North of Boston

Hammers on Stone: The Granite Industry on Cape Ann
2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-12-05 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-04 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-03 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-02 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-01 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.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Through Tom’s cinematic eyes, his family’s life isn’t the dream he imagined. In a rundown St. Louis apartment the matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is desperately clinging to a past of parties and endless callers. Her adult children, Tom and Laura, become victims of her delusions as she pushes for Tom to provide for the struggling family and Laura to find a husband. The two seek solace in ways of escaping their mother and their own misery until a visit from a gentleman caller presents the possibility of new opportunities.
Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams opens the 2025 Season with this classic drama, directed by Doug Lockwood. Running from June 5 to 28, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, and matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 3:00pm.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents One Act Wonders
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-01 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-30 19:30 - 21:30 | 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
2025-12-04 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.

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2025-12-04 12:00 - 20:00 | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it.
Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book.
These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

Sawyer Free Library Launches Monthly Artist Program with Volume One Exhibition
2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-01 10:00 - 17:00 | MA

Jingle Bar: Holiday Pop-Up Bar
2025-12-03 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.

Holiday Candlelight Tour
2025-12-03 17:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-03 16:30 - 17:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
Step back in time as you explore one of the nation’s earliest homes by the warm glow of candlelight. On this 30-minute guided tour of the 17th-century Claflin-Gerrish-Richards House, you’ll enjoy festive decorations, hear stories of yesterday, and discover the rooms where generations once celebrated the holiday season. For these special evenings, the upstairs—rarely opened to visitors—will welcome you with holiday charm.
This experience is designed for all ages to enjoy, bringing the warmth and wonder of the holidays to life.
Tours at 4:30 & 5:30 PM
Tickets: $5 per person
PRE-REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.
Register for 5:30 PM tour here >>
This event is part of First Wednesdays at Wenham Museum, with extended hours and free admission after 4 PM.

First Wednesdays
2025-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
This is a repeating event, the first Wednesday of every month. Currently we are offering free admission on Aug 6.
We’re open late!
Visit Wenham Museum on the first Wednesday of the month and enjoy extended evening hours from 4 to 6 PM! Bring the whole family and explore our beloved model train gallery, vintage toy collections, and hands-on history exhibits after school or work. It’s a perfect midweek museum adventure!

First Wednesdays at Wenham Museum
2025-12-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Route 1A, Wenham, MA, 01984, United States
We’re open late!
Visit Wenham Museum on the first Wednesday of the month and enjoy extended evening hours and free admission from 4 to 6 PM! Bring the whole family and explore our beloved model train gallery, vintage toy collections, and hands-on history exhibits after school or work. It’s a perfect midweek museum adventure!
PLUS: Visitors on November 5 will enjoy an opening celebration for a playful new exhibit in the Family Discovery Gallery, where imagination takes center stage!

Deck the Halls: Open House at Beauport Hotel
2025-12-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Beauport Hotel Gloucester, 55 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Let the magic of the holidays welcome you the moment you arrive! Join us on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 5:00PM-8:00PM, as Beauport Hotel transforms into a seaside winter wonderland. Enjoy live holiday entertainment, festive passed hors d’oeuvres, a special sweets table, and a cozy hot chocolate bar in the lobby. Experience holiday magic by the harbor, where the season shines brightest. Looking to join us for dinner during Deck the Halls? Reserve at table at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

Annual Beverly Holiday Parade
2025-11-30 13:00 - 15:00 | MA
A Beverly tradition since 1947, it includes floats, music, candy and Santa. Check it out!

Rocky Neck Art Colony Member Showcase
2025-11-30 12:00 - 17:00 | The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Member Showcase is Rocky Neck Art Colony’s final exhibition of the season featuring seven distinctive bodies of work by RNAC members – John Bassett, Michelle Champion, Eser Costanza, Joanne Hurd, Patricia Scialo, Brian Murphy, R. D. Murphy – selected by juror Shana Dumont Garr. This is exhibit is on display at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck through December 7. Gallery hours are Friday to Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm.
Dumont Garr selected works that “possess remarkable vibrancy of color, composition, and method. Some of this vibrancy emerges through palette and medium; others through a sense of whimsy or the handmade.” This exhibition celebrates artistic excellence and innovation across a wide range of media and subjects. By featuring more work from fewer artists, Member Showcase invites viewers to engage more deeply with each artist’s vision and process.
