North of Boston

Sawyer Free Library Launches Monthly Artist Program with Volume One Exhibition
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA

Hammers on Stone: The Granite Industry on Cape Ann
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 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).

Holidays at the Cushing House
2025-12-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Visit the 1808 Cushing House on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to enjoy this National Historic Landmark in all its holiday finery!
Guests will enjoy exquisite decorations, festive music by O’Carolan Etc. and the company of friends and neighbors for two days of first floor walk-through tours.
The grand 1808 Cushing House is a perfect space to highlight the talents of area garden clubs and decorators including volunteers from the Newburyport Garden Club, Newburyport Horticultural Society, Newbury Garden Club, and West Newbury Garden Club.
This event is free to members of the Museum of Newbury and residents of “Old Newbury” (Newbury, West Newbury, Newburyport and Byfield) to thank the community for their support. $10 for general admission. Donations gratefully appreciated.
Whether you’re looking for festive inspiration, a fun outing with family and friends, or simply want to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere, Holidays at the Cushing House is the place to be. Mark your calendars and join us for this unforgettable event!

Makers Market presented by Pentucket Arts Foundation
2025-12-06 09:30 - 15:00 | Veasey Park, 201 Washington St, Groveland, MA, 01834, United States
Join us at Veasey Memorial Park for the 6th Annual MAKERS MARKET, Pentucket Arts Foundation’s very own all-local, handmade holiday arts, crafts, and vintage clothing fair! You won’t want to miss the 38+ vendors, small business owners, and artisans in a charming holiday location. New this year: Wreaths & greenery by the Groveland Garden Club! Featuring live music performed by local students and homemade food in our cafe! Shop local and support the arts this holiday season!

Deck the Halls at Hammond Castle Museum
2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-05 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-04 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 Berklee College of Music Bob Marley Ensemble, directed by Matt Jenson
2025-12-05 20:00 - 23:00 | The Cut, 177 Main Street , Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for a top rankin’ night of Bob Marley’s music with The Berklee College of Music Bob Marley Ensemble. The Ensemble, directed by Gloucester’s own professor of piano, Matt Jenson, is an immersion academic experience where students not only play arrangements of Marley’s music but they learn about Marley’s consciousness-raising, revolutionary life, which was dedicated to the liberation of destructive mind sets and the fight against injustice the world over. This 14 piece musical colossus is made up of top students from around the globe who pour their hearts and souls into this music that transcends all human boundaries, drenched in an absolutely POSITIVE VIBRATION! The 2hr performance includes Matt delivering occasional inspiring explanations and insights about Marley’s life further enhancing your experience. ONE GOOD THING ABOUT MUSIC, WHEN IT HITS, YOU FEEL NO PAIN!

Studio Two
2025-12-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
Studio Two is a Boston-based tribute band that has been passionately bringing the iconic music of The Beatles to life since 2012. Specializing in the early Beatles years (1962-1966), the band faithfully recreates the sound, energy, and excitement of their live performances— from their iconic days at The Cavern Club to their groundbreaking American tours.
Studio Two’s high-energy, family-friendly performances have captivated audiences at venues across New England and beyond. With a unique ability to capture the youthful enthusiasm and raw power of The Beatles’ early music, Studio Two offers an unforgettable experience that transports fans back to the height of Beatlemania.
Thelarcom.org/studiotwo

Birds at Rest
2025-12-05 19:45 - 21:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Birds need sleep as much as we do, and they have evolved some unique habits to match their intensely energetic lifestyles. Ornithologist and author Roger Pasquier discusses the evolution and benefits of avian sleep, including recent discoveries that some long-distance flyers can even sleep while in flight! Other birds sleep in short bouts of several seconds or a few minutes, then wake up to look around for danger before going back to sleep. Human impacts like artificial light, noise and climate change are changing how and where birds can get a good night’s rest.
A book signing for Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep (2025) follows the program.
This program is cohosted by the Essex County Ornithological Club and made possible by a gift from The Essex Charitable Foundation.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe presents One Act Wonders
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-03 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
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 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.

CAPE ANN BIG BAND HOLIDAY
2025-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band has become one of the most sought-after ensembles in the North Shore. Enjoy the holidays with holiday favorites, old and new, infused with a bit of jazz, swing, and rock n’ roll.
“In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band has become one of the most sought after ensembles in the North Shore and Greater Boston area selling out 23 consecutive shows at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Ma. ” – Gloucester Daily Times
Enjoy the holidays with Cape Ann’s own 17-piece big band performing holiday favorites, old and new, infused with a bit of jazz, swing, and rock n’ roll.
In just a short span of time, the Cape Ann Big Band has become one of the most sought-after ensembles in the North Shore. The Band was formed in December of 2010 when director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potentials of starting up a 17-piece big band. What was once a dream quickly became reality when Menezes found the roster full in just a week’s time. Driven by the talents of local musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with its local community. This is a group that truly operates as a family. This diverse big band entertains and delights audiences with danceable music infused with jazz, swing, New Orleans street bands, soul, and rock n’ roll that will bring you back in time. The Cape Ann Big Band prides itself with having a repertoire that has no boundaries.
Happens on the following Dates:
Dec 5, 2025, 7:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Dec 6, 2025, 2:00pm to 3:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Dec 6, 2025, 7:00pm to 8:30pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Invitation Nights at Newburyport Art
2025-12-05 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.

2nd Annual Festival of Wreaths at Salisbury Beach Carousel
2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | 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!

Rockport Holiday Shopping Night
2025-12-05 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Rockport, 15 Dock Square, Rockport, 01966, United States
Kick off the season in festive Rockport style! Join us for Holiday Shopping Night and enjoy an evening of cheerful lights, local treasures, and holiday spirit. Start at Dock Square, where shoppers can pick up a free Christmas in Rockport tote bag filled with a list of participating businesses, special coupons valid all season long, and a bonus raffle ticket. As you explore Rockport’s charming shops, you’ll find festive treats and refreshments offered by many local retailers and be serenaded by strolling musicians bringing holiday magic to the streets. Every purchase at a participating store earns you an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three exciting prizes. End the evening at the after party and live raffle drawing at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant where the celebration continues with good company, great prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer!

Rocky Neck Art Colony Member Showcase
2025-12-05 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.

Newburyport Art presents Hometown Stories Exhibition
2025-12-05 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.

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.

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

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 | 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.
