A sure sign of the holiday season’s arrival is the return of A Christmas Carol to the Palace Theatre in Manchester. The Charles Dickens tale of spiritual redemption always provides a reliable way to spark a fire in even the coldest heart. The Palace’s Artistic Director, Carl Rajotte, believes this year’s production has even more to offer.
To begin with, the technical toys at the company’s disposal are constantly being tweaked. A new video wall installed in 2019, but too late for that year’s run, was used for the first post-pandemic production. In subsequent years, they’ve found new ways to leverage the technology.
“We’re playing a lot more with special effects this year and we’re definitely doing different videos,” Rajotte said by phone ahead of an initial first act rehearsal. “It’s not just here’s the brand-new video wall. It’s complementing other things; we’re getting better with combining the lighting, the projections and the special effects.”
There are new costumes, and new blood. “Four people from Jersey Boys have stayed on to do Christmas Carol,” Rajotte said. “We have Austin Mirsoltani back from Beautiful. He played Gerry Goffin in that; he’s playing Bob Cratchit this year. There are quite a few new people to the show. It’s fun.”
When Rajotte came to the Palace in 2002 he was charged with bringing magic back to the perennial holiday production. At the outset, he had desire and a vision but not much else to work with. “They didn’t really have the money back then to hire a composer,” he said. “We had to use a lot of public domain or a cappella music. We even did tracks for many years.”
In 2013 the show went on tour, providing Rajotte with an opportunity to upgrade.
“I said to the board and the president, ‘We’ve got to create our own music now; we have to hire a composer,’” he recalled. Joe Mercier, a local composer, came on board. “We created a whole new show — the same script, but all new music. Then the year after that tour, we brought it back to the stage here. It’s been that music since then.”
Colorful, kinetic and professionally cast, the Palace’s unique version of A Christmas Carol has evolved into an effort on par with Broadway shows and national touring companies. It’s a crowning achievement for a company that in recent years has consistently punched above its weight class.
Though it’s a well-oiled machine, the presence of actors who haven’t done the Dickens story before keeps Rajotte and his team on their toes. “We know it like the back of our hands, nothing shocks us,” he said, “but we forget sometimes that for people brand new to the show, it is not an easy project. There’s a lot to do, and a lot to learn.”
The Palace Youth Theatre company is again represented, with 140 young actors split into four teams. Rajotte noted that many of them have been part of the show for years, like Jenna Bienvenue, who plays Elizabeth in Spirit of Christmas Past. “She’s an adult now, a professional. I asked her, in front of everybody on the first day, ‘How many Christmas Carols have you done?’ She said, ‘Well, gosh, I can’t count. Ever since I was 8, I’ve done it every single year.’”
The presence of the youngsters reminds Rajotte about what’s important in the family-friendly show. He often hears them singing along to adult numbers from their dressing room, which is next to his. “I love this show so much; we think about it all year long,” he said. “My goal when I put this together 22 years ago was to make it feel like it’s coming from a child’s point of view, that it’s how they would see things.”
A Christmas Carol When: Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m. through Dec. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Where: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester Tickets: $35 and up at palacetheatre.org
Featured image: A Christmas Carol. Photo Courtesy of the Palace Theatre.
Time for the Hippo’s Holiday Guide! Let your season of holiday fun start with our annual listing of events from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Day. Find your tree lightings, craft fairs, rockin’ holiday shows, classical music holiday shows, screenings of Scrooged and so much more.
Know of a bit of holiday cheer we missed? Let us know at [email protected]. Now pull up your calendar and start loading your schedule with holiday fun!
From big shows to corner bars, there are plenty of ways to lengthen the upcoming four-day weekend with a pre-game party. The sober and sober-curious call it Friendsgiving, while more than a few lean into Drinksgiving. Whatever the name, it’s a night that provides a great excuse to meet and catch up with family and friends ahead of the big feast.
Here’s a range of choices, including an evening of blues shredding, lots of trivia events, solo musicians and even a few opportunities for karaoke. When one thinks about it, belting out “My Heart Will Go On” for a gaggle of pals may be a perfect activity for the moment.
603 Bar & Lounge (368 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9283) The regular Hip-Hop Wednesday event hosted by J-Rawk happens with a Friendsgiving twist.
Alamo Texas Barbecue (99 Route 13, Brookline, 721-5000) DJ Trivia happens at 7 p.m., come out and test your ephemeral knowledge.
American Legion Post 70 (169 Walton Road, Seabrook, 474-2430) Karaoke is back, it’s a night of singing and entertainment, hosted by DJ B-rad.
American Legion Post 72 (164 Wolfeboro Highway, Alton, 875-3461) Ghost Riderz play classic rock and country tunes.
Auspicious Brew (2 Washington St., Dover, 953-7240) Open mic with Rich Amorim at this local music-friendly kombucha brewery, the first in New Hampshire.
Backyard Brewery (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545) Trivia with Bill Seney.
Barley House (132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363) Holy Cow Music Bingo puts a College of Musical Knowledge degree to the test.
Big House (322 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, bighousenightclub.com) Annual Turkeyoke Karaoke Bash.
Bonfire (950 Elm St., Manchester, 217-5600) DJ Mike Benoit spins the hits.
Brick House Restaurant & Brewery (241 Union Square, Milford, 378-0092) New Hampshire-based rock, punk and jam band Vales End performs.
Buckey’s (240 Governor Wentworth Highway, Moultonborough, 476-5485) FuzzBoxx plays rock covers.
Chapel + Main (83 Main St., Dover, 842-5170) Dan Blakeslee and Calabash Club kick off the holiday season, and Krampus, C+P’s Belgian holiday ale, is also in the spotlight.
Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) Karaoke and Cocktails with DJ Dale.
Copper Door (15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677) Justin Jordan plays covers at 6 p.m.
Copper Door (41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-2033) Clint Lapointe plays favorite hits at 6 p.m.
CR’s The Restaurant (287 Exeter Road, Hampton, 929-7972) Bob Tirelli sings and plays classic rock songs.
Defiant Records & Craft Beer (609 Main St., Laconia, 527-8310) It’s an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party on the night before T-Day with singer/songwriter Mike Loughlin performing.
Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) The D-Comp Duo is back for what’s become a tradition on Thanksgiving Eve.
Revo Casino & Social House (887 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9632) The former Dover Bowl is rebranded and reopened as the Samantha Rae Duet entertains.
Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015) World Tavern Trivia — impress your friends and family
Forum Pub (15 Village St., Concord, 552-0137) Gardner Berry of Mama Kicks fame and more plays solo.
Fratello’s Italian Grille (155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022) Joanie Cicatelli plays solo. She cites classic rock influences from classic rock influences including Fleetwood Mac, The Pretenders and The Who.
Governors Inn (78 Wakefield St., Rochester, 332-0107) Freddie Catalfo, remembered for his time in the band Rose Cold Reaction, plays solo.
Grill 28 (Pease Golf Course, 200 Grafton Road, Portsmouth, 766-6646) Jordan Quinn sings and plays. Her version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is always a set standout.
Hermit Woods Winery (72 Main St., Merideth, 253-7968) Songwriter Roundup puts original music in the spotlight, with Sam Luke Chase and Jay Psaros. The event is hosted by Katie Dobbins.
Hill Top Pizzeria (1724 Dover Road, Epsom, 736-0027) Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
Homestead (641 DW Highway, Merrimack, 429-2022) Casey Roop plays an eclectic mix of solo acoustic covers.
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, ticketmaster.com) Guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan plays with his band; tickets $17.50 – $57.50.
KC’s Rib Shack (837 Second St., Manchester, 627-RIBS) Trivia night at the barbecue hot spot.
Keys Piano Bar (1087 Elm St., Manchester, 836-7796) Jonny Friday & Friends ring in the long weekend.
Lafayette Club (34 High St., Nashua, 889-9860) Rabbit’s Foot mixes originals with covers from Phish, Talking Heads, The Dead and Edgar Winter, to name a few.
Lilac City Grille (103 N. Main St., Rochester, 332-3984) Go-to guitarist Tim Theriault plays solo at 7 p.m.
Liquid Therapy (14 Court St., Nashua, 402-9391) Thanksgiving Eve celebration with beer specials.
Lithermans Limited Brewing (126B Hall St., Concord, 219-0784) TAPSgiving provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family before the holiday chaos begins.
Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry St., Hudson, 943-7832) Night Owls play covers, including a bunch of new songs added to their show.
Michael’s Flatbread (8 Stiles Road, Salem, 893-2765) The Regular Gents host a Thanksgiving Eve Bash.
Murphy’s Taproom (494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535) Jonny Friday Duo moves across town to play at 9:30 p.m.
North Side Grille (323 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-3663) Food and drink specials all night long.
Old School Bar and Grill (49 Range Road, Windham, 458-6051) Craft cocktails and dinner specials.
Over the Moon Farmstead (1253 Upper City Road, Pittsfield, 210-2409) Doug Mitchell performs.
Par28 (23 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-7078) Live DJ, Downeast Cider tasting, food and drink specials.
Patrick’s (18 Weirs Road, Gilford, 293-0841) Game Time Trivia happens.
Penuche’s Alehouse (16 Bicentennial Square in Concord; 228-9833) will feature the band UP at 9 p.m.
Pembroke City Limits (134 Main St., Pembroke, 210-2409) Dusty Gray returns to play country rock at this music-centric spot.
Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) DJ Koko and DJ Bounce trade off beats at the Ultimate Reunion Party, $35 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.
Red’s Kitchen + Tavern (530 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-0030) Fred Ellsworth plays solo.
Reed’s North (2 E. Main St., Warner, 456-2143) Joe Leary plays rock reimagined from 3 to 6 p.m. and Ben Dobrowski of the Dobros performs at 6:30 p.m.
Riley’s Place (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 380-3480) Open mic with Eric Lamarche.
Rochester Opera House (32 N. Main St., Rochester, 335-1992) Bearly Dead, a tribute act that’s attracted both Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Jerry Garcia’s Wolf Guitar, which appeared in 2018.
Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313) Thanksgiving Rockin’ Eve featuring the return of Rustfeather.
Shaskeen (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246) Annual party returns with DJ Myth and host Shawn Caliber at 9 p.m.
Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) Karaoke.
Strange Brew (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292) Open mic, which is usually hosted by Jordan Quinn and Scott Armstrong.
Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 422-3210) The Slakas return to play covers and preside over a fun time.
Telly’s (235 Calef Highway, Epping, 679-8225) Roc & Ron play covers.
The Goat (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628) Rob Pagnano plays solo.
The Goat (50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 603-4628) Cover band Turn It Up! goes for a country vibe.
The Local (2 E. Main St., Warner, 456-6066) Brad Myrick makes a rare appearance with PJ Donohue.
The Nest (181 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 974-1686) Bite the Bullet performs classic rock covers.
Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 427-8645) Holly Heist, New England-based cover and original act featuring Alex Roy of Sparks the Rescue.
To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947) Multi-decade themed party with DJ Maltese spinning sets from the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s from 5 to 8 p.m. Dress up like your fave decade (or don’t).
Toll Booth Tavern (740 Second NH Turnpike North, Francestown, 588-1800) Sheepdip plays rock classics.
Tomahawk Butchery & Tavern (454 DW Highway, Merrimack, 365-4960) Chad LaMarsh plays solo acoustic tunes.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill (15 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 226-8667) Tyler Levs performs solo.
Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, 926-6954) Scott Brown & The Diplomats rock the house.
Whym Craft Pub & Brewery (853 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-2801) Cribbage for a Cause night at the brew pub.
Looking to get in a quick 5K before your holiday feast? Here are some of the road races happening this season.
Thanksgiving Day races
All of these races are on Thursday, Nov. 28
• The Fisher Cats 5K sponsored by Dartmouth Health and the Fisher Cats will take place at 9 a.m. at Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester). Prior to the race there will be a Lil’ Turkey Trot at 8:30 a.m. Race-day registration and bib pickup will be available from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the stadium. Registration costs: adult (ages 12+) $30 in advance, kids (11 and younger) $15, Stonyfield Lil’ Turkey Trot (8 and younger) $10, virtual 5K $30. All proceeds will benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. See millenniumrunning.com.
• The Rotary Club of Merrimack’s 5K Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m.. See merrimack5k.com.
• The 16th annual BAC and Bow Police Department Turkey Trot will be held at 8 a.m. at 55 Falcon Way, Bow. Registration: adult $35, youth $25, kids $15. Same-day registration increases price by $5. See runsignup.com.
• The Dover Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 a.m. and is described as a 5K race for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, according to doverturkeytrot.com. The start and finish is at Garrison Elementary School in Dover (to raise money for the Garrison School PTA) and registration costs $25 in advance, $30 on the day for adults; $12 in advance, $15 on the day for fourth grade and under.
• The Hampstead Turkey Trot, a 5K, starts at 8:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church (26 Emerson Ave. in Hampstead). Registration costs $23 for adults (18-61), $18 for seniors (62+) and for children (5-17). Registration on race day (from 7 to 8:10 a.m.) costs $28 for adults, $23 for seniors and children. See sites.google.com/site/recreationhampstead.
• The Free Fall 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and begins and ends at the Rochester Community Center (150 Wakefield St. in Rochester). Registration costs $25 for adults, $20 for ages 13 to 17, $15 for ages 7 to 12, and is free for 6 and under (plus $5 to register on race day). See freefall5k.com.
• The 17th annual Gilford Youth Center Turkey Trot 5K Race and Family Walk will start at 9 a.m. (8:45 a.m. for walkers) oat the Youth Center (19 Potter Hill Road in Gilford). Registration costs $26 per person or $90 for a family of up to five people. See gilfordyouthcenter.com.
• The 18th annual Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot, a 5K where costumes are encouraged and proceeds go to the recreation department, starts at 9 a.m. at the Sunapee Harbor gazebo with a 1K Chicken Run for kids starting at 8:15 a.m. and going down Lake Avenue. Registration costs $30 for ages 13 to 64, $15 for ages 65 and up and $5 for ages 12 and under (kids 12 and under running in the Chicken Run are free). See sunapeeturkeytrot.com. The event will feature a pie sale; pies are $10 each.
• The 30th Annual Windham Turkey Trot, which offers 1-, 3- and 5-mile options, starts at 9 a.m. at 74 Blossom Road in Windham. Registration costs $30. See shepherdspantry.net/turkey-trot.
• The Brookline Turkey Fun Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at 1 Mason Road in Brookline. The race is a 5K out-and-back course on a mixture of asphalt and hard packed crushed gravel. Registration is $20 and ends Nov. 27. Visit runsignup.com/Race/NH.
• The GDTC Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot will take place at 39 Pond Road in Derry at 9 a.m. Online pre-registration is $25 for adults (13 and older) and $10 for kids (12 and under). A Virtual GDTC Turkey Trot is $10. Registration ends Tuesday, Nov. 26. Same-day registration will be $5 more, if there are spaces left. For all entries the organizers request a donation of any non-perishable canned good or dry food item.
• The 22nd Annual Great Gobbler 5K will take place at Nashua High School South (36 Riverside St., Nashua). The 5K race starts at 8 a.m. sharp. The Little Gobbler Fun Run (400m) starts at 7:30 a.m. at the South Track. Registration is $30 for adults (18 and older), $25 for youths (17 and younger). The Little Gobbler (400m) Fun Run is free (ages 2-10). Registration on race day will cost $35 for adults and $30 for youth.
Thanksgiving Weekend races
• The Amherst Junior Women’s Club will hold its 25th Trot Off Your Turkey 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on Friday, Nov. 29. The fun run starts at 9 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9:30 a.m.; both runs start and end at the Congregational Church in Amherst. Registration costs $30 for the 5K, $10 for the fun run. See ajwcnh.org.
• Bishop Brady High School (25 Columbus Ave. in Concord; bishopbrady.edu) will hold its Galloping Gobbler 4-mile race on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 9:30 a.m. Registration costs $30 for ages 16 and up and $20 for ages 15 and under. Bib pickup is 8 a.m. on race day. Find the link to the registration site via Bishop Brady’s Facebook page.
Rest of the season
Lil Elf Run at the Santa Claus Shuffle. Photo courtesy of Millenium Running.
• BASC Santa Claus Shuffle is on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. on Elm Street in Manchester before the Manchester City Christmas Parade. The 3-mile out-and-back course starts and finishes at Veterans Park in downtown Manchester and includes four “aid stations” featuring the four favorite Santa food groups: chocolate, cookies and milk, candy and maple, according to the website. The first 1,400 participants to sign up get a Santa suit to run in. Stonyfield Organic Lil’ Elf Runs (of 100 yards) start at 2:30 p.m. Registration costs $30 for adults in person or virtually (12+) in advance, $35 on race day; $25 for youth (12 to 20), $30 on race day, and $10 for kids (11 and younger) in advance or on race day, and $10 for the Stonyfield Lil’ Elf Run (8 and younger). See millenniumrunning.com to register.
• The 2024 Jingle Bell Run, a 5K where festive costume dress is encouraged, will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8:30 a.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Registration costs $45 after Nov. 1, $50 on the day for timed runners; $40 after Nov. 1 and $45 on the day for untimed runners (both include shirt and jingle bells), and $30 for virtual runners, according to events.arthritis.org.
• The Ugly Sweater 4-Miler will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, at Backyard Brewery and Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com) at 9 a.m. . All race proceeds will go to benefit three local animal rescue groups: the Humane Society of Greater Nashua, New Hampshire SPCA, and the Monadnock Humane Society. This 21+ event will include a post-race party. Registration is $40 ($50 on race day). Visit runscore.runsignup.com.
• Yule Light Up the Night on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire Speedway in Loudon. Run the 2.1-mile course through the “Gift of Lights” display. Registration costs $25 for adults (12+) in advance, $30 on the day; $15 for youth (4 to 11) in advance, $20 on the day, $10 for kids (3 and younger), . See millenniumrunning.com to register.
• The Running on Empty 4-Mile Race will take place Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at Bishop Brady High School (25 Columbus Ave., Concord). There will be prizes for the top three male and female finishers, and rubber duckies for winners in each age category. Registration is $30 at runreg.com/life-in-the-slow-lane.
• The Apple Therapy and Derry Sports & Rehab Millenium Mile is a one-mile downhill race on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at 2 p.m. Registration costs $20 for adults (12+) in advance, $25 on race day; $15 for youth (11 and under), $20 on race day, and $20 for virtual runners. See millenniumrunning.com.
Stroll into the season
Nashua’s annual Holiday Stroll lights up the night
The magical time of the year of the 29th Annual Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll has arrived. Paul Shea is the Executive Director of Great American Downtown in Nashua and spoke to the Hippo about the holiday staple.
“The winter holiday stroll takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Nashua,” Shea said.
Attendees will be greeted by a community of cheer that involves “downtown businesses, area nonprofits, vendors, musicians, other performers and of course, the well-known gentleman from the North Pole and his wife, Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Shea said.
Kids will be excited by a fun addition inspired by hot chocolate.
“We will be having a kids’ ride in the early afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.which is a teacup ride that is dubbed Santa’s Cocoa Cruisers. That will be located at the intersection of High and Main Street,” Shea said.
Jonee Earthquake. Courtesy photo.
Little ones can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus too from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts. “So [for] folks with younger kids that may have an early bedtime, this is a really great opportunity to get out and to get kind of into the holiday spirit without being out in the chilly evening,” Shea said.
They will be at the Hunt Memorial Building from 6 to 9 p.m. “That is a return to tradition. For a number of years, Santa was located at another location, and we’re very excited to be back at the Hunt Memorial Building,” Shea said.
Sculpture has a place in the stroll. “We will have live ice sculpture carving at City Hall,” Shea said.
Everything begins with the procession. “Gathering in front of City Hall begins at 4 p.m.,” Shea said, “and the stroll will step off after we all light our strolling candles … at 5 o’clock. We will head up Main Street to the City Hall to the Hunt Memorial building where the City Christmas tree is located for the big lighting.” Santa Claus and the mayor of Nashua will do the countdown.
After the lighting, all of downtown Nashua will be in the festive spirit.
“This year we also have an Artist and Artisans Holiday Bazaar, which will be located on West Pearl Street, near to the Nashville Performing Arts Center. It will be an outdoor holiday shopping market with approximately 20 to 25 vendors with all sorts of great offerings, locally crafted goods, jewelry, fun and funny items, and some beautiful artwork,” he said.
There will be three sets of music and more than 10 stages throughout the Holiday Winter Stroll. “There will be no shortage of things to do and see. Of course, a lot of great food from our food truck vendors and fair style food vendors and a lot of great downtown restaurants will be serving some of their, some of the favorites that they bring out to the stroll each year along Main Street as well.”
A shuttle service will begin at 3 p.m. that will leave from Holman Stadium as well as Rivier University.
“We do recommend that people take advantage of that and they’re welcome to stay throughout the afternoon and evening,” Shea said. “The last returning bus will depart from the downtown drop-off location to the parking lots at Holman and Revere at 9.30 p.m. That is the kind of calling time for the public. The stroll stops off at 5, and then the event itself ends at 9 p.m.”
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together … It’s a great way for people to catch up and see familiar faces when they’re home for the holidays. And it is, it’s really just a rich, joy-filled evening of festive fun,” Shea said.
Nashua Holiday Stroll. Courtesy photo.
29th Annual Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll When: Saturday, Nov. 30 4 p.m. Gathering at City Hall to receive candles 5 p.m. Stroll procession begins 5: 45 to 9 p.m. Stroll and explore downtown More: downtownnashua.org/holidaystroll/
There are lots of theatrical productions of the holiday classics The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol this season.
A Christmas Carol
• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents A Christmas Carol from Nov. 29 through Dec. 29, with showtimes on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $59. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, brings his one-man performance of A Christmas Carol to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua) on Friday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $69. Visit nashuacenterforthearts.com or call 657-8774. Dickens will also perform at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
• The Souhegan Valley Chorus presents A Christmas Carol in Concert, a choral presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church (10 Union St., Milford). Tickets are available in advance from members or at the door. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, free for age 12 and younger. Visit souheganvalleychorus.org.
• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Carol from Dec. 6 through Dec. 23. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 and 7 p.m. as well as select Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $32 and the show is not included in ticket packages. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.
• Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative presents A Christmas Carol at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia) on Friday, Dec 13, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. The performance is from an original adaptation by New Hampshire native Joel Mercier and the show features Granite State actors of all ages, according to the website. Tickets range from $18 to $22. Visit coloniallaconia.com or call 657-8774.
• The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) presents A Christmas Carol from Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 22, with showtimes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. and an additional performance on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $22 to $ 30. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com or call 335-1992.
• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents What the Dickens, an improvised comedy version of A Christmas Carol, Sunday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.
The Nutcracker
• The Methuen Ballet Ensemble performs The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). The show features Sabi Varga and Emily Entingh. Tickets cost $38. Visit tickets.anselm.edu or call 641-7700.
• Safe Haven Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Colonial Theater (609 Main St., Laconia) on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 p.m., at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) Tickets cost $45 for adults and $40 for students and seniors at the Colonial Theater and between $44 and $54 at the Cap Center. Visit safehavenballet.org/events for more info.
• Northeastern Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Kingswood Regional Art Center (396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro). There will be additional performances at the Johnson Center (30 Academic Way, Durham) on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost between $25 and $30. Visit northeasternballet.org or call 834-8834.
• New England Dance Ensemble presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (4 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Tickets cost $41.50 to $61.50. Visit nede.org for more info or call 1-800-595-4TIX.
• Sole City Dance presents The Nutcracker at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) Thursday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 8. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets cost between $24 and $28. Visit solecitydance.org.
• The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents a unique modern rendition of The Nutcracker that will run from Thursday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 22. Their rendition is a reimagining that infuses the timeless tale with jazz and contemporary flair. Ticket prices range from $37 to $68. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4793.
• The Bedford Dance Center presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $23. Visit tickets.anselm.edu to purchase tickets online or call or call 641-7700.
• Portsmouth School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Dover High Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m and 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25, can only be purchased with cash or check and can be purchased at the box office or in advance at 95 Brewery Lane in Portsmouth. Visit psb-nh.com/performances or call 319-6958.
• St. Paul’s School Ballet Company will present The Nutcracker: Act II on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. at Memorial Hall, St. Paul’s School (325 Pleasant St. in Concord). The show is free, first come first-served, and the show lasts about an hour.
• Turning Pointe Center of Dance presents The Nutcracker at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 at the door or $23 in advance. Visit turningpointecenterofdance.com or call 485-8710.
• New England School of Dance presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theater at Pinkerton Academy (5 Pinkerton St., Derry). Tickets cost $30 and $35 on the day of the performance. Visit newenglandschoolofdance.com or call 935-7326.
• Dance Visions Network presents The Nutcracker Suite Acts I & II on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $25. Visit tickets.anselm.edu to purchase tickets online or call 641-7700.
• Ballet Misha presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost between $30 and $35. Visit tickets.anselm.edu to purchase tickets online or call 641-7700.
• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (14 Canterbury Road, Concord). Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $25. There will be an additional performance on Sunday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased at the box office or online at palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
Sure, The Nutcracker and The Christmas Carol are great, but there is even more to the holiday theater season. Get your fill of the Grinch and the Herdman family, Anna and Elsa, kids’ ballets, off-Broadway talents and much more at these seasonal theatrical productions.
• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org) will feature Disney’s Frozen presented by Ogunquit Playhouse Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 22, with shows Wednesdays through Thursdays (except for Thanksgiving). The Music Hall also presents Nat Zegree: The Nat Before Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.; and Juston McKinney’s Comedy Year In Review 2024 on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 28, at 4:30 and 8 p.m.
• Pontine Theatre presents A New England Christmas at the Plains School (1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth) Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 15, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show includes musical accompaniment by Ellen Carlson of the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble. Tickets are priced at $32 for general admission and $29 for seniors and students. Visit pontine.org.
Pontine Theatre.
• Majestic Productions also brings Sh-Boom! A Christmas Miracle, a musical full of ’60s doo-wop hits and holiday classics,to the Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester). Performances are on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 65+ and $15 for children age 17 and under. Visit majestictheatre.net.
• Bedford off Broadway will present Christmas Belles, a Jones Hope Wooten comedy, from Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 15, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and the Sunday Matinees happen at 2 p.m. at the Bedford Town Hall (Corner of 70 Bedford Center Rd. & 3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford). This show is directed by Joe Pelonzi with Pat Napolitano as Stage Manager and the cast consists of Lisa Colburn, John Cunha, Deb Curtis, Colleen Deitrich, Claire Fry, Cody Goodwin, Stella Kloc, Alex Lemay, Karyn Russell Merriman, Joshua Sanborn, and Hilerie Flathers Wiecking. General admission is $15, $12 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at Brown Paper Tickets, brownpapertickets.com/event/6486217.
• Break a Leg Legally presents Debbie Macomber’s A Gift to Remember by Joseph Robinette at The Strand (20 Third St., Dover). Performances are scheduled for Fridays, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, and Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. The play takes place on Christmas Eve during a snowstorm as a group of strangers are on a train to Boston from Bangor, Maine, and there are train engine troubles and track problems ahead. Tickets are $20 for evening shows and $18 for matinee performances. Visit breakaleglegally.com or call The Strand at 343-1899.
• The Concord Dance Academy invites you to its Spectacular Holiday Show at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Performances are on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. The event includes a family baked goods sale, a holiday 50/50 raffle and a complimentary Santa photo. Tickets are $25. Call 226-0200 or visit concorddanceacademy.com.
• Bedford Youth Performing Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Derryfield School Theatre (2108 River Road, Manchester) with performances on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. The play is an adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s holiday classic that tells the story of the Herdmans, the worst kids in the history of the world, who take over the annual Christmas pageant. Ticket prices are $17.50 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. Call 472-3894 or visit bypc.org.
• Con Tutti will present a solstice concert with storyteller Tony Lee called “Sending You Light!” on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at South Church (292 State St. in Portsmouth). Tickets cost $20 at contutti.org.
• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents its annual holiday performance at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). The event will feature students performing dances to festive seasonal songs on Sunday, Dec. 8, with shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $18. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.
• Majestic Productions brings to stage A Christmas Story: The Musical at DerryOpera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry). Performances are on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 65+ and $15 for children age 17 and under. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469
• Peacock Players present their Holiday Spectacular at Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). This musical cabaret features holiday favorites and musical theater classics. Shows are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $18.Visit peacockplayers.org or call 889-2330.
• Safe Haven Ballet presents The Grinch, a ballet choreographed by Miranda Bailey, at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $31 to $44. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.
Downtown Concord’s annual Midnight Merriment event will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Many downtown businesses will remain open throughout the evening and offer special bargains and promotions to Merriment shoppers.
The event will be started by a Parade of Lights down Main Street.
Jessica Martin, the Director of Intown Concord is one of the organizers. She said Midnight Merriment has become a Concord tradition.
“It’s been 32 years,” she said. “It’s pretty great.” She said the whole downtown business community throws itself into the festivities each year. “Probably 80 percent [of the businesses] participate in some capacity,” she said. “It’s a fun alternative to online shopping.”
Throughout the evening carolers will stroll through downtown, and there will be s’mores and cocoa served in Bicentennial Square. Families will be able to take pictures with Santa Claus in front of the Statehouse. The Concord Art Market will set up in the Eagle Square Atrium to sell its holiday crafts and art in a “Winter Giftopolis.” Holiday music will be piped onto the street.
“There will be lit-up wreaths,” Martin said. “It will be a really festive holiday atmosphere.”
Martin said many downtown businesses will offer creative promotions for the evening. She pointed to Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St.) as an example. “They will offer progressive discounts,” she said. “The later you shop, the bigger the discount.”
New this year is the Parade of Lights. Participants will march along Main Street, each lit up in some way. It is the brainchild of DJ Nazzy, the well-known local mobile DJ.
“The Parade of Lights is an idea that I had a couple of years ago,” Nazzy said. “I thought it would be something fun to bring to Concord and have people come downtown and shop and just be part of the season.”
At least 10 groups are signed up to participate in this first Parade of Lights.
“My vision is just to have Main Street lit up with the spirit of the season,” Nazzy said, “with people marching with lights and vehicles lit up, and just having a fun time. My dream would be to have people lining the streets and just everybody really getting into the season and just enjoying themselves. And then obviously we’re downtown so we’ll shop at local businesses.”
Midnight Merriment Where: Downtown Concord When: Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Parade of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. Main Street will be closed from Hills Avenue to Loudon Road from 4 to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate the parade. Parking downtown will be free on streets and in city garages after 7 p.m., but guests are asked to avoid parking in the Capitol Shopping Plaza (Market Basket Plaza) unless patronizing businesses in that location. More: intownconcord.org
More shopportunities
• Record Store Day Black Friday, Friday, Nov. 29, will feature special releases at area independent record stores; see recordstoreday.com for a list of releases scheduled for the day and a list of participating shops. Pitchfork Records & Stereo (2 S. Main St., Concord, 224-6700, pitchforkrecordsconcord.com) will open its doors at 8 a.m. See the website for a rundown of possible releases; while they can’t hold an item, they can confirm, if you call in advance, if they will have the title, according to the website.
• Great American Downtown (6 Main St., Nashua, 883-5700, downtownnashua.org) will sponsor Plaid Friday again this year on Nov. 29. Wear plaid to participating Nashua businesses, and receive discounts and special promotional deals. Check back with the website for updates on participating businesses.
• Manchester will celebrate Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, with a kickoff event from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bookery (844 Elm St. in Manchester; bookerymht.com), which will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Pick up some free coffee, tote bags and a printed list of deals, while supplies last,” according to a Facebook post on the city’s Economic Development office’s Facebook page. At Bookery, they’ll offer games and a performance from the Ukeladies (slated to perform from 2 to 4 p.m.), according to the bookstore’s website. Mayor Jay Ruais and the Greater Manchester Chamber will be on hand; the chamber reported about four dozen Manchester businesses will be offering special discounts and promotions.
• Many Dover businesses will have Plaid Friday deals. Parking will be free downtown on Friday, Nov. 29. Visit the Dover Chamber of Commerce at dovernh.org.
• Shop at museum stores on Museum Store Sunday, Dec. 1. Museum Store Sunday offers a special shopping experience in one-of-a-kind stores, showcasing broad assortments of highly curated, unique, mission-related gifts. Participating museum stores include the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org), the SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org), Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org), American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org), Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth, 436-8433, portsmouthhistory.org) and the New Hampshire Boat Museum (399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 569-4554, nhbm.org). Visit museumstoresunday.org.
• Celebrate Cider Monday, Dec. 2. As an alternative to shopping online on Cyber Monday, some small businesses, especially independent bookstores, will offer a free cup of cider to customers. Participating bookstores will include Toadstool Bookshop (12 Depot Square, Peterborough, 924-3543, toadbooks.com), Balin Books (Somerset Plaza, 375 Amherst St., Nashua, 417-7981, balinbooks.com) and Innisfree Bookshop (Mill Falls Marketplace, 312 DW Highway, Meredith, 279-3905, innisfreebookshop.com).
• Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) will host a Holiday Book Recommendation Night with publisher sales reps, Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Experts will be on hand to help you find the perfect book for the most difficult-to-shop-for person on your list. It will be an evening of refreshments and refreshing books as publisher reps come out to share the titles they are most excited about. Gibson’s bookbuyers rely on our sales reps to point out upcoming titles to read and watch out for, and tonight you can get it straight from the source.
• And once you’ve shopped, the Griffin Free Public Library (22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483-5374, griffinfree.org) will host a Wrapping Party Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Bring your holiday gifts to wrap. Paper, bags, tape, bows, ribbon and scissors will be provided. Holiday snacks and refreshments will be available. — Compiled by John Fladd
For downtown Manchester, the kickoff of the holiday season is the Manchester Holiday Parade and the road race that precedes it, The Santa Shuffle.
Barry Lewandowski is the Marketing Director of Millennium Running in Bedford, a company that organizes road races in New Hampshire throughout the year, including the Santa Shuffle, which he said is one of the high points of his year.
“There’s just such a fantastic mood,” he said. “You’ve got 2,000 runners in Santa suits stopping at four stations along the way for chocolate [snacks], mint, maple, and milk and cookies.”
The Shuffle is a 3-mile run through downtown Manchester, immediately before the Holiday Parade.
“A lot of times, running can be a solo sport,” Lewandowski said, “but this is a great chance for everyone to get together and have some fun. There are people trying to run fast, but generally, it’s a family event.” Santa Claus will be at this year’s run, he said, along with Miss New Hampshire, who will be dressed as a princess.
Lewandowski said the positive mood at the race is infectious. “There’s a continual festive spirit,” he said. “When you’ve got that many people dressed as Santa, it’s a little awe-inspiring. Looking down from City Hall on a sea of Santas, it’s just really fun.”
Sophia Koustas is the organizer of this year’s Holiday Parade. She said the theme of this year’s parade is “Light Up the Night.” “The theme was actually voted on by the community,” she said. “We ran a poll with about five or six different themes.” She said other potential themes were Vintage Holidays, Seasons of Giving, and Magical Creatures.
Santa Claus Shuffle. Courtesy photo.
For Koustas, the parade is personal. “I live downtown,” she said, “so it was a very heartwarming moment last year, you know, just being involved in the parade and seeing the community spirit that I don’t see on a day-to-day basis. It was just a very nice perspective of the city coming together to just celebrate and be together.”
Koustas is planning for a big parade this year. “Last year we had over 65 groups [marching in the parade].”I would say that we’ll have 65 to 70 groups this year.” The groups will include clubs, civic organizations, local businesses and marching bands. If the past is a guide, many of the groups will distribute candy to children watching the parade go by. “We don’t throw candy,” Koustas emphasized. “We pass the candy in order not to hurt anyone. So, yes, whichever organizations that are in the parade that would like to, absolutely, they can do that. They can pass that out.”
Listening to Koustas, it was easy to imagine this was a topic that had come up in planning meetings.
“Just to make sure that nobody gets hurt,” she clarified. “It doesn’t take a lot, just a little bit of caution.”
Much like Barry Lewandowski, Koustas is looking forward to the festive spirit that the parade brings to the community.
“It warmed my soul last year,” she said. Everybody was just ready to be part of it. The spectators were wonderfully aligned all along Elm Street. I had the opportunity toward the end to walk the parade, along with the floats once the last float had passed. It was just a very heartwarming moment. I’m looking forward to reliving that.”
Parade and Shuffle When: Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: downtown Manchester Stonyfield Yogurt Lil’ Elf Runs (100 yards) begin at 2:30 p.m. BASC Santa Shuffle Race (3 miles) begins at 3 p.m. The race will start and finish at Veterans Park on Elm Street. The first 1,400 runners to register get free Santa suits to wear during the race. To register and for more information, visit millenniumrunning.com/santa. The Manchester Holiday Parade starts at the Brady Sullivan Building at 1750 Elm St. at 4 p.m., and proceeds down Elm Street, finishing at Veterans Park.
Lights, trees and parades
Celebrate the season with lights displays, tree festivals and community gatherings
Find parades, tree lightings and more mostly outdoor celebrations of the season.
• LaBelle Lights at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) are now on display and will be open Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas) from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. until Sunday, Jan. 19, with different themes each week including Luau Week, Holiday Pajama Week, Ugly Holiday Sweater Week, Hidden Elves Week and more. Tickets range from $4 to $19 and are free for children 3 years old and younger. Visit labelle.com/lights.
• Bektash Shriners Feztival of Trees (189 Pembroke Road, Concord) features decorated artificial trees and wreaths up for silent auction. Refreshments will be available at Candy Cane Cafe. Hours are Wednesday, Nov. 27, Friday Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for those 12 years old and older and free for children under 12. Visit bektashshriners.org.
• Gift of Lights at NH Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) consists of more than 250 light displays spanning 2½ miles through a 150-foot tunnel from Thursday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 5. This year the drive-thru light show will feature a 150-foot RGB Tunnel of Lights, arches, toys, and numerous scenes including the popular 12 Days of Christmas. Tickets are $35 per car load, $60 per bus, limousine or RV, and $2 in addition per person when there are more than 15 guests. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the New Hampshire chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Gift of Lights will open at 4:30 p.m. nightly, depending on weather conditions. Visit nhms.com.
• Plaistow Festival of Trees will be held over three days at the Plaistow Fish and Game Club (18 May Ray Ave., Plaistow, 382-3675, plaistowfishandgame.com). It will be open in the evening on Friday, Nov. 29, on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. There will be a raffle table drawing and a tree drawing as well as a craft fair, snack bar and breakfast with Santa Saturday morning at 8 a.m. The money raised will benefit Children Less Fortunate.
• Milford’s 5th Annual Festival of Trees will be held on Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30,from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Colonel Shepard House (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford). There is an entry fee of $5 per person; $20 maximum per family, and children 8 and under are free. There will be more than 30 trees and baskets decorated by area businesses, clubs and individuals. Proceeds will go to support the Share Outreach program, whose mission is to provide food, clothing and emergency financial services to area families in need. Visit festivaloftreesforshare.org.
• Spooky World (454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, 424-7999, nightmarenewengland.com) has transformed its Haunted Hayride into Holly Jolly Journey, a “magical winter wonderland.” New England’s Greatest Holiday Light Show will open on Friday, Nov. 29, at Mel’s Funway Park (454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com). Kids 12 and younger get in free during opening weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 1. Experience millions of dazzling lights, immersive displays, festive photo ops with Santa and more most nights through Sunday, Jan. 12.
• Concord’s 39th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration (107 Main St.) is on Friday, Nov. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. It will kick off the holiday season at the Statehouse plaza. There will be hot chocolate, hot cider, a hot food cart, a children’s costume competition, a magic show, a DJ, a burn barrel for marshmallow cooking, clowns, animal balloons, and the lighting of the Christmas tree when Santa does the countdown as he arrives via fire truck. Visit the event’s Facebook page @ConcordChristmasTreeLightingCelebration.
• The 15th Annual Southern NH Festival of Trees includes trees up for raffle, food, a scavenger hunt, a Polar Express train ride, entertainment by local schools, theaters, church groups and dance studios, baked goods and Santa. The Festival opens on Friday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. and runs through Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. at the Sherburne Hall of the Pelham Municipal Building (6 Village Green, Pelham). Tickets are $5 for those 12 years old and older, free for children under 12. Raffle tickets are $5 for 25. Visit snhfestivaloftrees.pelhamcommunityspirit.org.
• Join Castle in the Clouds (455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, 476-5900, castleintheclouds.org) for its annual tradition of Christmas at the Castle on Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The historic Lucknow Mansion will be decorated and in the Carriage House there will be an artisan fair, hot cocoa and holiday cookies, a craft table and photos with Santa. Adult tickets are $25, children are $15, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased on site or online through the Castle’s website.
• Celebrate Laconia hosts the Lights Festival Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 5 p.m. with floats, bands, cars and more. The parade begins at Laconia High School (345 Union Ave., Laconia) and ends at Stewart Park for the annual tree lighting, where trees will be lit for the City on the Lakes Holiday Walk. Food trucks, music and activities will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Visit celebratelaconia.org.
• A Very Derry Holiday is on Saturday, Nov. 30, with activities from 1 to 8 p.m. It will be a fun-filled day of parades, activities, entertainment, shopping, visits with Santa and the downtown tree lighting. The Nutfield Holiday Parade will start at 1 p.m. at Veterans Hall. Visit the event’s Facebook page @VeryDerryHoliday.
• The Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 3 to 4 p.m. and will go from Brewster Academy (80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro) to Mill Street, where Santa will light the community Christmas tree. Before the parade there will be a Gingerbread House Jubilee at Harmony Coffee House (21 Central Ave.). Visit wolfeborochamber.com/events.
• Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com) will hold aChristmas Tree Lighting Saturday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. There will be a food truck and Bistro bar will be open, and the vineyard’s antique bus will be decorated and offering rides around the property. There will be a special reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” before the lighting of the tree. This is a free event, but donations for the Sandown Food Pantry will be welcomed.
• The 53rd Salem Holiday Parade (Main Street, Salem) will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.1. This year’s theme is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Visit salemnhparade.org.
• The Town of Bow holiday tree lighting ceremony is on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. at the Bandstand (1 Knox Road, Bow). The Bow Middle School chorus will be performing holiday songs, Santa will be there for visiting and there will be games, crafts, refreshments, food and a letter-to-Santa station. Visit bownh.gov.
• The Penacook Village Association will host the 19th Annual Penacook Tree Lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Boudreau Square on Village Street. Attendees can assemble around 5:30 p.m. to hear carols and singing featuring the Penacook Elementary School Chorus and Blanchard Family Singers, and watch Santa arrive courtesy of the Concord Fire Department.
Exeter Festival of Trees.
• Exeter’s 26th Annual Festival of Trees is free and open to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Exeter Town Hall (10 Front St., Exeter). Decorated trees will be up for silent auction including a special tree filled with gift cards and certificates. Proceeds go to The Community Children’s Fund. Visit exeterareacharitablefoundation.org.
• The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (81 Main St., Salem, 893-3177, southernnhchamber.com) will hold its Third Annual Festival of Wreaths Thursday, Dec. 5, from noon to 7:30 p.m. at the Searles School and Chapel (3 Chapel Road, Windham, 890-6259, searleschapel.com). There will be refreshments, music, and photo opportunities with Santa and his favorite elf, Buddy.
• The 9th Annual Raymond Festival of Trees will be at New Life Church (84 Nottingham Road, Raymond) on Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit their Facebook page @ RaymondFestivalofTrees.
• The Bedford Women’s Club will host its Annual Festival of Trees on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Bedford Presbyterian Church (4 Church Road, Bedford, 472-5841, bedfordpresbyterian.org). Admission is free. Dozens of fully decorated trees with various themes will be on display to win in the raffle. There will be holiday merchandise from local vendors and musical entertainment by local performers. Santa will listen to wishes and pose for you to take photos. There will also be a free craft area for children, door prizes and more. Visit bedfordwomensclub.org/festival-of-trees.
• The 15th annual Dover Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rivermill at Dover Landing (2 Washington St, Dover, 343-2192, rivermillnh.com). The event is free and open to the public. The festival will feature 35 elaborate trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses. The event also includes live choir performances, free goodie bags and a scavenger hunt for children, refreshments and holiday desserts, and Santa. Visit dovernh.org/FOT.
• Experience what Christmas was like 400 years ago at the Candlelight Stroll/Vintage Christmas at Strawbery Banke (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) with decorated historic houses, role players and holiday traditions. There will be a bonfire, hot apple cider, performances by Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Skaters, shopping at Pickwick’s at the Banke and the “History Lights Our Way” candlelight stroll. Visit from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6 through Dec. 22, with an accessible and sensory-friendly stroll on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $32 for adults, $16 for children 5 to 17 years old and free for children under 5 years old. Visit strawberybanke.org.
• Goffstown’s annual tree lighting event, Friday Night Under the Lights, will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, on Main Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit goffstownmainstreet.org/friday-night-lights.
• The Salem Animal Rescue League will hold its Winter Carnivale and $2,500 Shopping Spree Raffle Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Castleton Banquet and Conference Center (58 Enterprise Drive, Windham, 898-6300, castletonbcc.com). The event will feature an artisan chocolate tasting by Loon Chocolate, food and drink, dancing, live and silent auctions, games, a selfie station, contests, raffles and more. Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10 and can be purchased at sarlnh.maxgiving.bid/about-us.
• Concord will hold a Parade of Lights Friday, Dec. 6, along Main Street starting at 5:30 p.m. as part of its Midnight Merriment Festival.
• Enter a haunted house with rabid reindeer and cannibalistic elves at Fright Kingdom’s Fright Before Christmas (12 Simon St., Nashua) on Friday, Dec. 6 (7 to 9:30 p.m.), Saturday, Dec. 7 (6 to 9 p.m.), Friday Dec. 13 (7 to 9:30 p.m.), and Saturday, Dec. 14 (6:30 to 9 p.m.). Tickets are $36. Visit frightkingdom.com.
• Hooksett’s Light Up the Village celebration will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, featuring a Santa Parade, photos with Santa, food and drink from The Robie Store, musical performances, a craft fair, a holiday storytime, caroling, and more. The goal is to raise $20,000 to light up key buildings in Hooksett. Visit lightupthevillage.wordpress.com.
• Brookside Congregational Church (2013 Elm St. in Manchester; brooksidecc.org) will hold its Brookside Holiday Lights Night on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will feature live music, nativity animals, winter carnival games, a fire pit, smores, a lighted story walk and more.
• Portsmouth’s Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is on Saturday, Dec. 7. The tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 6 p.m. and goes from Islington Street to Market Square. There will be a Downtown Shop and Stroll immediately following the Parade. Visit cityofportsmouth.com/recreation.
• Join a festive gathering at the corner of West Merrimack and Franklin streets in Manchester, Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. for Merry Making on West Merrimack, a day filled with live music, live ice sculpture carving, seasonal crafts, more than 20 vendors, raffles from Manchester businesses and more.
• The theme of this year’s Hampstead Christmas Parade is “A Storybook Christmas.” The parade starts on Main Street on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. with refreshments and an appearance from Santa afterward. Visit @HampsteadColonialChristmasParade on Facebook.
• The theme for Merrimack’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 8, is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Commons Shopping Plaza (515 DW Highway) and ends at the Town Hall parking lot (6 Baboosic Lake Road), where the tree lighting will take place. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.
• The Christmas in Amherst Village House Tour will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Congregational Church of Amherst, this tour has become a favorite tradition. Ready for the holidays with traditional and unique decorating ideas, every home is unique in size and style and each will be a surprise. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 on the day of the event. Online tickets must be purchased by Dec. 9 and will be mailed to participants. Visit ccamherst.org/cav.
• The 10th Annual Hollis Luminaria Stroll & Town Band Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14, will include more than 2,000 luminaria lanterns, a Santa tractor parade, holiday craft shopping, a chili and cornbread dinner, music performances in Monument Square, a gingerbread house contest and a bake sale. The stroll and tree lighting will be at 4 p.m. at Monument Square. The Lit Tractor Parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. Visit hollisluminaria.org.
• The Gilford Village Candlelight Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Gilford Community Band will perform at the Gilford Community Church. Make s’mores and visit Santa at Village Field, enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and craft making at Gilford Public Library and more. Visit their Facebook page @GilfordVillageCandlelightStroll.
• Pats Peak will have New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9:20 to 9:40 p.m. There will be live music in the Sled Pub from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit patspeak.com.
Here are some events tailored to kid and family fun.
• There will be Family Gingerbread House Decorating sessions at the Goffstown Public Library (2 High St, Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com) throughout December. Pre-built gingerbread houses and decorating supplies will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. One registration per family. Visit the Library’s website for dates.
• Santa’s Wonderland 2024 at Bass Pro Shops, running now until Dec. 24, offers free Santa photo sessions (advance reservations required), a free shareable video with Santa photos, a Christmas toy shop for holiday gifts and more. Visit basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland to reserve a time slot.
• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St., Candia, visitthefarm.com) has lots of holiday family fun on the calendar. The Christmas Tree Spree will be Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30. Admission costs $22 per person or $159 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 and a campfire. Santa’s Christmas runs weekends through Dec. 22, plus Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. Pick a time when you buy tickets for either a four-person or a 10-person sleigh ride. The event 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 Christmas light displays and see the reindeer at the North Pole,” according to the website.
Sleigh Ride at Charmingfare Farm.
• The Loon Preservation Committee’s Annual Holiday Open House at The Loon Center (183 Lees Mill Road, Moultonborough) is on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a day of family fun with horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday treats, balloon animals, kids’ crafts and a visit from Santa. Visit loon.org/loon-center.
• Brookford Farm (250 West Road, Canterbury, 742-4084, brookfordfarm.com) will celebrate Christmas With the Cows Saturdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, and Sundays, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 ($15 at the door) and children 3-12 years old are $7 ($10 at the door). Children 2 and under are free.
• The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford) will host a Visit From Santa on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Seasonal treats will be available at the Farm’s farmstand, and animals will be available for petting. Attendance is free, but donations to the Educational Farm are welcome. Visit theeducationalfarm.org.
• Elf Training Sessions are back at the Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry). The sessions are Monday, Dec. 2, through Wednesday, Dec. 4, with multiple time slots each day: On Monday and Tuesday, there will be sessions at 3:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, there will be an additional session for infants starting at 10 a.m. followed by sessions at 3:30 and 5 p.m. Activities include elf-themed crafts, songs, snacks and storytelling. Visit derrypl.org.
• There will be a Christmas Holiday Program for children, ages 1-5 in the Winchell Room at Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550, manchesterlibrary.org) on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. where kids can make Santa hats, decorate trees, play games such as “Pin the Heart on the Grinch” and more. This is a drop-in program.
• UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center (153 Paige Hill Road, Goffstown, 497-2343, upreachtec.org) will host a “Deck the Stalls,” a Holiday Open Barn, Friday, Dec. 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public, featuring barn tours, the opportunity to meet some of the horses who live and work at UpReach, holiday treats, a hot chocolate bar, live music and an ugly holiday sweater contest.
• The YMCA of Downtown Manchester (30 Mechanic St. in Manchester; graniteymca.org) will hold a Brunch with Frosty on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a free event featuring a pancake breafast, photos with Frosty the Snowman and more.
• Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Jones Farmhouse at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840, nhfarmmuseum.org) on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the decorated farmhouse and join in the holiday spirit with volunteers dressed in period attire. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), $6 for ages 4-17, and children under age 4 enter for free. There’s a family pass available for $30, which includes admission for two adults and kids or grandkids. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org/event/victorian-christmas.
• The Millyard Museum’s (200 Bedford St., Manchester) Holiday Open House is on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include children’s holiday crafts, cookies and cider, old-fashioned board games, and a special visit with Santa Claus from noon to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Visit manchesterhistoric.org.
• Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester) will also host “Home for the Holiday: An American Girl Tea Party” Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their dolls and join in a tea party. Tickets are $20 per person. Visit manchesterhistoric.org.
• There will be Mom and Me Gingerbread House Workshops Thursday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840, nhfarmmuseum.org). This special workshop encourages the generations to come together in the kitchen at the 1760s historic Plummer Homestead. All supplies will be provided. The cost is $20. Additional gingerbread houses will be available for $15 each. There is a limit of 30 participants. RSVP on the Museum’s website.
• S’mores with Santa is returning to New Boston on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy meeting Santa, making s’mores and sipping hot chocolate or cider while mingling with friends and neighbors. The gathering will also include singing Christmas carols and the official lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will be present in the gazebo for the tree lighting at 4 p.m., and children are invited to visit with Santa afterward and bring an ornament from home to place on the town tree. In case of inclement weather, the backup date is Sunday, Dec.8. Visit newbostonnh.gov.
• The Friends of the Griffin Free Public Library will present a Santa Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Auburn Village School Cafeteria (11 Eaton Hill Road in Auburn). Santa will arrive by firetruck by 8:45 a.m., the menu with include pancake, eggs, sausage and more.Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids up to grade 8 and free for kids under 3. Contact [email protected].
• The 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa will take place at the Bedford Event Center (379 S. River Road, Bedford, 997-7741, bedfordeventcenter.com) Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. featuring a breakfast buffet, coloring and craft activities, a Mail Your Letter to Santa station, photos with Santa, story time with Santa, and more. Children’s tickets are $49 each, and adult tickets are $59, through planningpod.com.
• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) is hosting its annual Jingle Bell Extravaganza on Sundays, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, with sessions from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can meet Santa, participate in hands-on holiday craft activities, experience a magical science experiment and receive a special treat. Pajama attire is welcomed for this festive event. Ticket cost $22, children under 1 year old are free. Online ticket sales end 24 hours before the start of each event. To reserve a spot, visit childrens-museum.org.
• There will be a Santa Storytime at Bookery (844 Elm St., Manchester, 836-6600, bookerymht.com), Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Santa will read stories.
• Join the Milford Recreation Department for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Milford Town Hall Auditorium (1 Union Square, Milford). Breakfast features pancakes and sausage and a visit with Santa. The event costs $10 per person, children age 2 and under can attend free. Seating is limited; register by Dec. 8. Visit milfordnh.recdesk.com.
• Santa Claus will helicopter in to make a stop at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org) on Saturday, Dec. 14, according the Museum’s website. Santa is slated for touchdown at 11 a.m. and scheduled to stay for two hours (he’s scheduled to leave by fire truck at 1 p.m.). The event will feature hot chocolate, coffee, doughnuts and other holiday treats. Santa fans are asked to arrive at the museum by 10:45 a.m. The museum will be open free to visitors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (admission will be charged from 1 to 4 p.m.).
• Londonderry Access Center TV (281 Mammoth Road) will host Santa Live 2024 on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in the studio for children to visit and will be broadcast live on television. The event is free of charge operates on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments and coloring activities are provided for children while they wait. Each child will receive a gift and a candy cane. Parents are allowed to take pictures during the visit. Visit facebook.com/LondonderryAccessTV.
• Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com) will hold two Holiday Tea Meet and Greet events on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. featuring a light lunch and tea, holiday crafts and dancers from Safe Haven Ballet holiday productions. On Dec. 14, meet The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy and friends. On Dec. 15, meet The Grinch’s Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and friends. Tickets cost $40 for ages 13+ and $30 for ages 2 to 12, which can be purchased via the Kimball Jenkins website under “events.”
• The Concord Public Library (45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordnh.gov/1983/Library) will hold a Teens & Tweens Winter Wonderland Candle Class on Monday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Blanchard Room. Recommended for ages 10-17. RSVP required.
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly event on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover). The festivities include two “Countdowns to Midnight,” one at 10:30 a.m. during the morning play session (9 a.m. to noon) and another at 2 p.m. during the afternoon session (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.). The highlight is the glitter ball descent from the museum’s 30-foot-high Build-It Fly-It towers as the countdown reaches zero. . Reservations and pre-payment are required. Visit childrens-museum.org.
• The Concord Public Library (45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordnh.gov/1983/Library) will host a Noon Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ring in the new year at noon and celebrate with light refreshments and a special toast. Recommended for kids birth through elementary. RSVP via the Library website.
Symphonies and choruses provide many of the sounds of the season.
• There will be an open rehearsal of Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by a performance on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church (22 Centre St., Concord). Visit walkerlecture.org.
• The Vienna Boys Choir will perform on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua). Christmas in Vienna showcases the gifted group of child musicians.Ticket prices range from $49 to $99. Call 657-8774 or visit nashuacenterforthearts.com. They will also perform at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are the same. Visit coloniallaconia.com or call 657-8774.
• Symphony NH is set to hold its Holiday Brass concert in Manchester and in Nashua. Catch the Manchester performance on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org); tickets range from $29 to $39. The Nashua show is on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua), tickets are $40; call 595-9156 or visit symphonynh.org.
• The Manchester Community Music School’s (2291 Elm St., Manchester) Holiday Pops Concert is on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $45, or attendees can reserve a table of 10 for $400. Visit mcmusicschool.org or call 644-4548.
• The Rockingham Choral Society will perform A Rose in Winter on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at Exeter High School (1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter) and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal (43 Pine St., Exeter). The concert will include secular, sacred and holiday works to evoke joy and hope, according to their website. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and students, with children under 6 admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased from members or online, with remaining tickets available at the door. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.
• Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra will hold its holiday concert “Take a Bough” at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia) on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. This annual holiday concert returns with a new selection of traditional carols with a “modern flair,” interpreted by husband-and-wife team Alex and Rachel Hunton in a grand orchestral presentation. Ticket prices range from $12 to $32. Visit coloniallaconia.com or call 657-8774.
• Merry Merry Canterbury Concert & Cocktailswill feature music from the Symphony New Hampshire Quartet on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. with music at the Dwelling House Chapel and appetizers and drinks in the Hubbard Gallery at the Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road in Canterbury; shakers.org). Tickets cost $35.
• The Souhegan Valley Chorus invites you to a performance of Handel’s Messiah to experience the powerful voices of their choir and soloists accompanied by an orchestra. There will be two performances: one on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at Mont Vernon Congregational Church (4 S. Main St., Mont Vernon) and one on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. at Milford United Methodist Church (327 N. River Road, Milford). Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, with children age 12 and under admitted free. Visit souheganvalleychorus.org.
• The Manchester Choral Society on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. will usher in the holiday season with Martin Sedek’s “Gifts of the Season” at Ste. Marie Parish (378 Notre Dame Ave., Manchester). The concert also features Bob Chilcott’s “On Christmas Night,” which will include eight familiar carol settings that follow the sequence of the Christmas story. The Children’s Choir of Ste. Marie joins in under the direction of Katerina Nowik, along with harp, organ, oboe and flute, according to the website. Ticket prices range from $26.50 to $31.60. Visit mcsnh.org or call 472-6627.
• The Nashua Choral Society presents its annual Holiday Concert “Christmas Garland” on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church (216 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua). The performance of holiday favorites will include selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” Adult tickets are $20, students $10, and admission is free for children. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or Darrell’s Music Hall and at the door. Visit nashuachoralsociety.org.
• At the Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St. in Concord; ccmusicschool.org), the Canterbury Singers will offer a Holiday Recital and Singalong on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 12:10 p.m. (free). On Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. the school will present a Holiday Folk Concert; tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for students/seniors.
• Saint Joseph Cathedral (145 Lowell St., Manchester) will present a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria” on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person online or at the door. Visit stjosephcathedralnh.org/cathedralconcert or call 622-6404.
• The Boston Pops Holiday Concert comes to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000) on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., conducted by Keith Lockhart. Tickets cost $57 to $92 and are on sale now. Visit snhuarena.com.
• The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra is holding its annual Holiday Pops Concert at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem) on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The concert will feature Ron Goldstein’s joyful Hanukkah Medley, Tchaikovsky’s enchanting “Valse des Fleurs” (Waltz of the Flowers) and Polar Express, arranged by Jerry Brubaker. Visit nhphil.org or call 647.6476.
• The Tenors of New England will be performing on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at Saints Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church (40 Main St., Salem). A free will offering will be accepted, no reservations needed, and all members of the public are welcome. Visit thenewenglandtenors.weebly.com.
• The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) hosts the Strafford Wind Symphony with a selection of holiday concert arrangements that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and the new year on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, with free admission for children under age 12 but tickets still required. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com or call 335-1992.
• Family Holiday Pops with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra is a Music Hall event that takes place off-site on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Portsmouth High School (50 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth). Visit portsmouthsymphony.org or call 686-8133.
• The First Church (1 Concord St. in Nashua; first-music.org) will present the 4th Advent worshop services “Christmas at First” with Cantata 61 with the Chancel Choir and First Music Chamber Strings on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
It’s not all Hallelujah choruses. Here are some of the other musical and comedy performances on the holiday schedule.
• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour heads to SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) on Friday, Nov. 29, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Other holiday shows at the arena include Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.; the Boston Pops Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., and the Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2 and 7 p.m.
• At the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org), the schedule is packed, with comedian Emily Ruskowski’s Thanksgiving Leftover Comedy Show on Friday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.; the Rock This Show Orchestra’s Christmas Spectacular on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Symphony New Hampshire Presents Holiday Brass on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m.; The Scott Spradling Band Rockin’ Big Band Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; The Eric Mintel Quartet A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m.; a Celtic Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus Winter Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m.; two performances of Candlelight: Featuring Tchaikovsky & More on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.; Queen City Improv’s Holiday Show on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., and The Calamari Sisters’ Feast of the Seven Fishes on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m. as well as Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.
• At the Stone Church (5 Granite St. in Newmarket; stonechurchrocks.com) holiday offerings include Truffle Turkey on Friday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m.; an all ages Christmas show featuring Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club and Jonee Earthquake Band on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., and San Souci (a Jerry Garcia tribute) Holiday Special on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.
• At the Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey, 532-9300, theparktheatre.org) holiday offerings include the Park Theatre Tree Trimming Party with live music, mulled cider and eggnog on Friday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.; The Heather Pierson Trio with A Charlie Brown Christmas on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Josee Vachon & Patrick Ross: A French Canadian Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m.; Electric Earth Concerts Presents: Holiday Fundraiser: Horszowski Trio on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m.; Project Shakespeare Presents: A Christmas Carol on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m.; Granite State Ringers on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m.; Elvis Christmas Concert starring Robert Black as Elvis and The Elvis Band on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig’s Player Piano Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.
• 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 766-3330, 3sarts.org) offersholiday happenings including Model Airplane’s Funksgiving on Friday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m.
• Catch the Jonee Earthquake Punk Rock Christmas Show with Lobotomobile, DIrty Walter and the Smelltones and Raz to Stitchez on Friday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. at Shaskeen Pub (909 Elm St. in Manchester.
• At the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506, lakeportopera.com), upcoming events include a Thanksgiving ’80s Rock Party on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.; A John Denver Christmas performed by Chris Collins and Boulder Company on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., and A Holiday Evening with Clay Cook on Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
• The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 244-0202, thewordbarn.com) presents a 12 Nights of Christmas series this December. The shows take place at the Orchard Chapel (143 Exeter Road in Hampton Falls) and include Halley Neal and Sam Robbins performing songs from their album You and Me on Christmas Eve on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m.; Rock My Soul Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.; Mr Sun. Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.; Kat & Brett Holiday Show on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.; Home for the Holidays with Dustbowl Revival on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m.; A Cape Breton Christmas with Còig on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.; Rasa’s Christmas: Folk Tunes & Holiday Cheer on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.; A Nova Scotia Christmas with Cassie and Maggie on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.; Ed Gerhard Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.; The Heather Pierson Trio with A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3:30 p.m.; the Jordan TW Trio Celtic Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.; A Celtic Christmas with Lunasa on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 5 and 8 p.m.; The Orchard Chapel Candlelight Carol Sing on Friday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5:30 p.m., plus a family matinee version occurs on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.; and A Winter Solstice Celebration with Low Lily on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.
• The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net) presents A Piano Christmas featuring an interactive piano sing-along cabaret with Robert Dionne on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20.
• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, and 14 Route 111, Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com) has a holiday schedule that includes The Granite State Ringers Holiday Handbell Concert in Amherst on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2:30 p.m.; Viva Las Elvis: Christmas In Vegas Concert in Derry on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m.; Holiday Pops Concerts: Brass and Strings featuring members of the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra in Derry on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m.; Holiday Dinner and Show with NSquared Dance Company in Amherst on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m.; Christmas with Neil: Tru Diamond Holiday Concert in Amherst on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.; Ice Princess Party & LaBelle Lights in Derry on Friday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 29, at 3 p.m., and a Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
• Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) holiday events include Fairytale of New York,The Ultimate Irish Inspired Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.; Christmas with the Tenors on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m.; Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m.; Sara Evans’ 21 Days of Christmas Tour on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m., and Juston McKinney’s Comedy Year In Review 2024 on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 5 and 8 p.m.
• At Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-JAZZ, jimmysoncongress.com) holiday-themed shows include A Christmas Show with Sharon Jones and Company on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.; Holiday Disco Vinyl Dance Party with The Glitter Boys in The Gallery at Jimmy’s on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 p.m. to midnight; Warren Wolf’s Christmas Vibes on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m.; the Jane Monheit Holiday Show” Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., and the Stella Cole Holiday Show on Monday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
• Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) celebrates as they often do with Gary Hoey’s Ho! Ho! Hoey! show on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. Other holiday offerings nclude Wizards of Winter on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m., and Adam Ezra Group playing two shows on New Year’s Eve, one with dinner that begins at 5:30 p.m. and another show that starts at 9 p.m. without dinner.
• The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus offers four opportunities to see their holiday show, “Joyful!.” The chorus will perform Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church (3 Lutheran Drive in Nashua) with tickets for $25 plus fees. Next, the chorus will perform Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Bank NH Stage in Concord. On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., see the chorus at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road in Newington); tickets cost $25 plus fees. The final performance in the series will be Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Rex Theatre in Manchester. See nhgmc.com.
• Capitol Center for the Arts (Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) has several holiday musical events planned. The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus presents their Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St.). The Capital Jazz Orchestra presents Holiday Pops on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. Aat the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St.); NightOUT featuring the Free Range Revue takes place on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. This is a celebration of The Nightmare Before Christmas at the BNH stage.; Mr. Aaron Holiday, a holiday party from the local family entertainer, is on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. at the BNH stage.; Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas will take place at the BNH stage on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.; The radio show Greg and the Morning Buzz presents its annual Buzz Ball on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Chubb Theatre.; The Heather Pierson Trio plays a Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 2 and 7 p.m. at the BNH stage.; The Big Easy New Year’s Eve bash at the BNH stage on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m.
• The Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia, coloniallaconia.com, 657-8774) has a stocking filled with holiday events that include Eileen Ivers Joyful Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. and Christmas with the Celts on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
• Holiday shows at The Flying Monkey (39 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com) include Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; An Olde English Christmas with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Fairytale of New York,The Ultimate Irish Inspired Christmas Concert, on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
• At The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org) catch MUSE: A Salute to Holiday Divas! on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.; T.3 – The Falalalonely Tour, a trio of Broadway performers, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., and A Sinatra Christmas with Rich DiMare and Ron Poster at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
• The New Hampshire Theatre Project (959 Islington St., Portsmouth) will present Evening Lights: A Celebration of Joy and Illumination of the Holiday Spirit, according to their website. The party takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 10, Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All tickets are $50 and include refreshments. Visit nhtheatreproject.org.
• At the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, tickets.anselm.edu) catch A Cape Breton Christmas with Coig on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
• Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St. in Manchester) will present a Hachi Holiday Event with Sippy, Wonka Willy, Daze Inn and Audrey on Friday, Dec. 20, starting at 8 p.m. See jewelmusicvenue.com.
• The Strand (20 Third St., Dover, 343-1899, thestranddover.com) will feature a dance party on Saturday, Dec. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 28, both at 8 p.m.
• Pembroke City Limits (134 Main St. in Pembroke, pembrokecitylimits.com) will hold its PCL Christmas Block Party with Jordan Quinn on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. (with a Santa appearance, the website said).
• The Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) holiday selection includes the annual Chanukah at the Palace featuring a musical performance by Bodi and starring psychological illusionist Kent Axell on Monday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m.; Recycled Percussion multiple shows Tuesday, Dec. 31, through Sunday, Jan. 12, and comedian Jimmy Dunn ringing in the new year at the Palace on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 7:30 p.m.
• At Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 335-1992, rochesteroperahouse.com) comedian Bob Marley will perform on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 8 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 5 and 8 p.m.
• There will be a Winter Ball at Phenix Hall: Home for the Holidays, Saturday, Dec. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Phenix Hall (38 N. Main St., Concord). Tickets are $100 each. Visit eventbrite.com.
• At Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, will celebrate the New Year with a 21+ Drag Show Hosted by Karisma & Larissa Montes on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m.
• Headliners Comedy Club has events for New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St.) There are six packages that start at $35. There is a 7 p.m. dinner and an 8 p.m. gala of Dueling Pianos as well as an 8 p.m. comedy show in the Ball Room and the gala at 10 p.m. Comedians include Will Noonan, Dan Crohn, and Amy Tee. There is also a 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. show with the comedy stylings of Anne Powell, Tim McKeever, Dave Decker, and Joe Espi. Headliners will present two comedy shows on Dec. 31 at Chunky’s (707 Huse Road, Manchester) at 7:30 and 9 p.m. with Steve Scarfo, Kyle Crawford, and Dan Croh. Visit headlinerscomedyclub.com or call 988-3673.
Jason Hackler at the New Hampshire Antique Co-op Holiday Open House. Courtesy photo.
Feast your winter wondery eyes on some spectacular art at local seasonal exhibits, arts and craft shows, strolls and fairs.
• Twiggs Gallery will be holding its final exhibition, “GLOW,” marking the gallery’s farewell after a 10-year run, with their doors closing on Dec. 14, according to a press release. The show spotlights the work of its dedicated art instructors. Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen, twiggsgallery.org) is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
• Pillar Gallery + Projects’ newest exhibit is “NANO” and the show runs until Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Pillar gallery (205 N. State St., Concord). “NANO” is a juried exhibition focused on smaller works. Visit pillargalleryprojects.com.
• The seventh annual “Small Works — Big Impact” holiday exhibit is now at Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) and will run until Dec. 21, showcasing work in various media from more than 30 area artists, with most pieces smaller than 12 inches in diameter, making them ideal for holiday gifts. The gallery’s hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., Friday from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.
• The Craftworkers’ Guild shop in Bedford (3a Meetinghouse Road, down the hill in the library parking lot) is open for the holiday season. The shop is open in November Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in December Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 22. See thecraftworkersguild.org.
• “Small Wonders Miniature Art Show” is at the Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St., Manchester; mosaicartcollective.com) through Sunday, Dec. 22. Mosaic is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
• The Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St., Exeter) presents its themed group show “Big Gifts Come in Small Packages” for November and December. Artists are challenged to create beautiful and affordable work, with each piece priced at no more than $100. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Holiday hours begin on Monday, Dec. 9: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 a.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org.
• The New Hampshire Antique Co-Op (323 Elm St., Milford, 673-8499, nhantiquecoop.com) will host its Annual Holiday Open House Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and sweet treats, a gift card contest, a scavenger hunt with prizes, a gallery preview tour of the new fine art exhibition “Light and Brush: Luminous and Tonal paintings from the 19th Century to Present.”
• The Great New England Holiday Craft Market will take place at Labelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) on Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, from noon to 9 p.m. Visit labellewinery.com or call 672-9898.
• Pipe Dream Brewing (49 Harvey Road, Londonderry) will hold a holiday craft fair Friday, Nov. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring more than 10 local vendors selling handmade crafts and other Black Friday Deals. See pipedreambrewingnh.com.
• Two Villages Art Society (846 Main St. in Contoocook; twovillagesart.org) will hold its 2024 Winter Members Show and Sale, “A Celebration of Light,” from Saturday, Nov. 30 to Saturday, Dec. 28. An opening reception with the artists will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 2 pm.
• The Capitol Center for the Arts will hold its first Makers’ Market Saturday, Nov.30, at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S Main St, Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from local artisans.
• The creators of Henniker Handmade & Homegrown are hosting an exclusive boutique shopping experience, Henniker Handmade Holiday, featuring 12 artists and makers. This pop-up event will be held in the Henniker Community Center (at New England College, 57 Main St., Henniker) on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. Locally crafted wares will include needle felted wool ornaments, honey, beeswax candles, soaps, skin care items, fine art prints, woodworking, hand-printed apparel, handwoven textiles, wine and jewelry.
• The Windham Holiday Craft Fair is hosted by New England Vendor Events and will be held at Searles School and Chapel (3 Chapel Road, Windham) on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will be able to get a photo taken with Santa. Visit facebook.com/nevendorevent.
• Caya Reiki & Healing will present the second annual Winter Wonderland Craft Market & Psychic Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hooksett American Legion (5 Riverside St., Hooksett). The event will feature many vendors and artisans. They have partnered with Hooksett’s Light Up The Village tour, which will present a light ceremony near the Robie Store. Visit caya-healing.square.site.
• Wrong Brain Night Bizarre will featuring local artists and artisans on Monday, Dec. 2, from 6 to10 p.m. at Chapel + Main (83 Main St. in Dover; chapelandmain.com), with a $1 suggested admission donation.
• Starry, Starry Weekend will run Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Contookook and Hopkinton villages with participating locations offering artisan crafts, special events and more. See discovertooky.com/starrystarryweekend.
• The Contoocook Artisans Holiday Fair is set for Friday, Dec. 6 , from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post No. 81 (E.R. Montgomery Event Center, 169 Bound Tree Road, Contoocook).
• The Winter Giftopolis by the Concord Arts Market will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 11 p.m. during Intown Concord’s Midnight Merriment. This year’s event will be at the Atrium at 7 Eagle Square. Local artists and craftspeople will be selling their handmade gifts. Visit concordartsmarket.net.
• High Mowing School (77 Pine Hill Drive, Wilton) will host its annual Pine Hill Holiday Fair on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7. Friday night is for adults, with shopping, music and a café from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and family festivities are on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit pinehill.org.
• The First Baptist Church (121 Manchester St., Nashua, 882-4512, fbcnashua.org) will hold its Olde-Fashioned Christmas Fair Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a Christmas Cookie Walk, handcrafted items for sale, homemade jams, ornaments and other items handmade by church members. Santa will arrive at 9 a.m. and stay until noon.
• The St. Nicholas Fair will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Eastman St. in Concord, on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature hand-crafted items, second-hand jewelry, baked goods, used books, and white elephant items.
• The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford (20 Elm St., Milford) will hold its holiday fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., including handcrafted items, a bake shop, and a carol sing-along at 1 p.m. Visit uucm.org/community/holiday-fair-2024.
• Arlington Street United Methodist Church (63 Arlington St., Nashua) will celebrate its Holly Town Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair will feature handmade items, crafts, candies, baked goods and a cookie walk, with lunch available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit asumc.org or call 882-4663.
• St. Patrick Church (34 Amherst St. in Milford, stpatrickmilfordnh.org) will hold a Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a bake sale, crafts, a raffle, a silent auction and more.
• The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Milford (20 Elm St, Milford, 673-1870, uucm.org) will hold a Holiday Sale, Saturday, Dec.7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be new and upcycled crafts, wreaths and holiday centerpieces, the Ritzy Boutique with gently used jewelry and household items, and a bakery. Breakfast and lunch will be available.
• The Somersworth Festival Association will host its Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive, Somersworth) They will only accept cash for food purchased in the cafe.Visit nhfestivals.org.
• The 35th annual Christmas in Strafford event, showcasing more than 50 artists and craftspeople across 29 locations, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Organizers are asking shoppers to help “Soup-port” the town food pantry with donation of a can or box of soup, according to the website. Visit christmasinstrafford.com.
• Saint Patrick’s Parish (12 Main St., Pelham, 635-3525, stpatricks-pelham.com) will host its Annual Christmas Craft Fair in its Parish Center, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local crafters, food, a homemade baked goods table and raffles.
• The Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester (669 Union St., Manchester) will hold its Holiday Gift Faire on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. There will be a gift basket raffle, a cookie buffet walk, “It’s Better Than Take Out” frozen foods, tarot readings, a 50/50 cash raffle, gift shopping, a free holiday selfie photo area and more, according to their website. Visit uumanchester.org.
• The Concord Arts Market is hosting a holiday art market on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St.).Visitconcordartsmarket.net.
• The Animal Rescue League of NH (545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org) will hold a Holiday Fair Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring pet photos with Santa or the Grinch (by appointment), craft vendors, tree sales, a bake sale and more. Visit rescueleague.org/holidayfair.
• There will be a Winter Market at Sanborn Mills Farm (7097 Sanborn Road, Loudon, 435-7314, sanbornmills.org) Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Farm’s workshop instructors will sell their wares. Warm refreshments will be available for purchase in the Sanborn Barn Dining Hall.
• The Holiday Artist Maker Fair will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at French Hall (148 Concord St. in Manchester). See nec.edu/artatfrench.
• A Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St. in Nashua) featuring 85 artisans, craftsmen and specialty foods. Admission is $5; ages 14 and under get in free. See GNECraftArtisanShows.com.
• Brookside Congregational Church (2013 Elm St. in Manchester; brooksidecc.org) will hold its Christmas at the Brook traditional New England Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a suggested admission donation of $1.
• The Nashua Holiday Craft Fair will have crafters, vendors, food and drink, Santa and will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Broad Street School (390 Broad St., Nashua). Visit facebook.com/nevendorevents.
• Picker Artist Studios (3 Pine St. in Nashua; pickerartists.com) will hold its Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Chapel + Main (83 Main St. in Dover; chapelandmain.com) will hold an Arts and Drafts Holiday Fair on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
• Glimpse Gallery’s (Patriot Building, 4 Park St., Concord) newest exhibit begins on Monday, Dec. 9, and runs through Jan. 9, featuring works from artists Pat Arzillo, Byron Carr, Julie Daniels, Mark Ferland, David Wiggins, Barbara Morse and Michael McCormack, as well as a selection from curator Christina Landry-Boullion. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.; RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Visit theglimpsegallery.com or call 892-8307.
• The Holly Jolly Craft Fair will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton (2 Somerset Plaza, Nashua) on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More than 75 artisans will be selling their holiday crafts, including holiday wreaths and centerpieces, reindeer and gnomes, country folk art and more. Visit joycescraftshows.com.
• The Christmas Holiday Craft Fair from Bazaar Craft Fairs will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nashua Bingo Hall (166 DW Highway, Nashua). See Bazaar Craft Fairs’ Facebook page.
• The NH Audubon’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair is Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road in Concord; nhaudubon.org) featuring 30 local crafters, a food truck, a raffle and more.
• The 2nd Annual Manchester Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Club Canadian (128 S. Main St., Manchester, 623-9019, clubcanadianinc.com). Santa will be there all day, taking pictures for free. Visit facebook.com/nevendorevents.
• The 13th Annual Holidaze Bizaare from Wrong Brain is happening Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a new location, the Rockingham Ballroom (22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket). There is a $1 suggested donation. Visit facebook.com/wrongbrain.
• The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 244-0202, thewordbarn.com) will host a Block Printing Workshop Sunday, Dec. 15, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Learn to make your own wrapping paper and bespoke gift tags. All materials will be provided, but bringing your glasses and an apron is highly recommended.
Find treats to eat and treats to give at these holiday events.
• Brookdale Fruit Farm (41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com) will ship apples to friends, family or co-workers across the country. McIntosh, Cortland, Empire and Macoun varieties are available in 25 or 50 counts, beginning at $37.50 plus shipping costs. Order over the phone; personalized card messages are free.
• Place your order for Holy Trinity Cathedral’s (166 Pearl St., Manchester, 668-5087, holytrinitypncc.org) Annual Frozen Food Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon. Quantities of favorite Polish dishes are limited; orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Order at holytrinitypncc.org/2024-htc-food-sale, or call the rectory at 622-4524.
• The Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village (9 Via Toscana, Salem, www.tuscanvillagesalem.com) runs through Christmas Eve. In November the Holiday Shoppes will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. In December they will also be open on Thursdays. The Market will be closed on Christmas Day. Vendors’ offerings include hot chocolate, arancini, kettle corn and other treats as well as jewelry, home goods, seasonal decorations and more.
• The New Hampshire Jingle Bells Winery Tour is running weekends through Sunday, Dec. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For $65 for a single admission or $125 for a couple, sample wines and light hors d’oeuvres at 15 New Hampshire wineries and receive an ornament at each location. See eventbrite.com to purchase tickets and see the list of participating vineyards.
• The Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up bar Miracle will return to Portsmouth from Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Jan. 16, at The Goat (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628, goatnh.com/portsmouth). This year’s Miracle at the Goat will feature a kitschy festive décor and a themed cocktail menu with fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned. New this year are Stocking Stuffer, Christmasaurus, Crooked Antler, Santa Slide and Koala Lalala. The venue is also offering a Santa/Mrs. Claus Brunch on Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Rockingham Brewing Co. (1 Corporate Park Drive, Unit 1, Derry, 216-2324, rockinghambrewing.com) will celebrate the holidays with three events: on Friday, Nov. 29, it will release its seasonal winter warmer, Winter Wonderham, flavored with allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel (7.5% ABV). Sunday, Dec. 8, it will host a Holiday Artisan Market from 1 to 4 p.m.; six to eight local artisans will have handcrafted work to help with your shopping list, and the Teenie Wienies (403-2336, twprovisions.com) food truck will be in attendance. And on Thursday, Dec. 19, Santa Jake will make an appearance for photo ops, accompanied by Tommy’s Pizzeria (tommyspizzerianh.com).
• The theme for the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition at the Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth) is Holiday Memories. The event will run from Friday, Nov. 29, through Monday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 7 p.m. on Fridays). Vote for your favorite house between Nov. 29 and Dec. 18. There will be a series of Gingerbread House events for Historical Society members and for the public throughout December. Visit portsmouthhistory.org.
• The YMCA Allard Center (116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663, graniteymca.org/location/goffstown) will hold its annual Holiday Food & Arts Market Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 22, in the center’s lobby. The market will feature food as well as handmade crafts and art created by the center’s staff and members, according to a post on the Allard Center’s website.
• The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern (132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com) will hold a Holiday Jingle Jam Saturday, Nov. 30, from 8 to 11 p.m. featuring DJ Maltese. This will be an evening of festive fun with karaoke, ugly sweaters, pictures with Santa, and festive treats all night long. Tickets are $15 through Eventbrite.com.
• Learn to build a Chocolate Holiday Cabin at Van Otis Chocolates (341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotis.com) Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Guests 21+ are welcome to bring their own wine or Champagne to enjoy during the class. Tickets are $75.
• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 347-1313, saddleupsaloonnh.com) will host two Holiday Sip & Shop events: Sunday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be live music, merry drink specials and holiday vibes. Warm up with a holiday drink as you browse unique handmade items from 20 local vendors.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com) will host a five-course dinner-and-a-movie screening of Wicked on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., featuring dinner by The Farmer’s Dinner chef, Keith Sarasin ($110).
• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, and 14 Route 111, Derry, 672- 9898, labellewinery.com) has a packed holiday schedule with events including a Cooking with Wine Class: Christmas Recipes Demo and Tasting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. (Amherst, $40), a Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Derry, $124), a DIY Stuffed Knit Christmas Tree Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to noon (Amherst, $64), A Nutcracker Ballet Tea Party with SNHDT on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Amherst, $34), a Wicked Wine Pairing Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Derry, $85), a Holiday Cake Decorating Class on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Derry, $69), and a Masquerade New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. (Amherst, $99).
• The Grazing Room at the Colby Hill Inn (33 The Oaks, Henniker, 428-3281, colbyhillinn.com) will offer several festive dining experiences this season, including a Currier and Ives Dining Room Experience on Wednesday, Dec. 4, a Christmas Cheer Menu beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4, “It’s Almost Christmas” high teas on Saturday, Dec.14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, a New Year’s Eve Sparkling Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and a Back to the ’80s Brunch on New Year’s Day. Visit the Inn’s website.
• Popzup Popcorn (Canal Street Mill, 22 Canal St., Suite 358, Somersworth, 314-8314, popzup.com) will hold its Second Annual Holiday Factory Sale, Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline, 371-2296, averillhousevineyard.com) will hold a Snowman Felting Workshop & Wine Tasting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. (the cost is $50) and a DIY Sea Glass Christmas Tree Workshop on Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. (cost is $55), and a New Year’s Eve 2025 Celebration Dinner & Wine Pairing, Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• The Canterbury Farmers Market will hold its final market of the year indoors on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canterbury Elementary School (15 Baptist Road in Canterbury). See canterburyfarmersmarket.com.
• Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown; 887-9463, zorvino.com) has holiday events on the schedule including Holiday Sip ’n’ Shop on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local vendors (admission is free but register for a ticket online in advance). There will be an Oh, Snap! Gingerbread Decorating Night, Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. (21+, $45), and the Tidings & Tinsel group holiday party Friday, Dec. 13, starting with a cocktail hour at 6:30 and featuring dinner and dancing (the cost is $75 per person).
• There will be a Brunch with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Castleton Banquet and Conference Center (58 Enterprise Drive, Windham, 898-6300, castletonbcc.com). Meet Santa, and enjoy a brunch buffet. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for children and $12 for babies.
• 603 Brewery (42 Main St., Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com) will host two holiday celebrations this season: a Holiday Movie Trivia Night and Abominable Hopman Beer Release on Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 10 p.m., and an Ugly Sweater Party on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 10 p.m.
• Fulchino Vineyard (187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com) will host a Christmas Festival Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 15. with 90-minute slots to sign up to take family portraits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. An adult ticket includes one free wine glass per adult and a complimentary wine tasting.
• Fulchino Vineyard (187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com) will hold its Christmas Festival Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 15. Bring your family. Have pictures taken with Santa. There will be artists, vendors and local craftspeople on hand to help you find the perfect last-minute holiday gifts. This event will take place inside and out, with complementary igloos and fire pits, and complimentary wine-tastings. Visit the Vineyard’s website.
• Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (111 Island Pond Road in Manchester; 623-2941) will hold a drive-through December foodfest on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Order via the website by Tuesday, Dec. 10, for options including boneless baked lamb, lamb soulvaki, avgolemono, spinach pita and Greek pastries.
• The Currier and Ives Cookie Tour will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature 16 stops at inns, restaurants, galleries and more in the Monadnock region. Cookie Tour tickets will be available starting Dec. 1. Tickets may be purchased at The Inn at East Hill Farm (460 Monadnock St., Troy, 242-6495, east-hill-farm.com) and Frogg Brewing (580 Sawyers Crossing Road, Swanzey, 547-7639, froggbrewing.com). Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased with cash only. Visit currierandivescookietour.com.
• Celebrate a Not So Silent Night at Pipedream Brewing (49 Harvey Road, Unit 4, Londonderry, 404-0751, pipedreambrewingnh.com) Saturday, Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. until closing. The event promises to be Ho Ho Hopelessly Excellent.
• Make a weekend of cookie adventures with the 27th Annual Holiday Inn to Inn Cookie Tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at nine White Mountain inns stretching from Jackson to Eaton, with inns at least 15 minutes apart. See countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/annual-holiday-inn-to-inn-cookie-tour.
• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry, 339-1664, culinary-playground.com) has adult+child cooking classes including Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon ($58 per team) and Homemade Pasta for Cheese Ravioli on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. ($52 per team). Adult class offerings include Cake Decorating on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. ($65), Focaccia Bread Art on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon ($65), and Glazed Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ($55).
• There will be a Cookie Swap at the Rogers Memorial Library (194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org) on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contribute four dozen of your favorite homemade holiday cookies and take home a wonderful cookie assortment! Please be sure to provide a recipe copy with your cookies. Registration is required.
• Salona Bar & Grill (128 Maple St., Manchester, 624-4020, facebook.com/Salona) will hold its Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 21, beginning at 7:15 p.m. This is Salona’s biggest party of the year. Food will be provided. There will be a yankee swap ($25 gift); please bring a gift if you want to participate, and you will also take one home. There will be a contest for the most-swapped gift. DJ Davey Kay will play favorite Christmas carols.
Miracle popup at The Goat in Portsmouth. Courtesy of The Goat.
• The Atkinson Resort & Country Club (85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, 362-8700, atkinsonresort.com) will host Santa’s Holly, Jolly, Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Legacy Ballroom. Enjoy a buffet breakfast, craft activities for the children, photos with Santa (don’t forget to bring your camera), a story read by Santa, DJ entertainment and a dance party. Doors will open at 1 p.m.; guests should be seated for Santa’s arrival at 1:15 p.m. Visit atkinsonresort.com/holiday-events for ticket information.
• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way in Bedford; bedfordvillageinn.com, 472-2001) will hold its Feast of the Seven Fishes on Monday, Dec. 23, starting at 6 p.m. This 21+ dinner costs $125 per guest. The meal features passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres, three savory courses and a dessert station and is held in the Great Hall. Call or go online to reserve tickets. Other holiday meals include a Christmas Eve Three-Course Menu ($125 for adults, $75 for ages 10 and under) plus a Grand Dessert Buffet (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.); a New Year’s Eve Dinner with seating times from 5 to 9:30 p.m. ($110 per adult; see the website for the menu), and a New Year’s Day Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Birch on Elm (968 Elm St., Manchester, 836-1958, birchonelm.com) invites you to a New Year’s Eve night of elegant indulgence, Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $200 through Eventbrite.com and include unlimited passed appetizers, a raw bar, two drinks, and a Champagne pour when midnight nears.
• Shaskeen Pub (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com) will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Bash on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be an open bar, a free buffet, a free Champagne toast, and music by DJ Myth. Tickets are $60 through ticketleap.com.
‘Party hearty, Marty’
Find holiday films from The Polar Express to Scrooged
• Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org) has its usual mix of big releases, like Wicked, and indies, such as the new documentary A Ride Ahead from Samuel Habib and Dan Habib, on the December schedule. For holiday-themed watching, the schedule includes Merry Good Enough, a 2023 release described on its website as “an indie, dark(ish) comedy about a dysfunctional family whose mom disappears on Christmas Eve,” through Thursday, Nov. 28, at 4 and 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 1, 1:45, 4 and 6:30 p.m. Catch Elf(PG, 2003) on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. The Frank Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life(1946) will screen Wednesday, Dec. 11, tentatively at 7 p.m. (check with the theater closer to the time).
• Apple Cinemas in Merrimack (11 Executive Park Drive) and Hooksett (38 Cinemagic Way) will play some recent holiday films. The 2018 animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) will screen in Hooksett Friday, Nov. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10:30 and 12:45 p.m. in Hooksett and daily through Thursday, Dec. 5, in Merrimack. Elf(PG, 2003) will screen once daily Friday, Dec. 6, through Thursday, Dec. 12 at both theaters. The 2000 live action How the Grinch Stole Christmas(PG) will screen Friday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Dec. 26, at noon, at Hooksett and once daily at Merrimack.
• Cinemark Rockingham Park (The Mall at Rockingham Park, 15 Mall Road in Salem; cinemark.com) will feature family films as part of its Holiday Movie Clubhouse. Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. catch Elf(PG, 2003). Catch The Polar Express (G, 2004) on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 12:25 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. The 2000 live action How the Grinch Stole Christmas(PG) will screen Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
• The Flying Monkey (39 S. Main St. in Plymouth; flyingmonkeynh.com) kicks off its December slate of movies with the live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG, 2000) starring Jim Carrey on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) will screen Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. The Polar Express (G, 2004) will screen Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. Love Actually (R, 2003) will screen Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. Elf (PG, 2003) will screen Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. A Christmas Story (PG, 1983) will screen on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) will screen Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. For all films, doors open an hour before. The month finishes off with a film that gives New Year’s Eve party vibes — Baz Luhrmann’s 2013The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which screens Saturday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m.
• Fathom Events (fathomevents.com) has several holiday screenings on its schedule, with the films playing at multiple area theaters. The concert film For King + Country’s A Drummer Boy Christmas Live will screen Thursday, Dec. 5, through Monday, Dec. 9, at area theaters including Apple Cinemas Merrimack & Hooksett, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington. André Rieu’s Christmas Concert will screen Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at Apple Cinemas Merrimack & Hooksett, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington and on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at those same theaters. I Am the Immaculate Conception (2024) will screen at Apple Cinemas Merrimack & Hooksett, O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square in Epping and Regal Fox Run in Newington on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. White Christmas (1954) starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney will screen in a 70th anniversary presentation at O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square in Epping, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. (also 1:30 and 7 p.m. at Regal Fox Run) and on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., and at Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. A broadcast of The Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker will screen on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. at O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square in Epping and Regal Fox Run in Newington and Monday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. at Regal Fox Run.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com) has a packed holiday schedule. A 21+ screening of Scrooged (PG-13, 1988), the Bill Murray take on A Christmas Carol, will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. The Polar Express (G, 2004) will screen Friday, Dec. 6, through Thursday, Dec. 19; tickets are on sale now and include regular admission tickets and a ticket that comes with a bell and a Santa cookie. Special screenings include the Monday, Dec. 9, and Monday, Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m., which include a visit from Santa Claus, and the Wednesday, Dec. 11, screening at 11:30 a.m., which is sensory-friendly. A 21+ screening of Elf (PG, 2003) will screen Thursday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) will screen Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 19, an Ugly Christmas Sweater party accompanies a 21+ screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) with prizes for ugly sweaters.
Other holiday-themed events at Chunky’s include a 21+ trivia night about classic Christmas music on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m.; a 21+ trivia night about classic Christmas movies on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m.; a Nightmare Before Christmas paint and party event on Friday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m.; a family-friendly performance with comedy illusionist Ben Pratt on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 4 and 7 p.m.; 21+ “The New Year” scratch ticket bingo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 6:30 p.m., and a New Year’s Eve drag show on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m.
• The Magic Flute, an encore broadcast of The MET: Live in HD, will screen at BNH Stage (16 Main St. in Concord, ccanh.com) and via Fathom Events (fathomevents.com) at Apple Cinemas in Merrimack and Hooksett, O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square in Epping and Regal Fox Run in Newington on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m.
• Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey, theparktheatre.org) will screen the silent film Oliver Twist(1922) starring Jackie Coogan and Lon Chaney and featuring live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. as part of the theater’s Dickens Fest programing. The screening will include a 10-minute adaptation of A Christmas Carolproduced in 1910 by Thomas Edison, according to silentfilmlivemusic.blogspot.com. The Park will also screen A Christmas Story (PG, 1983) on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. as part of the theater’s Santa Party which features a sing-along with Santa, free popcorn and a candy cane (first come first served). It’s A Wonderful Life(1946) will screen Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
• The Strand (20 Third St., Dover, 343- 1899, thestranddover.com) will screen Elf (PG, 2003) as part of its annual Christmas Break on a Budget event, which will also include cookie decorating, snowflake making, paper chain making and a storytime starting at noon on Saturday, Dec. 21. Admission costs $20 for a family (up to four people) or $8 per person. “Kids and adults can bring your pillows and blanks and find a spot on the dance floor to watch the movie,” according to the website.
Brookford Farm (250 West Road, Canterbury, 742-4084, brookfordfarm.com) will host Christmas with the Cows today and Sunday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as well as next Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8). This German-themed event will feature musician-led caroling with the cows from 3 to 5 p.m., opportunities to feed calves and piglets, campfire and hayrides, samples of salami and sauerkraut as well as crafts-to-make for purchase (gnome home, wreaths, candles) plus Christmas trees and farm-to-table foods. The farm will feature a German Christmas market and items such as German wurst, sauerkraut, hot mulled wine, goulash and stollen, according to the website.
General admission tickets (for ages 13+) are $10 online and $15 at the door. Children’s tickets (3 to 12 years old) are $7 online and $10 at the door. Children 2 and under attend free. No pets. Visit brookfordfarm.com/events.
Friday, Nov. 29
The Candia Farmers Market will partner with Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia) for a Holiday Gift Barn Open House today from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring 29 vendors (most from the past season of the market), free admission to the farm, live music and storytelling, the Children’s Christmas Choir at 6:30 p.m. and more, according to candiafarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Pembroke City Limits (134 Main St. in Pembroke; pembrokecitylimits.com) will host Poets on the Loose, a gathering of local poets (all welcome) today at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
The Rotary Club of Merrimack will kick off its annual Christmas Tree Sale today at Watson Park (447 DW Highway in Merrimack) open weekdays 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until the trees sell out. See merrimackrotary.org.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Aquanett will bring the rock and metal of the 1980s to Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506, lakeportopera.com) on tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $38.56, plus fees.
Sunday, Dec. 1
There will be a showing of the classic silent WC Fields comedySo’s Your Old Man (1926) today at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St., Wilton, 654-3456, facebook.com/wiltontownhalltheatre) at 2 p.m. This silent film will have live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis. Admission is free; donations are accepted, with $10 per person.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Chunky’s (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com) will host a 21+ Scratch Ticket Bingo on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. A $13 admission (plus fees) gets you a seat, a $5 food voucher for that evening, a pass for a future movie and a chance to win $5 scratch tickets.
Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 7 Heavy metal band In This Moment will play the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) Saturday, Dec.7, as part of its Godmode tour. The show will feature the song “I Would Die for You” from the soundtrack of John Wick: Chapter 4, and performances by Kim Dracula, Nathan James and Mike’s Dead. Tickets start at $37.
The U.S. Drought Monitor for New Hampshire reported on Nov. 21 that a small section of southeastern Rockingham County was in “extreme drought” while portions of Rockingham, Hillsborough and Cheshire counties were still in “severe drought” with the rest of those counties plus all of Merrimack, Sullivan, Strafford and Belknap counties listed as in “moderate drought” along with parts of Grafton and Carroll counties. The rest of the state was labeled as “abnormally dry,” the map reported.
QOL score: -1
Comments: According to WMUR, the report looks at rainfall Tuesday to Tuesday, so it does not include the rain from the second half of last week — here’s hoping the next report, which you can find at drought.gov/states/new-hampshire, is more promising.
Fun for data nerds
New Hampshire’s Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau has released an application that allows users to examine data for the 234 incorporated cities and towns in the state. In an Oct. 23 email the ELMI — part of the Department of Employment Security — explained, “Data on many topics are available ranging from population and demographics as well as income, labor force, educational attainment, housing units, and property taxes. Additional information on school and day care enrollment, as well as other specific data provided by the municipalities, can be compared.” If you’ve ever wondered what the average weekly wage in Derry is, for instance, it’s $1,281. Or it ever seemed to you that there are more men than women walking around Concord, you’re right — there are 22,879 men, versus 21,170 women (as of 2023).
QOL score: +1
Comment: To access the application, visit nhes.nh.gov/elmi.
We’re woodworking winners
New Hampshire carvers dominated the recent New England Woodworking Competition, which featured works by professionals, amateurs and students, held at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. In a Nov. 15 press release, The Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers wrote that there were 150 entries from New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts including more than “60 elementary, middle school, high school and college students.” The three Judges Awards all went to Granite Staters: David Foote of Barrington; Ronald Litalien of Canterbury and Ted Blachly of Warner, the release said. In the student categories, Michael Franta of Contoocook won first prize in the Middle School division (for “Cherry Wood Coffee Table”) and Gabriela Crinigan of UNH won first prize in the College division (for “Tooth Box”). New Hampshire woodworkers swept the Amateur Woodworkers division: Joe Marshall of Nashua in Carving; Edward Marks of Nashua for Turning between Centers; Ron Marcoux of Bedford for Bowl Turning; Jim McLaughlin of Warner for Amateur and David Labrie of Manchester for Traditional, the release said.
QOL score: +1
Comment: To see this year’s winners and their winning works, visit the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers website at gnhw.org.
QOL score last week: 74
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 75
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
The Big Story – Football on Thanksgiving Weekend: It’s the best weekend of the regular season in the NFL and college games, where along with the usual family debates, arguments and near fistfights, the motto is, eat, drink and watch football. Enjoy.
Sports 101: What was the shortest overtime in a game in NFL history?
News Item – Sale Wins Cy Young: You can’t blame the Red Sox for sending him away. But you just knew after all the misery his avalanche of injuries caused them as it cost them $120 million for 11 measly wins that he would miraculously get healthy and turn back into the guy he once was. Which he did by going 18-3 to win the Cy Young Award last week.
News Item – Ovechkin Closing in on Gretzky: I know I checked out on hockey sometime after the Rangers finally won the Cup in 1994, but I had no idea AlexOvechkin was so close (894 to 865), as he went to the short-term injured list last week, to passing The Great One as the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history. I had thought that record was unapproachable.
News Item – Rodgers to Jets a Total Failure: The Coach has been fired. The GM has now been fired. And the team is 3-8 after finishing 7-10 last year. So the yacking from Jetland that AaronRodgers in New York meant the Super Bowl was a lock has turned out to be just the latest blast of hot air coming from the Big Apple.
The Numbers:
9 – incredible place the Patriots could actually pick in Round 1 of the 2025 draft despite their awful 3-8 (at my early deadline) record thanks to the dearth of horrible NFL teams who can finish below them.
528,750 – dollars paid at auction last week for TedWilliams’ 1946 MVP trophy.
… of the Weekend – Top 5 Games:
Tradition at its Best – Bears-Lions, 12:30 p.m.: It would be better if it were the Packers, because the Bears stink and that would also take me back to the first one of these I’ve seen when the Lions handed GB their only loss in 1962. But nothing’s better than the game on Thanksgiving in Detroit and this time the Lions are headed to the SB.
Most Competitive College Game – #3 Texas-#15 Texas A&M, Saturday 7:30 p.m.: The winner gets a spot in the SEC Championship game.
Rivalry Game, Saturday at noon: UM is unranked this time but Michigan vs. Ohio State is the best rivalry in college football. Plus we get to see RyanDay and ChipKelly in action.
Indy at New England – Sunday at 1 p.m.: This was once the game, but now it’s a chance to see more of DrakeMaye.
Best NFL Game – Eagles at Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.:DerrickHenry and SaquonBarkley are the top two rushers in the NFL, while LamarJackson and JalenHurts are exciting two-way threats. Buckle up.
Random Thoughts:
Sorry, SamKennedy, but I don’t believe a word you said at last week’s presser about the Red Sox being willing to spend big this offseason. Actions speak louder than words. Until we see it, you’re just a mouthpiece for an owner who doesn’t have the guts to face the music himself. The outspoken thing has worked out pretty well financially for KendrickPerkins. But I’ve got to think a lot of past and present NBA players think he’s pretty mouthy for a guy with a dinky five points per game career score.
Sports 101 Answer: The shortest OT in an NFL game is 13 seconds, which is how long it took Chicago’s DaveWilliams to take the OT kickoff 92 yards to the house to beat Detroit on Thanksgiving Day 1980.
A Little History – Game on Thanksgiving 1980: Making the Bears’ win even more improbable was QB VinceEvans running 4 yards for a TD as time expired to tie it at 17-17 after the PAT. Then came Williams’ TD meaning they’d scored 13 points in 13 seconds for the 23-17 win. Oh, and they had been down 14-3 in the fourth quarter.
Final Thought – Local Sports Things to Be Thankful for at Thanksgiving
I wasn’t for drafting a QB this early in the rebuild because I thought they needed more talent in place to help him when he did arrive. But the Patriots brass appears to have gotten it right with DrakeMaye and he’s making what was a dull, boring team before he started to play a lot more interesting to follow.
DerrickWhite and JrueHoliday — Tatum and Brown get all the attention, but these two accept lesser roles than they’d have elsewhere because they’re true team players who just want to win. Ditto for ageless AlHorford.
The young core already at Fenway and the four others not far from getting there promise to make it exciting for several years. But only ifJohnHenry is willing to spend to bring in high-end pitching this winter to complement those everyday players.
Father and son filmmakers talk about their newest documentary
The Ride Ahead is a documentary from the father-son director team of Dan and Samuel Habib that follows 21-year-old Samuel as he navigates the challenges of growing up while he experiences GNAO1, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that caused his cerebral palsy, epilepsy and speech challenges, according to the film’s website. The duo won at the 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards in 2023 with their New York Times Op-Doc My Disability Roadmap, which is essentially a trailer for this documentary. The film was first screened as a New Hampshire premiere at the opening night of the New Hampshire Film Festival. The Concord premiere will be on Monday, Dec. 2, at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St.) at 6 p.m. The Ride Ahead will also be screened at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord) at various times from Tuesday, Dec. 3, to Thursday, Dec. 12. Visit rideaheadfilm.com for more information or ccanh.com and redrivertheatres.org for tickets.
Can you give a brief overview of the film and the kind of the journey that this endeavor has taken you and Samuel on?
Dan Habib:The Ride Ahead is a new feature-length documentary that Samuel and I just finished this past year. It’s been four years in the making. We produced it right through Covid, which was a big challenge, but it started out because, as Samuel may share a little bit in his comments, Samuel had a very inclusive school experience, a lot of great friends here in Concord, in Concord High School, but then you graduate and it’s very confusing to know how to transition to adulthood for a lot of people, not just people with disabilities. Samuel had a lot of questions about his education, his employment, relationships, where he’s going to live, how he’s going to make new friends, right? I mean, things you talk about all the time. So we just hatched this idea that he could both learn how to navigate the path of adulthood by reaching out to mentors in the disability world who had already been through that transition about their experiences while making a film about that journey, about that exploration of all these questions.
We started researching it back in 2019 and Samuel started thinking about people he wanted to interview, some of whom he knew for years, like Pete Jones and Judy Heumann and Bob Williams, some people he had just heard about and he wanted to reach out to. The film is documenting Samuel’s journey into adulthood while he reaches out for guidance from these badass adults with disabilities all over the country. We decided to also film it from a first-person point of view. Samuel has two GoPro cameras mounted on his wheelchair, one facing in, one facing out, that filmed Samuel’s life experiences throughout that time, and then we would hire professional crews to film the interviews. One of the really important things we decided from the beginning was to hire a majority disabled film and outreach crew. The majority of the people that had paid jobs in this film are disabled people And that’s very unique in the documentary industry, so we’re really proud of that too.
What were some challenges in making the film?
Samuel Habib: Setting up and getting all of the interviews done was the most challenging part of creating the film. We had a lot of misadventures during our travels. On our flight to Indianapolis to interview Andrew Peterson, they turned my power wheelchair on its side both ways — and it got damaged both ways! On our trip to D.C. to interview Judy Heumann and Bob Williams, we had a six-hour flight delay, and then as we were finally boarding our plane, another passenger talked down to me, like I was a 3-year-old. On our New York City trip to interview Keith Jones and Maysoon Zayid, I had a seizure. But we still got the filming done on all the trips!
What were some of the highlights of making the film?
SH: The interviews were awesome, they blew my mind. I reviewed the best sections from the interviews with my dad and we picked out the most powerful lines. I wanted to have lots of humor in the film, so we included some hilarious lines from interviews, especially Keith Jones and Maysoon Zayid. But Judy Heumann was pretty funny too. My favorite line in the film is Keith telling me his advice for sex: Rule number one…. Rule number two…. All the way down to 100: ‘Bag it up.’ And then we added the animation of the condom going all the way over me and my wheelchair — that really cracked me up.
What do you want audiences to take away from the film?
SH: My goal for the film is that people won’t talk down to disabled people. I want everyone to know that disabled people demand respect and rights. And I want other young adults with disabilities to have the same opportunities that I’ve had for health care, inclusive education, college, assistive technology, jobs, making friends, advocacy, and independent living. I hope parents who will watch this film will see that they should include their kids in everything, like my family has done. And I hope schools and colleges who watch this film will commit to include disabled students alongside their non-disabled peers. All of my schools have been inclusive and that made a big impact on my education, and led to my life now as a filmmaker. Our film will let people learn from disability role models like Judy Heumann and Bob Williams about how to live a full life with a disability as they transition to adulthood. This film will help people understand how to talk to me and other people with communication challenges. Be patient and do not talk down to me. Ask me how I best communicate. Slow down the pace of the conversation to create more space for me to contribute. If you don’t understand me, ask me to repeat what I said. If I’m typing on my device, don’t start another conversation — please wait for me to finish.
Young people with disabilities who have seen the film so far have told me that they have the same questions as I do about dating, sex, moving out of their own family’s home, how to respond when people talk down to them, work, and college. That means a lot to me.
Would you want to talk about how important community has been in making the film?
DH: I think film is the most team-oriented creative medium because you have to work with so many talented people to pull it off. We did build a community, you know, as I said, a majority disabled community of creative people to do the film. All of our musicians and people who did the score are all disabled, the animators are disabled, social media manager, our co-producer, our executive producer. So that was really important to us because if Sam was going to tell his story about his own perspective on living as a disabled man, we wanted the whole team to understand that perspective and many of them to have lived it. That was a big part of building community right there but I also think, Samuel, would you say that building community among your mentors, the people like Maysoon and Keith and others, was that also how you would see community-building being important here?
SH: Yeah.
DH: Yeah. So I think also building this community of mentors that Samuel could continue to learn from … .
What are you up to now, Samuel?
SH: I continue to work part time at the Westchester Institute for Human Development doing film work and presentations. The past few years, I’ve been in college at NHTI, the local community college in Concord, New Hampshire, working toward my liberal arts associate’s degree. I have been taking one class a semester and have a 3.0 GPA. So far I have taken Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Psychology, Contemporary Ethical issues, U.S. History, Social Media Strategy, Mindful Communications, Western Civilization, Geology, Statistics, and Environment and Society. I also joined the student senate club at school. I’m taking this semester off for the film launch, and then I’m planning to attend Southern New Hampshire University, a four-year college. I also had a job last summer at a music venue in New Hampshire called Meadowbrook, scanning tickets. I got to see a bunch of free shows! I’m planning to volunteer at a local performing arts center this fall and winter. Through my film work and the job and volunteer work, I am hoping to make more friends and maybe find a girlfriend. —Zachary Lewis
The Ride Ahead Concord premiere Monday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. at Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., ccanh.com Tickets $22.25 plus small fee Screenings Tuesday, Dec. 3, to Thursday, Dec. 12, at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., Concord, redrivertheatres.org; typical screening times are 1:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Featured image: Dan and Samuel Habib.. Courtesy photo.
