North of Boston

Deck the Halls at Hammond Castle Museum
2025-12-16 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-17 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-18 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-19 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-20 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-21 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-22 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-23 09:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) and 3 more dates | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for the 2025 Holiday Season as we proudly present our 7th annual “Deck The Halls” holiday celebration!
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its own unique holiday theme. From nature’s bounty of fruits and greenery to the warm glow of candlelight, every detail creates a true feast for the senses. Along the way, you will encounter a royal guard of nutcrackers standing watch over a gingerbread house replica of the castle. Keep an eye out for playful elves and gnomes who are up to mischief—great fun for little ones! This year, the celebration will also shine with the glow of two menorahs on display, honoring the traditions of Hanukkah within the Museum’s holiday splendor.
For the first time, we are pleased to feature design elements created in partnership with Elaine Quinn Interiors, a boutique residential interior design firm based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, bringing fresh inspiration and artistry to this year’s holiday presentation.
In addition to the holiday installation, guests will also have the opportunity to experience the Hammond in Italy temporary exhibition, which highlights John Hays Hammond Jr.’s time abroad and the profound influence Italian art and architecture had on his vision for the castle.
For an even more enchanting experience, join us for Deck the Halls by Candlelight on Thursday evenings throughout December. These extended-hour tours invite guests to explore the Museum after dark, when the holiday décor glows with flickering candlelight and twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Guests should plan for approximately 60 minutes in total to take in the full holiday grandeur.

Mistletoe Madness
2025-12-16 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-17 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-18 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 17:00 and 5 more dates | Downtown Rockport, 15 Dock Square, Rockport, 01966, United States
Mistletoe Madness is back for a second season! This year, all shoppers participating in Mistletoe Madness will be entered into one Grand Prize Drawing. From December 6 through December 31, 2025, shop at participating Rockport retailers, restaurants, theatres, and recreation spots for your chance to win big in our New Year’s Eve drawing for hundreds of dollars worth of local gift certificates.

Gingerbread House Decorating Class at Salisbury Beach Carousel
2025-12-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Salisbury Beach Carousel, 7 Broadway, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
Sponsored by Baddass Brands. $95 per person Click here to purchase tickets – Cooking Classes with Chef Chrissy Dolan

Jingle Bar: Holiday Pop-Up Bar
2025-12-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-22 18:00 - 21:00 | MA
Jingle all the way to the harbor as our Holiday Pop-Up Bar returns this season on December 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 22nd from 6:00PM-9:00PM. Enjoy champagne, seasonal cocktails, light bites, festive décor, and live music in our oceanfront Grand Ballroom and Pavilion Rooms, with General Admission starting at $15 and upgraded premier seating available.

Ornament Paint Night at Salisbury Beach Carousel
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Salisbury Beach Carousel, 7 Broadway, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
All materials provided! Bring your own snacks and beverages.

New Orleans Christmas featuring Henri Smith
2025-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Featuring Big Band Jazz and Blues favorites, New Orleans Singer/Bandleader Henri Smith brings his 7-piece band back to the Gloucester Stage for a special New Orleans Holiday concert.
Performance at the Natti-Willsky Performance Center, Home of Gloucester Stage Company, Saturday, December 20th at 7:00pm.

Christmas by the Sea
2025-12-25 11:30 - 18:30 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Celebrate Christmas by the Sea at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar. On December 25th, reservations are available from 11:30AM – 6:30PM, offering a joyful coastal dining experience crafted to make your holiday memorable.
Enjoy À La Carte Christmas Specials thoughtfully curated with seasonal starters, such as Mushroom Bisque with truffle and chive crème fraîche. Entrées include a Queen Cut Prime Rib served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a winter vegetable medley. For a sweet finish, savor our Peppermint Cheesecake. All dishes are prepared with the signature flavor and warmth of 1606. View the Christmas Specials Menu Here.
Gather with loved ones, soak in the harbor views, and allow us to make your holiday truly special. Reserve your Christmas table and celebrate the season by the sea.
