The Seacoast region celebrates the holidays with a full slate of activities from concerts and parades to tree lightings. If you know of an event and want to include it in this listing, email us the details at news@fosters.com.
What follows is a community-by-community list in alphabetical order and under each community heading, is a list of area activities, in chronological order. Happy planning!
ALTON
Dec. 3— The town’s Recreation Department hosts its annual “Light Up Night” at the town hall, featuring a visit from Santa Claus, children’s arts and crafts, and refreshments, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Caroling will take place from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. at the town hall, with the town’s tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. provided by the Alton Town Business Association.
BARRINGTON
Dec. 3 — The Barrington Recreation Department will hold a Holiday Hoopla at the town gym, from 9 a.m. until noon. Children in preschool through middle school are invited to make holiday crafts and decorations, such as gift bags, candy cane reindeer, and jingle bell necklaces. Supplies will be provided by the Recreation Department, and children can make as many holiday crafts as they would like. The second annual event is open to all Barrington families, and the cost is $3 per child, with a maximum price of $9 per family. In addition, families can indulge in chowder and hot chocolate during the Holiday Hoopla.
BERWICK, Maine
Dec. 3 — At 2 p.m., the Berwick Recreation Department hosts the town’s annual holiday parade. The parade will step off from the intersection of Wilson Street and Route 236. This year’s theme is winter wonderland. As always, Santa will be there with the Berwick Fire Department.
DOVER
Dec. 2 — The 26th annual Living Christmas Tree Lighting in Henry Law Park will be at 6 p.m.
The Living Christmas Tree in Henry Law Park, was donated by the children of Dover. The lights on the Christmas tree are courtesy of a generous donation by Dover Rotary.
Joyful Voices will lead attendees in singing popular Christmas songs around the tree.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this family tradition, held each holiday season, and bring a weather appropriate ornament to hang on the tree. After the ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance and speak with the children.
Please dress warm and join in for some caroling around the tree.
Parking is available on Henry Law Avenue and at the Henry Law Park parking lot.
For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 516-6401.
Dec. 2 — The 2nd annual Festival of Trees will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dover City Hall Auditorium. The focus of the event will be 25 elaborately decorated Christmas Trees on display will all be up for auction. The event will also offer raffle prizes, local choral performances and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Each Christmas tree on display at the festival is sponsored by a local business or organization. Every sponsor decorates their tree before the event. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to bid on any tree they want to take home through a silent auction format.
Calling All Cargo will be on hand to deliver purchased trees to Dover residents for a fee.
The Festival of Trees has live holiday carol performances by the Dover High/Middle School Chorus and the Parish of Assumption Music Ministry.
Proceeds from the event go toward the City Lights Committee, who annually illuminates the downtown trees during the holiday season.
Dec. 3 On Saturday, Dec. 3, it’s back to the workshop for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families are welcome to stop by The Noggin Factory at 53 Washington St. from 10 a.m. until noon and again from 2-4 p.m. to visit with Santa. Bring your camera and capture this special moment. During the lunch hour you will be able to catch up with Santa as he checks in with the merchants and shoppers during his Downtown Santa Stroll.
Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11 — The Northeastern Ballet Theatre, will present it’s 10th annual production of “The Nutcracker” on December 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 4 at 2 p.m. at Portsmouth Christian Academy in Dover, and on December 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 11 at 2 p.m. at Prospect Mountain High School in Alton.
Choreographed and produced by former Boston Ballet Prima Ballerina, Edra Toth, this year’s production promises to be the best ever.
Join Clara and her Nutcracker as they visit the land of sweets, where you will meet the Sugar Plum fairy and her dashing Cavalier, the Snow King and Queen, Bon Bons, Flowers, and many other enchanting characters. Get your tickets today for the 2011 holiday season’s ultimate production of “The Nutcracker”! Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12 and seniors and are available atwww.northeasternballet.org or by calling (603) 569-5410.
Dec. 5 — This year’s free holiday concert, presented by Foster’s Daily Democrat and the Rochester Opera House, is at 7 p.m., featuring the swinging sounds of the Jazz Ambassadors from the Air Force Band of Liberty at Hanscom AFB.
A spokesman for the band said the program contains all the traditional Christmas season songs, done in a Glenn Miller band-style. Past concerts here have been performed by the Band of Liberty’s concert band with 45 members.
There is no charge for tickets. Tickets can be picked up in person at Foster’s Daily Democrat’s office, 150 Venture Drive, Dover and at the Sanford News on Main Street in Sanford, ME.
They can also be obtained by mail. To request tickets by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your name and phone number, and the number of tickets you want (limited to six per household), to the above listed Venture Drive address. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Tickets will also be available at the Rochester Opera House during regular box office hours only.
The band spokesperson described this year’s program as “an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment,” adding this is “an outstanding group of musicians touring throughout New England and New York, performing for thousands each year.” This group has performed with such celebrities as Maureen McGovern, John Pizzarelli, Jane Monheit and others.
Dec. 17 — Santa will visit Foster’s Daily Democrat at 150 Venture Drive in Dover. Each child will receive a small gift and his or her photograph will be taken with Santa. Everyone is welcome.
DURHAM
Dec. 2-3 —The Macfarlane Greenhouses, New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and Thompson School Horticultural Facility at the University of New Hampshire host the popular Poinsettia Trials Open House. Visitors to the free event, now in its sixth year, will enjoy nearly 100 poinsettia varieties and assist in ongoing research.
Poinsettias on display will go far beyond the traditional red to shades of pink, apricot, and deep burgundy; variegations of red, white and pink shades; and those with names like Polar Bear, Red Glitter, Pink Candy, Ice Punch, Stargazer, Tapestry and Ruby Frost. Visitors to the trials will assist in research by recording their favorites from among new and different varieties; completing this survey will enter visitors into a drawing to win a poinsettia. In addition, visitors may also tour the greenhouses and see the 12-foot poinsettia tree in the lobby of the Whittemore Center.
New this year, researchers will trial three dwarf tomato varieties to evaluate their suitability as holiday potted plants.
The Poinsettia Trials Open House is at the Macfarlane Greenhouses at 296 Mast Road, on the West edge of campus, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. A broad selection of the many poinsettia varieties will be available for purchase from Thompson School students on all three days and throughout the holiday season (until Dec. 24). On Friday metered parking is available at the UNH Visitor Center across from the greenhouses; parking on Saturday is free. The greenhouses are also served by Wildcat Transit’s free shuttle service: www.wildcattransit.com.
Dec. 10 — On Saturday, Dec. 10, the University of New Hampshire SERC-C Activities Board will host the third annual “Caution: Gingerbread House Construction” fundraiser to benefit On Belay, a nonprofit organization offering adventure-based support programs to children whose families have been affected by cancer.
The Gingerbread House fundraiser has been a great success in years past. In 2010, over 300 people from UNH and surrounding communities joined On Belay for the event, with participants ranging in age from 2 to 80 years old. In the past two years, this group of confectionary architects has included On Belay alumni, cancer survivors, University of New Hampshire volunteers, doctors, donors, program facilitators, and other members of the Seacoast community.
The event has been so well received that local philanthropist and gingerbread house legend Trudy Brown is returning for her second year as judge of the competition.
The idea for a gingerbread house fundraising event was conceived by a group of On Belay program volunteers from the University of New Hampshire in the winter of 2009. The two students who spearheaded the first event saw it as a way they could provide a little holiday magic for the community and for On Belay.
On Belay, the beneficiary of this fundraiser, provides adventure-based programs that build community for children aged 9 to 19 who are living with or who have lost a family member to cancer. On Belay programs are free to all participants, thanks to gifts from community and corporate sponsors as well as fundraising events such as “Caution: Gingerbread House Construction.” On Belay serves children from throughout New Hampshire, Southern Maine, Northern Massachusetts, and Vermont. Programs are held throughout the year at facilities across northern New England.
Each program session provides up to 25 children access to adventure activities such as rock climbing and high ropes course work. Facilitators use the activities to create a metaphor for participants, teaching them if they can find a way through these challenges, they can overcome anything. At each program participants connect with other children facing similar challenges, think creatively, challenge themselves, support others, ask for help and build physical and emotional confidence and a community to remind them that they are not alone.
The “Caution: Gingerbread House Construction” event will take place at the MUB (Memorial Union Building) Food Court on the UNH-Durham campus on Saturday, Dec.10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entry fee is $10 per team. All necessary materials will be provided, but contestants are encouraged to bring their own special ingredients for extra flair. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories and no one goes home empty-handed. All of the funds raised by this event will go directly to provide programming to children in need.
For more information about On Belay programming or the “Caution: Gingerbread House Construction” fundraising event, visit the On Belay website (www.on-belay.org) or send an email to info@on-belay.org.
ELIOT, Maine
Dec. 2 —At 6 p.m., the Eliot Community Services Department will host a tree lighting ceremony. The Marshwood High School choir will sing Christmas tunes as residents celebrate the coming of Christmas with this annual event at Hammond Park. Residents can enjoy light refreshments with Santa Claus after the lighting.
Dec. 2 — A New Day Advent Christmas Concert will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Eliot United Methodist Church 238 Harold L. Dow Highway.
Start the holiday season with a New Day as they share their gifts of music. FMI: 207-439-6593 www.eliotumc.com www.anewdaymusic.com Free will offering for the music program.
FARMINGTON
Dec. 3— The town’s annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in the center of town. Refreshments will be available, including hot chocolate and cookies. Music and caroling will fill the air at the event, which will receive a special visit from Santa Claus.
Dec. 9— Lucky children will receive a phone call from Santa Claus this Christmas season with the help of the local Recreation Department. Interested parents simply return a registration form to the department by Dec. 7 and children will receive a call from Santa on Friday, Dec. 9 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The fee is only $1.
Dec. 16— Think you have what it takes to have the best Christmas display in town? Then call the Recreation Department on Dec. 15, tell your address and you will be entered into the town’s House Decorating Contest. On Wednesday, Dec. 16, a bus full of Farmington senior citizens will travel through the streets to look at the displays and will choose a winner. The winner will be featured in next year’s Fall/Winter Brochure for the Recreation Department.
Dec. 22— Local children have a chance to meet their favorite gift-giver from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Recreation Department gym with the department’s annual visit from Santa Claus. Printed photos with Santa will be available for $3, while the event itself is free. The event is open for children up to 10 years old.
LEBANON, Maine
No holiday events are known yet for Lebanon, Maine. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
LEE
No holiday events are known yet for Lee. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
MADBURY
No holiday events are known yet for Madbury. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
MILTON
Dec. 11 — The 20th annual Toys For Kids fundraiser, sponsored by Milton Memorial Post 8393 Veterans of Foreign Wars, will conclude with a Christmas Party at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Emma Ramsey Center, 424 White Mountain Highway. The general public is invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy for a boy or girl.
Santa Claus will make an appearance, passing out gifts for the children, and a free photo of his visit with you, compliments of Chris Goodale. Entertainment for the children and adults will be a “magic show” by Phillip and Henry Productions (www.phillipandhenry.com).
There will also be refreshments for everyone and a very profitable auction of gift certificates and items donated, offering a good deal for all participants.
All proceeds will help neighbors in need in the community to experience joy and happiness for the Christmas season.
NEW DURHAM
Dec. 8— The local Recreation Department hosts a trip to the Castelton Banquet Facility in Windham to see a performance by singer Allen Edwards of Christmas and other holiday songs.
The event also includes a turkey dinner.
The trip costs $69 and includes a ride to the event on a coach bus, the show and dinner.
Dec. 10-11— The local Recreation Department hosts a trip to New York City letting residents experience the city’s Christmas decorations and events.
The trip includes a ride on a coach bus from town to the city, overnight accommodation and one breakfast. Once in the city, attendees are on their own to shop, visit museums, Times Square or Rockefeller Center.
The trip costs $199 per person for a double room, $169 per person for a triple room, $149 per person for a quad room, and $269 per person for a single room.
For more information, call the town recreation department at
NEWINGTON
No holiday events are known yet for Newington. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
NEWMARKET
No holiday events are known yet for Newmarket. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
NORTH BERWICK, Maine
No holiday events are known yet for North Berwick. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
NORTHWOOD
Dec. 4—The Northwood Recreation Department is sponsoring the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Party from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Join us as we continue a holiday tradition and build memories that will last a lifetime! Enjoy refreshments, children’s holiday crafts and caroling around the tree. The lighting of the tree will take place at 4:30 p.m. Join us!
PORTSMOUTH
Dec. 3 — Mayor Tom Ferrini wants all of Portsmouth’s nonprofit organizations to be honored at this year’s “Caring Christmas” Illuminated Holiday Parade and announced today he’s invited officials from three food pantries benefiting from the accompanying food drive to represent the many groups working to better our community.
For the first time, participants and spectators at the parade are urged to bring nonperishable food items to support three local food pantries experiencing increases in clientele compared to last year. Volunteers from Portsmouth High School will push shopping carts along the parade route to collect the food from the paradegoers.
They will join eight marching bands, 11 floats, over 40 vehicles and walking units, and Santa Claus when the parade steps off at 6 p.m. following the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, beginning at 5 p.m. with holiday music performed by the Portsmouth Middle School Band at the parade reviewing stand in Market Square and concludes with the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
An estimated 8,000 people are expected to line the 1.1-mile parade route that begins at the Plaza 800 area and ends at the South Mill Pond parking lot.
The food pantries’ wish list for food items can be found on the Mayor’s page at www.cityofportsmouth.com, along with the parade route and other information related to the evening’s activities. The city will offer a set $3 parking fee between 3-7 p.m. at the High-Hanover Parking Facility for those attending the festivities. For a list of downtown streets that will be closed from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, visit www.CityofPortsmouth.com a few days before the parade.
Dec. 3 — The International Christmas Fair will offer a venue for beautiful crafts and gifts from local artisans from developing countries. Take the “Christ Church Cookie Walk” or check out the white elephant table. Buy a raffle ticket, eat delicious food from the cafe and have enjoy the event at the Christ Episcopal Church at 1035 Lafayette Rd. The fair will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 2 p.m. For more information visit www.Christepiscopalchurch.us or call 436-8842.
Dec. 3-4 —The Portsmouth School of Ballet host its 19th season of the Seacoast’s only all student production of the Nutcracker. For months, the students at the Portsmouth School of Ballet have prepared for their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet. The Nutcracker will be performed by 250 students from the ballet school. The choreography is by artistic director Kristen Samson. The performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and on Sunday Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. at the state of the art Exeter High School Auditorium in Exeter.
Dancing the role of Clara this year are long time students of the school Katherine Sennott, 14, a freshman at St. Thomas High School and Georgina Head, 14, a freshman at Portsmouth High School and dancing the role of Fritz is A.J. Sargent an eighth grader at Seacoast Charter School. Jacqueline Goodhue 16, a junior at Winnacunnet High School will perform the role of the Dew Drop Fairy. Megan LaPointe 15, a sophomore at Winnacunnet High School will perform the role of Snow Queen. Indigo Beebe-Jenny, an eighth grader at Heronfield Academy will be performing the role of Nutcracker Prince. The role of Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Emma Partridge 17, a senior at Dover High School and Megan McCoy 22, a professional dancer with the Portland Ballet and long time student of the Portsmouth School of Ballet. Douglas Downey a local male dancer will perform the role of Cavalier for the 10th consecutive year.
For more information on the Nutcracker or the school’s classes, please contact the school at (603) 436-5993. Tickets are $12 Adults, $10 Children under the age of 12 and can be purchased in advance or at the door the day of the performances. Tickets can be charged by phone. See the schools website at www.psb-nh.com for more information.
Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 — Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth offers live holiday shows at The Music Hall, ranging from the Leahy Family Christmas on, Dec 3 (after the City’s tree-lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade) to Merry Funny Christmas on Dec. 8 and 9, to Christmas Celtic Sojourn (Dec 10). Strawbery Banke Museum presents its 32nd annual Candlelight Stroll, 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec 3, 10, 17 and 4 to 8 p.m. on Sundays, Dec 4, 11, 18. Adults are $20, children 5 to 17 years old are $10 and children under 5 free. A family ticket is available for $50 and includes two adults and all children under 17.
“The holiday decorations, vignettes and role-players at Strawbery Banke Museum’s Candlelight Stroll are designed to carry visitors into holiday lives from the real past as the 10-acre museum and its 40 historic buildings recreate ‘December in the Portsmouth Neighborhood of Puddle Dock,’ says Lawrence Yerdon, Museum president. Visitors are welcomed into the 1919 Russian Jewish kitchen of Mrs. Shapiro as she prepares the Hanukkah celebration. Colonial soldiers warm themselves around the bonfire. The wagon drawn by a winter-furry farm horse, Doc, makes the rounds along the dirt lanes lined with the flickering wood-and-glass candle lanterns that are the signature of Candlelight Stroll.
New in 2011 is the Vintage Christmas Pop-up Market in The Music Hall Loft. Open Thursday through Sundays the first three weekends in December, the Pop-up Market is the Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth information center, also offering unique holiday gifts from Strawbery Banke Museum, The Music Hall, Puttin’ on the Glitz, and Churchill’s Garden Center plus live entertainment every Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The city-sponsored free Vintage Christmas Trolley expands its route, adding stops at Vaughan Mall for the Popup Market, and at the corner of Middle and Court Street as well as the city hotels, parking lots, High/Hanover garage, Market Square, The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum. “The 15-minute loop is a popular way to see Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth lights and festivities as you move from stroll to show to stay-over, with shopping and dining in between,” said COAST’s Manager of Operations and Planning, Jeremy LaRose.
And this year, The Market Square Carolers, aka middle school students from Portsmouth, will be singing their way around town.
For the full schedule, visit www.vintagechristmasnh.org
Dec. 7 — Come support local young musicians at the Portsmouth Middle School holiday concert. The show will begin at 7 p.m. at the Portsmouth High School at 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive. Tickets are $2. The event snow date is Dec. 8.
ROCHESTER
Dec. 2— Rochester’s first annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Square, downtown. This event, underwritten by Frisbie Memorial Hospital, includes hot chocolate and cookies, dancing, caroling and a very special visit from Santa Claus. Children may visit Santa at Federal Savings Bank, located at 17 Wakefield Street in Rochester, any time between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Mayor T.J. Jean will be at the ceremony to light Rochester’s holiday tree for the first time for the 2011 holiday season.
In addition to the festivities at Central Square, many downtown merchants and restaurants will participate by offering specials and discounts as their establishments to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Visit the Chamber website at www.rochesternh.org for a list of participating merchants and discounts.
The same night, Rochester Main Street will unveil its “Win the Window” holiday promotion at 6:30 p.m. at 26 North Main St. Local businesses will fill the window with holiday items from their stores and participants are given until Dec. 23 to go from business to business to find out how much each item is worth. All completed entry forms will be included in a drawing to see who wins the items in the window, valued at over $800.
Dec. 2-3— The Rochester Follies will be at the Rochester Opera House with skits, music, and dance. Community members will be given the opportunity to get up on stage and become part of the show as part of this fundraiser for the Opera House. The shows will be at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call the ticket office at (603) 335-1992.
Dec. 3 — Frisbie Memorial Hospital announced its annual Breakfast with Santa event scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Community Education Conference Center on the hospital campus. Enjoy a breakfast buffet while listening to your favorite holiday music. Share your wish list with Santa Claus and create your very own seasonal arts and craft project.
To offset the cost of food, admission is $6 per adult and $3 per child six to 12 years of age. Children under age five are free. Registration is required and can be made by calling (603) 330-7999 or by emailing event registration@fmhospital.com. Please indicate how many people will attend and the time you intend on arriving (8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.) to ensure available seating.
Dec. 4— The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual holiday parade, titled “A Christmas Carol,” beginning at 3 p.m. The parade features an array of floats from businesses, organizations and youth organizations as well as marching high school bands, marching units, equestrians and more. Each year, over 2,000 people march in the parade and thousands more watch the parade from the city’s streets.
The parade route begins on Wakefield Street near the high school’s technology center, travels down Wakefield, to Union Street, North Main Street, and South Main Street before ending at Rochester Common.
Dec. 10-11 — The Granite State Choral Society will present two performances of their holiday concert under the direction of Seth A. Hurd. The program will feature J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in Eb (BVW243a), excerpts from John Rutter’s Magnificat, and other works by Randol Alan Bass and G.F. Handel, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. We invite you to attend one of our performances.
Performances will be held on Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 34 South Main Street, Rochester, NH. The church is handicap accessible.
Now, into its 37th season, the Granite State Choral Society is a non-auditioned community chorus dedicated to presenting quality choral performances, ranging in styles from classics to Broadway, and to promoting the appreciation of the choral arts. The members come from all walks of life and range from experienced singers to novices just discovering the joys of choral singing.
Dec. 15-18 — Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol turns modern with a delightful twist at the Rochester Opera House on December 15, 16 17 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 17 18 at 2 p.m. This charming contemporary version, directed by Shay Willard, traces the life of miserly Scrooge (Doug Decker) from the 1940s to present day. Live music, directed by Kathy Fink, enhances the experience of this timeless tale from start to finish.
Reserve tickets for $16 online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call/stop by the box office (603) 335-1992, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and two hours before the show. The Rochester Opera House is in City Hall, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester.
ROLLINSFORD
No holiday events are known yet for Rollinsford. Send yours to news@fosters.com.
RYE
Dec. 2-4 —The Rockingham Choral Society, under the direction of Andrew Gaydos, presents their winter concert series on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road in Rye; Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 187 East Road in Hampstead, NH; and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 43 Pine St. in Exeter. These concerts will feature a broad sampling of Christmas compositions, both classic and contemporary. The Choral Society is excited to present the first U.S. performance of The Four Songs of the Nativity by contemporary British composer, Howard Blake. This selection combines an ancient text with 21st century music. Also included on the program are the following selections: The Star of Bethlehem by Joseph Rheinberger, Magnificat by Canadian composer Ruth Watson Henderson, and Chanticleer by Richard Dirksen. To complete the concert the chorus invites the audience to join them in the singing of familiar carols.
Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $12 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students. Advance tickets can be purchased at a reduced price, $10 and $8, at Water Street Bookstore in Exeter or can be purchased online at www.rockinghamchoralsociety.org. For more information, please call President Jack Maul at (603) 772-0826.
SOMERSWORTH
No holiday parade — Due to the recent budget crunch, there will be no holiday parade this year.
Dec. 3 — The 19th Annual Holiday Craft Fair, sponsored by the Somersworth Festival Association, will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Somersworth High School. This well attended fair is one of the largest craft fairs in the area. The fair features more than 150 of the best crafters in all of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Mass. and even R.I. This is a good time to do your holiday shopping and to buy your fall decorations. There is plenty of parking and food will be served by the board members of the festival association. For more information please call Sue at (603) 692-5869.
SOUTH BERWICK
Dec. 2 — South Berwick’s Home for the Holidays downtown celebration, 5 to 8 p.m. The village center will burst with activities for the whole family including mini horse and carriage rides, ice sculptures, a wandering minstrel, visits with Santa, cookie-making, caroling, artisan shows, letter writing to Santa, Hannukah fun, a scavenger hunt, treats and beverages throughout downtown and lots more. See complete listing at www.southberwickmaine.org.
STRAFFORD
Dec. 3-4— Strafford holds its 22nd annual “Christmas in Strafford” event, with local crafters opening their doors for the members of the community, and showcasing their crafts. Locals who wish to participate can get a map of the open homes at the Strafford Community Center.
STRATHAM
Dec. 4 — The Stratham Historical Society will hold a Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 158 Portsmouth Avenue, corner of Winnicut Road. Featured will be holiday organ music played by Beverly Connolly on our antique pump organ. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Festivities will precede the caroling and the annual Tree Lighting at the Stratham Circle. For information, call 778-9525 or 772-4955.
WAKEFIELD
Dec. 3— The local United Methodist Church of Sanbornville will host a craft fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The two are available for photos with children and well-behaved pets, but attendees are asked to bring their own camera. The fair will also feature a miscellaneous food table, books, gifts, and more. Donations will also be accepted to help fund wheelchair accessible restrooms for the church. are welcomed into the 1919 Russian Jewish kitchen of Mrs. Shapiro as she prepares the Hanukkah celebration. Colonial soldiers warm themselves around the bonfire. The wagon drawn by a winter-furry farm horse, Doc, makes the rounds along the dirt lanes lined with the flickering wood-and-glass candle lanterns that are the signature of Candlelight Stroll.
New in 2011 is the Vintage Christmas Pop-up Market in The Music Hall Loft. Open Thursday through Sundays the first three weekends in December, the Pop-up Market is the Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth information center, also offering unique holiday gifts from Strawbery Banke Museum, The Music Hall, Puttin’ on the Glitz, and Churchill’s Garden Center plus live entertainment every Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The city-sponsored free Vintage Christmas Trolley expands its route, adding stops at Vaughan Mall for the Popup Market, and at the corner of Middle and Court Street as well as the city hotels, parking lots, High/Hanover garage, Market Square, The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum. “The 15-minute loop is a popular way to see Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth lights and festivities as you move from stroll to show to stay-over, with shopping and dining in between,” said COAST’s Manager of Operations and Planning, Jeremy LaRose.
And this year, The Market Square Carolers, aka middle school students from Portsmouth, will be singing their way around town.
For the full schedule, visit www.vintagechristmasnh.org.
Democrat file photo
A moose greets parade watchers in Rochester last year.
Click here to view Foster’s prints for sale
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Courtesy photo
Handmade tin lanterns from the tinsmith at the 18th century Wheelwright House are shown during Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll last year.
Click here to view Foster’s prints for sale
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Click here to view Foster’s prints for sale
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Democrat file photo
Parade participants ride a float in last year’s Rochester Christmas parade. This year’s parade is Sunday at 3 p.m.
Click here to view Foster’s prints for sale
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