North of Boston

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents One Act Wonders
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents “One-Act Wonders”, a program of four modern one-act plays exploring boundaries, loyalties, and the absurdities of life. The program will run for four performances only, at Gloucester Stage Theater, April 17th (7:30pm) 18th (7:30pm), and 19th (3pm + 7:30pm). Tickets are $28.

A Christmas Carol
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:30 | North Shore Music Theatre, Dunham Road 54, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
New England’s brightest holiday tradition! An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge 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 this award-winning production has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Get ready for the brand-new Celtic Family Christmas…PARTY!
You’ll have plenty of time to sip eggnog by the fire, but not on this night… So buckle up and join Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, their growing family, and their world-class band as they guide you through an exhilarating exploration of the Christmas season.
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, their growing family, and their world-class band guide you through an exhilarating exploration of the Christmas season. Featuring exciting new versions of all your classic Christmas favorites, Natalie & Donnell are determined to raise the roof, rejuvenate the heart, and set your spirit ablaze with a most lively Celtic Family Christmas PARTY!
In the early 2000s, they balanced raising seven musically gifted children, running a farm, and performing over 75 shows a year. Now, with their children in their teens, Natalie and Donnell are back with their electrifying live performances.
Natalie, inducted into the Order of Canada in 2006, has won 2 JUNO Awards, 19 East Coast Music Awards, and released 3 Gold Albums. Donnell, known for his incredible stage presence, led the family band “Leahy” to Double Platinum status, won 3 JUNO Awards, and starred in the documentary “The Leahys: Music Most of All.”
Together, they’ve sold out over 1000 shows in North America and collaborated with stars like Yo-Yo Ma, Michael McDonald, Allison Krauss, and Nickelback. Despite their busy schedules, Natalie and Donnell remain must-see live performers, continuing their tireless touring.

Chorus North Shore Presents Mozart's Requiem
2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | M
Concert – Chorus, Orchestra, Soloists

2nd Annual Festival of Wreaths at Salisbury Beach Carousel
2025-12-13 12:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Salisbury Beach Carousel, 7 Broadway, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
A fundraiser for the Non-Profit Salisbury beach Carousel.

Dozens of incredibly decorated donated wreaths on display and available to win.
Expanded weekend hours for the public and available Monday through Thursday night for private parties only.
The Carousel will be decorated beautifully for the holiday season, offering the perfect backdrop for your corporate or family party.
There will be dozens of beautifully decorated wreaths. We will be selling raffle tickets to be placed in a box in front of wreath of the buyer’s choice. On the 14th of December 5pm at the conclusion of the Festival we will pull winning tickets and notify the winner by cell phone. The winners can pick up their wreaths on Monday from 4-8 or Friday, Saturday or Sunday when we are open to the public.
Sunday December 7th we will be holding a toy drive to support Santa’s helper. Santa will be in the house from 2-4 for photos and will give every person that brings in an unwrapped toy a token to ride the Carousel. Our very own TOYS FOR TOKENS!

Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek
2025-12-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Rocky Neck
The Rocky Neck Art Colony, in partnership with the Rocky Neck Cultural District, is pleased to announce the third annual Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek on Saturday, December 13, from 12–5 pm. This festive community event invites visitors to explore the galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants of Gloucester’s historic Rocky Neck Cultural District while discovering unique, locally crafted holiday gifts.
Guests will find a broad selection of original artwork and artisan-made items, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for holiday giving.
Participants may start their journey at any of the ten participating businesses, where they can pick up a Holiday Art Trek Passport—or download it in advance at www.rockyneckartcolony.org. Visitors who collect stamps from all ten locations are invited to stop by The Salted Cod to enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and receive a free gift.
Highlights of this year’s Art Trek include:
– Artisans Makers Market at Gloucester Stage Company
– A behind-the-scenes look at tools and techniques at David Calvo Wood Carving Studio
– Artist demonstrations and live music at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center
– Local Artisan Market, mulled wine, cider, and pub fare at 51 Rocky Neck Restaurant
– Holiday gifts and refreshments at East Gloucester Provisions and Moxie Gallery
– And many more festive stops throughout the district.
For details and to download your Holiday Art Trek Passport, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org.
Join us on Saturday, December 13, and experience the creative spirit and holiday warmth of Rocky Neck.

Newburyport Art presents Hometown Stories Exhibition
2025-12-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) concludes its year of exhibitions with Members’ Hometown Stories and Great Marsh Meditations, a featured artist show by C. Max Schenk. Both exhibits run concurrently from December 5th to December 21st.
Hometown Stories asked artists to submit work inspired by their hometown, whether a place where they grew up or currently reside. Hometown Stories features work inspired by houses, landscapes, businesses, objects, abstractions, bodies of water, people, and more! The exhibition is on view in the first-floor Sargent Gallery.
Nationally recognized for his work in environmental conservation, education and advocacy,
C. Max Schenk’s worldview and photography are imbued with an appreciation of nature’s cyclical resonance in all things. His Great Marsh Meditations show is the expansion of two portfolios created in 2024, each image is exactly that – a meditation – and features scenes familiar to all who have wandered and marveled at the beauty of our coastal home – its broad gestures of landscape and the ephemeral tableaus created by wind, tide, and time. Great Marsh Meditations is possible through the generous support of the Dr. Kathleen Van Demark Fund for Great Marsh Artists. His show can be viewed in the first floor Hills Gallery.
Opening reception for both shows will be Saturday, December 6th from 4-6pm. The public is welcome to attend, meet some of the exhibiting artists, and enjoy light refreshments.
Additionally, NAA will be hosting free invitation night events! Join us on December 5th for Voices of Newburyport, December 12th for an indoor arts market and December 19th for canvas and ornament decorating! Thank you to the Institution for Savings for sponsoring the Voices of Newburyport.
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. The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm, Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm and is handicap accessible. All works are for sale. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.

Maple Strolls at Appleton Farms
2025-12-13 11:00 - 14:30 | Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Sessions start at: 11, 12:15 & 1:30 Trustees Members $12/Nonmembers $20
Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home!
Experience a leisurely stroll along our country farm roads and past several historic landscapes to our Appleton maple grove. You’ll learn some of the history of maple sugaring as well as the science behind what makes maple sap run in our trees. The stroll concludes with a visit to our sugar shack where you will see firsthand how we turn the collected sap into our delicious Appleton maple syrup!
Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and boots or shoes that are appropriate for hiking in potentially wet and muddy spots or over uneven hilly terrain. All Maple Strolls are weather permitting and will last approximately 1 hour, walking much of that time. We welcome all ages; however, information is geared towards those 10 and up. Have smaller kids? Check out our family geared maple programming, Maple in the Barnyard!
Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is strongly recommended.
We will have a food station open selling maple baked goods, snacks and treats from 12-3pm by the sugar shack. Make sure to stop by! No pizza service will be available. The Farm Store is open 10am-4pm where you can buy our very own syrup. Make sure to stop by!

New England Equine Rescue's Holiday Open House
2025-12-13 11:00 - 14:00 | New England Equine Rescue North, 52 Ash Street, West Newbury, MA, 01985, United States
New England Equine Rescue (NEER) is throwing open the barn doors and welcoming our supporters and the community for the annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 13 from 11-2 PM! Join us at 52 Ash Street in West Newbury, MA to visit the horses and donkeys in their holiday finery, enjoy seasonal treats, sip winter-themed coffee and cocoas from the Byfield Coffee Company truck, and tour the rescue!

Children's Maple in the Barnyard at Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA
2025-12-13 10:45 - 15:00 | Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
Sessions @ 10:45-11:30; 12-12:45; 1-1:45; 2:15-3:00
Trustees Member Adult: $9; Trustees Member Child: $9;
Nonmember Adult: $15; Nonmember Child: $15;
Children under 2 are free
Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 & their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. We will discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. We will make sure to have time to visit our barnyard animals!
This program is for families and will last approximately 45 minutes. Please dress for the weather as the program is held outdoors. Children over 12 may be better suited for our Adult Maple Strolls as the information at Maple in the Barnyard is geared towards a younger audience, however, all are welcome.
Looking for a more adult tour? Sign up for our Adult Maple Stroll instead!
Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is strongly recommended.
We will have a food station open selling maple baked goods, snacks and treats from 11:30-3pm by the sugar shack. The Farm Store is open 10am-4pm where you can buy our very own syrup. Make sure to stop by!

Mistletoe Madness
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Sawyer Free Library Launches Monthly Artist Program with Volume One Exhibition
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 17:00 | M

Hammers on Stone: The Granite Industry on Cape Ann
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 17:00 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
For over a century, the granite industry played a vital role in Cape Ann’s economy, providing work for men from across New England and around the world, generating profits for those fortunate enough to share in ownership of the region’s many quarries, and contributing to the unique and authentic sense of place that characterizes Cape Ann today. On a broader scale, the industry contributed significantly to building and transportation projects across our nation during a sustained period of growth and expansion.
Drawing on the Cape Ann Museum’s extensive holdings of objects and archival materials related to the industry, most of which were gifted to the Cape Ann Museum by historian Barbara Erkkila (1918-2013), Hammers on Stone will explore the history of the granite trade and its impact on the community. The exhibition will examine methods of harvesting, cutting, and finishing stone, as well as how granite was transported from quarry to wharf and further afield. The exhibit will also explore the lives of those involved in quarrying and consider how the industry helped shape Cape Ann’s artistic landscape, inspiring generations of artists to the present day.
Image: Samuel Lewis Pullman (1900-1961), Quarryman Joe Boston, 1930, oil on canvas. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA. Gift of Abner and Miriam (Pullman) Diamond, 1994. (1994.036.001).

Deck the Halls at Hammond Castle Museum
2025-12-13 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-12 09:00 - 15:30 | 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.

Downtown Winter Market
2025-12-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Beverly, 191 Cabos str, Beverly, United States
On December 12 and 13, Beverly Main Streets will host its annual Downtown Winter Market, designed to promote shopping small and activating spaces for the holiday season. Local businesses will be open for shopping and special activities from 4 to 8 pm, and vendor markets can be found at key venues. Find musical performances and special guests throughout both nights as you meander through our two main downtown streets. The Winter Market will focus on Cabot Street on December 12 and Rantoul Street on December 13.

Abraxas - Santana Tribute
2025-12-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Abraxas the ultimate Santana Tribute band featuring the renowned guitarist Ed Antonelli, delivers an electrifying performance of Santana’s greatest hits. Experience inspired renditions of iconic tracks and virtuoso instrumentals spanning over five decades, including fan favorites like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” “Maria,” “La Fiesta,” “Everybody’s Everything,” and many more. Dive into the magic of Santana with a show that celebrates all the big hits, deep cuts, and timeless classics!
Limelight Magazine’s nominee for Best Tribute band, Abraxas has earned a solid reputation for their dynamic performances across New England.
“Close your eyes, and you’ll swear you’re listening to Carlos Santana!”
Thelarcom.org/abraxas

North Shore Concert Band Winter Show
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 | M
We are excited to announce that The North Shore Concert Band will present a Winter Concert on Friday, December 12th at 7pm at the Tabernacle Church, 50 Washington St. in Salem. The program will be conducted by long time Salem music educator Cynthia Napierkowski and will feature holiday and seasonal favorites including a traditional sing-a-long, a Christmas Concerto with soloists from the band, along with the popular “Tuba Christmas” and everyone’s favorite Sleigh Ride, just to name a few! This concert is sponsored in part by Archer Insurance and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Salem Food Pantry and donations to the North Shore Concert Band are always welcome to help defray the cost of offering this concert. Please join us for a great night of music – hope to see you there!

Handel's Messiah
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
One of the nation’s preeminent period orchestras, Boston’s own Handel & Haydn Society presents Handel’s iconic, treasured holiday tradition in a special chamber arrangement for chamber orchestra and chorus led by Associate Conductor Ian Watson.

Invitation Nights at Newburyport Art
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) welcomes visitors to enjoy free Invitation Night festivities at Newburyport Art.
December 5th – Voices of Newburyport from 6:30-8:30pm with local voices Paul Wann, Bonnie Jean Wilbur, Jared Stromski and Currie Joya Huntington reading aloud fiction written by and about people from Newburyport.
December 12th – Indoor Winter Arts Market from 6-8pm offers shopping for the holiday season with participating artists Lynn Andrews, Michele Champion, Patrick Cleary, Amna Greaves, Lynda Hartwell, Milestone 35 Tools & Woodworking, Kathleen Miller, Lisa Pilorz, Johanna Finnegan Topitzer, AJ Simmons and Susan Stranc. Artists will be selling small gifts, original paintings, ceramics, jewelry, stationary, handmade textiles, seasonal items, ornaments and more.
December 19th – Craft Night from 6:30-8:30pm invites visitors to get creative with ornament and canvas decorating. All materials will be provided.
The events are open to the public and will include light refreshments and live music. Exhibitions on display at the gallery will be Hometown Stories, and Featured Artist Max Schenk.
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.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm, Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm and is handicap accessible. All works are for sale. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.

Pizza Party at the Salisbury Beach Carousel
2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Salisbury Beach Carousel, 7 Broadway, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
Pizza Party with Santa & The Grinch!
