Tis’ the Season of Giving and Gathering in North of Boston

It’s hard to believe it’s already November. Leaves crunch beneath our feet as the sun sets earlier, and talks of Holiday happenings fill the air. We’re gearing up for ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ while still soaking in all the festive fun of fall too.

The days may be getting shorter but the list of things to do is getting longer all over again! See what great experiences await you these next several weeks here in North of Boston.

Nov. 12: Harvest Market at Appleton Farms

Join Appleton Farms in a celebration of the fall season with a special farmers market, warm drinks, seasonal goodies, and local artisans at their Harvest Market on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 12–4 pm in Ipswich.

Nov. 14: The Rink at MarketStreet Lynnfield Returns

Holidays on ice! Considered as one of the North Shore region’s most beloved outdoor winter destinations and traditions, The Rink will open for its ninth season at MarketStreet Lynnfield on Monday, Nov. 14, through February 28. Ice skaters and guests alike will once again be treated to a spectacle of twinkling lights at MarketStreet Lynnfield as they illuminate the ice and various areas of the property while arotating playlist of musical hits and seasonal favorites will get skaters and shoppers moving and grooving. 

Save the date for MarketStreet’s Holiday Stroll on November 20 and kick off the Holiday Season with amazing shopping opportunities, scrumptious food sampling, interactive holiday decor, live entertainment, wintery activities, and a very special tree lighting led by Mr. Claus himself.

Nov. 18: SeaFestival of Trees at Blue Ocean Event Center

Experience the joy and excitement of the Seacoast’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, Santa visits, and more at the SeaFestival of Trees! This beloved event begins November 18 and happens weekends through December 4 at Blue Ocean Event Center on Salisbury Beach.

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Nov. 19: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Angela Hewitt

Rockport Music presents the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra joined by pianist Angela Hewitt, hailed as one of the leading keyboard interpreters of Bach, for a spectacular display of concerti by J. S. Bach at Shalin Liu Performance Center.

Nov. 20: Christmas on the Hill Kicks Off at Marini Farm

Usher in the holiday season at Marini Farm in Ipswich. Soak up the fresh countryside air, picturesque farmlands, Christmas trees, wreaths, workshops, and more.

There’s fun for all!

Nov. 21: Classical vs. English: A Thanksgiving Tradition

Ahead of the 109th Thanksgiving Day game between Lynn Classical and Lynn English join Lynn Museum to celebrate this longstanding Lynn tradition. Cash bar, DJ, light bites, and raffles. Tickets are $20.

Nov. 27–Dec. 23: Salem Trolley & The Gallows Hill Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Now entering into its 36th Season, this humorous & whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way.

Nov. 25–Dec. 30: Deck The Halls at Hammond Castle, By Candlelight Too!

Beginning Nov. 25, Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out.  Immerse yourself in a lost era of quiet luxury and holiday grandeur unlike any other on the North Shore. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with Christmas Trees in nearly every room, numerous wreaths, and candlelight throughout.

November 25: Santa’s Arrival and the Lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree, Hawthorne Hotel Salem

Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem in celebrating Santa’s Arrival and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree. Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel promptly at 6:00 with assistance from the Salem Fire Department. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun! Santa’s arrival will be followed by a procession down  Essex Street to Lappin Park where participants will join Santa and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll for the Holiday Tree Lighting. 

November 26: Santa Comes to Amesbury – Photo Sessions, Amesbury Carriage Museum

Bring children of all ages for a visit with Santa and his sleigh (made in Amesbury!), in a festive holiday setting, with stories, crafts, caroling and holiday treats. Registration includes one-on-one time with Santa, plus a 10 minute micro photo session (with Kate Donovan Photography, of Amesbury) – with time for both candid and posed photos with Santa. Registrants will receive a link for their digital gallery of edited photos, in time for use in annual holiday cards or prints. 

November 26: Annual Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting, Peabody Main Streets

Join Peabody Main Streets on from 1 pm to 5 pm in celebration of Small Business Saturday and the return of the Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Welcome the start of the holiday season with carolers, Santa and the holiday trolleys to bring you to your favorite downtown destinations! Shop small this holiday season right in your own backyard!

November 26–27 & December 3–4: Story Time with Mrs. Claus, Cider Hill Farm

Mrs. Claus and a few elves are flying in to the farm to spread holiday cheer! Mrs. Claus will ring in the season reading a few short holiday stories leaving plenty of time to take photos with each child/family. Each session is 45 minutes and limited to 35 children. Write letters to Santa while you wait your turn to snap pics with Mrs. Claus! Sip cocoa and snack on kettlecorn on your way out at the Flying Cocoa Mobile. Plus, take a family picture on the wooden sleigh in front of the farm store!

November 26–January 2: Winter Lights on Cape Ann, throughout Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea

Celebrate the spirit of the season on Cape Ann! Pack up the car and come enjoy the 3rd Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their storefronts with twinkling lights and creative window displays! Over 100 lighted locations will help bring joy to all those who visit from Saturday, November 26 through New Years Day! Visit discovergloucester.com for a digital brochure coming soon. 

November 27: Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Downtown Newburyport

As the holiday season approaches, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in the most fitting way for this seaport town… by US Coast Guard Boat! Welcome Santa on the Sunday after Thanksgiving as he and Mrs. Claus dock at the boardwalk and begin to parade through downtown Newburyport, then gather in Market Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols. 

November 28: Festival of Lights Tree & Menorah Lighting, Central Square, Lynn

The Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lynn are partnering to host the fourth annual Festival of Lights event in Central Square! Join them from 4 to 6 pm for an evening of holiday cheer with a Tree & Menorah lighting at 5:45 pm. Enjoy a festive sing-along from students at North Shore Christian School and St. Mary’s Choir, plus a musical performance from the All City Marching Band! Hot chocolate and coffee will be available courtesy of the Salvation Army.

Photo credits: Appleton Farms courtesy Appleton Farms; The Rink courtesy MarketStreet Lynnfield; Wreath courtesy Marini Farms; “A Christmas Carol courtesy Salem Trolley; Mrs. Claus & Santa courtesy Newburyport Chamber.