Cozy Up to Holiday Happenings this December North of Boston

Don’t Miss These Featured Holiday Events!

As December arrives, the North of Boston region is ready to sparkle with winter magic and festive cheer! From twinkling holiday lights to cozy traditions, there’s no shortage of seasonal fun to enjoy. Whether you’re discovering charming small towns, savoring seasonal treats, or experiencing the warmth of local events, December brings something special for everyone.

Holiday Light Displays 

Danvers Holiday Houses: Dec. 14

Join the Danvers neighborhood of Arthur Street and beyond for their 3rd Annual Holiday House Stroll! Take a leisurely walk down Arthur Street and the surrounding streets to enjoy dazzling holiday light displays. Along Fowler Street, stop for some hot cocoa and cookies, and don’t miss the raffle at 4:30 PM. This year, the festive event benefits the Community Giving Tree, a non-profit agency that aids 20,000 local children with their basic needs and holiday gifts. Stroll, stop at beautiful light displays, and support your community!  

River Street Christmas Light Display, Middleton: Running Throughout December

Opening on December 1, the River Street Christmas light display has become a beloved neighborhood tradition. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., enjoy the sparkling lights and festive atmosphere. Check the Facebook page for special events and updated hours. This year, the display supports local causes, including fundraisers for Boston Children’s Hospital and the Middleton Food Pantry.

Festive Events

Open House at the Beauport Hotel, Gloucester: Dec. 2

Join in the fun as Beauport Hotel transforms into a seaside winter wonderland. Enjoy live holiday entertainment, festive passed hors d’oeuvres, a special sweets table, and a cozy hot chocolate bar in the lobby.

SeaFestival of Trees, Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury Beach: Dec. 3- Dec.7

Experience the joy and excitement of the Seacoast’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, seaside indoor ice skating, Santa’s workshop, toy testing station, and more at the 12th annual SeaFestival of Trees! This beloved event runs through December 7 at Blue Ocean Event Center on Salisbury Beach. While you’re there, take a ride on the Salisbury Beach carousel! Be sure to check the events calendar for times and tickets for specific events! Photo credit Festival of Trees

A Colorful Christmas at Castle Hill: Dec. 5–Dec. 29

Visiting Castle Hill at Christmas is a time-honored tradition. Don’t miss this year’s festival of color. Each room in our 1920s mansion is decorated with a different vibrant color scheme. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate, try the Crane holiday eye spy, and shop in the Castle Hill Gift Shop. Christmas at Castle Hill runs Fridays, Christmas at Castle Hill runs Fridays, December 5, 12, 19, and 26, 4-7 pm; Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10 am-4 pm (sensory-friendly hours 10 am-11:30 am); Sundays, December 7, 14, 21, and 28, 10 am-4 pm.

Holiday Teas at Phillips House, Salem: Dec. 6

Celebrate the season with the Holiday Tea at Phillips House! Enjoy a festive tea with tea sandwiches and sweet treats in beautiful Samuel McIntire-designed rooms.

Meet the Saint Bernards, Smolak Farms, North Andover: Dec. 6

One of our favorite holiday traditions is back! On Saturday, December 6th, from 11 am to 2 pm, the lovable and gentle Saint Bernards from the New England Saint Bernard Club will be here to make your visit to the farm even more special. These majestic dogs will help pull pre-cut Christmas trees to your car and pose for unforgettable photos!

Amesbury Holiday Parade, Downtown Amesbury: Dec. 6

The town of Amesbury is proud to bring you the 61st annual Holiday Parade! The theme this year will be Candyland. Come out with the family for a holly-jolly good time and watch the parade at 3:30 pm, rain or shine!

Holidays at the Cushing House, Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport: Dec. 6 & Dec. 7

On Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 8th, from 10 am to 4 pm, the Museum of Old Newbury will welcome the public to the 1808 Cushing House, a National Historic Landmark, in all its holiday finery! Guests will enjoy exquisite decorations, festive music, and the company of friends and neighbors for two days of walk-through tours. Whether you’re looking for festive inspiration, a fun outing with family and friends, or simply want to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere, Holidays at the Cushing House is the place to be. Photo courtesy Museum of Old Newbury 

Christmas in Rockport: Events Running Throughout December 

Throughout December, families can join Sammy the Seagull’s scavenger hunt, enjoy special shopping nights, and watch Santa arrive by boat at T-Wharf before the Dock Square Tree Lighting. Strolling musicians, carolers, the beloved live Christmas Pageant, Last Minute Stocking Stuffer weekend, and the Menorah Tree Lighting round out a festive month of community traditions and coastal charm.

Christmas at the Farm, Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm, Newbury: Dec. 12

Join Historic New England this holiday season for a very special evening at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. Enjoy holiday refreshments, listen to traditional Christmas carols, and tour the first floor of the Manor House. Learn about how Christmas was celebrated and evolved throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments included.

Middle Street Walk, Gloucester: Dec. 13

Embrace the season at the 27th Annual Middle Street Walk with a free day of seasonal music, historic tours, children’s activities, a gingerbread house contest, and a horse-drawn wagon ride of Middle Street, and more. There will be church fairs at the Trinity Congregational Church and at the Unitarian Universalist Church on the corner of Church Street and Middle Street. Luncheon will be available for sale at the Unitarian Universalist Church from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The day concludes with the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree at Solomon Jacobs Park at Harbor Loop.

Santa at Sea, Beauport Cruiselines, Gloucester: Dec. 14

Beauport’s Annual Santa at Sea Cruise returns! Enjoy a holiday harbor cruise aboard Beauport Cruiselines. Take in the beautiful views of Gloucester Harbor, all while singing holiday tunes, enjoying hot cocoa and cookies, and listening to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Plus, a visit from Santa himself!

Holiday Shows

Beauport Hotel’s Jingle Bar, Gloucester: Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 22

Jingle and mingle with the Beauport Hotel as their Jingle Bar returns! Visit the holiday pop-up bar to sip on champagne and holiday seasonal cocktails, relax by the fireplaces, savor light bites, and enjoy their festive trees and décor to the sounds of live musical entertainment. 

A Christmas Carol, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly: Dec. 4–21

New England’s brightest holiday tradition is celebrating its 36th Anniversary! An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Played by David Coffee, joined once again by Cheryl McMahon as Mrs Dilber for their 31st production) through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.

Home for the Holidays Special, Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester: Dec. 5

Celebrate the Holidays at Gloucester Stage with your host for a one-night-only fundraiser. Hosts Paula Plum and Margaret Ann Brady will lead you through a night full of holiday-themed Broadway classics. Full of holiday fun & sing-a-longs, tickets include open bar and dessert bar after the performance.

Tony DeSare Holiday Pops, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport: Dec. 11

Tony DeSare delivers a fresh take on the Great American Songbook, blending jazz, swing, and pop with charm and virtuosity. From Sinatra to Billy Joel, plus his own award-winning songs, DeSare’s program celebrates timeless melodies and heartfelt storytelling. A dynamic evening of all your holiday favorites with one of today’s most engaging performers.

BrassFed Nation Holiday Bash, The Cut, Gloucester: Dec. 19

Carlos Menezes Jr’s BrassFed Nation is a horn-driven groove machine with a unique sound incorporating the styles and traditions of early Jazz, New Orleans Funk & Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Calypso, and Jamaican Ska! Paying homage to the infectious beats and sounds of New Orleans, the BrassFed Orchestra will cue the “Big Four” and transport audience members to the streets of the Crescent City for a Holiday Celebration that is full of surprises!

Salem Trolley & The Gallows, A Christmas Carol: select dates through Dec. 21

Experience Salem’s history aboard the Salem Trolley, the best way to see the city! This December, enjoy “A Christmas Carol” with The Salem Trolley & Gallows Hill Theatre for a memorable holiday experience. Now in it’s 39th Season, this humorous and whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way.

Holiday Shopping

photo by Marblehead Chamber of Commerce

Marblehead Christmas Walk, Downtown Marblehead: Dec. 4- Dec. 7

Well known as one of the finest holiday happenings in New England, Marblehead Christmas Walk is a signature event that captures the warmth of the holiday season throughout the entire town. Join the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce for a festive weekend including Thursday Night Preview Shopping, the Friday Tree Lighting, Saturday’s Santa’s Arrival by lobster boat and Parade, the Artisan’s Markets, music, and so much more!

Newburyport Invitation Nights, Downtown Newburyport: Dec. 5,12,19:

Mark your calendars, book a babysitter, and call your friends to make plans for three great nights in Newburyport! Enjoy merchant hospitality, live entertainment, shopping, and dining in beautiful and festive downtown Newburyport, The Tannery, Merrimac Place, and Horton’s Yard.  Spend your evening strolling from shop to shop as you stock up on holiday gifts while enjoying munchies and beverages offered by local merchants and getting into the holiday spirit!

Beverly Holiday Stroll, Downtown Beverly: Dec. 12 & Dec. 13

Join Beverly Main Street for two evenings of downtown strolling, local shopping, and entertainment! Cabot Night will take place on Friday, 12/12, with Rantoul Night on Saturday, 12/13. Local businesses will be open for shopping and special activations, and vendor markets can be found at key venues. Find musical performances and special guests throughout both nights, and be sure to collect stamps for this year’s Shopping Passport.

Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek, Gloucester: Dec. 13

From vibrant paintings and sculptures to intricate ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, the Rocky Neck Holiday Trek offers a diverse array of one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts. Whether you’re seeking a thoughtful present or treating yourself, the Holiday Trek invites you to discover the joy of locally crafted gifts amidst the creative energy of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.

Holiday Tours

Deck the Halls Holiday Celebration, Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester: Dec. 1–Jan. 4

Join Hammond Castle for their seventh annual “Deck The Halls” holiday celebration! Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of candlelight that will envelop you throughout your tour of the Hammond Castle Museum. Immerse yourself in a bygone era of opulent tranquility and holiday grandeur that promises to be unlike any other experience on the North Shore. Make sure to purchase tickets for a guided or self-guided tour, available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

Newburyport Holiday House Tour: Dec. 13

Join the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association for this year’s Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 13th, from 10 am to 4 pm. You will enjoy a rare glimpse into greater Newburyport’s finest private residences and unique spaces. Your self-guided tour will lead you through each of the homes, all decked out both inside and out in holiday style, reflecting the homeowner’s individual celebrations and traditions of the season.

Annual Christmas in Salem Holiday House Tour, Salem: Dec. 6 & Dec. 7

This will be the 46th year of opening richly decorated private homes to the public within the historic neighborhoods of Salem. This year’s tour of twelve historic homes will be focused on the historic Summer Street area of the city, including stops at the famous Pickering House, Historic New England’s Gedney House, private homes on historic Broad, Cambridge and Essex streets, and more! The theme for this year’s tour is “Boughs and Blooms” which will bring a lush botanical air to each of the properties.

Special Promotions 

Peabody Free Days, North Shore Children’s Museum, Peabody: select dates

Peabody Free Days Are Back — Let’s Play! Calling all Peabody families! Enjoy free admission to NSCM on select days this November and December. Visit, explore, imagine, and make memories close to home!

Free Days: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30

Proof of Peabody residency is required when reserving or upon arrival. Tickets are limited and available online or at the door while supplies last—so plan your playtime early!

Salisbury Beach Carousel, Salisbury: Dec. 1—Dec. 14

Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while riding on the Salisbury Beach Carousel! For just $4 through December 14th, view dozens of beautifully decorated wreaths around the 1909 Historic Carousel with no charge for admission and only $4 per ride per rider.

More Winter Fun 

Birds at Rest, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem: December 5 

Birds need sleep as much as we do, and they have evolved some unique habits to match their intensely energetic lifestyles. Ornithologist and author Roger Pasquier discusses the evolution and benefits of avian sleep, including recent discoveries that some long-distance flyers can even sleep while in flight!

Winter Solstice Celebration, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield: Dec. 20

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead with a candlelit evening walk on the trails of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. The evening will begin by making your own lantern in our cozy, heated barn while sanctuary naturalists share the science of solstice. With lanterns in hand, light up the night with a stroll through the forest and perhaps catch sights or sounds of animals active during the winter season.

Sunset Hike to Cedar Point, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich: Dec. 27

Explore one of the Crane Estate’s most breathtaking hidden corners on a guided Sunset Hike to Cedar Point in Ipswich. This two-hour adventure begins in the manicured gardens of the Great House, continues along the Woodland Trail to Steep Hill Beach, and follows the “other beach” with views of a historic shipwreck (tide permitting), sand dunes, and the mouth of the Ipswich River. The experience ends with a stunning sunset along the Cedar Point Trail, overlooking Fox Creek and The Great Marsh.

Zach Nugent’s Grateful Ball, The Cabot, Beverly: Dec. 28

Led by guitarist and vocalist Zach Nugent, the band channels the spirit of the Dead with rare authenticity, not through imitation, but through devotion to the craft of improvisation, tone, and emotional honesty. With growing acclaim and an ever-expanding following, Zach Nugent’s Dead Set continues to prove that the spirit of the Dead isn’t just alive, it’s evolving.

The Fools 50th Anniversary NYE Show, Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury: Dec. 31

Ring in the new year with an unforgettable night at the Blue Ocean Music Hall. VIP Dinner & Show guests enjoy reserved seating, a full dinner beginning at 6:30 PM, a dessert duo, and a champagne toast before rocking out with The Fools from their tables. Show-only tickets include entry at 8:30 PM, live music from Psychedelic Relics, and a high-energy performance by The Fools leading up to midnight. Party favors and the dazzling Starburst Fireworks lights will cap off the countdown to 2025.

Looking for more winter fun? Check out these blogs!

Things To Do in Salem, MA, This Winter 

Winter Wonders and Fun in Lynnfield, MA 

Winter Adventures in Rockport, MA

Plan the Ultimate Gloucester, MA, Vacation

Reasons to Visit Newburyport, MA, This Winter