December 3: Portsmouth Historical Society's 31st Annual Gingerbread Contest & Exhibition and Awards night. See the Gingerbread Exhibition and the NH Now Photography show 7 days/week from 10-5 through 12/22.

 

December 3-January 3: NH Art Association /Lincoln Levy Gallery Let it Snow exhibit—NHAA members will be showing one or two pieces of their favorite works in all mediums. Along with the artwork, there will also be books and cards for sale. Think unique gift-giving ideas. https://www.portsmouthnh.com/event/let-it-snow-at-the-nhaa/

 

 

December 4-5: Button Factory open studios—Browse, see old friends and meet new artists. Leave with a unique handmade gift.

 

December 4: Dover Arts Center: A Winter Celebration Of The Arts–This exhibit runs throughout December with a special event on December 4th from 6 PM to 9 PM, highlighting the Small Works Exhibit and also offering live music, art demonstrations and book signings. It will also showcase the resident artists at The Art Center who will have work for sale. Guests will also enjoy complimentary wine and cheese.

 

December 4 from 2-4 PM Michel Feinstein: Home for the Holidays at the Portsmouth Music Hall- This show will feature favorites that are sure to put you in the Yuletide spirit! You can also expect to hear classics by Gershwin and Cole Porter, as well as other seasonal surprises performed as only Michael can.

December 4 at 7 PM: Rock My Soul Holiday Concert at First United Methodist Church, Portsmouth- Songs will range from “gospelized” versions of familiar tunes such as “White Christmas” and an Aretha Franklin-inspired arrangement of “Joy to the World,” to the less familiar but no less inspiring “Prince of Peace” and “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow.” 

December 10 at 7:30 PM: Pro Musica Concert at St. Mary’s Church, Dover-Performing Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Midnight Mass for Christmas as well as other holiday music.

December 11 at 7:30 PM: Pro Musica Concert at Immaculate Conception Church, Portsmouth-Performing Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Midnight Mass for Christmas as well as other holiday music.

December 18 at 7:30 PM: Portsmouth Holiday Pops at Portsmouth High School: Join the PSO for a perennial family favorite. This year’s Holiday Pops program includes an international flavor that celebrates humanity during the holiday season.

December 19 at 3:00 PM Portsmouth Holiday Pops at Portsmouth High School: oin the PSO for a perennial family favorite. This year’s Holiday Pops program includes an international flavor that celebrates humanity during the holiday season.

December 31 at 8 PM: New Year’s Champagne Pops at the Music Hall Portsmouth: Ring in the new year in style with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s cheerful sounds. In this concert filled with celebration and excitement, we’ll usher 2021 out and welcome a fresh start together.

THEATER EVENTS

December 2-5: The Nutcracker at the Rochester Opera House-This classic holiday tale performed by Sole City Dance has become a regional favorite!

December 9 from 7:30-9:30 PM:  A Christmas Carol at the Rochester Opera House This ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future is brought to life in this exciting musical adaptation.

TOWN EVENTS

December 1-2: Exeter Festival of Trees -"The committee is looking forward to once again, hosting the festival in person and we’re confident that the new online format will provide access to even more people wishing to participate in the 23rd annual Festival of Trees.  If they can’t make it in person, and still want to support us, the site can be accessed from home." (Co-Chair Bonnie Galinski)

December 3 from 5:30-6:30 PM: Rochester Holiday Tree Lighting -Watch as the magical downtown tree is lit for the first time for the 2021 holiday season. Those who attend will also enjoy many other festivities throughout the evening.

December 3 from 4-8 PM Dover Festival of Trees- Featuring over 35 trees and wreaths elaborately decorated by local businesses and organizations to be auctioned and raffled off.

December 4 at 5:30 PM: Exeter Holiday Parade-Come enjoy this annual tradition. The parade starts on Portsmouth Avenue near Exeter Lumber and marches through downtown Water Street.

December 4 at 6:00 PM: Portsmouth Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting- 5:30pm Tree Lighting in Market Square; 6:00pm Parade step off from Islington Street; 4:00-7:00pm Non-perishable Food Drop Off at Market Square parade platform.

December 4, 11, & 18  5:00-9:00 PM Strawberry Banke Christmas Stroll Under the Stars-The Museum’s signature all outdoor holiday event focusing on the lights, wreaths, roleplayers, and magic on the exteriors of the Museum’s historic buildings.

December 4 from 9AM-1PM Christmas Market at First Congregational Church of Eliot -Featuring hand made crafts created by members of our congregation, baked goods, wreaths and poinsettias. We will also have a silent auction. We are online from November 20th through December 3rd. On December 4th we will also have a live event with more crafts, baked goods and our famous cookie walk. 

December 4 from 1-4 PM Hampton Holiday Parade  Come and see the bands, floats, community organizations, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus take part in New Hampshire Largest Holiday Parade!

December 5 at 1 PM Rye Holiday Parade

December 5, 12, & 19  4:00-8:00 PM Strawberry Banke Christmas Stroll Under the Stars-The Museum’s signature all outdoor holiday event focusing on the lights, wreaths, roleplayers, and magic on the exteriors of the Museum’s historic buildings.

December 10 from 5:00-9:00 PM Brentwood Holiday Stroll-Join us for a lit and decorated stroll through the wooded pathways and tree lined fields of the Brentwood Recreation Center and help us to feed NH’s hungry this holiday season!