North of Boston

The LeeVees Hanukkah Party For All
2024-12-13 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-09 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.

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.

Newburyport Art presents Featured Artist: Christine Molitor Johnson
2024-12-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-12 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-11 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-10 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
2024-12-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-12 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-11 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-10 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.

Deck The Halls Holiday Celebration at Hammond Castle Museum
2024-12-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-09 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.

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

Wenham Wednesdays
2024-12-11 13:15 - 16:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Early release drop-off program for Hamilton-Wenham elementary students
October 2, 2024: LEGO Club
October 9: Origami & Papercrafts
October 16: Board Game Club
October 23: Seasonal Craft – Pumpkin Decorating
October 30: Drawing League (One time only!)
November 6, 2024: LEGO Club
November 13: Board Game Club
November 20: Seasonal Craft – Turkey Draw-a-long and Gratitude Craft
December 4, 2024: LEGO Club
December 11: Board Game Club
December 18: Seasonal Craft – Holiday Ornament / Winter Craft
Enjoy an afternoon at the museum with friends
Bring a snack
Free build with LEGO or take on a building challenge prompt
Explore the museum galleries until it is time to go home
Every Wednesday during the school year, Wenham Wednesdays will feature activities such as craft projects, board games, LEGO building, paper crafts, and more – plus time for students to explore the museum galleries with friends.
Sign up for one Wednesday, or every Wednesday!
Learn more: www.wenhammuseum.org/wenham-wednesdays

Story-Time & Craft Wednesday
2024-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
NEW PROGRAM ALERT!! Summer is the PERFECT time for outdoor story time and craft making! This BRAND NEW family event is an extension of our Newburyport Arts and Culture Shanties Program and will take place each Wednesday in the Pop Up Park on Merrimac Street – where the Shanties are currently located. Come join the fun this Wednesday and see what it’s all about!
Running each Wednesday until August 21st from 10 AM-12 PM
Free of charge, but donations are welcome

Beauport Hotel Pack the Bus Toy Drive
2024-12-10 08:00 - 20:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Help brighten the holidays for local children by donating a new, unwrapped toy to our annual Pack the Bus Toy Drive! Let’s pack our Beauport Beach Bus with gifts that will make this holiday unforgettable for children in our community. Our Pack the Bus Toy Drive supports the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund is a collaboration between Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House that focuses on helping to ease the financial burden of the holidays for families living on Cape Ann. Your thoughtful contribution will make a big splash in our community, bringing joy to children who need it most. Learn More & Make a Cash Donation: https://bit.ly/3O84EdT

Seaport Grille Holiday Toy Drive
2024-12-10 08:00 - 20:00 | Seaport Grille, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Spread holiday cheer at Seaport Grille! Join us in giving back to children of local families in our community this season by donating a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the holidays. Our Toy Drive supports Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund is a collaboration between Action Inc., Pathways for Children, and Wellspring House that focuses on helping to ease the financial burden of the holidays for families living on Cape Ann. Together, we can make the holidays a little brighter! Learn More & Make a Cash Donation: https://bit.ly/3O84EdT
