The Art Roundup 20/11/26

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

Beatles animator Ron Campbell. Photo by Alex Lowy Photography.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Art

Exhibits

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

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

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

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

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

Special events

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

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

Theater

Shows

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

Classical

Events

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

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

Handmade holidays

Where to see and shop for art throughout the season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festive eats

Deliciously fun events for your holiday

From plated dinners to virtual tastings, there’s still tons of foodie fun to be had in New Hampshire this holiday season. Check out these tasty events going on this year.

• The New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s 90 Days Around the World virtual wine and spirit tasting series continues now through Jan. 30, featuring free Q&As, tastings and other interactive events with many of the world’s most esteemed winemakers and spirit purveyors. Visit facebook.com/nhliquorwine to access them. Throughout the 90-day series you can also earn points toward a chance to win multiple prizes and giveaways. Start earning by downloading the free Scavify app.

• Enjoy holiday foods around the world at The Hills Restaurant (Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford), featuring themed specials inspired by different countries each week, including Greece (Nov. 27 and Nov. 28), Spain (Dec. 3, Dec. 4 and Dec. 5), England (Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 12) and Italy, with a Feast of the Seven Fishes (Dec. 17, Dec. 18 and Dec. 19). Visit hampshirehills.com/the-hills-restaurant or call 673-7123 to make a reservation.

• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry) is hosting its annual parent-child gingerbread house decorating workshops on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 29, from 1 to 2 p.m. or from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 5 p.m. or from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Adults and kids will work together with royal icing and all types of colorful treats and edible decorations to design their own houses. The cost is $45 per parent-child team and registration is required (houses and treats are provided). Visit culinary-playground.com.

• The next Winemaker’s Kitchen cooking with wine class at LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 7:15 p.m., and will cover holiday recipes like eggnog cocktails, cranberry brie bites and cheesecake bites. The cost is $25 per person. Visit labellewineryevents.com.

• Join Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline) for felted snowman making and a holiday wine tasting on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.99 per person. Your purchase includes a felted snowman kit, along with a tasting of four Averill wines and a berry, nut and cheese snack pack with chocolate. Visit averillhousevineyard.com.

• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) will host a Prisoner wine dinner on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Sous chef Erik Lourens will prepare this five-course dinner, each of which will feature a selection from the Prisoner Wine Co. The cost is $125 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance (21+ only). Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) will host A Very Sinatra Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a three-course dinner, wines and a performance by Boston jazz singer Rich DiMare. Tickets to the plated dinner are by the table only, and there is a six guest limit per table (price breakdowns are $75 per person). Visit labellewineryevents.com.

• This year’s Homeward Bound festival will be held virtually on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. The event, organized by Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, will include a livestreamed auction with a variety of items to bid on, including food and wine baskets, holiday decorations and more. Visit familypromisenh.org.

• Join LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) for A Very Dickens Christmas wine dinner on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring Piccola Opera’s Christmas carolers. The three-course dinner will include wine pairings plus a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase. Tickets to the dinner are by the table only, and there is a six guest limit per table (price breakdowns are $80 per person). Visit labellewineryevents.com.

• Stella Blu (70 E. Pearl St., Nashua) will host a Cakebread Cellars wine dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with a Champagne reception from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and a five-course dinner with wine pairings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $95 per person and reservations are required. Visit stellablu-nh.com.

• The Amherst Town Library is holding two virtual family gingerbread house workshops via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The library will provide a take-home kit for you to make graham cracker gingerbread houses at home. Registration is required, as space is limited. Visit amherstlibrary.org.

• Great New England Craft & Artisan Shows will present a socially distanced holiday shopping extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hampshire Hills Athletic Club (50 Emerson Road, Milford). The event will feature more than 75 artisan and specialty food vendors selling all types of items for the holiday season, plus a cash bar that will serve up specialty holiday cocktails. Admission and parking are free. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• Enjoy holiday afternoon tea with The Cozy Tea Cart at the Gatherings at the Colonel Shepard House (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford) on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $39.95 per person and reservations are required. Visit thecozyteacart.com.

• Join the Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) for one of two Champagne brunches on either Sunday, Dec. 13, or Sunday, Dec. 20, with seatings beginning at 11 a.m. on both days. Each event will include a breakfast buffet, a chef-attended carving station, and unlimited mimosas. Tickets are $75 per person and reservations are required. Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) will host a Nutcracker ballet family tea event on Sunday, Dec. 13, with two sessions available, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Each will feature hot tea, sandwiches and sweet treats, as well as choreographed reenactments from Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater performers. Tickets are $25 per person. Visit labellewineryevents.com.

• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) will host a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. In addition to multiple types of fish dishes on the menu, the dinner will include a chef-attended pasta station and an Italian desserts station. The cost is $85 per person and reservations are required (21+ only). Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• The Culinary Playground’s (16 Manning St., Derry) next available couples cooking class is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and will cover how to make a steakhouse supper, complete with pan seared flank steak and herbed butter, Dijon roasted potatoes, bacon and maple roasted Brussels sprouts and molten lava cakes. The cost is $160 per couple. Visit culinary-playground.com.

Shows for the season

Where to see holiday theater, music and dance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get out and run

Virtual races and a couple of in-person events

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a chance to trot off your turkey or shuffle down the street dressed as Santa. Check out a few runs that are still happening — most virtually, or with a virtual option.

• Registration has closed to participate in person in the Fisher Cats Thanksgiving 5K, but you can still join virtually. Run wherever you are on Thanksgiving morning — or whatever day and time works for you before Nov. 30 — and submit your results online. Virtual registration will be open until 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for kids 11 and younger. Adults will get a medal and a T-shirt with their registration. Visit millenniumrunning.com/thanksgiving.

• The Greater Derry Track Club is hosting its 47th annual Turkey Trot 5K Road Race on Thanksgiving morning at Galliens Town Beach on Beaver Lake, with staggered start times beginning at 7:30 a.m. There will not be any race-day registrations, but a virtual option lets you run any time, anywhere, between Nov. 26 and Nov. 29. The cost for the in-person run is $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. The virtual run is $10 for everyone. Visit gdtc.org/run/index.php/turkey-trot.

• The 22nd annual Galloping Gobbler 4-Miler will be held in person on Thanksgiving morning starting at 9 a.m. at Bishop Brady High School in Concord. Race-day registration starts at 7 a.m., and masks need to be worn at all times until after crossing the start line, if you can maintain a distance of six feet from other runners. Other safety precautions include staying in your car until warm-up is announced. There is also a virtual option this year (if the in-person race is canceled, your registration will automatically be switched to virtual). Virtual runners can run any time, anywhere, from now until the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 27. The cost is $30 for either race. Visit gsrs.com/content/galloping-gobbler-4-miler-2020.

• The Amherst Junior Women’s Club 20th annual Trot Off Your Turkey 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will be held virtually this year. Run any day in November and post times and photos when you’ve completed your race. The online registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 27, at 11:59 p.m. The cost for the 5K is $25, and the fun run is $10. Visit trotoffyourturkey.wordpress.com.

• The Hampstead Turkey Trot 5K will be in person on Thanksgiving morning, starting at 8:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church in Hampstead. Online registration ends Nov. 25; race-day registration will take place between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m., but you will not get a T-shirt and the cost is the same. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and older, and $12 for ages 17 and under. Non-perishable food for the St. Anne’s Food Bank will be collected. Pets on leashes are welcome. Visit runsignup.com/Race/Events/NH/Hampstead/HampsteadTurkeyTrot.

• The sixth annual Penmen for Patriots 5K will be virtual this year, which means you get to run or walk at any time and in any location. Registration is open until 6:59 p.m. on Nov. 30. The cost is $30, which gets you a Penmen for Patriots 5K runner’s bib in the mail; then, on Dec. 22, you’ll be able to pick up a race packet at Runner’s Alley in Manchester, which will include a long-sleeved Penmen for Patriots 5K shirt, a gift card from Able Ebenezer Brewing in Merrimack and other swag. After Nov. 22, the race packets will go out in the mail. All proceeds benefit Easterseals Veterans Count. Visitvetscount.org/nh/events/penmen-patriots-5k.

• Walk, jog or run the Santa Claus Shuffle in Manchester on Saturday, Dec. 5, and get samples at four sweet stops (chocolate, milk & cookies, candy and maple!) along the three-mile Elm Street route, which begins and ends at Veterans Park. The run will have a time trial start format, with start times staggered between 1 and 3 p.m. Early bib pickup will be available at Millennium Running in Bedford on Thursday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Race-day pickup will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. Masks are required at check-in, in the staging zone and corral zone, in the post-race area, and any time a distance of six feet cannot be maintained. Two runners will start every 10 seconds to allow for distancing. There’s also a virtual option that lets you run whatever day and time you want between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6. All runners will get a Santa suit with their registration. The cost is $25 for the virtual run. The in-person run is $30 for ages 21 and up, $25 for ages 12 to 20 and $10 for ages 11 and younger. If race-day registration is available, the cost is $5 more for ages 12 and up. Visit millenniumrunning.com/santa.

Tree traditions

Virtual tree-lightings, festivals of trees and more

From virtual tree lightings to community-wide light displays, cities and towns all across New Hampshire are still finding ways to get you into the holiday spirit. Check out this list of places and times to enjoy a lit up holiday spectacle and find one near you.

• This year, the Feztival of Trees at Bektash Shrine Center in Concord is going virtual. While there will be no in-person attendance during the tree raffle show, you can enter in the raffle online to win now through Dec. 4 at noon. The winners will then be drawn that same day at 1 p.m. To enforce social distancing, winners can book a time slot from Dec. 4 through Dec. 6 to pick up their trees. Visit nhshriners.org for more details.

• This year’s Exeter Festival of Trees has been reimagined as an online fundraiser for the Community Children’s Fund. Now through Thursday, Dec. 3, at noon, you can donate $25 to be entered to win a beautifully decorated artificial tree. Drawings will be conducted that evening. You can also stop in to Shooter’s Pub (6 Columbus Ave., Exeter) and Arjay Ace Hardware (55 Lincoln St., Exeter) to see the trees that are up for grabs. Visit exeterareacharitablefoundation.org.

Concord’s annual Christmas tree lighting celebration will be held at the Statehouse Plaza (North Main Street) on Friday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m. Visit concordnh.gov.

• The 12th annual Southern New Hampshire Festival of Trees, hosted by Pelham Community Spirit, is happening at Sherburne Hall in the municipal building (6 Village Green, Pelham), from Friday, Nov. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 5, at varying times, when participants will have a chance to win a decorated tree. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under (multiple-day passes are also available). Raffle tickets are $5 per sheet of 25 tickets. Visit snhfestivaloftrees.pelhamcommunityspirit.org.

• Get your tickets now for a holiday tree lighting and family dinner at LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) on Sunday, Nov. 29, starting with a multi-course meal served at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting at 6:45 p.m., snow or shine. There will also be live holiday music and a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase. After dinner, guests will be invited to get hot cocoa and cookies while walking over to the vineyard overlook for the tree lighting. The cost for the dinner is by table only (price breakdown is $49 for adults and $24 for kids ages 12 and under). Reservations are required. Visit labellewineryevents.com.

Auburn’s Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Auburn Village School (11 Eaton Hill Road, Auburn). Masks or face-coverings are required if you’re attending in person, or you can stream it on the town’s Parks & Recreation department Facebook page @auburnnhparksandrec.

• Rivier University in Nashua will hold its campus Christmas tree lighting virtually this year, on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. The lighting will be shared live on the Rivier University Alumni Facebook page. Visit rivier.edu.

Rochester’s holiday tree lighting will be held virtually this year, airing on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. on the City and Chamber of Commerce’s websites and Facebook pages. The event will feature special holiday dance performances from the Studio 109 dance school, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley. Visit rochesternh.org.

• Bethany Church’s Greenland campus (500 Breakfast Hill Road) will hold a Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Participants can enjoy a live Nativity scene, sing festive Christmas carols and indulge in Christmas cookies and warm drinks. Visit bethanychurch.com.

Windham’s annual tree lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. on the Windham Town Common. Attendees are invited to socially distance with masks or enjoy the lighting from the warmth of their cars. Visit windhamnh.gov.

• There will be a brief tree lighting at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack) on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will be travelling throughout town with the Merrimack Fire Department beginning at 2:45 p.m. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• The annual Amherst Tree Lighting Festival will be held virtually on Friday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. You can also visit LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) on Sunday, Dec. 13, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and receive a complimentary mimosa if you mention the virtual tree lighting festival (be sure to make a reservation in advance). Visit labellewineryevents.com.