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Holiday sounds

Symphonies, choral performances and more

By Angie Sykeny

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• 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.

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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.