Christmas

Santa Comes to Essex

After Santa arrives in Essex, kids will have a chance discuss their wish list with him in person!

Kids of all ages are welcome to come down to Essex Town Landing for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enjoy Woodman’s chowder and Dunkins’ cocoa and munchkins while we await the arrival, then let the kids take a turn sitting with the big red couple to plead their cases for gifts that breathe and/or are outside of any reasonable budget - you know, all the stuff they can only get from Santa. The arrival itself will happen at 5:00pm and visits will take place on the front porch of the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum. Please bring a mask to sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

When: 
Friday, December 1, 2023 4-6pm

Manchester-by-the-Sea Holiday Tree Lighting

Celebrate the start of the Christmas Season in downtown Manchester, Massachusetts!

Beginning at 3:30pm, the MERHS Band and Elementary School Chorus will perform an outdoor concert at Manchester Town Green. The Students from the Ballet de Mar will also perform four dances. The Manchester Woman's Club will serve hot chocolate donated by the Masons and Mrs. Claus and her elf will hand out Candy Canes. In case of bad weather, the program will be cancelled, but the Tree Lighting will go on at dusk. Lighting of the Friendship Tree and concert are sponsored by the Manchester Woman's Club.

When: 
Sunday, December 3, 2023 2:30-4:30pm

2023 Marblehead Gingerbread Festival

The Marblehead Gingerbread Festival is part of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Walk, and the proceeds will go to benefit the Marblehead Family Fund and the Marblehead Historical Society.

Come see over 100 locally and professionally made gingerbread creations on display at the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion in Marblehead, MA during this year's Marblehead Christmas Walk. Community members, businesses, and families are building and donating dozens of gingerbread houses, boats and local buildings that will be on display and available for raffle throughout the weekend. Days and times vary so check the times!

When: 
Friday, December 1, 2023 3-6pm
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10am-4 pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023 11am-3pm (Winners drawn at 2 pm)
Entry Drop Off: Thursday, November 30, 2023 10am-Noon & 3-6pm

Sea Festival of Trees (Sundays) in Salisbury

Experience the joy and excitement of Salisbury’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, Santa visits and more,

Now entering its 11th year, SeaFestival of Trees is a popular seasonal event that attracts 25,000+ people annually. This annual holiday fundraiser presents a magnificent display of Christmas trees donated and decorated by regional businesses, individuals, student groups, families and organizations, all set amongst a backdrop of panoramic ocean views on the ocean at Salisbury Beach.  

When: 
Fridays & Saturdays, November 18-December 2, 2023 11am-8pm
Sundays, November 19-December 3, 2023 11am-5pm
Thursday, November 30, 2023 5-8pm

Holiday Fairs at Essex Churches

Shop three of the best church fairs in New England, in the same neighborhood on the same day!

Holiday Fairs at Essex Churches - The warmth of an old country church fair enlivens the town on a cold, winter’s day when all three of Essex’s downtown churches hold their annual Holiday Fair. All three churches are within walking distance with free on street parking. Gift bargains are served up along with homemade food and hot beverages. A dollar goes a long way at this event.

When: 
Saturday, November 23, 2019 9am-2pm
Location: 

Solstice in the Shipyard

Solstice in the Shipyard celbration at the Essex Shipbuilding Musuem

Come join us for a day of activities and crafts for adults and kids to get you through the long winter, including star carving, log splitting, ditty bag kits, knitting, and a holiday shop! We will be celebrating the solstice in the Waterline Center with warm drinks and baked goods. Activities range from $2 to $20 each and come with a kit for you to do by the fire this winter!

When: 
Monday, December 21, 2019 11am-4pm

Welcome Home Days at the House of Seven Gables

Christmas Tours at the House of Seven Gables run daily through New Years Eve.

The House of the Seven Gables is bringing back our Welcome Home Days this February school vacation. Each day of the week we will be offering free admission to particular local towns’ residents. Tickets should be purchased in person with a valid ID or recent utility bill with appropriate address.

When: 
Daily February 20-24, 2023 10am -4pm

The Nutcracker at the Cabot

North Atlantic Ballet's Nutcracker comes to the Cabot Theater in Beverly Massachusetts.

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, North Atlantic Ballet welcomes back their annual telling of The Nutcracker. Artistic Director Lucy Warren-Whitman consistently brings the stage to life with her contemporary twist on Clara’s journey to The Land Of Sweets. Audiences delight each year in new choreography, guest appearances, creative costumes, and of course our local children’s cast dancing alongside NAB’s seasoned company dancers.

When: 
Friday, December 16, 2022 7pm
Saturday, December 17, 2022 Noon & 7pm
Sunday, December 18, 2022 Noon
Location: 

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Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

When Spring Comes Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts!
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Come cut your own tulips at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury Massachusetts
Enjoy free live music, self-guided orchard walks, hard cider, food trucks, fitness n' family activities AND pick-your-tulips! Festival entrance is free but PRE-PURCHASED tickets for tulip picking REQUIRED. Tulip picking tickets will go live late April-early May as we monitor fields.
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Step up for Colleen 5k

The Step up for Colleen 5k is a memorial fundraiser in memory of Colleen Ritzer a beloved North Shore Lacal Teacher.
The friends and family of Colleen Ritzer have created this 5K walk/run to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to help and inspire others. Through the Step Up for Colleen event, organizers hope to enhance a sense of community and overall goodwill as we come together to honor Colleen and the...
8:30 am

Beverly Library Spring Book Sale

Beverly Library in Massachusetts hosts hosts their annual book sale and fundraiser. Image is AI generated.
Our annual Friends' Spring Book Sale takes place daily at the main library from Saturday, Saturday May 4 through May 11. The sale will be open daily during regular library hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9AM-9PM; Fri.
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter and discover more about the bloom cycle at Maudslay. View the beautiful varieties featrued throughout the park, and peak bloom locations through the growing season.Check the bulletin board in the parking lot for the Interpetation Station location each day.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Befriend the Barnyard

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Planting Program at North Shore Children's Museum

North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Join volunteers from Newhall Fields for a very special planting program. Kids will get a chance to plant seeds, learn more about the anatomy of seeds and plants, color, and dress up.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Drop-in Seed Planting at North Shore Children's Museum

Seed planting workshop at North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Come to the museum to join volunteers from Newhall Fields for a very special planting program. Kids will get a chance to plant seeds, learn more about the anatomy of seeds and plants, color, and dress up. This program is drop in from 1-3PM, and included with your admission to the 12-2PM or 2-4PM...
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Marblehead Junior Class Carnival

The Marblehead Carnival is a fundraiser for the Marblehead High School junior class in Massachusetts!
Come join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by Junior Class at Devereaux Beach. Each year this carnival serves as a major fundraiser.  You'll find rides, games, and great food!
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Friday, May 10

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Music Together of the North Shore - Friday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® of the North Shore is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a story, craft & walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every...
11:00 am

Friday Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Saturday, May 11

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

The Second Saturday in May is the day to help stamp out hunger! Be the Change...
Participate in the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, an impactful initiative recognized as the largest one-day food drive in the country. This program offers residents a simple and convenient method to contribute food to those facing food insecurity. All you have to do is place your donation of non-...
7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Come cut your own tulips at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury Massachusetts
Enjoy free live music, self-guided orchard walks, hard cider, food trucks, fitness n' family activities AND pick-your-tulips! Festival entrance is free but PRE-PURCHASED tickets for tulip picking REQUIRED. Tulip picking tickets will go live late April-early May as we monitor fields.
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Annual Long Hill Plant Sale

The Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Plant Sale - a North Shore tradition in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invites you to Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens for their annual Long Hill Plant Sale. Enjoy this local tradition in it's 32nd year! Look through a wide selection of plants, from old favorites to rare and unusual species all grown here at Long Hill.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

North Shore Kids' PMC Bike Ride

Kids are encouraged to ride their bikes to raise money for the Pan Mass Challenge in Manchester
The Pan-Mass Challenge North Shore Kids' Ride will be one of many PMC Kids Rides held in neighborhoods throughout New England and beyond. Kids from Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, Salem, Ipswich, Manchester, Hamilton-Wenham and other North Shore Towns will be riding in this event. Through the PMC...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Beverly Library Spring Book Sale

Beverly Library in Massachusetts hosts hosts their annual book sale and fundraiser. Image is AI generated.
Our annual Friends' Spring Book Sale takes place daily at the main library from Saturday, Saturday May 4 through May 11. The sale will be open daily during regular library hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9AM-9PM; Fri.
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

ECTA Spring for the Trails

Annual Spring for the Trails Essex County Trail Association ECTAat Willowdale State Forest in Ipswich Massachusetts
Join ECTA for the 10th Annual Spring for the Trails on Saturday, May 11th! The race begins at 8:00 AM sharp on the beautiful trails, both single and double track, of Willowdale State Forest. This course is 100% on trails!
9:00 am
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