The last weekend before Christmas brings all kinds of festive events to the Seacoast. Here are some of the highlights.
Virtual PPAF Holiday Music Revue
The Prescott Park Arts Festival is hosting a virtual holiday concert on Friday to raise money for its artistic programming. Performing from their homes starting at 7 p.m. are Zach Williams (of The Lone Bellow), Jonathan Rush and Kymberli Joye (of NBC’s “The Voice”), Dan Blakeslee, Jenna Sarno, and past musical performers from the festival stage. Tickets are $25, with every dollar matched to support the festival. Learn more here.
Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition
The 30th annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition remains open every day through Dec. 22 at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center, and at other downtown Portsmouth locations. This year’s suggested theme was historical buildings in gingerbread form. In addition to the contest and exhibition, 20 downtown shops are displaying houses in their windows. Complete the Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a prize.
Owl Prowl Brunch at The Word Barn Meadow
The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter will again host local owls during an environmental education program on Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. An educator from the Center for Wildlife will introduce guests to some live owls and explain the amazing adaptations of native species. Tickets are $25 (free for kids age 10 and under) and include a complimentary hot beverage. Proceeds benefit The Word Barn and the Center for Wildlife. Learn more here.
Dan Blakeslee Christmas album release show
Local folk favorite Dan Blakeslee and The Calabash Club will unveil their new Christmas album with an outdoor show at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. “Christmasland Jubilee” is the latest in a long string of holiday songs Blakeslee has recorded. Tickets are $60 for a table of four or $90 for a table of six. That night, Wolf Man Jack plays inside from 7-11 p.m. (table of four: $50; table of six: $60). Learn more here.
‘A Very Ida Christmas’ at The Music Hall
Ida LeClair brings her bountiful holiday spirit to the stage of The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Written and performed by Susan Poulin, “A Very Ida Christmas” follows the Mahoosuc Mills, Maine native as she shares holiday decorating tips, the secret Santa plan, and her latest Christmas craft project. The comedy is one of six plays in which Poulin adopts her alter ego as Ida. Tickets are $35. For more information, click here.
See the full calendar for more local events.