DOVER:
Holiday Parade – Central Avenue, December 1, 3pm.
Paint-A-Thon with the Aplomb Project, 15 Mechanics Street, Suite 117, 9am to 11:30pm. An interactive Giving Tuesday donation day. Artists are using their skills to support The Aplomb Project but they can only sketch until donors unlock colors! Help each team access new colors with a donation towards Aplomb Project, an arts-based 501(c)3 supporting trauma survivors. Sponsor an individual artist or team while they are working to extend their palette. Keep an eye out for live progress and select finished work will be available to bid on in a silent auction the next day!
Festive Holiday Garland Class – Dover Public Library, December 4, 3pm to 4:30pm. Use pom poms, paper stars, buttons, sequins, felt, origami, fabric, and more to create truly one of a kind holiday decorations for your home, office, or even car. All supplies will be provided but you are also welcome to bring any garland components you might have at home too. Things like pine cones, old cookie cutters, scraps of ribbon, buttons, anything light weight and festive would work. This class is open to adults and teens and no experience is needed.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Garrison Players Art Center, December 6, 7, 8, 13, 15, 15. Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm, Sundays at 2pm. A play with music, adapted from Dylan Thomas’ short story A Child’s Christmas in Wales. The play is set on Christmas Day, and is indeed a Christmas play, but it is also a memory play, a story of childhood and times past – of ghosts, music, and snow…a heartwarming and enchanting family musical celebration of Christmas through the eyes of a child. Adult tickets are $22, 65 and older $18, and student under 18 tickets are $15. Or, usher and get free tickets!
Holiday Stroll: Shop, Dine & Celebrate Local! – Central Avenue. December 12, 4pm to 8pm. An enchanting evening of holiday cheer. Stroll the beautifully decorated streets, enjoy extended store hours, and support local businesses as they stay open late.
Jingle Bell Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, December 8 and 15. Various times. Meet Santa for a photo opportunity and receive a special gift. Engage in hands-on holiday craft activities and a magical science experiment, all while exploring the museum’s many interactive exhibits. On your way out, grab a special treat to enjoy on your way home. Pajamas are welcome! Reserve your spots early. Space is limited! Tickets $18 for members, $22 for nonmembers.
The Christmas Truce of 1914: Dover Public Library, December 11, 6:3pm to 7:30pm. One hundred and ten years ago during the week surrounding Christmas in 1914, an unofficial cease fire occurred on the Western Front during WWI. Anthony Guerriero will share the tale that shows how the magic of Christmas can transcend even the chaos of war.
Reading Rainbow – Dover Public Library, December 12, 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Dover Public Library’s Queer book group. For this meeting you can choose any queer media that you’ve enjoyed this year and want to recommend to the rest of the group. You are not obligated to share, but please feel free. Books, movies, podcasts, webcomics, graphic novels, zines, live theater shows. Come share the queer vibes! For questions, please e-mail Rachel at R.Gogan@dover.nh.gov or Olivia at O.Pexton@dover.nh.gov.
Witch Ball Ornament Workshop – The Groovy Witch. Learn to create Witch Ball ornaments! Class is only $20 per person! All materials supplied. You will be able to create and take home two ornaments – one for you and one for someone special!
Cocheco River Writers – Dover Public Library, December 19, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. My favorite group of local writers. Whether you write for fun or publication, this group is a great way to hone your craft and connect with like-minded artists.
PORTSMOUTH:
Illuminated Holiday Parade – Market Square, December 7, 6pm. Congress Street, Islington Street, and Pleasant Street to view the parade. Stepping off from Islington Street/Summer St at 6:00pm and heads down Congress to Market Square then left onto Pleasant. Prior to the parade, at 5:30pm is the annual tree lighting ceremony. The parade is a free spectacle and all are welcome to join. Extra ADA parking and parade viewing station is available at the Bridge Street lot. The parade is in winter. It is cold – dress for the elements.
Regency Ball – Portsmouth Public Library, December 13, 6pm to 9pm. This soirée is free and open to all fans of Bridgerton, Jane Austen, British history, and general elegance and enchantment. Indulge in delectable delicacies, immerse yourself in the art of dance with expert instruction, and prepare to embark on a journey through time and romance! For those who dare to embrace the spirit of the Regency, we encourage the adornment of attire reminiscent of the era—though such finery is not compulsory. Prizes await all. Free, but registration is required.
Krampus Nacht —Loaded Question Brewing Company. December 14, 4pm to 7pm. Enjoy the spirit of the season with a pint of You’ve Been Naughty Winter Lager and get your photo with Krampus!
ELSEWHERE:
2nd Annual Lighting of the Nubble Watch Party – York, Maine. November 30, 3pm to 5pm. Professional photos with Santa, Christmas trees for sale from a 1969 Airstream trailer, a raffle benefiting the local food pantry, and seasonal drinks + food. Limited occupancy, so get tickets while you can.
2024 Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl – Rochester. Various locations. December 7, 12pm to 4pm.
Edgar Allan Poe Night, Legends & Selected Stories – Fox Run Mall. December 13, 7pm. “I don’t believe in ghosts but they have been chasing me my whole life.” – Edgar Allan Poe. At the New England Curiosities pop-up, the Spellbound Solstice Cottage with Maine’s mystery maven Roxie Zwicker. Part presentation, part storytelling, Space is very limited – and is handicapped accessible. $24 per ticket.
Winter Wonders – 34 Sandy Hill Lane, Eliot, Maine. December 15, 4:30pm. Tickets must be purchased before December 1. A world-class light show experience with over 2 million lights. A 14-acre light display, a roughly one-mile trail. It’ll take about an hour to see everything. Visit at your own pace. Warm cider donuts and hot apple cider available. Wheelchair/stroller with all-terrain wheels accessible.
Photos With Krampus – Fox Run Mall. December 21 & 21st, 4:30pm to 6pm. Photos by donation. Please bring your own camera or phone.
This is a continually updated list! Would like to include your event here? Please email me at sbargdill@kw.com with your event details!
