November 27, 2008

Five weeks of celebration
Your guide to holiday season 2008
By Hippo Staff news@hippopress.com

OK, so money’s a little tight. It’s still the holiday season, the once-a-year, pull-out-the-stops time for going to the ballet or a pops concert or a city parade — and just generally getting in the spirit of all the merriment.

Luckily for us in southern New Hampshire, no matter your budget, there are plenty of holiday-feelings-inspiring events — from stuff for the kids to grown-up ways to cut loose the night before Thanksgiving. Here, in one handy guide, we give you the season, from Nutcracker to Christmas cookie-making classes, from fundraising 5K runs to fun things to do with the family.

Give thanks for nightlife
Pre- (and post-) Thanksgiving fun
By Dana Unger

Usually Thanksgiving is the time to get together with family, listen to Uncle Bob’s bad jokes at the dinner table, and gorge yourself on turkey until you pass out like a beached whale in front of the TV. But if medicating yourself on turkey tryptophan just won’t cut it for you this year, here are some events sure to make your Thanksgiving a little more exciting.

• Nashua’s Sky Lounge & Bistro (522 Amherst St., Nashua) will host a Thanksgiving Eve Party on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 9 p.m. There will be a live performance by the Massachusetts R&B, rock and soul group Felix Brown.

• Concord’s Green Martini Lounge and Restaurant (6 Pleasant St., Concord, 223-6672) will hold a Thanksgiving Fest on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 9 p.m. Soul, rock and blues performer Dusty Gray and The Know will perform, and there will be several food and drink specials for the night.

• The Electra Nightclub (66 Benning St., West Lebanon, 298-6688) will hold a Thanksgiving Break Graffiti & Dance Party on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m. Wear a white T-shirt and get it graffitied and dance to music by DJ Eric G and Drama Squad. This is an under-21, substance-free event.

• The Flambeaux will host a Thanksgiving Eve show on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m., 1181 Elm St., Manchester. There will be live performances by My Sister Will, Vegas Temper, and Kopko and attendees can get their pictures taken with members of the Manchester Rollergirls.

• Before settling down with the family for a traditional dinner, head to the Amber Room (53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060) for their first Turkey Trash Bash on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 9 p.m. The blowout will feature DJ iNFLUENCE manning the turntables all night.

• Club 313 will host a Thanksgiving Pre-Party on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 93 South Maple St., Manchester, with music by DJ Susan Esthera in the main room, DJ Bob in the retro room, and karaoke with CJ. This is an 18+ event. For times and details, call 628-6813 or visit www.club313.net.

• Not a fan of turkey? Put a little luck-o’-the-Irish into your Turkey Day festivities at the Wild Rover Pub (21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722) on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 8 to 11 a.m., for an Irish Thanksgiving Breakfast, at, Manchester. Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast buffet of eggs, baked beans, rashers, bangers, O’Brien potatoes, pancakes, biscuits, and black and white pudding.

• DJ Rick Naples will take the turntables at the Amber Room (53 High St. in Nashua, 882-6026) for their Thanksgiving Weekend event on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. Free CDs of their Fall Saturday Sessions will be given out.

• The IOKA Theatre (55 Water St., Exeter, 772-2222, iokaentertainment.com) presents a Thanksgiving concert with John Eddie on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. Combining rock, blues, country and soul, Eddie has played with Bruce Springsteen and recently released the album Who The Hell is John Eddie? This is a 21+ show. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online or by phone.

• Celebrate another Thanksgiving by giving more thanks at the “Our Thankfulness Cup Runneth Over” dance party at the Sad Café (148 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 382-8893, www.thesadcafe.com) on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. The party will feature live music from Bay State band, Chainsaw Mascara and more. Tickets cost $10.

Kick off the season at the Winter Holiday Stroll
Sing songs, see the lights — for free!
By Jeff Mucciarone

Drawing people by the thousands, Nashua will kick off the holiday season with its 15th annual Winter Holiday Stroll this weekend.

The stroll takes place Saturday, Nov. 29, from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Nashua. Event organizers expect up to 30,000 people to hit the streets for caroling, tree lighting, music, ice sculptures and a variety of performances, said Sue Butler, executive director of Great American Downtown, which produces the event and is a nonprofit organization working to improve and highlight downtown. Since 1993, the stroll has taken place the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

“It’s a heck of a lot of fun for absolutely no money,” Butler said. “There’s not a lot you can go to that is free with top-quality entertainment. There’s too much to choose from.”

Butler said the event compares well with First Night celebrations and draws people from throughout the region. This year’s theme is “Traditions of the Season,” and will focus on honoring diverse seasonal traditions. Much of the downtown remains closed to traffic for the evening, allowing strollers to wander between 20 different venues hosting more than 50 artistic and cultural performances.

The evening starts up at 5 p.m. when organizers hand out free candles to people to parade down Main Street — with Santa Claus leading the way aboard an antique fire truck. All the way to Wayward Square, the crowd joins in with holiday songs before a tree lighting ceremony at the square, Butler said.

After some official words, the downtown becomes a complete entertainment venue, with more than 50 different acts ranging from Celtic music, cabaret acts, bell ringers, folk rock, pop rock, Jewish and Yiddish dance music, ballet, theater, blues and progressive bluegrass. Children can have their faces painted and young and old can hear and see country music, jazz tunes, medieval and renaissance-themed acts, all in a variety of venues, Butler said.

The idea for the event is that it should appeal to anyone.

“It’s all ages,” Butler said. “We know a lot of college students come downtown; that’s the night they’re all going to run into everyone they know. It’s a tradition for families, teenagers, everybody. That’s something we’re really sensitive to. We think there’s a little something for everyone.”

The stroll is getting an even bigger boost this year as there will be more entertainment on the streets and eight different costumed characters, among them Shrek, a Christmas moose, Rudolph and a polar bear. “They’ll be roaming around and taking pictures with kids and things like that,” Butler said. 

The event will also feature for the first time a group of ice sculptors, who will be chiseling and chipping 25 blocks of ice into a holiday village. They will begin work at about 5 p.m. and should be finished up with the village by 10 p.m., Butler said.

While the event serves as a great way to bring communities and old friends together, it’s also a way to promote the downtown and all it has to offer. Butler said especially in a tight economy, it’s important to support local businesses.

“We just want them to fall in love with it,” Butler said. “There’s a lot of history downtown. These are their neighbors who own downtown businesses.”

But as Karen Keegan, who together with her husband Paul owns 1 World Trading Co. on Main Street, said, the event is really all about the community. While she and her husband would welcome some extra business, she said the night will be all about the entertainment and events.

“It’s not a shopping night, it’s a community night,” Keegan said. 1 World Trading opened up last March and Keegan said she’s looking forward to being downtown for the event. “The stroll is more just to get downtown and be part of the community, and maybe notice some of the cool stores.”

New this year is a beer garden, which will be located on Factory Street. The need arose since downtown restaurants and bars tend to fill up quickly during the event, so this gives people a place to go and relax and have a drink if they choose, Butler said. “It’s nice for them to have that option,” she said. The area will be gated and patrons are not permitted to walk around with alcohol.

The event will also feature a raffle, where the grand prize is $1,000 worth of gift certificates to downtown merchants, retailers and restaurants. Single tickets cost $1 and $10 buys 15 tickets. Winners will be announced during the stroll. The first-place winner will receive a Budweiser Commemorative World Series Shadow Box, while the second-place winner will receive 50 tickets to Chunky’s Cinema Pub. Two third-place prizes will be 25 tickets to Chunky’s, Butler said.

On top of all the entertainment, there will also be street vendors selling “stuff you’d want on a cold night,” such as hot chocolate, kettle corn or hot dogs, Butler said.

The Spirit of Giving table will also be set up throughout the evening to accept gifts for local charities.

People can park for free at Rivier College at 420 South Main St. and Holman Stadium at 67 Amherst St., where free shuttles will pick people up and take them downtown. The shuttle service is courtesy of First Student and Nashua Transit.

Visit www.nashuastroll.com or call Great American Downtown at 883-5700.

Shop and be merry
Concord stays up late for Midnight Merriment
By Jeff Mucciarone

Kicking off the holiday season in the capital, holiday shoppers are treated to an entire evening of shopping and caroling in the midst of sparkling white lights.

Main Street Concord is sponsoring the popular and now annual tradition, Midnight Merriment, Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight, said Main Street Concord Executive Director Nan Hagen.

Along with shopping and a variety of special offers and promotions from retailers, the event features horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown and local chorus groups spreading holiday cheer — not to mention appearances by Santa Claus, Hagen said.

“Downtown has the kind of unique and eclectic stores you don’t really find in the malls and the big boxes,” Hagen said, adding that the event is very much a social occasion for people as well, as many stop in at downtown restaurants for a bite to eat or to sip a drink.

The event is geared specifically toward downtown businesses, and Hagen said she figured every business in the downtown would be open for the festivities.

“This is how we help the downtown businesses stay in business,” Hagen said. “We know how much the holiday season means to them.”

Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore on Main Street, appreciates Main Street Concord’s efforts and said he looks forward to the event each year. He and his staff deck themselves out in formal wear to show their holiday spirit, he said.

“It’s a very festive evening,” Herrmann said. “It’s really great for all the stores downtown. If it’s cold, we tend to get a big crowd. People tend to congregate here.”

It’s also a busy night for many retailers, and Herrmann said he was cautiously optimistic the night and the holiday season would be good ones this year. Like many other downtown merchants, Gibson’s will be offering special deals to patrons. All books on the store’s bargain table will be discounted 25 percent, he said.

In addition, as part of the 2008 Hospice Lights of Life Celebration, the Concord Visiting Nurses Association will be decorating the upper-story windows of downtown buildings with lights to help celebrate lives past, Hagen said. There will be a ceremony at the Merrimack County Savings Bank at 7 p.m. that night.

Visit www.mainstreetconcord.com. Call 226-9150.

Wave to Santa (and Rico Petrocelli)
Manchester holds its Christmas Parade
By Jeff Mucciarone

Manchester’s annual Spirit of the Season Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. down Elm Street.

Organizers say the event, now in its 18th year, will be as big as ever with the star power of former Red Sox Hall of Famer Rico Petrocelli serving as grand marshal. Fifty-eight businesses, organizations and clubs will take part in the holiday tradition, said Samantha Appleton, director of marketing and public relations for Intown Manchester.

“It really speaks to how much people in this community enjoy being a part of this parade,” Appleton said, noting that groups ranging from Girl Scouts to the Manch Vegas Roller Girls take part. “It’s an exciting mix.”

The parade begins at 1750 Elm St. at the Brady Sullivan Tower and continues down Elm Street and ends just after Veterans Park. Floats are judged at the staging area at the Brady Sullivan parking lot, Appleton said. Despite chilly weather last year and a postponement, Appleton said last year’s parade was a major success. 

“Of all the events that come out of this office, this is definitely my favorite and the most enjoyable to organize and put on,” Appleton said. 

Expected floats include Spongebob Squarepants and a giant Rudolph balloon (as well as, weather permitting, a certain purple hippo). Manchester sports teams will also hit the streets along with various cultural and ethnic groups participating to show how they celebrate the holidays. History buffs and firefighters will enjoy seeing a 1923 antique fire truck, which was once part of Manchester’s fleet. There are more than 25 groups entering floats, and many will have live musical performances, Appleton said.

“This is a perfect opportunity to bring the family downtown; for kids to see an example of people from different businesses, organizations and cultures coming together for a community celebration,” Appleton said.

Having returned from pre-Olympic ceremonies in Beijing, the Londonderry Lancers will be bringing their 200-person marching band and color guard. Appleton said high school bands do not participate because they do not do outdoor events after Dec. 1.

Greg and Laura from Greg & The Morning Buzz on Rock 101 and Charlie Sherman from WGIR AM 610 will MC the parade from the band stand outside the Radisson Hotel.

Intown Manchester is looking to continue to grow the parade, with the help of Fairpoint Communications, which is underwriting the event. Appleton said her group’s goal is to eventually have the parade draw an audience from across the Granite State and be televised live, in the mold of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“The real effort to amp this parade up begins this year. It’s a stepping stone toward reaching our goal,” Appleton said.

Each year, the parade acts as a catalyst to benefit a New Hampshire-based charity. This year, Intown Manchester teamed up with the New Hampshire Food Bank, which will be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the parade.

The Shoppes of Historic Downtown Manchester is offering 10 percent off purchases at select stores from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day if people bring two canned goods to donate to the Food Bank, Appleton said. Visit www.intownmanchester.com/xmas.php or call 645-6285.

More outdoor holiday fun
Strolls fill the calendar
By Jeff Mucciarone

Some communities use holiday strolls as a way to focus on shopping. Others use them as a way to bring families together over some caroling and holiday cheer. Whatever the reason, holiday strolls seem to be a big draw in the region.

Strawbery Banke, an outdoor museum in Portsmouth, takes a historical look at the holiday season with its Candlelight Stroll, which is now in its 29th year. The Stroll gives people a chance to experience holidays in the Seacoast’s oldest waterfront neighborhood, said Amy Moy, marketing director for Strawbery Banke. The tour runs Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6 and 7, Dec. 13 and 14 and Dec. 20 and 21, from 4 to 9 p.m. each night.

“It’s a chance to stroll through 350 years of history,” Moy said, adding the event features historic homes, period regalia, horse-drawn carriage rides, a gingerbread house contest and display, a variety of holiday décor and “literally hundreds of candles lighting the lanes and landscape.”

Named one of the region’s top events by the Boston Globe, it’s a mix of costumed carolers, musicians playing harps, fiddles and brass instruments and a hands-on history lesson, Moy said. Participants can stroll along at their own pace to take in all the sights and sounds, she said.

“It’s just a great atmosphere,” Moy said. “It’s very festive and fun like no other.”

During the stroll, which is an anchor for Portsmouth Vintage Christmas, different homes in the neighborhood portray different time periods from the 17th century right through to the 1950s, Moy said.

“It’s really an interaction with people in a hands-on way to learn about history,” Moy said. “It engages all of the senses.”

Strawbery Banke is located at 14 Hancock St. Moy encouraged people to purchase advance tickets online to avoid lines. Go to www.strawberybanke.org and click on Shop Online. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17 and $40 for families with two adults and children under age 17. Children under 4 get in free. Strawbery Banke members get in free. Call 433-1107. There will also be a free heated trolley transporting visitors from public parking garages, Moy said.

Main Street Wilton takes a somewhat simpler approach to getting families and the community together. Wilton’s Holiday Stroll is highlighted by a tree lighting ceremony, but holiday events kick off at the library at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. At the library, families can work on crafts and ornaments, hear some holiday stories and joining in some singalongs, said Library Director Carol Roberts.

“It’s a nice afternoon-evening,” Roberts said. There will also be a jazz group playing for free, as for the past five years. Despite the library being under construction in recent years, the group, Light Jazz Anytime, was always ready and willing to take part in the festivities. Now that renovations are complete, Roberts said, the group wanted to be first to play at the library.

From the library, families stroll down to the park on Main Street to place ornaments on the tree and then to take in the tree lighting ceremony, followed by some more singing. The stroll officially runs from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Last year we had an incredibly wonderful turnout,” Roberts said. “It’s nice to see everybody with similar interests at the holiday time.”

There will also be an event for adults at the library where they can bring unwrapped gifts, which will be gathered by the Wilton Christmas Store to be distributed to needy children, Roberts said.

The Wilton stroll features the winner of the snowflake scavenger hunt as well. Beginning in December, people can go around to downtown merchants, who hang snowflakes with a certain clue, and try to decode the puzzle, said Main Street Wilton Program Manager Sarah Sadowski.

For information on the Wilton Holiday Stroll, visit www.mainstreet.wilton.nh.us or call 654-3020. The Wilton Public Library is located at 7 Forest Road. Call 654-2581.

A little farther south in Lowell, the city is shaking up its annual holiday traditions to include a Holiday Arts Stroll in addition to its annual City of Lights Parade Saturday, Nov. 29. People can swing through the city’s different cultural locales, while sipping hot cider, taking in holiday music and shopping through a variety of participating art galleries and studios, including the Brush Art Gallery and Studios, ALL Arts Gallery, Jean Winslow’s Studio II, the Revolving Museum, the New England Quilt Museum and the Whistler House Museum of Art, according to www.cultureiscool.org. The day’s events begin at noon and end at 8 p.m. The Holiday Arts Stroll in particular runs from noon to 4 p.m.

For the Lowell Holiday Arts Stroll, visit www.cultureiscool.org. Call 978-446-7162.

More strolling
Here are a few other shopping and strolling events this holiday season:

• The Shoppes of Historic Downtown Manchester wants to give patrons some added incentive to shop downtown with its Downtown Holiday Shoppe Hop. Select merchants will offer 10 percent off purchases or other deals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, if people bring two canned goods to donate to the New Hampshire Food Bank, said Barbara Potvin, who organized the downtown group and who owns the New England Sampler on Hanover Street. Potvin said she hopes people will head downtown for some shopping and then take in the city’s Spirit of the Season Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Visit www.downtownsgotit.com. Call Potvin at 626-4477.

• The Weare Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Holiday Shopping event at the Weare Town Hall to encourage residents to think and buy locally this holiday season. The event is Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. Vendors can set up at 9 a.m. All proceeds to benefit Weare Animal Guardians. Contact Hollyhock Flowers at 529-6447 or Abigail’s Bakery at 724-6544. Vendor space is still available.

• Northwood area merchants have come together for the Shop Hop to start the Christmas shopping season. The event takes place on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28, 29, and 30. Plans for the weekend include pottery demonstrations, homemade treats at various locations, holiday music and more. For a full list of participating merchants visit www.jeffbrownpottery/shophop.html. 303-5635.

Trot, then turkey
Thanksgiving runs keep your stuffing lean
By Doran Dal Pra

Feeling a little guilty about packing away all that food over the holiday season? Here’s a collection of runs, walks and trots to you get out and moving (or at least, rooting on others) during this season of eating.

• The 35th Annual 5K Turkey Trot will be held at the Greater Derry Track Club on Thursday, Nov. 27. Registration is from 7:15 to 8:50 a.m. at Galliens Town Beach on Beaver Lake on 95 Pond Road. The trot has become a Derry tradition. Contact Jim Ewell at 432-6409 or e-mail jewell@gdtc.org.

• St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua and Nashua High North and South have teamed up to offer The Great Gobbler, a 5K trail race on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m. at Mine Falls in Nashua. The race benefits Nashua cross-country. Contact Don McCarty from Nashua High School at 880-8927 or e-mail hdmccarty@comcast.net.

• The Second Annual Sunapee Turkey Trot is Thursday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. Run around the Sunapee Harbor loop on Thanksgiving morning. Contact Katie Flint from the Sunapee Recreation Department at katherine.a.flint@dartmouth.edu

• 10th Annual Galloping Gobbler will be held at Bishop Brady High School (25 Columbus Drive, Concord) on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. Contact Suzy Seagroves at 225-0645 or zeetthecat@comcast.net.

• 14th Windham 3- & 5-Mile Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot benefiting the Shepherds Food Pantry in Windham is Thursday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. at 70 Blossom Road. You can run, walk, bike, bring a stroller or wheelchair. T-shirts are available for the first 300 registrants. Admission is a donation of your choice and registration is the day of the Trot. Contact Louise Peltz at 437-4422 or e-mail WindhamTurkeyTrot@gmail.com

• Bridgewater-Hebron School (25 School House Road, Bridgewater, N.H.) will hold its annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 9 a.m. The Trot’s entry fee is by donation of any amount. Contact Kathi Lovett at 733-6350 or e-mail lovett@metrocast.net.

• Madison Thanksgiving Day 5K will be held at the King Pine Ski Area on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. There is a 5K trail race and two-mile fitness walk and a kids’ fun run. Contact Catalina Kirsch at 367-8676 or e-mail catalinak@roadrunner.com.

• Rochester Runners Free Fall 5K Run Walk will be held at the Rochester Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8:30 a.m. The event is family-friendly. Contact Dave Abbett of the Rochester Runners, at 509-2440 or e-mail abbettfamily@verizon.net

• The annual Turkey Bowl between Central High School and Memorial High School will be on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m. at Gill Stadium in Manchester.

• AJWC Turkey Trot will be held in Amherst at the Amherst Congregational Church on Friday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. There’s a one-mile fun run, a 5K, prizes, raffles and T-shirts. Contact Mary Lou Mullens of the Amherst Junior Women’s Club at 424-0687 or e-mail AmherstTurkeyTrot@comcast.net.

• Christines Crusade 5k Trail Run is Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m. at the Portsmouth Christian Academy (20 Seaborne Drive, Dover) The run is a flat trail run and is fun for all ages and abilities. Contact Andrea McCusker at amccusker@live.com

• Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held at Rundlett Middle School (144 South St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Tie jingle bells to your sneakers and kick off the holidays. The event sees thousands of entrants in runs/walks across the country. Contact Starr Manus Tardif of the Arthritis Foundation at 224-9322 or e-mail info.nne@arthritis.org.

• Beaver Brook Winter 5K is Sunday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis). Contact Michael Amarello from Three C Race Productions LLC at 429-8879 or e-mail michael@3CRaceProductions.com.

• Rudolph Run 5K Roadrace starts at Saint Anselm College’s Dana Center on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. The race runs through the St. Anselm campus. Contact Stacy Cohen at the college at 631-805-4432 or e-mail scohen@anselm.edu.

• Millennium Mile begins at the Londonderry High School on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. The race is a point-to-point one-mile road race for all ages and abilities. Contact John Mortimer at 219-8855 or e-mail john.mortimer@uky.edu.

• 31st Annual Peanut Butter Chip Chase 5K is sponsored by the Souhegan Lions Club and is Thursday, Jan. 1, at noon at the Temple Town Hall. Contact William Moore of the Souhegan Lions Club at 878-1912 or e-mail wmoore1225@comcast.net.

Finding an artistic gift
Holiday art shows offer deals
By Heidi Masek

Spending time at one of these holiday shows might offer a needed break from scouring crowded malls to fill your gift list. You can find locally made unique items, and we aren’t just talking paintings. There are affordable fine crafts, prints, jewelry and many other items that could make for meaningful gift-giving.

• While Langer Place isn’t having an official all-mill holiday open house, some of the creative tenants will still be opening their doors during the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving. East Colony Fine Art is open Friday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find original work, prints, holiday cards and glass ornaments. A drawing for $200 and $100 gallery gift certificates and Palace Theatre tickets is Nov. 29 (621-7400, www.eastcolony.com). Hatfield Gallery & Picture Framing is planning raffles, artist demonstrations and discounts, and will host a harpist (627-7560, www.hatfieldart.com). Althea Haropulos Photographer is also participating. Langer is at 55 South Commercial St. in Manchester. See the list of tenants at www.langerplace.com.

• The Currier Museum of Art is celebrating with a winter-themed scavenger hunt plus music from Grammy-nominated guitarist Lester Hirsch during their monthly “First Thursday” evening open hours, Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Winter Garden Café will serve holiday-inspired food and drink, with harpist Piper Runnion-Bareford performing there. Find holiday cards and gift items in the museum shop. Admission costs $10 for adults, but youth under 18 enter for free. The Currier is at 150 Ash St. in Manchester (www.currier.org, 669-6144).

 • The Exeter Arts Committee hosts a Holiday Art Show with work from 60 local and regional artists Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m., from Dec. 4 through Dec. 21, at Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front St. (exeterarts.home.comcast.net). It opens Thursday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Exeter Festival of Trees. There’s a reception Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 4 p.m. Find prints, fiber art, photography, pottery and paintings.

• The Hollis Arts Society and Designwares “Art on Main” Holiday Soiree is a member event that is open to the public, Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nosh on wine and cheese, find discounts on non-consigned artwork, and get free holiday wrapping. Designwares is at 206 Main St. in Nashua. Contact Suze Scholl at 880-4730 to RSVP.

• Stop by a holiday art sale and show with work from the New England College Student Art Association and Henniker Artisans, running from Dec. 5 through Dec. 18. There’s an opening reception Friday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. The show is at the New England College Gallery on Main Street in Henniker (428-2329, www.nec.edu).

• One of the coolest art things to check out this time of year is the Winter Glass Expo at Queen City Lampworks. Five local glassworkers display and sell wares, including a wide variety of handmade glass ornaments, and many of those artists will be demonstrating flameworking throughout the day. They also provide tunes and refreshments. Definitely a good place to find unique gifts while watching people work with molten glass. The excitement is Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at 21 West Auburn St. in Manchester (623-2735). There are additional, less exciting, shopping hours on Sunday, Dec. 7, noon to 5 p.m.

• You can find made-in-New Hampshire items at the Artisans Online Mall (artisansonlinemall.com), but of more interest is finding them in person at a new holiday craft fair, Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock. It’s Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Shattuck Inn & Golf Resort in Jaffrey. Also called A@MM, the fair will have items from wooden toys to baked goods, to baby gear, to jewelry and artwork. Nothing is priced over $500. Visitors are requested to bring non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Olde World Candy, Glass Geometry and Frog Hollow Wearable Art are a few of the outfits that will have booths there. Call 532-8860 for details.

• Visit the Mill Brook Gallery Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Dec. 6 through Dec. 14, for their “Art for the Holiday Giving” show. Work includes jewelry, sculpture, pottery and glass. Mill Brook is at 236 Hopkinton Road in Concord (226-2046, www.themillbrookgallery.com).

• The Franco-American Centre is holding a Christmas Market Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with products including artwork and food. It’s at 52 Concord St. in Manchester (669-4045, www.francoamericancentrenh.com).

• It’s a Holiday Artisan Emporium at Sierra LUNA, 10 Main St. #19 in Wilton, though Dec. 20, Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 654-9770/.

Fun for the whole family
Events for elves of all ages
By Doran Dal Pra

Spending time with the family is one of the best parts about the holiday season, and organizations from all over are putting on some great family events.

• Holiday Magic Light Park welcomes guests to turn winter’s darkest days into a lighted winter wonderland. Ride through the Branch Brook Campground in the White Mountains for nearly a mile of animated light displays. The park opens on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, and will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 28, as well as New Year’s Eve. Tickets cost $15 for a carload, $30 for vans (11+ passengers) and $60 for a bus. Visit www.holidaymagiclightpark.com.

• Littleton Christmas Parade is Friday, Nov. 28, at noon on Main Street in Littleton. The parade brings Santa back to town and will feature floats, horses and live bands. Call 444-6561 or visit www.littletonareachamber.com.

• Santa will be on the Hobo RailRoad in downtown Lincoln from Friday, Nov. 28, to Friday, Dec. 14. You can take the Santa Train with Mr. Claus himself for an hour-and-20-minute ride along the Pemigewassett River from Lincoln to Woodstock. Santa visits with and has a free gift for each child. Hot chocolate and cookies are included with the ticket. The train runs from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 28, and at 1 p.m. in Dec. Admission costs $15, but children 2 and under are free. Call 745-2135 or visit www.SantaTrains.com.

• On Saturday, Nov. 29, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will ride into Waterville Valley Resort pulled by their faithful team of sled dogs. They will arrive at the Town Square at 3:30 p.m. with gifts and candy for each child who attends. Stay and attend the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., followed by winter fireworks display over Corcoran’s Pond. Call 236-8175.

• There’s a Holiday Social on Monday, Dec.1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at 70 Temple St. in Nashua. Come enjoy an afternoon out with refreshments, door prizes and raffles. Stan Jr.’s Tributes and Memories Show will sing everything from oldies to country to gospel and holiday songs. Tickets cost $5 and are available at the Center. Call Cathy at 889-6155.

• Hike the woodland trails at Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis) in search of greens for your holiday wreath on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brown Lane Barn in Hollis. Hikers will return to the classroom to enjoy warm tea and cookies while working on their wreaths. No wreathmaking experience required. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather and bring hand clippers if you have them. Admission is $20. Call 465-7787 or e-mail info@beaverbrook.org.

• Mrs. Claus will drop by during storytime at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St. in Nashua) on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. Call 589-4631.

• The Pollard Memorial Library (401 Merrimack St. in Lowell, Mass.) will hold its annual holiday sing-along on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. No registration is required. Visit www.pollardml.org or call the library at 978-970-4122.

• Light up Durham holiday celebration is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6. The weekend has an extensive schedule of events including performances, a tower lighting and more. See www.lightupdurham.org.

• Pine Hill Holiday Fair will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday evening is a special adults-only shopping preview and Saturday features seasonal activities, high-quality artisans and fun for the whole family. The Pine Hill school is located on Abbot Hill Road in Wilton. Admission is free. Call 654-6003 or visit www.pinehill.org.

• Barnes & Noble (235 DW Highway in Nashua) is celebrating the holidays with a Polar Express Party on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Besides a reading of The Polar Express there will be hot chocolate and cookies along with special activities. Mayor Donnalee Lozeau will be a special guest. Call the Nashua store at 888-0533.

• Bring the whole family for a class on wreath-making on Friday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Amoskeag Fishways (6 Fletcher St. in Manchester). This family program is about how to make a holiday wreath with natural materials, as well as other fun decorations for the home. Each wreath costs $10. Advance registration with payment required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.

• Renaissance music will fill the Mariposa Museum (26 Main St. in Peterborough, mariposamuseum.org) on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. Lachrimae of Franklin Pierce University will present the seasonal music and will also be dancing the galliard. Students, faculty and staff of Franklin Pierce University sing, dance and play any number of early instruments. Wine, cheese and cookies will be served. The event is free. Call 924-4555 or contact info@mariposamuseum.org.

• Downtown Hillsborough will hold its Olde Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 a.m. The event kicks off with a Mason’s breakfast and continues with kids’ crafts, a community concert, the Christmas tree lighting, caroling and more, including a special appearance from Santa. The event is free. Call 464-2953 or visit visit www.hillsboroughpride.org.

• On Saturday, Dec. 6, six historic homes in Amherst will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a house tour. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic town meetinghouse on the green. Tour tickets cost $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Luncheon tickets must be preordered and cost $10. Ticket forms are available at www.ccamherst.org/cav_2008.htm. Call 673-3231.

• Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road in Canterbury, 783-9511) will hold its Christmas at Canterbury Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, from 3 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a gingerbread house showcase and contest, musical entertainment, traditional arts demonstrations, candy making, and activities for the whole family. Visit www.shakers.org. Admission costs $15 for adults; $13 for seniors; $7 for children 6-17; free for children under 6. Call 783-9511.

• It’s Come Home for the Holidays weekend in Milford on Dec. 6 and 7. The annual Holiday Craft Fairs celebrate 100 years on Saturday, Dec. 6. Come back to Milford’s downtown on Sunday, Dec. 7, for the Downtown Holiday Stroll from noon to 5 p.m. featuring holiday performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and family activities on the Oval. For a schedule of performances and activities, visit www.milfordoval.net. Call 672-4567.

• Take a holiday wreath-making workshop with the Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road in Hollis) on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Brown Lane Barn in Hollis. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. and allow at least an hour to make a lovely evergreen wreath. Enjoy cookies and cocoa or coffee and holiday music while working. The workshop costs $20 and includes materials. Call 465-7787 or e-mail info@beaverbrook.org.

• Join the Friends of the Bedford Library for their annual Wassail Party on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bedford Library (3 Meeting House Road in Bedford). The Bedford High School Musicians will perform. All are welcome. The event is free. Call 817-952-2335 or visit www.bedfordlibrary.org.

• Join the Temple Adath Yeshurun Sisterhood (152 Prospect St., Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fine arts and craft fair and Chanukah shop with local artists and merchants. Come early to get the best selection of pottery, jewelry, glassware, books, Judaica and more. The Chanukah shop will also be open on Tuesdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., and Thursdays, Dec.11 and 18, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• It’s Holiday Storytime at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, Mass., on Monday, Dec. 8, at 3:30 p.m. This program is for children ages three and older. No registration is required. Visit www.pollardml.org or call the library’s Youth Services Department at 978-970-4122.

• The Massabesic Audubon Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn) will hold a class on how to make home-made gifts on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn the basic steps for making lip balm, bath salts & sugars, aromatherapy spray, and massage oil. Call 668-2045 to pre-register and visit www.nhaudubon.org. Admission costs $15 for NH Audubon members, $25 for non-members, plus a separate $5 materials fee.

• Holly Jolly Pre-school Party on Friday, Dec. 12, in the children’s room of the Wadleigh Memorial Library (49 Nashua St. in Milford) at 10 a.m. The party’s special guest will be Miss Karina, with magical, musical entertainment. Refreshments & craft fun for everyone run from 10:45 to noon. No registration necessary. Call 673-2408 or e-mail wadleigh@wadleigh.lib.nh.us.

• The Franco-American Centre (52 Concord St. in Manchester) will hold a Fete de Noel on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will include appetizers, entertainment, a silent auction and more. Tickets cost $10. Call 669-4045 or visit francoamericancentrenh.com.

• The Franco-American Centre (52 Concord St. in Manchester) is displaying the St. Nicholas Collection of Father Dennis Charles Nicholas Gingras as part of their Family Program Series. On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. to noon, families are invited to see the collection, learn about St. Nicholas, and engage in activities. The collection focuses pieces that portray St. Nicholas as a bishop rather than the typical Santa Claus with pieces from France, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and more. Call 669-4045 or visit www.francoamericancentrenh.com.

• A Kid’s Holiday Fun Fest will run on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn. Drop your kids off while you go holiday shopping. Children will play games, go for a nature walk, and make wintery crafts. Pizza dinner will be provided. Bring winter clothes. Limited to 15 children, ages 6 to 10. The event costs $35 for NH Audubon members and $50 for non-members per child. Call 668-2045 to pre-register or visit nhaudubon.org.

• Temple Israel (515 Sixth St., Dover, 742-3976, www.dovertemple.org) has its Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m.

• Come celebrate the first night of Chanukah and bring your Chanukiot at Temple Adath Yeshurun on Sunday, Dec. 21. There will be a 6 p.m. service followed by a pot luck dinner. Reservations are needed if you are attending the dinner. Call 669-5650 or e-mail templeadathy@comcast.net.

Vacation camps
Want to have the kids out doing something besides hanging around the house during school vacation? These holiday camps are the perfect way for kids to have some fun away from home.

• Winter Solstice Camp with the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn is Monday, Dec. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 30, for children ages 6 to 10. There will be educational games, outdoor adventures, crafts and stories. Campers will explore the winter world and look for evidence of animal activity. Join in the fun for just one day or sign up for both. Children should bring a lunch and be prepared to be outside with appropriate clothing. All-day sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and camper drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. The camp costs $35 for members and $50 for non-members per day. Register by calling 224-9909 ext. 333. Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 19; call 668-2045 or e-mail mac@nhaudubon.org.

• Concord Recreation Camps offer a number of camps for children this holiday break. The Robin Hood Archery Camp is for grades 4 through 9. Make like Robin Hood and his merry men with this three-day camp Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 31. Sharpen your eye, steady your hand and learn basic target shooting rules and skills. All equipment is provided. Classes are at the East Concord Community Center from 3 to 5 p.m. each day. Holiday Vacation Camp is filled with sports, ice skating, crafts, theme days and fun; it runs from Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at the Green Street Community Center for grades 1 through 5. Basketball Camp will improve basketball skills for those in grades 3 through 8; participants will have the opportunity to scrimmage, play games and work on defensive skills. The camp runs from Monday, Dec. 29, to Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon each day at the Green Street Community Center and will be led by John Billings, the Conval High School Boys Varsity basketball coach. Horseback Camp is for ages 8 to 12 and will be held at the Gelinas Farm in Pembroke. Dress warmly because while the riding ring is indoors, it is not heated. Waivers are available online at www.onconcord.com.recreation and must be signed by a parent or guardian. The camp runs Dec. 29 through Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to noon and costs $140 for Concord residents, $160 for non-residents. For all camps, call 225-8690 or e-mail recreation@onconcord.com.

• Evergreen Vacation Camp at the New Hampshire Audubon in Concord is for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The camp is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29 and 30, and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Campers will go exploring to a variety of natural areas for a more in-depth adventure, learn about the habits in New Hampshire animals in winter, how to recognize animal tracks and much more. All campers should bring a lunch and warm water-repellent clothing. Camper drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and after-care hours are available. Call 224-9909 or visit newhampshireaudubon.org.

• Henniker Youth Theatre Camp is Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 28 through 30. This musical theatre workshop is for ages 6 to 20 and will focus on the holiday version of the “1940s Radio Show,” a musical revue that features comedians, story tellers, actors, singers and dancers. Call 428-3544 or e-mail dunn.t@comcast.net.

Dickens and Tchaikovsky
Many places to see The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol
By Heidi Masek

OK, if you don’t know the stories of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, or Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, well, buy a ticket. It’s time you learned, and I’m not explaining them.

• WZID DJ Mike Morin returns to play Mother Ginger in Southern NH Dance Theater’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre. “My daughter Liz was very involved in ballet and even toured with the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Berkshire Ballet,” Morin said in a press release. “If you ever wanted an opportunity to see me dressed up like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show you will have two chances this year,” Morin continued. Guest artists include Boston Ballet principal dancer Carlos Molina. The Palace Festival Orchestra accompanies, led by Robert Babb. The show runs Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 30, at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Palace Theatre. Ticket costs range from $17 to $46. (Mike Morin performs Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 in the evening shows). Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater is based in Bedford, and was founded in 1996. See www.snhdt.org.

• New England Dance Ensemble presents The Nutcracker with guest soloists from American Ballet Theatre Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. at Bedford High School, 47B Nashua Road, Bedford. Ticket costs range from $15 to $25. Visit www.nede.org or call 1-800-595-4tix. Barbara Mullen directs. NEDE was founded in 1986.

• The Nebraska Theatre Caravan is bringing its touring production of A Christmas Carol to the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester. Omaha Community Playhouse executive director Charles Jones adapted this version, which intersperses traditional carols in the play. It has toured annually since 1979. The visit is a tradition at the Dana Center. See it Thursday, Dec. 4, at 3:30 or 7:30 p.m. Ticket costs range from $5 to $25.50; call 641-7700 or see www.anselm.edu/dana/.

• The Palace Theatre holds its 9th annual run of A Christmas Carol. This year, it’s extended to four weeks, from Dec. 5 through Dec. 28. The Palace opens performances of the classic with a 15-minute town scene with a medley of carols and dance. There are usually about 20 adult actors, locals and professionals from New York. Local children act in the show, and this time about 100 are cast, but they are divided into four teams assigned to different performances. Shows are mostly on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. About eight school shows are also scheduled. Tickets cost $25 to $40. New this year, patrons can use the “Scrooge Pack,” or family four pack at any show, rather than just matinées. Call 668-5588 or see palacetheatre.org. The Palace is at 80 Hanover St. in Manchester.

• Watch A Christmas Carol at the Leddy Center for Performing Arts Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., from Dec. 5 through Dec. 14, at 133 Main St. in Epping. These will be the final performances there. Leddy Center will use its new stage on Ladd’s Lane in 2009. Tickets cost $14 and $16 (679-2781, www.leddycenter.org).

• The Players Ring in Portsmouth is producing A Christmas Carol, adapted by Ring founder F. Gary Newton. Directed by Ed Hinton, they include special effects and put emphasis both on merriment and ghostliness. It runs from Dec. 5 through Dec. 23, mostly Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. with 8 p.m. shows Thursday, Dec. 18, Monday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth (436-8123, playersring.org). Tickets cost $6, $10 and $12. Join the Fezziwig party at a fundraiser Dec. 5.

• The Rochester Opera House and Arts Rochester present The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 8 p.m. Guest artist Daniela Malta plays the Sugar Plum Fairy. Call 335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Tickets cost between $10 and $20. The Rochester Opera House is at 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. 

• The UMass Lowell Center for the Arts Family Discovery Series presents “A One-Hour Nutcracker for the Whole Family” Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 and 4 p.m. New York Theatre Ballet, founded in 1978, has produced one-hour versions of classic ballets for young audiences for more than 20 years. See this one at Durgin Hall, 35 Wilder St., on the UMass-Lowell South Campus. Tickets cost $12, with group rates available. Call 978-934-4444 or visit www.uml.edu/centerforarts. 

• This year is Ballet New England’s 20th anniversary of producing “An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker.” See it at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth, (436-2400). Ticket costs range from $15 to $38. Shows are Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 and 7 p.m. There’s an opening night $5 discount. Tickets for Nutcracker in a Nutshell, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., cost $15 and $20.

• The Gate City Ballet produces The Nutcracker, at Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m., at Groton School Center for the Arts, in Groton, Mass. Visit www.gatecityballet.com or call 882-0011. Tickets cost $15.

• Students at the famed boarding school in Concord take the stage when St. Paul’s School Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m., at Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. in Concord. Tickets cost $12.50 and $16.50. Call 225-1111 or see ccanh.com.

• Tap, hip-hop, and modern dance are showcased with ballet in MoCoArts’ production of The Nutcracker, Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 and 5:30 p.m., at  Keene State College’s Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond. The extravaganza includes more than 200 MoCo dancers with international guest artists. Tickets cost $18 and $21. See www.moco.org, or call 358-2168).

Or, for something different….
Some alternatives for celebrating the holidays on the stage
By Heidi Masek

Many holiday dramas this year have titles taken from classic films.

• Meet Me in St. Louis features the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The Seacoast Repertory (125 Bow St. in Portsmouth, www.seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) presents it from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28. It’s set in St. Louis just before the 1904 World’s Fair, when four sisters learn that their family will need to move to New York City. Shows are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket costs range from $24 to $28 with student, senior and group discounts available.

• It’s a Wonderful Life has become a favorite for the stage, rather than just on film. Majestic Productions produces it with music, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., from Dec. 5 through Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. Candace Glickman and Kevin Barrett direct. Ticket costs range from $10 to $16. The Majestic is at 281 Cartier St. in Manchester (669-7469, www.majestictheatre.net). See It’s a Wonderful Life between Dec. 5 and Dec. 14 at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, at routes 11B and 3 in Wears Beach, Laconia. Tickets cost $14 and $16. Call 366-7377 or visit www.winniplayhouse.com for times. 

• Pontine Theatre uses its signature puppets and masks to present a shortened version of It’s a Wonderful Life, as well as A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Friday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., at West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth. Tickets cost $15 and $20 (436-6660, www.pontine.org). Enjoy eggnog and cookies on stage after the show.

• Speaking of the radio show format, Nashua Community College’s Performing Arts Club has an “Old Time Holiday Radio Show” performance of songs and stories planned for Friday, Dec. 5, at noon and 7 p.m. at NCC, 505 Amherst St. in Nashua, in Room 150. Admission is by donation (428-3544, tdunn@ccsnh.edu).

• Exit Dance Theatre interprets each day in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in collaboration with Joppa Jazz Dance Co. from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7 at the Firehouse Center. Tickets cost $12, $15 and $16.

• The Acting Loft presents the musical Scrooge Friday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 14, at 516 Pine St. in Manchester (666-5999, www.actingloft.org).

• “The King and the Fool: A Medieval French Celebration of the Winter Solstice,” brings 60 voices from the Upper Valley together — the Revels North, plus early music performers to perform period music and dance in the telling of this story. See it at Dartmouth College’s Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hanover, Thursday, Dec. 18, and Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 1 and 5 p.m. Ticket costs range from $5 to $23 (646-2422, hop.dartmouth.edu).

• Theater in the Open is turning the Firehouse Center for the Arts into a 1940s radio hall for their “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Show.” See it Thursday, Dec. 18, or Friday, Dec.19, at 8 p.m., or Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 or 8 p.m., or Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m., at Market Square in Newburyport (978-462-7336, www.firehouse.org). Tickets cost $13 and $15.

• Milford Area Players and Riverbend Youth Company of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson, Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Amato Center, 56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford. Robin LaCroix and Vick Bennison direct. Tickets cost $7 and $12 (672-1002, www.milfordareaplayers.org).

• Timothy L’Ecuyer plays Crumpet in David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries. (Humorist Sedaris is known for his NPR work and books including Me Talk Pretty Some Day.) Keith Weirich directs this one-man show to benefit the Jared Nathan Scholarship fund. Nathan was a Peacock Players alum who died in 2006 at age 21. Santaland is Sunday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., only, at 14 Court St. in Nashua. Tickets cost $15 and $20. It’s Sedaris, so there is a parental advisory on the content (www.peacockplayers.org, 886-7000).

• The Majestic’s annual New Year’s Eve dinner theater show is Funeral for a Gangster, a musical mystery set in a 1928 speakeasy with audience participation. It’s Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $37.50 and are on sale Dec. 1. Reservations are required to attend. Proceeds benefit the Majestic’s 2009 programming.

• And of course, there are plenty of shows by kids’ companies to celebrate the season. Peacock Players’ Christmas Spectacular is Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., Dec. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. Santa Claus visits, and the students, alumni and family members produce a show in the style of variety shows that entertainers like Bing Crosby made popular. Northern Ballet students join them with a 35-minute “Clara’s Dream” ballet that uses the story of The Nutcracker, geared for a young audience. See it at 14 Court St. in Nashua (www.peacockplayers.org, 886-7000). Tickets cost $12 and $15. Bedford Youth Performing Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., at the Derryfield School at 2108 River Road in Manchester (472-3894). Tickets cost $10. A girl learns the meaning of Christmas in Believe! by Faye Couch Reeves. Kids Coop Theatre presents it from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7 at the Adams Memorial Opera House, 29 West Broadway in Derry. Tickets cost $8. See www.kids-coop-theatre.org.

Songs of the seasons
Let the seasonal concerts begin
By Dana Unger

There’s something about the holiday season that makes one want to bundle up, brave the cold weather and take in a stocking full of the traditional holiday tunes, choral arrangements and classical offerings that abound around the state this year. Luckily, there is no shortage of concerts celebrating the season, no matter your musical preference. Here’s the full list of all music guaranteed to prevent a silent night.

• The Lakes Region Opera will present “Xmas Prelude” on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, 211 North Main St., Concord. For more information, call 781-5695.

• An evening of holiday classics from the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m., at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy, Derry. The concert, “Holiday Pops,” will also feature a performance by the Pinkerton Chorale. Tickets cost $15 to $50 and can be purchased at www.nhphil.org or at 647-6476.

• The Friends of the Bedford Public Library host their annual Wassail Party on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the library (3 Meetinghouse Road). Holiday musical entertainment will be provided by the Bedford High School Musicians, and food and refreshments will be served. This event is free to the public.

• A longtime holiday tradition continues when The Manchester Chorus presents “A Christmas Tapestry” on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 145 Lowell St., Manchester. Works this year include J.A.C. Redford’s “Welcome All Wonders” and Paul Carey’s “Winter’s Night Carol,” along with the traditional audience carol-sing. Tickets cost $15 to $20. Visit www.mcsnh.org for details.

• The Saint Anselm Choir will perform its annual Christmas concert, “December Song,” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Center, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester. The concert will feature readings and songs celebrating the Advent and Christmas seasons. The concert is free to the public.

• Three community choruses will gather for a special holiday concert, “Songs for the Holidays: A Gathering of Friends,” on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m., at The Pearl, 45 Pearl St., Portsmouth. Featured performers include the Seacoast group Women Singing OUT!, Solstice Singers, a community chorus from Boston, as well as Harmony, from the Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the concert. Call 430-2970 or visit www.womensingingout.org for info.

• The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus will present their winter concert, “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m., at Daniel Webster College, Collings Auditorium, 20 University Drive. The chorus will also perform on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m., at the Christ Episcopal Church, in Portsmouth and on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at the Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester.

• The Strafford Wind Symphony will present a Holiday Celebration concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Emmanuel Church Family Life Center, 24 Eastern Ave., Rochester. The performance will include selections from The Nutcracker and A Charlie Brown Christmas, and there will be a holiday basket raffle. This is a free concert.

• The Colby-Sawyer College Singers present the one-act holiday classic “Amhal and the Night Visitors” on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., in the Sawyer Arts Center, 541 Main St., New London. Admission is free.

• The Pemigewasset Choral Society presents “Sing For Joy” on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, on School Street in Franklin. The concert will feature works from Handel’s Messiah as well as a special commissioned selection by composer Frank Denson. Donations will be taken at the door. For details, call 535-2787.

• It will be A Viennese Christmas at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 South Main St., Concord) on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra performing works by Strauss and Romberg as well as Broadway musicals and popular carols. This event is free to the public.

• The Concord Chorale will present “Sounding Joy: Canticles of Light” on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at the South Congregational Church, 72 Pleasant St., Concord. This multi-lingual holiday performance features carols from Sweden, Latvia and Nigeria, as well as traditional favorites. The chorale will also perform “Canticles of Light” by Bob Chilcott and “Magnificat” by local composer William Fletcher. For ticket information, call 224-0770.

• The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra will present “Holiday Pops” on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., at Inter-Lakes High School, Route 25, Meredith. The concert will feature Moultonboro soprano Harmony Markey. Visit www.lrso.org.

• Ninety-five singers from the Monadnock Chorus will join with a full orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., at the Peterborough Town House in Peterborough. The group will perform classical holiday works and popular carols. Tickets cost $10 to $17 and can be purchased by visiting www.monadnock-chorus.org.

• The Granite State Symphony Orchestra will hold its Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., at Concord City Auditorium, Green Street, Concord. Conducted by Maestro Babb, the performance features a local school chorus, sing-along, and the best of holiday music. Tickets cost $16 to $18 and can be purchased at 226-4776 or www.gsso.org.

• The Verizon Wireless Arena presents Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m., in Manchester. Tickets cost $41 to $66 and can be purchased by calling 868-7300 or www.ticketmaster.com.

• The Nashua Symphony Orchestra will perform “Holiday Pops Cabaret” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 and 6:30 p.m., at the Somerset Ballroom, at the Crown Plaza, Nashua. Conducted by Johnathan McPhee, the concert will feature works by Tchaikovsky, Silvestri and more. Tickets cost $20 to $50 and can be purchased at www.nashuasymphony.tix.com.

• Conductor Kenneth Kiesler will direct the Holiday Pops on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. The concert will feature classic holiday songs performed by a full orchestra as well as some special guests. Tickets cost $20 to $40 and can be purchased at 436-2400 or www.themusichall.org.

• Empty out those spit valves for a Tuba Christmas & Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center, 40 Greenough Road, Plaistow. The performance will feature an all-tuba ensemble playing favorite holiday carols, followed by a special seasonal concert by the Timberlane Community Band. This concert is free to the public.

• Seasonal music from all over the world will be featured at the Seacoast Wind Ensemble’s “Holiday Music from Many Lands” concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at the South Church, 292 State St., in Portsmouth. Songs from Greece, Russia, Spain and Great Britain will be performed, along with Hanukkah music and traditional Christmas carols. There will also be a holiday gift basket raffle at intermission. Tickets cost $8 to $12. More information can be found at www.seacoastwindensemble.org.

• Peggo Horstmann-Hodes will lead a holiday community sing on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m., at the Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St, Concord. This sing-along will feature holiday and seasonal favorites. Tickets cost $12 at the door.

• The Music Hall presents the holiday community sing, Messiah Sing! on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., at the Music Hall in Portsmouth. Billed as the Seacoast’s largest community sing, the event will feature area choruses and conductors. Tickets cost $12 to $14 and can be purchased at 436-2400 or www.themusichall.org.

Holiday music that cuts loose
Party and rock out until Rudolph comes home
By Dana Unger

With the annual barrage of syrupy carols and solemn hymns now in full gear on radio and television and even in stores, why not take in some more unusual, and sometimes rocking, holiday fare this year? Here’s the run-down of concerts that are still sure to wet your holiday musical whistle.

• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will present its holiday spectacular on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. Combining vocalists, narrators and musicians, the group features an elaborate production of holiday favorites and original songs. Tickets cost $20 to $56.50 and can be purchased by calling 868-7300 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

• The husband-and-wife team of Amy Grant and Vince Gill will come to the Verizon Wireless Arena on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., in Manchester. The duo will perform classic holiday favorites as well as their own original seasonal tunes. Tickets cost $46 to $76 and can be purchased by calling 868-7300 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

• It will be a Celtic Christmas at the Colonial Theatre (95 Main St., Keene) with Cherish the Ladies on Friday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. One of the most popular Irish-American groups in Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies will be performing holiday favorites and songs from their CD On Christmas Night. Tickets cost $20 to $34 and can be purchased at 352-2033, or www.thecolonial.org.

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) presents “All Is Calm,” an evening of song on the Christmas Truce of 1914 on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The concert tells the real-life story of the Christmas Day truce between German and British soldiers, featuring European carols and battle songs. The concert will be broadcast on Christmas Day on more than 400 public radio stations in the U.S., and on the BBC in Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand. Tickets cost $19 to $39 and can be purchased by calling 436-2400 or visiting www.themusichall.org.

• Humor and holiday songs will be front and center when Christine Lavin and The Mistletones take the stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.  Featuring songs and stories taken from guitarist, singer and humorist Christine Lavin’s holiday album The Runaway Christmas Tree, the concert will also highlight traditional hymns and carols with the Concord Community Music School, the Unitarian Church of Concord choir, and the Profile Chorus of Southern New Hampshire. Tickets cost $29.50 to $34.50, and can be purchased by calling 225-1111 or at www.ccanh.com.

• The Queen City Ballroom will hold its annual Holiday Dance Party & Showcase on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Armory, 700 Elm St., Manchester. The event will feature a dance showcase of Queen City Ballroom solo and team dancers, as well as a semi-formal with dance hosts and prizes, featuring ballroom, Latin and swing music. Singles and couples welcome. Tickets cost $12 to $18 and can be purchased at 622-1500.

• The biggest stars on today’s music scene will be at the Jingle Ball ’08, on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Tsongas Arena, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell, Mass. The concert will feature musical performances by Katy Perry, David Archuleta, Natasha Bedingfield, Ne-Yo, Jesse McCartney and Kevin Rudolf. Tickets cost $41.50 to $126.50, and can be purchased by calling 617-931-2000 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

• Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Harvey Reid will present his annual holiday concert, “The Master Minstrel,” on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m., at the Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille, 40 Andover Road, New London. Reid performs American contemporary and roots music, as well as hip folk, blues, bluegrass, Celtic and ragtime. Tickets cost $22.50. For more information, call 526-6899.

• Milly’s Tavern’s 15th Annual Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 500 Commercial St. in Manchester. Featuring live music from Josh Logan, Alli Beaudry, Skamasutra, Mission Hill and more, the party will also serve as a fundraiser for the New Horizons Soup Kitchen. Bring your canned food, clothing and other donations to the party. Refreshments will be available and there will also be a silent auction. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance at Milly’s. All ticket sales will go to New Horizons. For more information, call 625-4444 or visit www.millystavern.com.

• The Concord Community Music School presents a Christmas Folk Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m., at the Music School’s recital hall at 23 Wall St., Concord. This holiday concert, featuring David Surette, Susie Burke and Kent Allyn, includes new and often humorous renditions of traditional holiday tunes. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at the door or in advance at the school. Visit www.ccmusicschool.org.

• Grammy award-winning guitarist Ed Gerhard will present his annual Christmas Guitar Concert on Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. Gerhard will perform arrangements of popular holiday songs as well as his own originals. The public is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Seacoast Family Food Pantry. Tickets cost $23 in advance, $25 at the door, and are available at Lovell Designs in Portsmouth, Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham, and Earcraft Music in Dover. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 664-7200 or visiting www.virturerecords.com.

• Award-winning children’s entertainer Judy Pancoast will present a holiday concert of classic seasonal favorites, including her Christmas radio hit “The House on Christmas Street,” on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at Flagship Cinemas, 10 Ashleigh Drive, Derry. There will also be Kringle Karaoke and a screening of a classic holiday film. Tickets cost $7. For more details, call 437-8800.

• Enjoy Celtic holiday tunes with the Leahy Family Celtic Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. This Canadian eight-sibling band performs popular Celtic medleys and traditional Christmas carols. Tickets cost $20 to $40 and can be purchased 436-2400 or www.themusichall.org.

• Ring in 2009 by celebrating the ’80s at the New Year’s Eve Big 80s Bash on Wednesday, Dec. 31, starting at 8 p.m., at the Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion, at 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford. Put on your OP shirt and jelly shoes for the party, which will feature a dinner, plenty of dancing to the best hits of the ’80s, a champagne toast at midnight, and a continental breakfast. Tickets cost $55. Reservations are limited and this is a 21+ event. For more information, call 293-4700.

• Folk singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert will headline the Tupelo New Year’s Eve Show on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m., at Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry. There will also be a special gourmet buffet and deserts. Tickets cost $80 and can be purchased at 437-5100, or www.tupelomusichall.com. A $3 per person BYOB fee will be collected at the door for those who bring their own beer or wine to the Music Hall.

• A European New Year’s awaits at the Palace Festival Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve in Vienna on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m., at The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. The celebration will feature music, waltzes and a champagne toast. Tickets cost $30 to $38 and can be purchased at 668-5588.