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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wobble for a landing

This year’s pre-Thanksgiving options

The night before Thanksgiving is often called Drinksgiving. It’s Friendsgiving for the sober and sober-curious, the Pre-Gobble Wobble for others (OK, maybe the last one is an invented term). Historically for most watering holes, the day before Turkey Day (Wednesday, Nov. 23 this year) is the second busiest of the year, after New Year’s Eve. Whatever one chooses to call it, the evening offers a chance to meet up with old friends and contemplate a four-day weekend of overeating and familial bonding.

Here are a few options to consider, from concerts to karaoke, song pulls and serenades, with or without adult beverages.

• American Legion Post 69 (45 Washington St., Somersworth, 692-9898) Acoustic Radio plays. Tickets $8 at ticketleap.com.

• Amphora (Hood Commons, 55 Crystal Ave., No. 3, Derry, 537-0111) Eddie Sands is a versatile singer and guitarist who plays a variety of familiar songs.

• Area 23 (State Street, Concord, 881-9060) Open Mic Wednesday starts at the appropriate time of 6:23 p.m.

• Bonfire Country Bar (950 Elm St., Manchester, 217-5600) Nashville by way of New Jersey country singer Nikki Briar performs.

• Boston Billiard Club (55 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630) Drop some bucks on poker and dice, or play it safer at the weekly trivia.

• Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511) During the annual Holiday Stroll, get into the Christmas spirit with a light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, enjoy professional carolers or sing a few yourself at the Carol-aoke stand.

• Castaways Boat House (209 Ocean Blvd., Seabrook, 834-6030) High School Reunion Karaoke with DJ.

• Castro’s Back Room (972 Elm St., Manchester, 606-7854) Boo Boo Groove plays jazz and blues at this downtown cigar bar.

• Chapel + Main (83 Main St., Dover, 842-5170) Dan Blakeslee loves the sweet spot between Halloween and Christmas, so his show in Dover should be a treat.

• Chen Yang LI Riverside Lounge (520 South St., Bow, 228-8508) DJ Kenny P hosts karaoke at this beloved Chinese eatery’s downstairs bar.

• Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) Karaoke with DJ Manny starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888) Thanksgiving Homecoming Comedy Show stars veteran standup Kenny Rogerson.

• Club Victoire (111 N. Main St., Rochester, 332-9753) Enjoy rock covers from area band The Side Gig.

• Copper Door (15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677) In what’s becoming a tradition, area favorite Chad LaMarsh sings and plays guitar.

• Copper Door (41 S Broadway, Salem, 458-2033) As this location celebrated its fifth anniversary, Jodee Frawlee plays for diners and imbibers.

• Copper Kettle To Go (39 Main St., Wilton, 654-2631) Singer-songwriter Paul Driscoll performs for customers picking up treats for tomorrow’s feast.

• Crow’s Nest (181 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 974-1686) Bite The Bullet rocks the house.

• Davignon Snowshoe Club (218 Wilson St., Manchester, 623-8239) Jennifer Mitchell performs with her band at the show, which is open to the public.

• Defiant Records & Craft Beer (609 Main St., Laconia, 527-8310) Mike Loughlin brings his original rock tunes and this unique hybrid of vintage vinyl and craft beer.

• Derryfield Country Club (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) D-Comp Band is a regular favorite at this Manchester restaurant and bar.

• Dwyer’s Pub (96 Bridge St., Portsmouth, 319-6770) David Corson, a singer-songwriter praised for his personal lyrics and personable performing skills, plays an evening set.

• Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015) There’s trivia between music from Joe McDonald at 6 p.m. and Ben Harris at 10 p.m.

• Fody’s (187 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946) Two area musicians perform: Kevin Hopkins at 5 p.m. and Brian House at 8:30 p.m.

• Fratello’s (155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022) Singer and piano player Jordan Quinn performs covers and originals.

• Fratello’s Italian Grille (799 Union Ave., Laconia, 889-2022) Piano music from Richard Cumming.

• Getaway Lounge (157 Franklin St., Manchester, 627-0661) Mugshot Monday plays classic rock hits with Wally Nichols on drums.

• Giuseppe’s (312 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3313) Harmonizing husband-and-wife duo The Sweetbloods perform soothing cover songs.

• Granite State Music Hall (546 Main St., Laconia, 884-9536) Country singer Jodie Cunningham returns with Close Range. DJ Tim Parker hosts karaoke, along with mechanical bull rides.

• Hawg’s Pen Café (1114 Route 11, Farmington, 755-3301) Barrington rock cover band Daisy Cutter 6 plays favorites.

• Hermanos (11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669) Brian Booth plays covers.

• Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-5299) The James Montgomery Band is joined by Blues Music Hall of Famer Christine “Beehive Queen” Ohlman. Tickets $10 to $45 at ticketmaster.com.

• Lithermans Limited (126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784) Not music, but four music-themed taproom releases: One Hit Wonder, Keep On Keepin’ On, Soul Doubt and Cosmic Bakers.

• Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832) Sindicate plays its final show.

• Michael’s Flatbread & Grill (8 Stiles Road, Salem, 893-2765) The Regular Gents are an eclectic acoustic duo playing fun versions of songs spanning the decades.

• Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400) Pre-holiday comedy as former Fallon writer headlines Midweek Comedic Relief, with support from Alex Giampapa, John Balgio and Izzy da Rosa. $10.

• Nashua Garden (121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363) Three bands share the stage, beginning with Tumbletoads kicking off the night, followed by The Faith Ann Band, and then The Humans Being.

• Pasta Loft (220 E Main St., Milford, 378-0092) Plan B plays a special Thanksgiving Eve show.

• Pipe Dream Brewing (40 Harvey Road, Londonderry, 404-0751) Reggae rock stalwarts Supernothing play a free show.

• Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Amanda Dane Band performs in the nightclub.

• Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186) Get funked up and family-ready with Harsh Armadillo and The Bulkheads with a portion of the $20 and $25 tickets going to the Gather NH charity.

• Rage Cage (10 W. Hollis St., Nashua, 402-4196) Get the angst out of your system by smashing a few things in advance of the family gathering at this specialty venue dedicated to stress reduction through destruction.

• Riley’s Place (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 325-2177) Bat Magoon Band performs at a restaurant offering comfort, Cajun and barbecue.

• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313) Have fun, win prizes and enjoy classic rock, soul, blues and modern sound while playing games with Musical Bingo Nation.

• Sea Dog Brewing (9 Water St., Exeter, 793-5116) Dyer Holiday, duo from Lowell, Mass., play a mix of classic rock, country and folk music.

• Stark Brewing Co. (500 Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444) Two options on tap, Cox Karaoke and F.O.L.D. Glow Night ($10 event charge) with dancing lessons under black light. For the adventurous, wear white and neon colors, paint your face or bring light-up bracelets.

• Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) A show celebrating Ape The Grim’s new release i Deal, Too includes support from The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif & Akrobatik), Bakari JB, Rayel, Bugout and DJ Clashious Clay. $20, 21+.

• Strange Brew (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292) First Responders’ Night with Jake Pardee & Friends at this favorite downtown restaurant and tap room.

• Stripe Nine Brewing (8 Somersworth Place, Somersworth, 841-7175) Dancing Madly Backwards is back at a Somersworth microbrewery.

• Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210) Small Town Stranded, a longtime favorite area band, performs.

• Telly’s (235 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-8225) The 603s duo holds forth on Thanksgiving Eve.

• The Goat (50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677) NEMA Best Country Artist Winner April Cushman and free line dancing get things going at 7:30 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. by Sugah Rush — the Eric Grant Band sporting a dancier vibe.

• The Goat (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628) Alex Anthony returns.

• Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 427-8645) Hijacked plays rock ’n’ roll.

• To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947) Back to the ’90s party in the taproom from 3 to 9 p.m.

• Tower Hill Tavern (264 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, 366-9100) Trivia Night in the Lakes Region.

• Village Trestle (25 Main St., Goffstown, 497-8230) Live music with Bobby and Amberly performing.

• Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton Beach, 926-6954) Eric Marcs released his solo debut Hope in 2020, a collection of indie rock; he performs with his band Solid Ground.

Featured photo: Chad LaMarsh. Courtesy photo.