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‘Fra-gee-lay!’

See holiday classics at a theater near you

Movie theaters will be filled with would-be blockbusters, Oscar hopefuls and underwater Avatar in the coming weeks but some screen time is also being slated for favorite holiday films so you can watch Flick get his tongue stuck to the flagpole on the big screen.

• Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) has special holiday screenings planned each weekend for the next four weeks. On Saturday, Nov. 26, see Ralphie pine for an “official Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time” atA Christmas Story(PG, 1983), which screens at 11 a.m.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation(PG-13, 1989) will screen Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Elf(PG, 2003) will screen Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. And kid classic The Polar Express(G, 2004) will screen Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m.

• Fathom Events (fathomevents.com) has several Christmas-themed movies on the schedule. It’s Christmas Again (G, 2022), a new movie about a kid who goes back in time to Bethlehem (according to the movie’s official website), will screen one night only, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. at AMC Londonderry, Regal Concord and O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square in Epping.

Another new movie falling in the “inspirational” category, I Heard the Bells (NR) will screen Thursday, Dec. 1, through Thursday, Dec. 8, at theaters including AMC Londonderry, Cinemark Rockingham in Salem, O’neil in Epping and Regal Fox Run in Newington (not all theaters on all nights). Screentime is 7 p.m. on weekdays, 4 p.m. on weekends.

A holiday encore of The Met: Live in HD production of the opera The Magic Flutewill screen on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 12:55 p.m. at theaters including O’neil in Epping and Regal Fox Run.

And TMC Big Screen Classics will present that most classic of Christmas movies, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Cinemark and Regal Fox Run and Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Cinemark, O’neil Epping and Regal Fox Run — see the website for times.

• The Park Theatre (19 Main St. in Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org, 532-8888) will screen a new London stage production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Mark Gatiss and Nicholas Farrell on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15

• The three Chunky’s Cinema Pubs (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) have big plans for the holiday season.

December trivia nights on Thursdays in Manchester (which start at 7:30 p.m.) are each based on a Christmas movie: Elf on Dec. 1; A Christmas Story on Dec. 8, and The Santa Clause on Dec. 22, with the final trivia night, Dec. 29, being a year in review of 2022.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, at all three Chunky’s locations, a 21+ Ugly Sweater Party screening National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation(PG-13, 1989) starts at 8 p.m. (wear a sweater to get a special surprise).

The Polar Express(G, 2004) will screen in at all three locations Friday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 15, with multiple daily screenings Friday through Sunday and one 5:30 p.m. screening Monday through Thursday. Kids get a golden ticket when entering the theater and there is a surprise during the hot chocolate scene, according to the website. On Friday, Dec. 9, the 4 p.m. screening is a sensory-friendly screening with house lights slightly brighter and the movie volume turned down, the website said.

There are a few screenings of Elf(PG, 2003) on the schedule as well. On Sunday, Dec. 18, in Manchester at 6:30 p.m. catch a screening of Elf and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) along with a five-course meal with The Farmers Dinner, which starts at 5 p.m. The cost per person ranges from $75 to $110 (plus fees). There will be a family-friendly screening at all three Chunky’s locations on Wednesday, Dec. 21. A 21+ screening on Thursday, Dec. 22, will be held at 8 p.m. at all locations.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at all three locations catch a screening of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).

Also on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., the Pelham location will have a family-friendly dinner party with a screening of 2000’s live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG). The dinner costs $75 or $99 for adults and $25 for kids (the kids dinner ends with milk and cookies).

• O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy. in Epping; 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) will screen The Polar Express(G, 2004) Friday, Dec. 2, through Thursday, Dec. 8, with multiple screenings each day including one D-BOX screening (usually at 4:30 p.m.). Tickets, which are on sale now, cost $7 and include a bell while supplies last. The theater is also running a Polar Express-themed coloring contest, with a winner picked on Dec. 1; see the website for details.

• The Strand (20 Third St. in Dover; 343-1899, thestranddover.com) will hold its annual Christmas Break on a Budget with family activities, a story time and a screening of the movie Elf on Saturday, Dec. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. for $20 per family up to five people.

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth; 436-2400, themusichall.org) has four holiday films in the days right before Christmas. Miracle on 34th Street(1947) screens on Friday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. Love, Actually (R, 2003) screens on Friday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. On Christmas Eve (Saturday, Dec. 24) catch the animated movie Arthur Christmas(PG, 2011) at 1 p.m. and then Queen City’s own at 4 p.m. with the animated movie Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (PG-13, 2002).

Featured photo: A Christmas Story.

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Holiday sounds

Symphonies, choral performances and more

By Angie Sykeny

[email protected]

• The Granite State Ringers handbell ensemble presents “A Nutcracker Holiday,” a concert featuring music from The Nutcracker as well as other holiday music, at LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 through 12 and are free for children under age 3. The Ringers will also perform the concert at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The concert at the Audi is free, with no tickets or reservations required. Visit granitestateringers.org.

• The Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester) presents its Holiday Pops concert on Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Visit mcmusicschool.org.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) will hold Caroling at the Currier on Saturday, Dec. 3, at noon with the Manchester Choral Society performing in the Historic Court, which will be able to be heard throughout the museum, according to the website. Hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for students, $5 for ages 13 to 17 and free for 12 and under.

• Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury) will host a Merry Merry Canterbury Concert and Cocktails event on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., featuring Symphony NH’s string quartet. Tickets cost $75. Visit shakers.org/event/merry-merry-canterbury.

• The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus presents its holiday concert series, “Suddenly Silver Bells,” with shows on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church (3 Lutheran Drive, Nashua); Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington); Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at The Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey); and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. at The Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester). Tickets cost $20 for adults; admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Visit nhgmc.com.

• The Nashua Choral Society performs its holiday concert, “Rejoice! ’Tis the Season,” on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church (216 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua). Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students. Admission is free for children. Visit nashuachoralsociety.org.

• The First Congregational Church (508 Union St. in Manchester; fccmanchesternh.org, 625-5093) is holding a Christmas Cantata with Christmas carols, a choir, handbells, an orchestra, readings and soloists during the service on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

• The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra’s brass and string quartets present a Holiday Pops concert at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 through 12 and are free for children under age 4. Visit nhphil.org.

• Hear Handel’s Messiahat St. Paul’s Church (22 Centre St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. The concert is free. Visit walkerlecture.org.

• Great Bay Philharmonic Orchestra’s string quartet presents a holiday concert at the Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth) on Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $45 to $55. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs its Holiday Pops concert at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $55. Visit snhuarena.com.

• The Souhegan Valley Chorus performs its holiday concert, “Sharing Christmas Joy,” on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church (10 Union St., Milford). Tickets cost $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors and are free for children ages 12 and under. Visit souheganvalleychorus.org.

• The Manchester Choral Society and Orchestra presents its holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at Ste. Marie Parish (378 Notre Dame Ave., Manchester), and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. at Manchester High School Central (535 Beech St., Manchester). Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and are free for children. Visit mcsnh.org.

• The Rockingham Choral Society presents its holiday concert, “Love Shall be Our Token,” on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at First Parish Church (218 Central Ave., Dover) and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Church (43 Pine St., Exeter). Tickets cost $14 in advance and $15 at the door if still available. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.

• Symphony NH performs its Holiday Pops concerts on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua), and on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets are free for youth under age 12 and start at $10 for students, $18 for seniors age 65 and up and $20 for adults. Visit symphonynh.org.

• The Strafford Wind Symphony performs its holiday concert at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for seniors and students and are free for children under age 12. The Symphony will also perform the concert at The Strand (20 Third St., Dover) on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults and are free for children under age 12. Visit straffordwindsymphony.org.

• TubaChristmas performs at Timberlane Performing Arts Center (40 Greenough Road, Plaistow) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. Visit tubachristmas.com.

• The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Holiday Pops concert at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $5 to $8 for students, $25 for seniors and $30 for adults. Visit nhphil.org.

• The Portsmouth High School Concert Choir and Percussion Ensemble will perform its Family Holiday Pops concert at Portsmouth High School (50 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 60 and up and $15 for students. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

• The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra presents its New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops concert at the Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $38. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.

Songs (and jokes) of the season

Jazz concerts, comedy shows, Celtic music and more

By Matt Ingersoll

[email protected]

From seasonal jazz and Celtic music to modern renditions of the holiday classics — and even a few holiday-themed comedy shows — there’s a performance to get everyone into the festive spirit this year.

Music

• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, its annual holiday show, on Friday, Nov. 25, at the SNHU Arena, with shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $52.50 to $102.50. Check out Michael Witthaus’s interview with Jeff Plate, the band’s drummer, on page 38 of the Hippo’s Nov. 17 issue — go to issuu.com/hippopress to download and read the e-edition for free.

• Truffle’s annual Turkey Jam is set for Friday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m., at The Stone Church Music Club. Tickets are $15 general admission, plus fees.

• Don’t miss A Piano Christmas with Robert Dionne, a special piano cabaret and sing-along event, on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. at The Majestic Theatre. Tickets are $20.

• A Kat Edmondson Christmas — “Holiday Swingin’” is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1, at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, with two shows, at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $45.

• There will be a special holiday-themed open mic night at High Street Coffee House on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., sponsored by Boscawen Congregational Church. Admission is free and donations will be accepted.

• Enjoy Christmas with the Celts at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Friday, Dec. 2 — the doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39.

• Children’s musician Mr. Aaron will hold a special holiday party and concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Tickets are $13, including service fees.

• Seamus Egan presents a Celtic Christmas at the Chubb Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $32 to $42.

• Gary Hoey presents Ho! Ho! Hoey, his annual holiday-themed show, at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $50, plus fees.

• Cherish the Ladies, the world renowned Grammy-nominated Irish-American supergroup, presents a Celtic Christmas at the Dana Center on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $45, plus fees.

• Don’t miss A Sinatra Christmas with Boston-based jazz singer Rich DiMare and the Ron Poster Band at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39, plus fees.

• Rockapella returns to the Stockbridge Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., featuring “buckets of catchy original pop songs and contemporary versions of pop, rock and soul classics,” according to the website. Tickets range from $25 to $35.

• Ben Rudnick and Friends will play unique spins on the classics during a family-friendly holiday concert at LaBelle Winery in Amherst on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2.

• The Canterbury Singers will sing holiday Shaker songs at the Canterbury Shaker Village on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. Donations will be accepted.

• A Joyful Christmas with Celtic legend Eileen Ivers will take place at the Rex Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. Tickets are $39.

• See a Christmas show featuring the Granite Statesmen at Pinkerton Academy’s Stockbridge Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for kids.

• Catch The John Denver Christmas Show at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra’s production of “Christmas with the Crooners” will be at the Colonial Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. The show features a mix of traditional carols and modern holiday tunes by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams and more. Tickets range from $22 to $32 for adults and from $12 to $22 for students.

• See the Capital Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Pops show at the Chubb Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. Tickets range from $27.50 to $47.50, plus fees.

• Nashville-based jazz and pop vocalist Anthony Nunziata presents The Italian Broadway Christmas Show at the Rex Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39, plus fees.

• Enjoy A Nashville Christmas at LaBelle Winery Derry on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a lineup of acclaimed Christmas songs country style, sprinkled in by the likes of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, plus fees.

• The Morning Buzz Christmas Ball featuring the Greg and the Morning Buzz team along with comedians, musicians, special guests and more is happening at the Chubb Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45, plus fees.

• The Eric Mintel Quartet presents A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Rex Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• New Hampshire’s own Irish and American folk duo The Spain Brothers will perform a mix of traditional and original Christmas songs at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.

• See Franco Corso, a.k.a. “The Voice of Romance,” at Fulchino Vineyard on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $139 and include a three-course dinner with the show.

• David Clark’s All About Joel, an evening tribute show to the Piano Man featuring holidays and hits, will be at Lakeport Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. As of Nov. 18, limited VIP seats are available for $60, plus fees.

• The Heater Pierson Jazz Trio is set to perform the soundtrack of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at The Park Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 16 and under.

• Ted Vigil: A John Denver Christmas will be at the Chubb Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $29.50 to $49.50, plus fees.

• Join children’s musician Mr. Aaron for a family holiday concert at LaBelle Winery Derry on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2.

• Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins will take the stage at the Tupelo Music Hall for a special seasonal concert, Holiday & Hits. The show is happening on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. and tickets range from $55 to $70.

• See The Wizards of Winter, a holiday rock event featuring former members of some of classic rock’s biggest names — Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult, Def Leppard and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, just to name a few — at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.

Comedy

• Jimmy Dunn’s Comedy Christmas returns to the Rex Theatre on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 (show is 18+).

• See a special holiday edition of Life’s a Drag, happening at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 (event is 21+ only).

• Fulchino Vineyard presents Comedy Poured on Friday, Dec. 30, at 5 p.m., featuring an all-star cast of comedians like Paul D’Angelo, Dave Russo and Matt Barry, along with wine and charcuterie available for purchase. Tickets are $29.

• Comedian Juston McKinney’s annual Year in Review show returns to the Rex Theatre for two nights on Friday, Dec. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 (show is 18+).

• Headliners Comedy Club presents its annual New Year’s Eve gala on Saturday, Dec. 31, with showtimes at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Featured comedians will include Joe Yannetty, Jody Sloane, Rob Steen and Eric Hurst. Packages start at $35.

• Comedian Bob Marley will perform three New Year’s Eve comedy shows on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $46.50.

Magic & more

• Chabad of New Hampshire presents Chanukah at the Palace, a special event happening at the Palace Theatre on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., featuring acclaimed mentalist Craig Karges and America’s Got Talent magician Jay Mattioli, along with a Chanukah musical interlude by vocalist Elazar Waldman. Tickets start at $18.

Music & comedy venues

Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org

Capitol Center for the Arts — Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com

Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, coloniallaconia.com

Dana Center for the Humanities, Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700, anselm.edu

The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com

Fulchino Vineyard, 187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com

Headliners Comedy Club, DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St., Manchester, 988-3673, headlinersnh.com

High Street Coffee House, 12 High St., Boscawen, 520-9196, boscawencongregationalchurch.com

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-5299, jimmysoncongress.com

LaBelle Winery Amherst, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinery.com

LaBelle Winery Derry, 14 Route 111, Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com

Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506, lakeportopera.com

The Majestic Theatre, 880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.com

The Park Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey, 532-9300, theparktheatre.org

Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com

Stockbridge Theatre, Pinkerton Academy, 44 N. Main St., Derry, 437-5210, stockbridgetheatre.com

The Stone Church Music Club, 5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700, stonechurchrocks.com

Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com

Featured photo: Kat Edmonson. Courtesy photo.

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Decking the halls

Holiday arts, crafts, and more across Southern New Hampshire

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Holiday time means letting creativity flow. Whether it’s making decorations, appreciating fine art, or shopping at craft fairs for presents, there are different ways to be artistic during this time of year. The following are some of the fine arts-related holiday events happening across the Granite State.

• Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) is hosting its annual holiday show Sleighbell Studios now through Saturday, Dec. 17. The show will have crafts and artworks for sale throughout the day at the Spriggs Shoppe, located inside the gallery. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.

• “Salon 2022” is on display now at Kimball Jenkins (266 Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com, 225-3932). The exhibit featured small works in all media and runs through Sunday, Dec. 18. The gallery is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• “Small Works — Big Impact” is a showcase of pieces from more than 30 area artists that are under a foot in size and is on display now at Creative Ventures Fine Art (411 Nashua St. in Milford; creativeventuresfineart.com, 672-2500), through Dec. 31. The gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m; Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

• Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St., Exeter) is holding a holiday show called “Big Gifts Come in Small Packages” now through Jan 6. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org.

• Joyful Giving at Expert Design Solutions (Ripano Stoneworks, 90 E. Hollis St., Nashua) is going on now through Jan. 29, 2023. The show features acrylics, colored pencil, oils, pastels, watercolors and photography. The works on display are also available for sale. Visit nashuaarts.org.

• The Village Store Holiday Sale at the Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road in Canterbury; shakers.org, 783-9511) will run Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will feature free hot chocolate and cider and tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The shore sells Shaker boxes, books, candles, local honey, maple syrup, handmade childrens toys and more, according to the website.

• The holiday fair and online shop by the Craftworkers’ Guild at the historic Oliver Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford) will be up and running Friday, Nov. 25, through Thursday, Dec. 22. Find more information at sites.google.com/view/the-craftworkers-guild.

• Two Villages Art Society (846 Main St. in Contoocook; twovillagesart.org) will hold its annual winter exhibit and sale, Winter 2022 Members’ Art Show, from Friday, Nov. 25, through Saturday, Dec. 24, featuring works form more than 30 artist members in media including oil and watercolor, ceramics, prints, photography, jewelry, wearable art and more, according to a press release. An artists reception will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. and during Hopkinton’s Starry, Starry Weekend (Dec. 2 through Dec. 4) the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The regular gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

• Muse Paintbar in Manchester (42 Hanover St.) is hosting several holiday-themed painting events from Friday, Nov. 25, through the end of December. Prices range from $25 to $50 per painting session. Visit musepaintbar.com to reserve a slot.

• Firefly Pottery (72 Mirona Road, Suite 7, Portsmouth) is offering a free ornament to every customer from Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 27. Reservations are required. Visit fireflypotterynh.com or call 431-7682 to reserve a pottery time.

• AR Workshop (875 Elm St., Manchester) is hosting a gift making workshop on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where participants can make one of a selection of crafts for gift giving. Prices vary. Visit arworkshop.com.

• Frisella Fine Arts (16 Deer Run Road, Candia) is having a Home for the Holidays open house on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit robinfrisella.comt.

• Time To Clay (228 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua) is hosting a platter painting class with holiday motifs on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Slots cost $45 each and can be purchased at timetoclay.com.

• Join Studio 550 (550 Elm St., Manchester) for a bunch of drop-in holiday workshops on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices range from $15 to $35 per each workshop. Visit 550arts.com.

• The Amherst Junior Women’s Club is hosting a snowman making and open house on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Brick School (1 School St.) Reserve a spot by Sunday, Nov. 27 by messaging the club on Facebook.

• Studioverne Fine Art Fused Glass is hosting The Art of Gifting Art, a shopping event co-hosted by the studio and Creative Framing Solutions starting Thursday, Dec. 1, and running through Saturday, Dec. 31. The gift box will have art from Studioverne as well as other local artists and is available for only a limited amount of time. Visit studioverne.com.

• Make a holiday fresh flower centerpiece box at AR Workshop (875 Elm St., Manchester) on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 p.m. For more information visit arworkshop.com.

• High Mowing School (77 Pine Hill Drive, Wilton) holds its 45th annual Pine Hill holiday fair with an artisan market for adultson Friday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and family festivities on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit pinehill.orgn.

• The winter giftopolis by the Concord Arts Market will be on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 11 p.m. during Intown Concord’s Midnight Merriment, at the Atrium at 7 Eagle Square. For more information, visit concordartsmarket.net.

• Join The Lane House Arts Center (380 Lafayette Road, Hampton) for its third annual Art for the Holidays open house, open studio and gallery show. The open house and studio will be from Friday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 4, and the gallery show will remain open through Dec. 22. Gallery hours are Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. 4 p.m. See lanehousearts.com.

• Starry Starry Weekend is back in Contoocook Village from Friday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 4, starting at 10 a.m. each day. In addition to an artisan craft fair, local shops and artists will have pop-ups around town. Visit contoocookchamber.com.

• Join the Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester (669 Union St.) for the annual holiday faire on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. Visit uumanchester.org.

• The First Baptist Church of Nashua (121 Manchester St.) is hosting an Olde-Fashioned Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be handmade crafts as well as food and other activities. Visit fbcnashua.org.

• The Concord Arts Market is hosting its annual Holiday Arts Market on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St.). For more information visit concordartsmarket.net.

• The annual holiday shopping day by the Picker Artists (3 Pine St., Nashua) is back this year on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with handmade gifts, live music, snacks and more, according to pickerartists.com.

• Join Main Street Art (75 Main St., Newfields) for their annual Holiday Small Works Show opening on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. with a reception on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Additional gallery days are Wednesdays, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, from noon to 3 p.m. Visit mainstreetart.org.

• Head to the DoubleTree Hilton (2 Somerset Plaza, Nashua) for the Holly Jolly Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 70 artisans there selling their holiday wares. Visit joycescraftshows.com.

• The Great Holiday Shopping Extravaganza is being hosted by The Great New England Craft and Artisan Shows at the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road, Milford) on Friday, Dec. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• The New Hampshire Audubon’s Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NH Audubon McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road in Concord; haudubon.org). The fair will feature local handmade crafts and other products and the food truck The Spot To Go, which serves up Puerto Rican street food.

• The light it up wood signs craft is coming back to Canvas Roadshow (25 S. River Road, Bedford) on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Registration closes on Dec. 14. Register at thecanvasroadshow.com.

• Join the Canvas Roadshow (25 S. River Road, Bedford) to make a red truck canvas painting on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration closes on Dec. 17. Visit thecanvasroadshow.com to register.

Featured photo: Artwork by Savannah Goyette on display at Creative Ventures Gallery. Courtesy photo.

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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.

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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.