s celebration with countdowns to “midnight,” making a sparkly party hat and more, on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon or from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event is included with the cost of tickets, $15 for members, $20 for non-members; children under 1 year old are free. Visit childrens-museum.org to reserve a spot.

• All three Chunky’s locations (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham) will have a family-friendly magic show featuring magician Ben Pratt. The shows will be on Monday, Dec. 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Pelham; Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in Manchester, and Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Nashua. Visit chunkys.com to order tickets.

Featured photo: Santa visiting the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. Courtesy photo.

Back to Categories

Holiday happenings

Twinkling lights, seasonal parades and holiday festivals to set the mood

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Get ready to celebrate the season with the best festivals, light shows and more that New Hampshire has to offer. Check out the list below for information about a bunch of the celebrations happening across the Granite State.

• The annual LaBelle Lights display is back this year with more than 500,000 lights strung up across the winery (14 Route 111 in Derry; labellewinery.com) now through Jan. 15, 2023. Tickets cost $16 for visitors 13 and older, $8 for 4- to 12-year-olds, $10 for those 65 and older, and are free for those younger than 4. On Friday nights in December, there will be special themes: Dec. 2 is Crazy Christmas Hats Night; Dec. 9 Ugly Holiday Sweaters Night; Dec. 16 is Christmas Pajamas Night, and Dec. 23 Best Santa Costume Night.

• The Bektash Shriners Feztival of Trees continues at the Bektash Shrine Center (189 Pembroke Road in Concord). Admission costs $5 for ages 12 and over. Peruse the decorated trees and enter the raffle to win the tree (or trees) that you like best. Raffle tickets cost $5 for 25 (tickets can also be purchased online for an additional fee). The drawings will be done on Sunday, Nov. 27, the end of the festival. The festival is open Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m; Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to bektashshriners.org

• Gift of Lights will start on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, at 4:30 p.m. and will run through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106 North in Loudon). The two-and-a-half-mile display will be open every night between those days, weather permitting. The tour will be open 4:30 to 10 p.m. this weekend; Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3; Thursday, Dec. 8 through Monday, Dec. 26; and Friday, Dec. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 31. It’s open until 9 p.m. the rest of the days. Tickets cost $35 per car, $60 per bus. Visit nhms.com to purchase tickets. Special nights include: pajama night (Monday, Nov. 28); Loudon Food Pantry Community Night (Tuesday, Nov. 29); pet night (Wednesday, Nov. 30); National Christmas Lights Day (Thursday, Dec. 1); Christmas sweater night (Tuesday, Dec. 6) and first responders night (Wednesday, Dec. 7).

• Join Pelham for the 13th annual Southern New Hampshire Festival of Trees at Sherburne Hall in the Municipal Building (6 Village Green). The festival opens on Friday, Nov. 25, and will run through Saturday, Dec. 3. Times vary across the days. Visit snhfestivaloftrees.pelhamcommunityspirit.org.

• The Plaistow Festival of Trees will be from Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27, at Plaistow Fish and Game (18 May Ray Ave.) Times vary for each day of the raffle event and festivities. Check calendar.time.ly/v9c29hla/event/74778847 for exact times.

• The Very Derry Holiday celebration and parade will be at the Veterans Hall (31 West Broadway) on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. The celebration will have festive activities lined up. Visit derrynh.org for more information.

• The Christmas in Wolfeboro parade and tree lighting will be on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. The parade will start at Brewster Memorial Field and end at Mill Street with the tree lighting. For more information visit wolfeborochamber.com.

• The Salem Holiday Parade is on Sunday, Nov. 27, this year, with a “Christmas in the zoo” theme. The parade will start at the intersection of Main and Policy streets at 1 p.m. For more information visit salemnhparade.org.

• The annual Celebrate Laconia Lights Festival and Parade will be on Sunday, Nov. 27, with two portions to the parade. The traditional parade will begin at noon and festivities will run until 8 p.m. An automobile parade will start at 4:30 p.m. at Opechee Park and will meet up with the other parade at Laconia High School (345 Union Ave.) for the tree lighting ceremony. Visit celebratelaconia.or.

• The Town of Bow is hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. The lighting will be at the Bow Gazebo (1 Knox Road). Visit bownh.gov for more information.

• The Concord tree lighting ceremony will be on Monday, Nov. 28, this year at the Statehouse Plaza (107 N. Main St.) from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. Visit concordnh.gov for more information.

• Visit Exeter Town Hall (10 Front St.) for the annual festival of trees on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 1, starting at 11 a.m. Bidding for a tree can take place in person and online. Visit exeterareacharitablefoundation.org.

• The Penacook tree lighting ceremony will be on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Boudreau Square on Village Street. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with carolers from the elementary school and Blanchard Family Singers. Visit penacook.org.

• Go back in time throughout December in Portsmouth with Vintage Christmas at Strawbery Banke (14 Hancock St. in Portsmouth) and the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth). The Strawbery Banke Museum will present its Candlelight Stroll on Saturdays (Dec. 2, 10 and 17) from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sundays (Dec. 4, 11 and 18) from 4 to 8 p.m. with a walk through homes of the Puddle Dock neighborhood made over for the holidays in a variety of different historical eras. The outdoor ice-skating at the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond is slated to start as soon as Friday, Nov. 25, weather permitting. First Night Portsmouth on Saturday, Dec. 31, starts at 2 p.m. and features music, dance, children’s activities, street performers and ice sculptures, according to vintagechristmasnh.org where you can find the complete list of events.

• Gather on Goffstown Common (across from the Goffstown Public Library, 2 High St.) for the annual Friday night under the lights event on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the Goffstown Main Street Program’s goffstownmainstreet.org.

• Have a scary good time at the Fright Before Christmas at Fright Kingdom (12 Simon St., Nashua) Friday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $35 online. To purchase tickets, visit frightkingdom.com.

• Join Nottingham for the annual holiday parade on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The parade route starts and ends at the community center (139 Stage Road). Visit nottingham-nh.gov.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum is hosting a 1940s Christmas on the Farm on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors ages 65 and older, $5 for youth ages 5-17, and children younger than 4-years-old are free. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• The Windham Parks and Recreations department will hold lighting festivities on the town common on Saturday, Dec. 3. Santa arrives by fire truck at 2:45 p.m., and the tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. For more information, visit the town’s website, windhamnh.gov.

• The annual holiday tree lighting and illumination holiday parade in Portsmouth will be on Saturday, Dec. 3. The tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. and the parade will start at Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m. Visit cityofportsmouth.com.

• Chester’s Christmas in the Village will be held all day Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at different locations throughout the town. Visit chesternh.org.

• Merrimack’s holiday parade and tree lighting is on Sunday, Dec. 4. The parade will start at 3 p.m. at 515 Daniel Webster Hwy. and the tree lighting will be at 3:45 p.m. at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road). For more information or to register to march in the parade, visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• The annual festival of trees at New Life Church (84 Nottingham Road, Raymond) will run from Thursday, Dec. 8, through Sunday, Dec. 11. Times vary. Visit facebook.com/RaymondFestivalofTrees for more information.

• Across southern New Hampshire, towns and cities will be lit up for the Tour of Lights starting on Friday, Dec. 9. For more information and a complete list of participating communities, visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• The Town of Amherst has an assortment of holiday-themed adventures as part of its tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony itself will be on Friday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. on the village green. Check out other events happening from Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 11, at amhersttreelightingfestival.weebly.com

• The annual Hollis Holiday Luminaria Stroll is on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Monument Square. The stroll and tree lighting will be at 4 p.m., with more events happening throughout the day. Visit hollisluminaria.org.

• The Gilford Village candlelight stroll is on Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 5 p.m. Location is to be announced. Visit the Gilford Village Candlelight Stroll Facebook page.

• The Hampstead Christmas parade is going to be on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., kicking off from the community center (38 Parklane Road). The center will be open before the parade to serve hot cocoa and offer activities. Visit the Hampstead Christmas Parade Facebook page.

• Light up New Boston is back on Monday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout the community. For more information, or to sign up to participate in the decoration festival, visit newbostonnh.gov.

• Ring in the new year on Pats Peak (686 Flanders Road, Henniker) with a firework celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 10:20 p.m. Pricing starts at $59 for holiday lift access. Visit patspeak.com.

Miracle on Elm Street

Holiday parade returns to the streets of Manchester

By Mya Blanchard

[email protected]

The Manchester Holiday Parade will head down Elm Street on Saturday, Dec. 3. The event will start at 4 p.m. kicking off at the Amoskeag Bridge and heading down Elm Street to Granite Street. After the parade, a tree lighting ceremony will take place at Veterans Memorial Park.

“It will be preceded by the BASC Santa Claus Shuffle, a 3-mile road race put on by Millennium Running,” parade organizer Trixie Dysart said in an email. “The race starts at 3 p.m., and the runners are encouraged to dress up in Santa-themed clothes. Once the last runner leaves the starting line, the parade will begin.”

More than 1,000 spectators are expected to congregate on the sidewalks to watch the parade go by. Local businesses and organizations will display floats they built for the event, and the town’s high school bands will perform. Letter carriers will also come by to collect letters to Santa, who might even make a surprise appearance.

“Our parade theme this year is ‘Merry & Bright,’” Dysart said. “We’re encouraging all participants to light up Elm [Street] with the brightest displays they can imagine [and] we’re so excited to celebrate the holidays with this dazzling display.”

Manchester has had a winter celebration for many years, dating all the way back to the 1920s with a “Winter Carnival Parade,” in which members of the town wore costumes and there were horse-drawn floats. The tradition continues with the holiday parade that, Dysart said, “brings the community members of all ages downtown to celebrate the holiday season.”

“My favorite thing about the parade has always been seeing Manchester come together as a community to spread joy,” she said. “After the difficult couple of years we’ve all had, I’m excited for our city to get back together for this night of music and lights.”

Manchester Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Manchester; the parade will begin at the Amoskeag Bridge and head down Elm Street to Granite Street
Cost: Free admission
More info: See the “2022 Holiday Parade” event page on Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig’s Facebook profile @mayorjoycecraig

Featured photo: Manchester Holiday Parade. Courtesy photo.

Back to Categories

Dickens & Tchaikovsky

Get your A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker

The classic holiday season productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker fill the calendar through Christmas. Here’s where to catch a show:

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents A Christmas Carol from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with an additional show on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• The Methuen Ballet Ensemble performs The Nutcracker at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 26, at noon and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcrackerat the Kingswood Arts Center (396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro) on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance cost $25 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are an additional $5. Visit northeasternballet.org.

• New England Dance Ensemble presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m. at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Tickets cost $40 to $55. Visit nede.org.

• Sole City Dance presents The Nutcrackerat Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) on Thursday, Dec. 1, and Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $28 for adults and $24 for students and seniors. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.

• Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, brings his one-man performance of A Christmas Carol to the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for youth and students, $35 for seniors and $45 for adults. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities. Dickens will also do two shows in Nashua on Saturday, Dec. 3. The first, Mr. Dickens is Coming, will be at the Nashua Senior Center (70 Temple St.) at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20. The second, A Christmas Carol, will be at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Visit fortingage.com/dickens2022.

• The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Carol from Dec. 2 through Dec. 22, with showtimes on Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with additional shows Monday, Dec. 19, through Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $27 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $17 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

• Bedford Dance Center presents The Nutcracker Suite on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $23. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• Portsmouth School of Ballet presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Exeter High School auditorium (1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter). Tickets cost $25. Visit psb-nh.com.

• The New Hampshire Theatre Project presents a one-woman theatrical performance of A Christmas Carol by Jennifer Munro at the West End Studio Theatre (959 Islington St., Portsmouth), with showtimes on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $26 for students, seniors and veterans, with a livestream option also available for $20. Visit nhtheatreproject.org.

• The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) presents A Christmas Carol from Dec. 9 through Dec. 17, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets range from $22 to 28. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.

• Turning Pointe Center of Dance presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets cost $20. Visit turningpointecenterofdance.com.

• Dance Visions Network presents The Nutcracker Suite Acts I & IIon Sunday, Dec. 11, at 12:30 and 5 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $22 plus a $4 surcharge. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• North Country Center for the Arts at Jean’s Playhouse and Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative present A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia), with showtimes on Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for youth and students, $20 for seniors and $22 for adults. Visit belknapmill.org/powerhouse-theatre-collaborative.

• Safe Haven Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $34.50 to $44.50. Visit ccanh.com.

• Ballet Misha presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $34. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• New England School of Dance presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m., at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry). Tickets cost $32.25. Visit newenglandschoolofdance.com.

• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker Suite at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.; and at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Visit nhschoolofballet.com.

The Elf and the Grinch

Holiday fun on local stages

It’s not all Nutcracker. Here are some of the other holiday-themed shows on local stages.

• The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Story: The Musical Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $44. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• Pontine Theatre presents A New England Christmas at Plains School (1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth) on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. Shows can also be livestreamed. Additional showtimes that are sold out in person but can be livestreamed are on Friday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m., and Sundays, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $29 for adults and $26 for youth and seniors age 65 and up. Visit pontine.org.

• The Ogunquit Playhouse presents Elf The Musical at the Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) Nov. 28 through Dec. 16, with showtimes on Wednesday and Saturday at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. (no 1:30 p.m. show on Wednesday, Nov. 30); Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., with an additional show on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 1:30 p.m.; and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $50 to $101, with youth tickets starting at $45. Visit themusichall.org.

• The Bedford Youth Performing Company presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester) on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $17.50 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Visit bypc.org.

• Break a Leg Legally presents a holiday murder mystery, Who Killed Santa Claus?, at The Strand (20 Third St., Dover) Dec. 2 through Dec. 11, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for the Sunday shows and $20 for the Friday and Saturday shows. Visit breakaleglegally.com.

• See Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• The Franklin Footlight Theatre presents Holiday One-Acts at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin), with showtimes Thursday, Dec. 8, through Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for seniors, students and youth. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Majestic Theatre presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $20. Visit majestictheatre.net.

• The Garrison Players present Inspecting Carol at the Garrison Players Arts Center (449 Roberts Road, Rollinsford) Dec. 9 through Dec. 18, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for students and $20 for adults. Visit garrisonplayers.org.

• The Peacock Players present A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 4 p.m. Ticket sales are TBA. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• Safe Haven Ballet presents The Grinch at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia) on Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, at 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for youth and $30 for adults. Visit coloniallaconia.com.

Featured photo: The Palace Theatre presents A Christmas Carol. Courtesy photo.

Back to Categories

Race through the holidays

5Ks on Thanksgiving and beyond

Lace up those sneakers Thursday morning — there are about a dozen Turkey Trot road races to wake you up Thanksgiving morning. And if that puts you in the holiday running spirit, check out the races hitting the streets the rest of this season.

Thanksgiving Day races

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 24.

• The 14th annual Bow Athletic Club – Bow PD Turkey Trot 5K has an 8 a.m. start time for adults, teens and kids. Advance registration costs $35 for adults, $25 for ages 13 to 19 and $15 for 12 and under (plus $5 on the day). The race location is Bow High School (55 Falcon Way); see totalimagerunning.com/events.

• The Rotary Club of Merrimack’s 5K Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m. at Merrimack Middle School (31 Madeline Bennett Drive), where on-location race-day registration will run from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and costs $25 for adults and $15 for children 13 and under. See merrimack5k.com.

• The Dover Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. and is described as a 5K race for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, according to doverturkeytrot.com. The start and finish is Garrison Elementary School in Dover and registration on the day costs $30, $15 for fourth-graders and younger.

• The Free Fall 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and begins and ends at the Rochester Community Center (150 Wakefield St. in Rochester). Registration costs $25 for adults, $20 for ages 13 to 17, $15 for ages 7 to 12, and is free for 6 and under (plus $5 to register on race day). See freefall5k.com.

• The Hampstead Turkey Trot, a 5K, starts at 8:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church (26 Emerson Ave. in Hampstead). Registration costs $20 for 18+ and $15 for 62+ and ages 5 to 17. Same-day sign-up is from 7 to 8 a.m. See hampsteadnh.us/recreation.

• The Seacoast Rotary’s 5K Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. in Portsmouth. Registration costs $35 for ages 20+, $25 for ages 13 to 19 and $15 for ages 12 and under. See seacoastrotary.org.

• The Dartmouth Health Fisher Cats Thanksgiving 5K starts at 9 a.m., beginning and ending at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester. Lil’ Turkey Trot, a kids fun run, will be held in the stadium at 8:30 a.m. Registration for ages 12 and up costs $35 in advance or $40 on race day (if available); for kids 11 and under it’s $15 in advance or $20 on race day (if available). See millenniumrunning.com.

• The 15th annual Gilford Youth Center Turkey Trot 5K Race and Family Walk will start at 9 a.m. (8:45 a.m. for walkers) at the youth center (19 Potter Hill Road in Gilford). Registration costs $26 per person or $90 for a family of up to five people. See gilfordyouthcenter.com.

• The 16th annual Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot, a 5K where costumes are encouraged, starts at 9 a.m. at the Sunapee Harbor gazebo with a 1K Chicken Run for kids starting at 8:15 a.m. and going down Lake Avenue. Registration costs $30 for ages 13 to 64, $15 for ages 65 and up and $10 for ages 12 and under (kids 12 and under running in the Chicken Run are free). See sunapeeturkeytrot.com. The event and a pre-registration event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, will feature a pie sale; pies are $10 each.

• The 28th Annual Windham Turkey Trot, which offers 1-, 3- and 5-mile options, starts at 9 a.m. at 74 Blossom Road in Windham. You can pre-register but you can also just show up on the day; registration costs are by donation with proceeds going to Shepherd’s Pantry. See windhamturkeytrot.org.

Thanksgiving weekend

Races Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27.

• The Amherst Junior Women’s Club will hold its Trot Off Your Turkey 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 26. The fun run starts at 9 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9:30 a.m.; both runs start and end at the Congregational Church in Amherst. Registration costs $25 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run; register in advance or register before the race on the day. See ajwcnh.org.

• Bishop Brady High School (25 Columbus Ave. in Concord; bishopbrady.edu) will hold its Galloping Gobbler 4-mile race on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 9:30 a.m. Registration costs $30 for ages 16 and up and $20 for ages 15 and under. Bib pickup is 8 a.m. on race day.

More holiday races

• The BASC Santa Claus Shuffle, a 3-mile race where Santa costumes are included and stations along the way offer Santa’s favorite food groups (milk & cookies, maple syrup, chocolate and candy), takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. in downtown Manchester, starting and ending in Veterans Park. The Stonyfield Organic Lil’ Elf Runs (a 100-yard race) is held at 2:30 p.m. and the Manchester Christmas Parade starts at 4 p.m. Registration in advance costs $30 for ages 21+, $25 for ages 12 to 21 and $10 for ages 11 and younger and for the Lil’ Elf Run (plus $5 to register on race day, if available). See millenniumrunning.com.

• The 2022 Jingle Bell Run, a 5K where festive costume dress is encouraged, will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, at 9:30 a.m. at the West Side Ice Arena in Manchester. Day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The event will include ornament and cookie decorating for kids, according to events.arthritis.org, where you can register for the event. Registration costs $45 in advance, $50 on the day for timed runners; $40 in advance and $45 on the day for untimed runners (both include shirt and jingle bells), the website said.

• The Greg Hill Foundation’s Jingle All the Way 5K at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth will take place Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. Dig out your ugly sweaters or favorite holiday outfit for the post-race celebration with live music, food and a post-race beer for 21+, according to ghfjingle5k. Registration costs $30 for 21+ and $10 for 20 and under.

• Yule Light Up the Night, a 2.1-mile race through the Gift of Lights display at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, will start at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. Registration costs $25 for ages 12+, $15 for ages 4 to 11 and $10 for ages 3 and under (plus $5 to register on race day, if available). See millenniumrunning.com.

• The Tito’s Ugly Sweater 4 Miler, to benefit Second Chance Ranch Rescue, Humane Society of Greater Nashua and the Salem Animal Rescue League, will take place Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. The race begins and ends at Backyard Brewery (1211 Mammoth Road in Manchester) and features a post-race party with a Tito’s Handmade Vodka beverage. See hsfn.org/uglysweaterrun.

New Year’s Day races

New Year’s Day is Sunday, Jan. 1, in the year 2023 if you can believe it.

• The Apple Therapy and Derry Sports & Rehab Millennium Mile, a one-mile downhill race on Mammoth Road in Londonderry, starts at a forgiving 2 p.m. Registration costs $20 for 12+ and $10 for 11 and under, with the first 1,250 registrants getting a winter hat (if available, registration on race day costs $5 more). See millenniumrunning.com.

Featured photo: The Jingle Bell Run. Courtesy photo.