extra cheer for spicing the eggnog of your life 

Tree Lighting, Parades and Santa

Nov. 30 Exeter Open House and Festival of Trees: The seventh annual festival takes place during the annual downtown Open House, 5-8 p.m., at local stores. The event includes hay rides and a tree lighting at 5 p.m. with Santa. More than 40 dazzling live trees will adorn Town Hall from 2 to 8 p.m., then will be auctioned off to benefit the Exeter Area Chamber Children’s Fund, which provides warm clothing and bedding for local children during the winter. Other events include an art show at the Town Hall from 4 to 8 p.m.; a Gift Bazaar at the Congregational Church from 2 to 8 p.m.; and an ongoing perfromance by a handbell choir at the Congregational Church from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, call 603-772-2411.

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Light Up Durham treelighting with Santa, bonfire and dessert, starting at 6:45 p.m. on the Main Street stage. See “Festivals” for a full schedule of events.

Dec. 1 Portsmouth Tree Lighting: Entertainment in Market Square begins at 6 p.m., with the lighting of the Unity Tree at 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 Berwick Holiday Parade: The parade steps off from grammar school at 2 p.m. For more information, call Town Hall at 207-698-1101.

Dec. 2 Kittery Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: The Parade will step off at 3 p.m. from Post Office Square. The theme is “Holiday Memories,” featuring walking units, marching bands, floats, antique cars, fire trucks, police cars, Navy Yard color guard, church units, civic organizations and more, followed by the lighting of the tree by Santa, and hot cocoa and cookies. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the Seacoast. For more information, call 207-439-0721.

Dec. 2 Dover Tree Lighting: The 21st Living Christmas Tree Lighting at Henry Law Park, organized by the Dover Recreation Division. Come to enjoy Christmas songs and bring a weather-appropriate ornament to hang on the tree, 4:30 p.m., 603-516-6401. After the ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and talk with each child. 

Dec. 2 Exeter Holiday Parade: On the theme of “Holiday Songs of the Season,” steps off at 5:30 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m.

Dec. 2 Eliot Tree Lighting: There will be hot chocolate, cookies, a community sing-along and a visit from Santa at the annual tree lighting ceremony at Hammond Park, across from Eliot Elementary School, 6 p.m.

Dec. 2 Portsmouth Holiday Parade steps off from Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m for a tour around downtown.

Dec. 3 Hampton Parade and North Hampton Tree Lighting: Parade starts at 1:30 pm, proceeding to the Galley Hatch on Winnacunnet Road in Hampton. Tree lighting, Christmas caroling and Santa visit at the bandstand at 5 p.m., at the intersection of Routes 151 and 111. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 603-964-3170.

Dec. 3 Rochester Holiday Parade: This year’s theme is “The Toys of Christmas,” kicks off at 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 Stratham Tree Lighting: The annual lighting of the tree will take place at Stratham Circle at 5 p.m. There will be carol singing, music and placing of luminaries. The Stratham Volunteer Fire Department and Stratham Community Church will offer cookies, cocoa and holiday music back at the fire station immediately following the lighting.

Dec. 5 Wentworth By the Sea Presents Holiday Lights: At 5 p.m., the hotel will switch on its holiday display, a garland of tiny white lights outlining the grand central tower of the hotel’s dramatic Victorian architecture. An antique sleigh decorated with greens greets visitors at the foot of the drive, and, in honor of the lighting ceremony, the hotel will offer complimentary holiday refreshments and music and give visitors a chance to see the elegant lobby Christmas tree and other festive seasonal décor. Route 1B, New Castle, 603-422-7322.

Dec. 18 Hampton Tour of Lights: Tour holiday displays in style—the Recreation Department will take you on an after-dark tour in a 14-passenger van. Call to reserve a spot, 603-926-3932.

Write to Santa

Dec. 1-15 “Letters to Santa” Program: Santa will start answering letters written by children (please let your children write their own letter). The final date to send your letter to Santa is Dec. 15; it can be sent to Santa Claus, c/o Exeter Post Office, 34 Front St., Exeter, N.H. 03833. Santa will send a personalized letter back, direct from the North Pole. Sponsored by the Exeter Parks and Recreation Department and the Exeter Post Office.

Dec. 11-12 Santa Calling: Dover Recreation and Dover Rotary Club have made special arrangements for Santa Claus to telephone Dover children up to age 6 from Santa’s Workshop at North Pole Headquarters. Santa will call children on Monday, Dec. 11 and Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa forms will be available at all Dover Recreation facilities (gym, pool and arena); a Santa form must be filled out and submitted to receive a call. Deadline to get forms into Dover Recreation, 6 Washington St., is Saturday, Dec. 9, by noon. For more information, call Dover Recreation at 603-516-6401. 

Festivals 

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Light Up Durham is a community-wide celebration that begins on Thursday and Friday with the Evergreen Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., UNH Memorial Union Building. Events on Friday include: Wine and Cheese Party, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express; children’s events including  visit with Mrs. Claus (4 to 4:30 p.m.), Holiday Story Time (4:30 to 5:15 p.m.), and Wayne From Maine (5:15 to 6 p.m.), UNH Huddleston Hall; Spaghetti Dinner, 6 to 8 p.m., Young’s Restaurant, $7 for adults and $5 for those under 12; Holiday Open House at Durham businesses, 6 to 8 p.m.; Main Street Entertainment, 6:15 p.m., Main Street Stage; Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus, 6:45 p.m., Main Street Stage; and bonfire and dessert, 7:15 p.m., Mill Plaza. The festival concludes on Saturday with a pancake breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., Durham House of Pizza, $5; Fair Day at Durham churches, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (see Arts events); and Shawn the Storyteller followed by “The Polar Express,” 1:30 to 4 p.m., UNH MUB Theatre 2.

Dec. 2 York Festival of Lights: The full-day, community wide event begins with Breakfast with Santa, 8 to10 a.m., with Holiday Stories From Around the World, York Public Library, Long Sands, free. Festival of Gingerbread Houses, on display 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with winners announced at 1 p.m., York Public Library. Greens & Wreaths Sale, 9 a.m. to noon, First Parish Church Hall, York Village Green. Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., York Public Library. Festival of Trees, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., holiday tree display, Masonic Lodge, Long Sands Road. Here Comes Santa Claus, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes photos with Santa, York Public Library, free. Winter Wonderland, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with model train village, York Village Marketplace, York Street. A Peaceable Kingdom, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., exhibition of regional artists, George Marshall Store Gallery, 140 Lindsay Road. A Christmas Tea, with a fine selection of festive desserts and tea, noon to 4 p.m. (last serving at 3:30), Historic Jefferds’ Tavern, $6 (children welcome). Holiday Film Festival, continuous cartoons, with popcorn and cookies, 11 to 2 p.m., York Public Library. Happy Holidays with a Crystal Tones sing-a-long from the front steps of the Administration Building, Old York Historical Society, 4 to 4:30 p.m. The Festival of Lights Parade, from Foster’s Clam Bake up York Street through the Village Center to the Village Elementary School, 4:30 p.m. Musical Entertainment at Jefferd’s Tavern, 5:30 to 7 p.m., features performances by The Crystal Tones, York Strings, York Middle School Jazz Band, York High School Chamber Singers. Santa visits Jefferds’ Tavern for children’s wishes at 5:30 p.m. Suppers: 5:30 p.m. Fish Chowder Supper at St. George’s Church, York Harbor; 5:30 p.m. Spaghetti Supper hosted by Boy Scouts at First Parish Church Hall. Dessert: 5:30 p.m. Cookie Walk at St. George’s Church, York Harbor; 5:30 p.m. Hot Cocoa sponsored by York Harbor Inn at Jefferds’ Tavern. Ballet New England’s Nutcracker, 7:30 p.m., abridged version of the holiday classic performed exclusively for the Festival of Lights, tickets by donation at the door, York High School auditorium.For more information, call the York Recreation Department at 207-363-1000.

Dec. 2-17 Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke: The Museum grounds glow with hundreds of luminarias, the houses are adorned in period-appropriate holiday finery of live greens and dried flowers; Visitors can browse 18th-century sweets in the 1795 Shapley store, or visit with Mrs. Shapiro as she fries a batch of potato latkes to celebrate Hanukkah with her immigrant family in 1919. At the Governor Goodwin Mansion, Sarah Parker Rice Goodwin welcomes visitors to her capacious 19th-century home for an elaborate Victorian Christmas. At the WWII-era Abbott Store, wartime festivities are modest; period candy will be for sale so visitors can put some history in their stockings. The engaging panoply of sights, sounds, smells, and seasonal entertainment endures as a Seacoast tradition after 27 years, with live entertainment every evening. Takes place Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 from 4 to 9 p.m. New this year: a daytime, 90-minute guided tour of the decorated houses, including the newly renovated Thomas Aldrich house, is available Monday through Friday, Dec. 4 through Dec. 15, 10-2 p.m. Also, live entertainment every evening. Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Tickets are $18/adults, $17/seniors, $10/children 5-17 and $40/family; members and children under 4 admitted free, 603-433-1114.

On Stage 

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 The One-Man Christmas Carol: What would happen if the touring company of “A Christmas Carol” didn’t show up and the stage manager had to go on with the show anyway? Billy Butler manages to present the entire Dickens classic... alone! Tommy Hensel originally adapted “The One-Man Christmas Carol” for the Harrisburg Shakespeare festival. This production at the Rochester Opera House marks the New England premiere. Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for seniors and students, available at www.RochesterOperaHouse.com or by calling 603-335-1992.

Dec. 1-2 Clara’s Dream: A Jazz Nutcracker: Visit The Music Hall for a high-voltage version of Tchaikovsky’s fairy tale, set in a Chicago nightclub and featuring 15 swinging tap dancers and a live jazz band, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., $38-$15, 603-436-2400.
Dec. 1-3 The Nutbuster, a non-traditional re-telling of the story of Clara and her soldier, presented by the Exit Dance Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., $16-$10, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., 978-462-7736.

Dec. 1-17 A Christmas Carol presented by Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping, directed by Elaine Gatchell and starring Gary Noseworthy as Ebenezer Scrooge, Donald Tongue as Bob Cratchit and Paul Gustavson as Jacob Marley, with Lauren DeCloux as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Ralph Twombly as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Mark Deyo as the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, Dec. 1-17. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 and $14, with a $2 discount for Friday shows, 603-679-2781.

Dec.1-3 The Nutcracker performed by the Southern N.H. Dance Theater and featuring the Palace Theater Orchestra, led by Robert Babb, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m., $43-$20, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, 603-668-5588.

Dec. 1-23 A Christmas Carol presented by the Players’ Ring: Shows are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m., through Dec. 23, with special performances Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Thursday, Dec. 21, both at  8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Reservations are suggested, at 603-436-8123. Attend the opening night reception,“Frolic with the Fezziwigs” to help raise money for the Gary Newton Fund, $20 for members, $24 for non-members.

Dec. 1-17 A Christmas Carol presented by Dramedy, starring Phillip Adams as Ebenezer Scrooge,  Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Additional matinee Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Adults $15, students $10, at the Garrison Players Arts Center, Rollinsford, 603-750-4ART.

Dec. 2 Ballet New England’s Nutcracker: An abridged version of the holiday classic performed exclusively for the Festival of Lights. Tickets by donation at the door only, 7:30 p.m., York High School auditorium, Long Sands Road. For more information, call the York Recreation Department at 207-363-1000.

Dec. 7-10 The Littlest Angel, an original holiday production by Anna Smulowitz, returns to the stage in Newburyport, Mass., at The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 and $14 and can be purchased by calling 978-462-7735.

Dec. 8-10 The Nutcracker presented by Arts Rochester at the Rochester Opera House, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, $12 for children under 12, and can be purchased by calling 603-335-1992 or online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Dec. 8-23 A Christmas Carol at Amesbury Playhouse Dinner Theater. Visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com or call 978-388-9444 for showtimes.

Dec. 9 A Musical Christmas Carol presented by Touring Actors Company in a child-friendly hour-long production during Durham’s holiday celebration (see Festivals), 10 a.m. at Mill Pond Center for the Arts, 50 Newmarket Road, Durham. Adults $5, children 3 and under admitted free of charge.For more information call 603-868-8999.

Dec. 12 A Reading of A Christmas Carol: Phillips Exeter Academy drama instructor Robert Richards will give a dramatic reading of the Dickens classic on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and is suitable for children 10 and older. Throughout his life, Dickens was known for his dramatic public readings of his works. His last public reading of “A Christmas Carol” was at St. James Hall in London, in 1870. For more information, call Academy Librarian Jacquelyn H. Thomas at 603-777-3328.

Dec. 13-20: Charles Dickens Hosts a Three Chimneys Inn Holiday, an interpretive comedy dinner theater presented by Vatican Productions, 6 to 9 p.m., $69.95 per person (includes a four course meal.) For reservations, call Three Chimneys Inn, Durham at 603-868-7800.

Dec. 14-16 The Nutcracker presented by Ballet New England returns to The Music Hall, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. with a special abridged version at 10 a.m. Tickets are $38-$17.

Dec. 15-16 The Nutcracker presented by The St. Paul School of Ballet at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and students, 603-225-1111.

Dec. 15-23 Amahl And The Night Visitors: A holiday opera sung in English and written for all ages, this hour-long performance tells the story of a young crippled boy and a visit from three wise men who are following the Star of Bethlehem. Melissa Manseau, who has performed with the Sarasota Opera, Opera North and Boston Vocal Artists, stars as The Mother. Tickets are $18 and $15, and shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 3 p.m., at the Bell Center for the Arts, Dover, 603-742-2355.

Dec. 15-23 A Christmas Carol presented by Theater in the Open at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and 3 p.m. on Saturdays only. Tickets are $15-$12 and can be purchased by calling 978-462-7735.

Dec. 15-23 It’s A Wonderful Life: Pontine Theatre’s artistic directors M. Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers will perform a two-person, 40-minute condensed version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth. The script is drawn from a 1940s radio play that featured Jimmy Stewart in the role of George Bailey. Pontine’s lively production style features puppets and masks, topped with live music by Laurie Meeder and Lucie Therrien, who opens the program with a variety of multi-lingual holiday songs, accompanying her vocals with ethnic instruments and guitars. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., $15, reservations suggested at 603-436-6660.

Dec. 16-17 The Nutcracker as presented by Portsmouth School of Ballet, Saturday at 6 p.m and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Exeter Cooperative Middle School Auditorium, Stratham. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under, 603-436-5993.

Dec. 16-17 O’Tannenbaum: Presented by the Elysium Dance Project and the Elysium Dance Company, “O’Tannenbaum” is a re-grooved play on the traditional “Nutcracker,” combining live music, theater and dance. Audience members will be taken on a journey to a magical realm called the land of Tannenbaum, where trees are held sacred and every day is Christmas. Watch as three young girls re-discover the meaning of the holiday season and witness holiday traditions from all over the world, including Kwaanza, Hanukkah and the Chinese New Year. Proceeds from the show will help support the efforts of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Shows are Saturday at 7 p.m and Sunday at 2 p.m., $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and children under 12, UNH Memorial Union Building, Durham, 603-743-4700.

Dec. 17 and 20 A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner Theater: Wentworth by the Sea and Vatican Productions present “A Dickens of a Christmas,” an interactive holiday event featuring the characters of “A Christmas Carol.” The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $74.95 per person and include an hors d’oeuvres reception and three-course dinner. Reservations are necessary and can be made at 603-422-7322 or online at www.wentworth.com.

In Concert

Nov. 30 Handbell Choir: Enjoy the holiday sounds of the choir under the direction of Beverly Caldon, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., free, Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front Street, 603-778-3933.

Dec. 1 Holiday Concert: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Music Department will host its annual holiday concert, with close to 250 students and more than 10 major ensembles performing at Thompson Gymnasium, located on the corner of Court and Gilman streets in Exeter. The finale includes an audience sing-along of holiday favorites.The show is at 7 p.m; call 603-777-3453 for more information.

Dec. 1-2 A Christmas Garland: Community Chorus at South Berwick presents Christmas music by Bach, Charpentier, Paulus and Willan with chorus, string quintet and guest soloists. Two dates: Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., Marshwood High School, and Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Newington. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at door and $8 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at Sobo Books and Coffee, Gary’s Guitars, and York Flower Shop. Call 603-692-3513 for more information.

Dec. 2 Christmas with Steve Green, presented by The Baptist Church of Franklin, at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, 7 p.m. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20. Call 603-225-1111 for more information.

Dec. 2 New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus presents an array of secular, traditional and international music selections, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and children, available online at www.NHGMC.com, from a chorus member or at the door on the day of performance, 866-644-6274.

Dec. 3 Handel’s Messiah, the triumphant Christmas oratorio is being presented at the historic The Music Hall, where the audience will be invited to participate in the Seacoast’s largest-ever Messiah-sing, 3 p.m.,$12-$10, 603-436-2400.

Dec. 8 and 10 Sounds of the Season: Led by music director Paul Erwin, the Seacoast Wind Ensemble will play festive holiday favorites new and old, from carols to “Sleigh Ride” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” as well as music for Hanukkah. Two dates: Friday at Exeter Town Hall and Sunday at Portsmouth’s South Church, both at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under, 603-664-9188.

Dec. 8 Annual Toy Drive: Pondering Judd and The Whatnot are ready to rock their annual Toy Drive for the Dover Fire Department. Bring a toy and get in free. It’s as simple as that. Show starts at 8 p.m., Dover Brick House, 603-749-3838.

Dec. 9 Portland Symphony Orchestra presents The Magic of Christmas, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, 11 a.m., tickets $60-$20, 207-842-0800.

Dec. 9 Celtic Yuletide featuring Michael Londra: The Irish tenor best known as a star vocalist of Riverdance on Broadway will perform Christmas songs of the “old country,” with Irish dancers and Celtic pipes fueled with the energy of rock and versatality of jazz. A leading force in Irish music worldwide, Londra is the creator, programmer and host of RadioCelt, the Internet radio station devoted exclusively to Celtic music. The Music Hall, 2 and 8 p.m., $35-$20, 603-436-2400. 

Dec. 9-13 A French Christmas with Amare Cantare: a concert of a cappella choral music for the holidays. Three performances: Saturday at 8 p.m., Durham Community Church; Sunday at 3 p.m., Stratham Community Church; and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Newington. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance, and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Durham Book Exchange, Baldface Books, Serendipity and Water Street Bookstore in Exeter. Call 664-5974 or visit www.amarecantare.com for more information.

Dec. 15-16 Ed Gerhard’s Annual Holiday Concert: Bill Mize joins the Grammy Award-winning Ed Gerhard for this 24th annual tradition, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian-Universalist Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, $18 for seniors and children under 12, available at www.edgerhard.com and by calling 603-664-7200. Bring a canned food donation to help feed others.

Dec. 16 Holiday Sing-Along: All ages are welcome to sing holiday songs, sip cocoa and visit with Santa. Terry Blanchard will read “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” 11 a.m., free, but reservations are required, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., 978-462-7336.

Dec. 16 Hampton Community Chorale (formerly known as the Seacoast Chorale) will perform their annual Winter Concert at 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 127 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton, 603-964-2115.

Dec. 16 Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra Holiday Concert led by conductor Keith Lockhart, 7:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester. Tickets are $61, $51 and $41, www.verizonwirelessarena.com.

Dec. 16-17 Christmas Jazz and Spirituals: The Portsmouth Women’s Chorus founding director Priscilla Stevens French has assembled classic and contemporary selections ranging from the well-known to the new and unique. This year, celebrate Mozart’s 250th birthday with songs spanning his career, Saturday at 8 pm., Rye Episcopal Church, and Sunday at 7 p.m., Christ Church Episcopal, Exeter. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, www.portsmouthwomenschorus.org or 603-969-1564.

Dec. 17 N.H. Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert in the festively decorated Music Hall. Ticket prices range from $42 to $20, with discounts available for seniors and children. Shows are at 3 and 7 p.m. Call 603-436-2400 to make reservations. If you can’t make it on

Dec. 17, the show moves to the Capitol Center for the Arts on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $49 to $15, with discounts for seniors and students. Call 603-225-1111 to make reservations.

Dec. 17 Rock My Soul Quintet, a holiday variety show, will be at The Mill Pond Center for the Arts in Durham, 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Prices include holiday food and hot cider. For more information, call 603-868-8999.

Dec. 22 Susie Burke, David Surette and Kent Allyn, in association with the Kittery Art Association, present a holiday concert of folk music, Christmas carols and some rock ’n’ roll surprises, 8 p.m at Kittery Point Congregational Church Parish Hall. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 students and seniors, available at the door.

Dec. 22 Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen annual Christmas concert, 8 p.m. at First Parish Church, Dover. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 for students and seniors, and free for those 12 and under. Discount advance tickets are available for $12 at Tweeter, Inc., Earcraft, Tulips, River Place, Red Carpet and Acoustic Outfitters. 

Art and Artisans

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Evergreens Craft Fair: More than 50 local artists will display fine jewelry, fiber arts, painting, photography and pottery at the UNH Memorial Union Building, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 603-868-8999.

Nov. 30 Exeter Art at the Festival of Trees: During the downtown Festival of Trees, artwork by local artists, notecards and small paintings will be available to purchase, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce. Holiday wreaths will also be available, with the proceeds benefiting the Chamber Children’s Fund which provides warm clothing to children in need in the area. Call 603-775-0064 for more details. Support the teens of the Exeter area by purchasing gifts from local vendors and craftsmen during the Holiday Gift Bazaar, 2 to 8 p.m., Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front St. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the new Outlook Teen Center, and after school and summer adventure programs serving the youth of SAU-16. For details, call 603-778-3933.

Dec. 1-30: Santa Claus Invitational Exhibit, featuring works in several media by more than a dozen Seacoast artists, each with their own take on Saint Nicholas. Artists’ reception Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., The Franklin Gallery at Ben Franklin Crafts, 200 Tri-City Plaza, Somersworth, 603-743-4999.

Dec. 2 International Christmas Fair: Held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Portsmouth from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the fair will feature handcrafts from New Hampshire and around the world. Give a unique gift and support artisans from Africa, Asia and Latin America by purchasing unique handcrafted gifts through A Greater Gift and the ONE Campaign. The fair will be held in the church parish hall, 1035 Lafayette Road, 603-433-7026.

Dec. 2 Greenland Community Congregational Church Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church’s Parish House on Post Road in Greenland. The fair features two floors of hand-crafted items for sale, as well as a light breakfast and lunch menu. No booth space for rent—all crafts are made by church members and local Scout troops. For more information, call 603-431-4966.

Dec. 2 13th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair featuring 150 artisans from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Somersworth High School, 603-692-5869.

Dec. 2 Holiday Fair: Webster at Rye, a nursing care and retirement community, is having its annual Holiday Fair, open to the public with a raffle, baked goods, handcrafted items and more, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 795 Washington Road, Rye, 603-964-8144.

Dec. 2 Durham Christmas Fairs: The 45th annual ecumenical Christmas Fair Day offers everything from holiday wreaths and handcrafted decorations to homemade baked goods, knit and sewn items, and unique gifts. Look for children’s games and crafts, and specialties at each church. Proceeds will support a wide range of parish activities, as well as the Food Pantry, which benefits residents in Durham, Lee, Madbury and Nottingham. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Thomas More Center, 6 Madbury Road; Unitarian-Universalist Church at 20 Madbury Road; St. George Episcopal Church on Park Court; and Durham Community Church on Main Street. Lunch will be served at most churches. For more information, call Durham Community Church at 603-868-1230.

Dec. 2-3 Deerfield Arts Tour: Collectors and gift-buyers alike are welcome at the country studios of professional artists and craftspeople. This self-guided tour features custom furniture by William Daub, pottery by Don Williams and Melissa Zych, wooden bowls by Greg Doane, beaded jewelry by Judith Bush, photographs by Richard Moore, paintings by Michele Godbois, Emily Moore, Ginny Nickerson and Gretchen Woodman, and decorative painting by Diana Allard and Grace’s Country Corner. All studios are open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a self-guided map, visit the Deerfield Arts Tour Web page at www.1stockart.com or call Judith Bush at Bead Bush Studio, 603-463-7683.

Dec. 2-3 20th Annual Button Factory Open Studios: Creative decorations transform the studios and halls of Portsmouth’s Button Factory into a whimsical place to visit. More than 50 jewelers, woodworkers, painters, photographers and other artists and artisans will be showing and selling their work. Open studios are Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 603-799-7197. For directions, visit www.buttonfactorystudios.com.

Dec. 8-9 Sixth Annual Women’s Holiday Arts Show and Home for the Holidays Celebration: The Arts Show is a gathering of over 20 South Berwick artisans who will be selling their paintings, books, collages, CDs, jewelry, prints, cards and homemade delicacies. The show will move to Town Hall this year, and for the first time include music, entertainment and special events downtown. On Friday night, the “Home for the Holidays” community event features visits with Santa at P. Gagnon & Son, Rock My Soul singing gospel in Town Hall, a folk musician at SoBo, storytellers entertaining at local businesses and a member of the Old Berwick Historical Society dressed in period garb to give downtown tours. Stores along Main Street will offer cocoa, hot cider, cookies and other refreshments. The art show takes place Friday 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while “Home for the Holidays” is Friday night only. For more information, call 207-748-3247.

Dec. 8 Art ’Round Town: Portsmouth Galleries open their doors for artist receptions the second Friday of every month—what makes December special is the variety of holiday shows with artwork priced for holiday giving (and receiving), 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Portsmouth, www.artroundtown.org.

Dec. 9 Newburyport Artisans Third Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale: More than 30 artisans will display unique, handmade holiday gifts, including paintings, landscapes, spiritual imagery, pottery, jewelry, photography, heirloom weaving, Chinese brush painting, handmade puppets, children’s clothes, painted furniture, wheat weaving, mixed media collage, hand felted scarves, hand bound journals, patchwork pillows and bags, clocks, frames, boxes, ornaments and more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Unitarian-Universalist Church, Newburyport, Mass., 978-465-0602.

Dec. 9-17 Durham Arts and Gifts for the Holidays:  The 1687 Smith Tavern and barn galleries, decked out in greens, will provide the setting for a sale of regional art and fine crafts. Small paintings, prints and photographs, pottery, and jewelry will be offered, along with seasonal decorations and handmade gifts. On Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., musical entertainment will be provided by Peg Chaffee, Cheryl Sager and Leif Gerjuoy, with a special appearance by Ryan Thomson, a.k.a. Captain Fiddle, from 11 a.m. to noon. From noon to 2 p.m. design and paint your own white pottery ornaments, $5. Dec. 10-17, show and sale continues, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Mill Pond Center for the Arts, 50 Newmarket Road, Durham. 603-868-8999.

Dec. 9-17 Kittery Art Association Holiday Art Sale: Work by local artists includes fine crafts and fine art, from jewelry and note cards to ceramics, textiles, paintings, prints and photographs, priced under $100 (and many for much less), 8 Coleman Ave., Kittery Point, Maine, 207-451-9384. Hours are Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

Dec. 16 Holiday Craft Day: A great opportunity to make your own holiday cards for family and friends. For children six and up at the Durham Public Library, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 603-868-6699.

Celebrate Over a Meal

Dec. 3, 10 and 17 Winter Wonderland Brunch with Santa at Wentworth by the Sea, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes not only a buffet complete with omelet and waffle stations, carved roasts and an array of entrees and side dishes for mom and dad, but also a big jolly Santa in his red velvet suit, ready to hear children’s wishes. Staff dressed in seasonal finery will greet guests, and the lobby will be filled with Nutcracker figures and a dramatic Christmas tree next to the fireplace that burns brightly all season. In the Grand Ballroom, a traditional gingerbread house will fill the stage. Brunch is $34.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 603-422-7322.

Dec. 16 Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 8 to 10 a.m., Cafe at the Mills, Dover, $4.95 adults, $3.50 children, 603-740-6435.

Dec. 20 Holiday Wine Tasting: The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce will host a holiday wine tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. The event features an elegant evening of wine, entertainment and some of the Seacoast’s finest hors d’oeuvres, desserts and specialty dishes. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.portsmouthchamber.org/winetasting2006.cfm.

Remembrance Services

Dec. 24 Remembrance Service for people who want to remember loved ones in the holiday season, 10 a.m., First Parish Congregational Church, Dover, 603-742-5664.