We’re releasing this top-five roundup early so that you can make your long weekend plans in advance. Feast on some live music and theater, go for a skate, and support local artists as you kick off your holiday shopping.
Thanksgiving at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket will provide a live soundtrack to your Thanksgiving break with several upcoming concerts. First up on Wednesday from 6-9 p.m.is a Friendsgiving celebration featuring a performance by local band Slack Tide. Then, on Friday from 1-4 p.m., local favorite Truffle plays its annual Thanksgiving show. There are also still a few tables remaining for Heavens to Murgatroid’s early show on Saturday from 3-5 p.m.
Labrie Family Skate 2020 Opening
Despite the challenges of the times, Strawbery Banke Museum is again opening its outdoor ice-skating rink in Portsmouth this winter. Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond opens for its seventh season on “Frozen Friday” at 9 a.m. Public skating, pond hockey, and skate lessons all will be available. Guests must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Learn more here. (photo courtesy of David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com)
‘The Adventures of Sleepyhead’
New Hampshire Theatre Project kicks off its 2020-21 season this weekend with the one-woman physical comedy show “The Adventures of Sleepyhead.” Area native Gemma Soldati performs her new solo show on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Presented by SoloStage, the show explores the source of imagination and the tick tock of our internal clock. It can be viewed in person or online. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Local holiday shopping options
There are several ways to safely shop local this holiday season. The Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth is transforming into a Holiday Co-op Shop, open Wednesday-Sunday from 12-7:30 p.m., Nov. 27 to Dec. 23. Wrong Brain’s ninth annual Holidaze Bizaare takes the form of a store in Dover, open Wednesday-Sunday from 12-7 p.m., Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. Plus, White Heron Tea in Portsmouth hosts a Pop-Up Gift Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Local holiday theater options
It’s that time of year when local theaters get in the spirit of the season with various holiday productions. Christopher Savage stars in a new one-man adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20 ($15-$24). And “The Winter Wonderettes” perform ’60s versions of classic holiday tunes at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth from Nov. 27 to Dec. 19 (livestreamed; $20).
See the full calendar for more local events.