tree lighting, parades & santa

Dec. 4 Exeter Open House and Festival of Trees: The tenth annual festival takes place during the annual downtown Open House, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at local stores. The event includes hay rides and 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 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and a Gift Bazaar and performances by a handbell choir every twenty minutes at the Congregational Church from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 603-772-2411.

Dec. 5 Light Up Durham tree lighting with Santa, bonfire and dessert, starting at 5:45 p.m. on the Main Street stage. See “Festivals” (below) for a full schedule of events.

Dec. 5 Hampton Tree Lighting: Holiday festivities start at 6 p.m., followed by the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree at 7 p.m., as well Christmas caroling and a Santa visit at Marelli Square. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 603-964-3170.

Dec. 6 Berwick Holiday Parade: The parade steps off from the grammar school at 2 p.m. For more information, call Town Hall at 207-698-1101.

Dec. 6 Kittery Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: The Parade will step off at 3 p.m. from Post Office Square. The theme is “Remember When,” 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, visit www.seacoastkiwanis.com.

Dec. 6 Portsmouth Tree Lighting: Ceremony in Market Square begins at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the Unity Tree, followed by the 2008 Annual Illuminated Holiday Parade at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityofportsmouth.com.

Dec. 6 Dover Tree Lighting: The 23rd 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, 5 p.m., 603-516-6401. After the ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and talk with each child. 

Dec. 6 Exeter Holiday Parade: On the theme of “Musical Notes & Holiday Floats,” steps off on Portsmouth Avenue at 5:30 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.exeterholidayparade.org.

Dec. 6 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. For more information, visit www.eliotmaine.org.

Dec. 6 Portsmouth Holiday Parade: The annual Illuminated Holiday Parade steps off from Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m for a 1.1 mile tour around downtown. For more information, visit www.cityofportsmouth.com.

Dec. 7 Rochester Holiday Parade: This year’s theme is “Christmas Dreams,” kicking off at 3 p.m. on Wakefield Street. For more information, visit www.rochesternh.org.

Dec. 15-16 Hampton Tour of Lights: Tour holiday displays in style—the Recreation Department will take you on a free after-dark tour in a 14-passenger van. Call to reserve a spot, 603-926-3932.

festivals 

Dec. 4-6 Light Up Durham is a community-wide celebration that begins with the Evergreen Crafts Fair, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, UNH Memorial Union Building. Events on Friday include: Wine and Cheese Party, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Three Chimneys Inn; children’s events including  visit with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Story Time, and Wayne From Maine (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.), UNH Huddleston Hall; Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-6 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 p.m., Main Street Stage; Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus, 5:45 p.m., Main Street Stage; and bonfire and dessert, 6:45 p.m., Mill Plaza. The festival concludes on Saturday with a pancake breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., Durham House of Pizza/JP’s Eatery, $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, UNH MUB Theatre 2.

Dec. 5-6 Home for the Holidays: This two-day celebration in South Berwick, Maine, will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, with a caroling parade run by the Federated Church. The Sarah Orne Jewett House will be open Friday and Saturday and there will be an artist’s reception at the South Berwick Art Gallery. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, the Little Hat Co. SB Yoga, SoBo, Ocean Bank, Abbe Chic florist and Pepperland will be among those offering food, crafts, raffles and merry-making. Santa will again be at Gagnon’s. The Women’s Holiday Art Sale will also be going on in Town Hall, for its 9th year. The sale from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday will feature the work of two dozen women. At 10 a.m. Saturday, the Jewett House will invite children to a program featuring a reading of Jewett’s1884 Christmas story, “The Becket Girls’ Tree.” Children will be invited to stay and make simple Victorian ornaments and use them to decorate a tree. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested and can be made at 207-384-2454. There will be spiced wine at Abby Chic, cider at the Little Hat. Co., apple-cranberry cider at the Catered Event and homemade treats at the South Berwick Pharmacy. The Masiello Group will host local videographer Tim Benoit’s work, “South Berwick,” featuring montages of present day scenes and photos from the Old Berwick Historical Society. The brochure is online at www.southberwickmaine.org.

Dec. 6 York Festival of Lights: The full-day, community wide event begins with Breakfast with Santa, 8 to10 a.m., at Mainiax Cafe, free. Gundalow Neighborhood Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., handcrafted holiday gifts, Village Elementary School, York Street. Greens & Wreaths Sale, 9 a.m. to noon, First Parish Church Hall, York Village Green. A Festival of Gingerbread Houses, on display 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with winners announced at 11 a.m., York Public Library. Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., York Public Library. Festival of Trees, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., holiday tree display, American Legion Facility, Route 1. Here Comes Santa Claus, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., includes photos with Santa, York Public Library, free. Figuratively Speaking, Art & Jewelry, 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 1 p.m., York Public Library. Happy Holidays with a Crystal Tones sing-a-long from the front steps of the Old Methodist Church, in the center of York Village, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Lighting of the Village, 4:30 p.m., Village Square. 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 Old York’s Jefferd’s Tavern, 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring the York Singers; at the First Parish Church, 5:30 to 7 p.m., with York Strings, the York Middle School Jazz Band and the York High school Chamber Singers, with sing-a-longs with the Crystal Tones between performances. Santa visits the Remick Barn for children’s wishes at 5:30 p.m. Suppers: 4-6 p.m. Chili and Chowder at Rick’s All Seasons Restaurant, York Village. Goodies and Gifts Night, 5:30 to 8 p.m., with handcrafted gifts and food items made by local artisans, Village Elementary School, York Village. Dessert: 5:30 p.m. Hot Cocoa and cookies sponsored by York Harbor Inn at Jefferds’ Tavern. A Child’s Christmas in Wales, 4:30 p.m., a performance of the holiday classic by actor Michael Howard, York Art Association, York Street. For more information, call the Old York Historical Society at 207-363-4974.

Dec. 6-21 Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke: The Museum grounds glow with hundreds of luminarias and 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 29 years, with live entertainment every evening. Takes place Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. Also, live entertainment every evening. Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Tickets are $18 adults, $10 children 5-17 and $40 per family; members and children under 4 admitted free, 603-433-1107.

Dec. 31 Children’s Museum New Year’s Eve Celebration: Children and their families are invited to ring in 2009 a little early at the museum’s annual daytime celebration with party hats, noisemakers, balloons and three special “countdowns to midnight,” with a glittering ball drop and ginger ale toasts for all. Takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (countdowns at 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m.), Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover. Tickets are $7 adults and children, $6 seniors, children under 1 and museum members admitted free, 603-742-2002, www.childrens-museum.org.

Dec. 31 First Night Portsmouth 2009: Ice sculpting, street dancers, live music, crafts, storytelling, puppets, and fireworks are all part of the evening-long celebration, both indoors and out, in downtown Portsmouth. 5 p.m. to midnight. A button will get you in to all the indoor venues, and costs $13 through Dec. 25, $18 Dec. 26-30, and $20 on Dec. 31. Buttons are all $10 for children under 10. For a full list of events and venues, or to buy a button, visit www.proportsmouth.org.

on stage 

Dec. 3 and 10 A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner Theater: Carpe Diem Inc. Productions present “A Dickens of a Christmas,” an interactive holiday dinner theater-musical featuring the characters of “A Christmas Carol.” The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 per person (tax and gratuity included) and include a three-course meal. Old Salt Restaurant, 490 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Reservations are necessary and can be made at 603-926-8322.

Dec. 5-6 The Nutcracker presented by Arts Rochester at the Rochester Opera House, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 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. 5-7 The Twelve Days of Christmas, a telling of each “day” through movement and dance, presented by the Exit Dance Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., $16-$12, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., 978-462-7736.

Dec. 5-7 It’s A Wonderful Life and A Child’s Christmas in Wales: 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,” as well as the children’s classic, 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, with egg nog and cookies for all. Shows are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at  4 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., $21, reservations suggested at 603-436-6660.

Dec. 5-14 A Christmas Carol presented by Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping, directed by Elaine Gatchell and starring Larry Cranor as Ebenezer Scrooge, Dan Bush as Bob Cratchit and Damian Raymond as Jacob Marley. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16, 603-679-2781. Visit www.leddycenter.org for more information.

Dec. 5-21 A Christmas Carol presented by DRAMEDY Productions, starring Michael J. Tobin as Ebenezer Scrooge,  Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Additional show Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Adults $15, students $10, at the Garrison Players Arts Center, Rollinsford, 603-750-4ART.

Dec. 5-23 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. 21, with special performances Thursday, Dec. 18, Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23, all at  8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for nonmembers, $10 for members and students, $6 for children under 12. Reservations are suggested, at 603-436-8123. Attend the Dec. 5 opening night reception,“Frolic with the Fezziwigs” to help raise money for the Gary Newton Fund, $20 for members, $24 for non-members.

Dec. 5-28 A Christmas Carol presented by the Palace Theatre, Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., $40-$25, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, 603-668-5588. Visit www.palacetheatre.org for more information.

Dec. 6 All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914:  Professional actors use letters, journals and songs to re-create the Christmas Truce of 1914, at The Music Hall, Portsmouth, 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $39-$15, call 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

Dec. 8-9 The Ragpicker’s Dream:  Spoken word performances of works by Kenneth Grahame, Anne Rivers Siddons, Damon Runyon, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and more, presented as part of Harbor Light Stage’s BOLD FACE Play Reading series, Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kittery Art Association Gallery, 8 Coleman Ave., Kittery, Maine, and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at The Pearl, 45 Pearl St., Portsmouth. Tickets are $10, call 207-439-5769 for more information.

Dec. 11 A Reading of A Christmas Carol: Phillips Exeter Academy drama instructor Robert Richards will give a dramatic reading of the Dickens classic on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Stratham Community Church, to raise money for the Wiggin Memorial Library. 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. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family, and are available at Water Street Book Store or the Wiggin Memorial Library. The reading is suitable for children 10 and older. For more information, contact the Wiggin Memorial Library at 603-772-4346.

Dec. 11-13 An 1836 Nutcracker presented by Ballet New England returns to The Music Hall, Portsmouth, 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-$15, call 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

Dec. 13-14 The Nutcracker as presented by Portsmouth School of Ballet, Saturday at 6 p.m and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Exeter High School Auditorium, 30 Linden St., Exeter. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under, and can be purchased by calling 603-436-5993.

Dec. 14 The Divas Holiday Spectacular at the Rochester Opera House, Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., with singing, dancing and prizes. Tickets are free, and can be reserved by calling 603-335-1992 or online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Dec. 17-19 A Christmas Carol performed by the Rochester Repertory Company at the Rochester Opera House, Wednesday, at 10 a.m. each day. Tickets are $6, and can be reserved by calling 603-335-1992 or online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Dec. 18-21 It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a production of Theater in the Open, at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15-$13 and can be purchased by calling 978-462-7735.

Dec. 19-20 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. Tickets are $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and students, and can be purchased by calling 603-225-1111 or visiting www.ccanh.com.

Dec. 19-21 A Very Ida Christmas presented by Poolyle Productions, written and performed by Susan Poulin. Five shows only at The West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, $18 for students and seniors. Reservations are strongly recommended.  Call 207-384-4526 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Dec. 28 The Nutcracker Suite, presented by the NH School of Ballet, 6 p.m., $13, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, 603-668-5588. Visit www.nhschoolofballet.com for more information.

in concert 

Dec. 5 Holiday Concert: Phillips Exeter Academy’s Music Department will host its annual holiday concert, with close to 200 students and more than nine 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. 6 Community Chorus of South Berwick’s 34th Christmas Concert: at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 22 Fox Run Road, Newington, Showtime is 7:30pm, Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance are available at Gary’s Guitars, the South Berwick Pharmacy, or The York Flower Shop. Visit www.ccsb-sing.org for more information.

Dec. 6 Bluegrass Christmas Concert: Featuring Rick Lang & Friends with Dave Dick, Roger Williams, Bob Dock and Karen Lincoln Wilber and the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band, as well as special guest Amy Gallatin, 7:30 p.m., Pilgrim Church, 197 Middle Road, Brentwood. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, call 603-778-3189.

Dec. 6 Sandpipers Holiday Concert: The Seacoast Children’s Chorus will perform works by Britten and Bach, Hebrew folk songs, African-American spirituals, and a variety of other holiday songs, 7:30 p.m., at the Durham Community Church, 17 Main St., Durham. $8 adults and $3 children under 12 at the door. Call 603-868-2911 for more information.

Dec. 6 Christine Lavin and The Mistletones: Four Bitchin’ Babes founding member Lavin presents a holiday concert of unique and funny a cappella music, traditional hymns and more,  at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, 8 p.m. Tickets are $34.50 and $29.50. Call 603-225-1111 or visit www.ccanh.com for more information.

Dec. 6-7 A Christmas Garland: The Community Chorus of South Berwick’s 34th annual Christmas concert, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newington; Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., Marshwood High School, South Berwick, Maine. Tickets are $10 at the door, or $8 in advance at Gary’s Guitars, the South Berwick Pharmacy, or The York Flower Shop. Visit www.ccsb-sing.org for more information.

Dec. 7 Songs for the Holidays: Women Singing OUT!, the Solstice Singers and Harmony will gather for a holiday concert,  at The Pearl, 45 Pearl St., Portsmouth, 3 p.m., $10 suggested donation, visit www.portsmouthpearl.com for more information.

Dec. 7 Holly Jolly Cabaret: Holiday songs, up-tunes and ballads performed by the women’s a cappella chorus Sounds of the Seacoast,  3 p.m., at the Casey Function Center, 1950 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 children 10 and under. Call 207-363-3662 or visit www.soundsoftheseacoast.org for more information.

Dec. 7 An Epiphany in Advent: The Rockingham Choral Society, directed by Andrew Gaydos, will perform the works of Bach, Mozart and more, 7:30 p.m., Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road, Rye. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 seniors and students and available at the door. For more information, call 603-659-8345 or visit www.rockingham choralsociety.org.

Dec. 12 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 First Congregational Church Parish Hall. $15-$10 donation suggested.

Dec. 13 Con Tutti presents “Light the Candle Everything’s All Right!” featuring 100 singers, as well as special guests Randy Armstrong and African percussion group Drumamma, performing an eclectic mix of songs from around the world, 7 p.m. at the South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Tickets are $8 and available at Paradiza, 63 Penhallow St., Portsmouth. For more information, call 207-451-9346.

Dec. 13 New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Do You Hear What I Hear?” an array of secular, traditional and international music selections, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and children, available online at www.NHGMC.com, from a chorus member or at the door on the day of performance, call 866-644-6274 for more information.

Dec. 13-14 Messa di Gloria: Portsmouth Pro Musica and Youth Chorale’s founding director Priscilla Stevens French has assembled classic and contemporary selections ranging from the well-known to the new and unique. This year, the ensemble will perform Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria,” as well as other selections, Saturday at 4 pm., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Newington, and Sunday at 7 p.m., North Church, Market Square, Portsmouth. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, www.portsmouthpromusica.org or 603-828-6377.

Dec. 13-17 A French Christmas with Amare Cantare: A concert of a cappella choral music for the holidays. Three performances: Saturday at 8 p.m., St. George’s Episcopal Church in Durham; Sunday at 3 p.m., Christ Church in Exeter; and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church, Newington. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance, and $10 for students and seniors, $8 in advance. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Durham Book Exchange, Baldface Books, Serendipity and Water Street Bookstore in Exeter. Call 603-664-5974 or visit www.amarecantare.com for more information.

Dec. 13-21 Portland Symphony Orchestra presents The Magic of Christmas at the Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 and 5 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 18 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 and 5 p.m.; tickets $60-$35, 207-842-0800.

Dec. 14 Boston Pops Holiday Concert led by conductor Keith Lockhart, 2:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester. Tickets are $66, $56 and $41, www.verizonwirelessarena.com.

Dec. 14 The Holiday Pops, a full orchestra, conducted by Kenneth Kiesler, performing holiday favorites, 3 and 7 p.m., The Music Hall, Portsmouth, $44-$20, 603-436-2400, www.themusichall.org.

Dec. 14 Sounds of the Season: The Seacoast Wind Ensemble will play seasonal music from several countries, including Greece, Russia, Spain and England, as well as music for Hanukkah, 7 p.m., South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Tickets at the door are $12 for 
adults, $8 for seniors and children 12 and under, for more information, visit www.seacoastwindensemble.org.

Dec. 19 Handel’s Messiah, the triumphant Christmas oratorio is being presented at the historic Music Hall, where the audience will be invited to participate in the Seacoast’s largest-ever Messiah-sing, 3 p.m.,$14-$12, 603-436-2400, www.themusichall.org.

Dec. 19 Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen 10th Annual Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m. at First Parish Church, Dover. Tickets are $15 at the door, $8 for students. Discount advance tickets are available for $12 at Earcraft, Tulips, Old York Historical Society, Red Carpet and Acoustic Outfitters.

Dec. 19 Ball in the House Christmas concert: Boston’s a cappella vocal group will perform songs from their new Christmas CD, 7:30 p.m. at Garrison Players Arts Center, Route 4, Rollinsford. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 for students. As part of the ticket price, the band will be collecting unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals, please) to donate to Boston’s Children’s Hospital. For tickets and more information, call 800-838-3006 or visit www.garrisonplayers.org.

Dec. 19-20 Ed Gerhard’s Annual Holiday Concert: Grammy Award-winning Ed Gerhard’s 26th annual concert, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian-Universalist Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Tickets are $23 in advance, $25 at the door, available at www.virtuerecords.com and by calling 603-664-7200. Bring a canned food donation to help feed others.

Dec. 20 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., $3, Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., 978-462-7336.

Dec. 20 Jumbo Circus Peanuts’ Christmas Party: The local favorite’s 14th Annual Seacoast celebration, “The Christmas Miracle Two-Act Play Pageant Dance Singalong Starring the Jumbo Circus Peanuts,” 8 p.m., $5, Portsmouth VFW, Deer St., Portsmouth.  For more information, visit www.jumbocircuspeanuts.com.

Dec. 21 Leahy Family Celtic Christmas: Canada’s Celtic music -playing, fiddle-driven, step-dancing siblings, The Music Hall, 2 and 7 p.m., $40-$20, 603-436-2400, www.themusichall.org. 

arts and artisans

Dec. 4 Exeter Art at the Festival of Trees: During the downtown Festival of Trees, artwork by local artists, note cards and small paintings will be available to purchase, from 11 a.m. 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. Purchase gifts from local vendors and craftsmen during the Holiday Gift Bazaar, 4 to 8 p.m., Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front St. For details, call 603-778-4216.

Dec. 4-5 Durham 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.

Dec. 5 Kittery Point Christmas Fair: Featuring wreaths, handmade children’s garments and toys, baked goods, cheese, refreshments and more, 3 to 8 p.m., Kittery Point First Congregational Church, Route 103, Kittery Point. For more information, call 207-439-0650.

Dec. 5 Art ’Round Town: Portsmouth Galleries open their doors for artist receptions the first 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. 5-6 Ninth 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 include music, entertainment and special events downtown. The art show takes place Friday 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Home for the Holidays features food, raffles, crafts and general merry-making in downtown businesses, Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 207-748-3247.

Dec. 5-6 Newburyport Artisans in the Open 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, Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Unitarian-Universalist Church, Newburyport, Mass., 978-465-0602.

Dec. 6 New Castle Village Christmas Fair: Baked goods, wreaths, baskets, candy, as well as handcrafted items and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Castle Congregational Church Parish Hall, Main St., New Castle. For more information, call 603-436-3642 or visit www.newcastlecongregationalchurch.org.

Dec. 6 Newmarket Community Church Christmas Fair: Now in its 40th year, the fair will feature crafts, baked goods, Christmas wreaths, Santa and more, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Newmarket Community Church, 137 Main St., Newmarket, 603-659-3892, www.newmarketchurch.org.

Dec. 6 First Parish Church Christmas Wreath and Greens Sale: Featuring decorated wreaths, centerpieces, cemetery arrangements and swags as well as baked goods from 9 a.m. to noon, First Parish Church, York St., York, Maine, 207-363-3758.

Dec. 6 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, 603-436-8842.

Dec. 6 North Church Holly Shoppe Fair: Featuring handmade crafts, knits, baked goods, greenery, baked goods and more, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with visits with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m., and a silent auction from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Church Parish House, 355 Spinney Road, Portsmouth, 603-436-9109.

Dec. 6 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. 6 Stratham Community Church Holly Fair: Featuring a café open for snacks and lunch, as well as home baked candy and goods, a white elephant table, a silent auction and more, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stratham Community Church, Emery Lane, Stratham. For more information, call 603-772-3389.

Dec. 6 Trinity Episcopal Annual Holly Berry Fair: Featuring baked goods, jewelry, holiday items, a cookie walk and more, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 High St., Hampton. For more information, call 603-964-9807.

Dec. 6 Corpus Christi Women’s Club Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Catherine of Siena Church at 845 Woodbury Avenue in Portsmouth. For more information, call 603-436-5962.

Dec. 6 The Women of Kindred Design will hold its second annual artisan holiday open house featuring hand crafted quilts, furniture, jewelry, note cards and more, as well as refreshment, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Woodlands, 35 FW Hartford Avenue in Portsmouth.  For more information, call 603-436-2297.

Dec. 6 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. 6 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. 6 One More Referral - Holiday Extravaganza: Over 40 local crafters and vendors, open to the public with a raffle, baked goods, handcrafted items and more, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Maple Suites Independent Community, 47 Back River Road, Dover, call 603-475-7476 for more information.

Dec. 6 Durham Christmas Fairs: The 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. 6 Gifts & Goodies Night: Part of the York Festival of Lights, featuring more than 35 artisans, baked goods and cocoa, and more, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Village Elementary School, York St., York, Maine. For more information, call the Old York Historical Society at 207-363-4974.

Dec. 6-7 22nd 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. 7 South Church Alternative Gift Fair: Featuring Fair Trade and green products and crafts from around the world, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. For more information, call 603-868-2962.

Dec. 8 Portsmouth Senior Center Christmas Fair: featuring handmade goods, a raffle, a white elephant table and a bake sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Portsmouth Senior Center, 127 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth. For more information, call 603-431-8677.

Dec. 13 South Berwick Holiday Fair: Featuring handmade gifts, baked goods, donuts made on the spot and more, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., South Berwick and Wells Christian Church, 612 Emery’s Bridge Road, South Berwick, Maine. For more information, call 207-676-2714.

Dec. 13 Kittery Holiday Bazaar: Featuring over 20 crafters and vendors with handmade gifts and edible goodies, kid’s crafts and a raffle, as well as pictures with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus throughout the day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Traip Academy, 12 Williams Ave., Kittery, Maine. For more information, call 207-439-1806.

Dec. 13-21 Kittery Art Association Holiday Art Sale and Art Walk: 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 noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. The Art Walk & Open Studios in will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at select Kittery Foreside businesses on Government, Wentworth and Walker streets in downtown Kittery.

Dec. 14 Santa’s Stocking Stuffer Craft Fair: Featuring over 80 artisans with handmade crafts, baked goods and more, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $2.50 adults, children under 14 free, first 50 customers $1, Frank Jones Center, Route 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, call 603-528-4014 for more information.

Dec. 20 Russian Christmas Bazaar: Russian crafts, paintings, icons, storytelling and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., New England Language Center International Gallery, 16 Hillside Drive, Rochester. Call 603-332-2255 for more information.

film 

Dec. 6-20 The Nutcracker: A filmed performance of the holiday classic performed by the Kirov Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Every Saturday through the weekend before Christmas at 2 p.m., with a special Christmas Eve showing on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. IOKA Theater, 55 Water St., Exeter. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit www.iokaentertainment.com.

Dec. 9 & 16 Lesser Known Christmas Classics: Showing “The Bishop’s Wife,” starring Cary Grant and David Niven, on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and “The Shop Around the Corner,” starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Both films start at 7 p.m. at Kennebunk Free Library, 112 Main St., Kennebunk, Maine, 207-985-2173.

Dec. 12-25 A Christmas Tale: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:45 and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3:45 and 7 p.m.; and Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m., $7 adults, $4.50 seniors, The Screening Room, 82 State St., Newburyport, Mass., 978-462-3456.

Dec. 13 Frosty Festival at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, Mass., 1 p.m. Children will arrive in their pajamas for an hour of snowman-themed indoor activities, followed by a watching of the classic “Frosty the Snowman” movie on the big screen. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 978-462-7735.

write to santa

Dec. 1-19 “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. 19; it can be sent to Santa Claus, c/o Exeter Post Office, 34 Front St., Exeter, N.H. 03833. You may also hand-deliver your letter to the Exeter Post Office by Monday, Dec. 22. 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. 8 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. 8 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. For more information, call Dover Recreation at 603-516-6401.

celebr-eat 

Dec. 7 and 14 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 $39.95 for adults and $16.95 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 603-422-7322.

Dec. 18 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 fine hors d’oeuvres, desserts and specialty dishes. $30-$25. Registration is available online at www.portsmouthchamber.org/winetasting2008.cfm.

holiday ride 

Dec. 6-21 Vintage Christmas Trolley Rides: The COAST trolley will offer free 15-minute rides through festive downtown Portsmouth, with several stops for holiday shoppers and revelers; first three weekends of December, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-10:30pm. The trolley rides are part of the Vintage Christmas celebration, with headlining events at The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke. Visit www.cityofportsmouth.com for more information.

farmers' market

Dec. 6 & 20 Winter Farmers’ Market: Seacoast Eat Local and the Congregational Church in Exeter will co-sponsor a gathering of 19 farmers and food producers. Among the locally produced offerings will be farm-raised meats (pork, beef, lamb), dairy (milk, eggs), seasonal produce, baked goods, maple syrup, seasonal salad greens and organic blueberries, all for sale to support the local food system. Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Congregational Church in Exeter, 21 Front St., Exeter; Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., McIntosh Atlantic Culinary Academy, 181 Silver St., Dover. For more information, visit www.seacoasteatlocal.org.