North of Boston

Santa Returns To The Castle at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-14 16:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
December 14th & 15th
Timed admission: 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Experience the magic as Santa Returns to the Castle, now in its 6th year! Our Great Hall transforms into a winter wonderland where children’s dreams come true. Meet Santa in a magical setting, share wishes, and receive a wrapped present, a North Pole letter, and milk and cookies. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers add to the festive spirit.
Guests will also enjoy the Holiday Illumination and a portion of the Deck The Halls celebration. Starting with the steps leading from the parking lot, attendees will enjoy the Holiday Illumination lights illuminating the castle’s exterior, including the iconic arches, bell tower, front towers, and drawbridge. Inside the Museum, from the Museum Shop to the Great Hall, you’ll catch a glimpse of the annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration where the Museum is dressed for the season.
This event is recommended for children aged 2 to 8 years old. Please note: Strollers and oversized baby carriers are not allowed within the Museum.
Santa’s Toys are generously sponsored by Gorton’s.

A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
2024-12-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | North Shore Music Theatre, Dunham Road 54, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
New England’s brightest holiday tradition is celebrating its 35th 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/Mrs. Fezziwig for their 30th production) through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. Featuring dazzling special effects and traditional songs like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “The Boar’s Head Carol,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” this award-winning production was created specifically for North Shore Music Theatre and has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989.

Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek
2024-12-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Rocky Neck
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.

Newburyport Art presents Featured Artist: Christine Molitor Johnson
2024-12-14 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) presents a featured artist exhibition by Christine Molitor Johnson, on view in the Hills Gallery. Christine has been painting for over 30 years and works in oils and pastels. Christine earned a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA., an M.Ed Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, and has studied art under the guidance of various artists.
Christine’s art is inspired by “the beauty of the moment.” She writes that, “painting in the ‘plein aire’ is the idyllic creative environment for me. I enjoy capturing the nuances of nature and the luminosity of the landscapes, water and skies that surround me. Continually I am striving for an expressive and textured nature in my brushwork. Painting has become one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences in my life.”
Christine’s paintings can be found in private collections nationally in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, Washington D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida, and throughout Massachusetts. She is also in private collections internationally in Bermuda, Ireland and England. When not at the easel, Christine enjoys time with her husband on the water and traveling to Europe and Maine. Christine is a retired Master Teacher from Kelley School in Newburyport. She also has been a board member of Community Service of Newburyport for 14 years, volunteers for OPArt in Newburyport, and is a member of the Newburyport Garden Club.
Running concurrently in the galleries is the Members’ Holiday Show, and Holiday Gift Shop. Join Christine for an opening reception on Friday, December 6th, form 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.
Founded in 1948, Newburyport Art is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting members’ work and to providing art education and access to the visual arts for the entire community.

Newburyport Art presents the Members' Holiday Show
2024-12-14 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) is thrilled to introduce the 2024 Members’ Holiday Show, featuring just over 100 works by Newburyport Art members. The exhibition is on view in the Sargent and Harston Galleries, running concurrently with the Holiday Gift Shop and Then & Now, a featured artist exhibition by Lance Hidy.
The Members Holiday Show is a highly-anticipated and much-loved exhibition by the Newbuyrport Art Members. Each artist could submit a maximum of one work to this exhibit, allowing the NAA to feature a large variety of member artwork! Artwork includes printmaking, sculpture, glass, mixed media, collage, oils, acrylic, photography and more.
In this exhibit you will find breathtaking landscapes, colorful abstracts, and a mix of winter, summer and fall scenes. With the work of over 100 contributing artists, visitors will find an impressive variety of media, styles, and techniques. Join artists and the community for an opening reception on Saturday, November 23rd from 4:00-6:00 PM.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.

Stories and Songs with Mrs. Claus
2024-12-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Make your spirits bright with a special visit from our favorite resident of the North Pole, Mrs. Claus! Together, we will sing songs, share holiday stories, and play games inspired by Christmas and this season of giving. We’re hoping for the inside scoop on what Santa and the elves have been up to, too. Dress-up or party attire encouraged but not required!
TICKETS
$5 – Member Adults, Seniors, & Children ages 2+
$12 – Nonmember Adults, Seniors, & Children ages 2+
$0 – Babies under age 2
Mrs. Claus is presented by Parties by Carole. Tickets to this special program also include admission to the Wenham Museum’s galleries and exhibitions.

Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny
2024-12-14 10:30 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
Kids at The Cabot: Join us at The Cabot in Beverly for a fun, kids series held monthly on Saturday mornings featuring incredible artists who educate and inspire.
Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny is a dance-filled, laugh-laced CD release party for the whole family. With his band the Outside Toys, Heaton performs hits from his shiny new album “Snow Day!” (Because nothing says holidays like retro hi fi guitar stylings, and a rock solid rhythm section.)
Warm up the cocoa. Break out the candy canes. Dust off the Rudolph-singing pipes. Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys are coming to town!

Deck The Halls Holiday Celebration at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for the 2024 Holiday Season as we proudly present our sixth 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.

Children's Broom Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2024-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 01970, United States
Children’s Broom Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel 10/6
Workshop Time: 9am-12pm Sunday October 6, 2024
Activity Length: 20 minutes
Location: The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square West, Salem MA 01970
Hosted By: This is a self-guided activity overseen by Good Witch Apprentices
Decorate a magical broom with craft tape, stickers, ribbon, tulle and a charm.
Under age 4 may participate with the help of a supervising adult.
Ticket purchase only admits one (1) participating child.
Please note: Event ticket purchases are non-refundable at this time.

Gloucester Middle Street Walk
2024-12-14
The Middle Street Walk will be held Saturday, December 14th from 10:AM to 4:30 P.M. The Walk will feature holiday fairs, luncheons, tours, a horse drawn hay ride and much more. The day concludes with the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree at 4:30 P.M. For more information, please go to
www.middlestreetwalk.org

Kelly MacFarland
2024-12-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
As an experienced stand-up comedian, Kelly has an extensive and well-rounded resume including comedy clubs, theaters, colleges, festivals, television appearances and entertaining US troops overseas. Kelly was first runner up in the Boston Comedy Festival and voted Best of the Fest at the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival. Kelly has two albums available on iTunes, Amazon and SiriusXM radio. She has performed at the Oddball Comedy Festival, the Comedy Stage at Boston Calling Music Festival, Lucille Ball Comedy Festival – National Comedy Center and has been a featured headliner for the Boston Women in Comedy Festival since its inception. Kelly has appeared on Stand Up in Stilettos on the TV Guide Channel, The Today Show, The View, Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and AXS Gotham Comedy LIVE. Kelly won 1st place in the professional category of the 2016 Ladies of Laughter. Kelly is part of the amazing lineup of Comics Come Home 25 2019!
Kelly has been hosting and performing at corporate events all over the country for over 20 years. She has done extensive work with the American Heart Association (AHA) including keynote performances at Go Red Luncheons throughout the country, hosting multiple Boston Heart of our Mission Awards and the AHA’s Go Red Reception at the Women’s Day Red Dress Awards event in NYC. Kelly has been the keynote speaker for the Pittsburgh Women in Business Conference, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Metrowest Women’s Expo. Kelly has hosted the MITX Technology Awards, American Stroke Association Tedy’s Team Gala and the Metrowest Women’s Conference VIP Event. Kelly has entertained the Women’s Bar Foundation of Massachusetts, the Northern New England Energy Conference, Penquis of Maine, CASA of New Hampshire and many more!
Kelly is also an accomplished improviser and comedic actress. She has performed with Fred Willard, Laura Hall and has been a resident cast member of the ImprovBoston National Touring Company since 2014. Kelly has also appeared in the Boston Theater Marathon, the Dances with Films Festival feature film, The Sympathy Card and the award-winning web series, Paid For By. Kelly is the host of the web series, Fit or Fad for Scripps Network. Kelly has also contributed to the Audible series, Sounds Like America and a finalist with her writing partner Dawn Smith in the 2019 HBO Pitch Your First Five Pages competition.

Sal Valentinetti - Christmas Comes To Town
2024-12-13 20:00 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
Join Sal Valentinetti as he celebrates the holiday season with “The Rat Pack” hits and your Christmas favorites!
Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of America’s Got Talent, is an Italian-American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. From a very young age Sal was influenced by his grandmother to love the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Since racking up over 350 million views worldwide with his captivating AGT audition, the celebrated charismatic crooner has been invited to appear in hundreds of sold out solo performances on stages around the world.

The LeeVees Hanukkah Party For All
2024-12-13 19:30 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
12/13/24
Reserved Seating $30
Standing $24
All Ages, under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
The LeeVees are a rock band featuring Adam Gardner of Guster and Dave Schneider of the Zambonis. The band was formed when the two bands toured together. The latter band only writes songs about ice hockey. Gardner and Schneider thought it would be fun to form another rock band, a Jewish one, that only wrote songs about Hanukkah, because there was a dearth of contemporary songs about that holiday. It first came to prominence near the end of 2005 with its debut album, Hanukkah Rocks. After realizing its initial approach was rather narrow, it continues as a band with a strong Jewish identity. Hanukkah Rocks producer Peter Katis had previously worked with Guster, as well as a range of indie-rock acts.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH
2024-12-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
For the 170th consecutive year, Handel & Haydn Society reignites your sense of wonder and joy with the greatest story ever told in song. The Society’s new artistic director Jonathan Cohen leads this centuries-old Boston tradition. Joining our resplendent orchestra and chorus are a slate of spectacular soloists, including John Holiday, “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” (Los Angeles Times). Without a doubt, this is Boston’s must-see Messiah.
“one of the finest countertenors of his generation” – Los Angeles Times

Polar Express PJ Party & Pop-Up Santa’s Toy Shop
2024-12-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
In celebration of the All Aboard for Train Time exhibit featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS, join our train conductor for some photo ops and a reading of the beloved story. Make a train ornament craft to remember your visit, and…
During this event, Santa has sent one of his top elves to set up a satellite toy shop and recruit some new toymakers. Junior Elves in Training can practice their toymaking skills making piggy banks, train engines, teddy bears, and more! They can keep these toys for themselves or gift them to someone else.
Children and their grownups are invited to wear their favorite holiday pajamas (or holiday sweaters) to this festive celebration.
TICKETS:
$5 for Members Child/Adult/Senior (2 years and above)
$12 for Nonmembers Child/Adult/Senior (2 years and above)
Free for Babies
Tickets to this special program also include admission to the Wenham Museum’s galleries and exhibitions.

M is for Museum & P is for Playdate
2024-12-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Join us the 2nd Friday of the month for our M is for Museum/P is for Playdate program! Each month, we read a story, then do a related craft or activity.
These programs have been designed to address MA curriculum standards for Pre-K in Reading and Literature, Science, Personal and Social Development and Peer Relationships.
PROGRAM DETAILS
2nd Friday of the Month
9:30 a.m. ages 18 months-2.9 years
10:30 a.m. ages 2.9 years+
Included with Admission
Free for Members
Free for Residents of Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester & Essex with advanced registration through Early Childhood Partners >>
Sponsored by Early Childhood Partners via Mass. Department of Early Education & Care and the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.

Christmas with the Celts
2024-12-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
The original national PBS show Christmas with The Celts aired on over 200 PBS channels across the U.S., Canada and on the BBC in Ireland for three years. This successful TV show was the initial spark which created a huge demand for the production bringing them into Performing Arts Centers, theaters and large casinos every year. The first live performance of Christmas with The Celts was in front of a sold-out audience at the original Grand Ole Opry (voted top venue by Pollstar) the world-famous Ryman Auditorium.
Currently celebrating 14 years of successful national touring, Christmas with the Celts perform a wonderful combination of timeless ancient Irish Christmas Carols and lively Irish dance with modern contemporary songs but with Irish instrumentation. New Christmas hits, Celts originals and fresh Irish Dance tunes are added to the show each year so that no 2 years are the same. Always a pleasant surprise. An Irish Christmas would not be complete without the unpredictable Irish jokes (craic) and banter that occurs between band members and the audience every year and the always crowd pleasing fiery Irish dancers.
The high-stepping spirited musical selections have audiences clapping along from the first lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics. The show presents a perfect combination of modern Christmas hits, lively ancient Irish Carols, hilarious spontaneous humor, thrilling Irish dancing, a children’s choir and meaningful Christmas ballads with lush string arrangements giving audiences a most memorable interactive Christmas experience.
Show founder and film score composer Ric Blair says, “You can’t listen to Celtic music and not be happy. Christmas with the Celts isn’t just a concert; it is a spiritual experience of music and dance uniting communities. It’s about bringing young and old together. It is a music of the people. I think that is why this unique melding of modern Christmas hits and organic Celtic instrumentation continues to resonate and grow in popularity every year with audiences.”

An Evening With Squirrel Nut Zippers – Christmas Caravan
2024-12-12 20:00 | The Cabot, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, CA, 01915, United States
A Festive Show For Zipsters, Friends and Family
The Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their joyous, raucous Christmas Caravan Tour back again performing all of the hits from Holidays past. From heartwarming ballads to boisterous dance tunes, the band conjures an atmosphere nestled somewhere between the wondrous lights of Christmas and the backroom din of a speakeasy. This show is a must-see for any true music lover.
The Christmas Caravan show features holiday hits and classics, selections from the Squirrel Nut Zipper’s holiday album Christmas Caravan, and the finest new and old Squirrel Nut Zippers catalog music. Inspired by 1920s jazz, klezmer and old time music, SNZ’s endlessly curious and innovative leader Jimbo Mathus has concocted a show truly unique and original. This unique blend is on full display with the Christmas Caravan show, which has increasingly grown in popularity, selling out venues throughout the United States.
“There is of course jazz of various stripes (mainly pre-WWII varieties) on this deliciously wide ranging night of entertainment, but there’s so much more: sounds, identifiable and not, emanating from mysterious times and places, not the least of which is New Orleans, their home base, a land that, forever and still, has a mind of its own.” – Relix

Brass Fed Nation Holiday Bash
2024-12-12 19:00 - 22:30 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
12/12/24
Reserved Seats $30
Standing $15
7:00pm doors / 7:30pm show
18+ anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, Positive I.D. Required
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! Founded in 2013, The BrassFed Nation is dedicated to the advancement of horn-driven music through exposure and outreach in both education and local musical culture! The collective features 3 unique ensembles; Cape Ann Big Band, The Jambalaya Horns, and The 13-Piece DubTone Orchestra – all striving to inspire and connect musicians of all ages through performances, private studio lessons, workshops, and interactive clinics.
ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE:
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! This year’s program will showcase members of The Jambalaya Horns and feature a number of guest instrumentalists from the New England music scene! Featured Vocalists are Jack Favazza and Rhiannon Hurst.
ABOUT CARLOS MENEZES JR:
Primarily playing the Tenor Sax and Trombone, Carlos strives to bring the big sounds of his main influences, Gene Ammons, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins to the stage. Reflecting his own sound and style, audience members can expect a few squeaks and honks in good humor. In 2011 he formed the Cape Ann Big Band with friends Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, Paula Burns, and Rick Geraghty. Since then, the group has performed over 30 consecutive sell-out performances and has become a staple in the North Shore during the holiday season.
Between 2012 and 2017 he toured professionally on sax and trombone with NYC’s “The Toasters” and had the honor and privilege of playing alongside some of the best in the genre. In that time he performed in front of thousands of fans across 43 countries in 4 different continents. Whether the audience was a couple hundred in a small club or tens of thousands in a stadium, the experience was enlightening and revealed just how powerful music can be when it comes to connecting people. Driven by the support of his family, friends, bandmates, and community, he will stop at nothing to inspire and connect audiences and listeners of all ages!
“Music is my passion, and working within the community is one of the greatest joys of my life. What I truly love about music is that we never age-out of it, we just become more experienced and wiser as we open our ears and eyes to the musical world around us.”
WEBSITE: www.brassfednation.com

Deck The Halls by Candlelight at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Every Thursday evening in December. Tours run at 6, 7, & 8pm.
Join us for our 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out.
Begin your evening as you come upon our holiday illumination where holiday lights set the Castle and our iconic arches aglow. Then, enter the Museum and delight in the enchanting ambiance of White Birch and Christmas 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.
Following the advice of his mentor Alexander Graham Bell, John Hays Hammond Jr. conducted the majority of his work in the evening. While this put Hammond at odds with the rest of the inhabitants of the castle – including his wife Irene – he concluded that working throughout the night and sleeping during the day positively impacted his work as an inventor. With this in mind, “Candlelight tours” are offered on Thursday evenings throughout December. Guides will escort visitors through the Museum’s many rooms placing an emphasis on the Hammonds themselves and the time that they spent in their castle home. Electronic candles will be provided for optional use during the Candlelight Tours.

1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar Whiskey Pairing Dinner: Old Elk Edition
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | 1606 Restaurant and Bar, 55 Commercial St, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for a night of indulgence and adventure at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar on December 12th at 6:00 PM for our exclusive Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey & Wild Game Pairing Dinner.
Enjoy a thoughtfully curated five-course menu, expertly crafted by our Chef, showcasing wild game paired with premium Old Elk Bourbon. From Venison Carpaccio to decadent chocolate variations, each course promises to delight your senses in an intimate and festive setting.
This unique culinary experience is $130++, and spaces are limited — reserve your seat for a celebration of bold flavors and holiday cheer! Learn More & Book Now: https://bit.ly/3CAqST3

Beauport Hotel Boxwood Tree Class
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join Audrey’s Flower Shop to create a timeless holiday centerpiece with your own handcrafted boxwood tree. Perfect for mingling, holiday prep, and adding a personal touch to your décor. Learn More & Book Now: https://bit.ly/4ejUlOp

Beauport Hotel Jingle Bar
2024-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Jingle and mingle with us this holiday season, our holiday pop-up bar is back! Join us from 6-9 PM on December 4th, December 11th, December 18th, and December 23rd for our annual Jingle Bar with General Admission passes starting at $10. Sip on champagne and holiday seasonal cocktails, relax by the fireplaces, savor light bites, and enjoy our festive trees and décor to the sounds of live musical entertainment. For an elevated Jingle Bar experience, we are offering reserved premiere table seating this year with two different seating areas available: Prime seating in our Main Jingle Bar Room and a more intimate experience in our Pavilion Room, adjacent to the Main Room. Learn More & Book Now: https://bit.ly/3AF6Oyq
