There’s snow on the ground and fun all around the Seacoast this weekend. Here are some highlights.
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Experience 350-plus years of seasonal and holiday traditions during the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. Visit with families (portrayed by costumed role players) in historic houses amid handmade decorations, candles, and lanterns. There will also be wandering musicians and performers, hot apple cider, a bonfire, and professional ice skaters. The annual event takes place for the next three weekends, with sessions starting at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are $17.50-$35. Learn more here.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
Highlights of this year’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk in downtown Portsmouth include “A Little Something 2025” at the Kennedy Gallery, “Third Space” at 3S Artspace, “The Art of Giving” at the New Hampshire Art Association, and more. Opening receptions take place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Button Factory Open Studios
Do your holiday shopping at the Button Factory Open Studios and load up on unique handmade gifts while supporting local artists, artisans, and craftspeople. The annual event begins on Friday from 5-8 p.m. with resident artists only, then continues on Saturday with residents and visiting artists from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday shows at The Orchard Chapel
The Word Barn’s 12 Nights of Christmas series continues this weekend within the cozy candlelit confines of The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls. Following An Irish Christmas with John Doyle and Cathie Ryan on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($28), come back for A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Harrison Goodell and his band follow with a special Home for the Holidays show on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Darwin’s Waiting Room at Millspace
Local comedy troupe Darwin’s Waiting Room is bringing loads of laughter to the Newmarket Millspace over the next two weekends. The ever-changing cast of Seacoast writers and performers will present original sketch comedy shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 5-13. Tickets are $22. Learn more here.
“A Christmas Carol” at The Players’ Ring
The Players’ Ring’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” marks the official start of holiday season on the Seacoast. This year’s production, directed and adapted by Ben Bagley, is on stage in Portsmouth from Dec. 5-28. Show times this weekend are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (the Sunday matinee features an optional talkback with the cast and crew). Tickets are $22-$35. Learn more here.
“White Christmas” at The Music Hall
Packed with dazzling dance numbers and iconic songs, “White Christmas” is on stage now at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. Sally Struthers stars in the musical, presented in partnership with the Ogunquit Playhouse through Dec. 21. Show times this weekend are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $60-$137. Learn more here.
Skunk Sessions at The Stone Church
One of the hottest acts on the regional jam scene will get skunky at one of its favorite local haunts this weekend. Salem, Mass.-based supergroup Skunk Sessions performs live at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Two live shows at WSCA Radio
Portland-based songwriter Tom P Buckley brings his blend of indie and improvisational sound to the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). High-energy rock quartet Stand Up Audio (pictured) follows on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Portsmouth Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade
The theme of Portsmouth’s 2025 Illuminated Holiday Parade is “Snowflakes & Sparkles.” The festivities begin on Saturday at 5 p.m. with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in Market Square. The parade follows at 6 p.m., starting on Islington Street and proceeding through downtown. Several roads will be closed; learn more here.
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
A powerhouse lineup of comedians will take the stage at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday for a holiday special. Comedy Night begins at 7 p.m. with music by Andy Klosenski and continues with standup sets from Chris Pennie, Dan Donahue, and Ethan Printz (pictured). Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Con Tutti Winter Solstice Concert
Con Tutti will user in the holiday season with wassailing, singing, and celebrating. Led by director Joanne Connolly, the local chorus’ winter solstice concert, The Christmas Pudding Wassail!, will feature songs of peace, hope, and reflection at South Church in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Old Music for a New Advent at St. John’s
St. John’s Episcopal Church will welcome back musician Joel Spears for a special concert in the Roberts Recital Hall in Portsmouth this weekend. The Great Mystery: Old Music for a New Advent, featuring Spears on lute, theorbo, and electric guitar, takes place on Saturday from 6-7:15 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.