The Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann is a festive event celebrating the holiday season, running from late November through New Year's Day. Over 100 local businesses in Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are participating by decorating their storefronts with lights and creative displays. A decorating contest is back by popular demand, allowing visitors to vote for their favorite decorated business in each of the five communities.

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local forests, beaches, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

Ipswich River Watershed Association hosts a fish printing craft session during Ipswich Evergreen. Participants will be repurposing real fish (shad, originally used for scientific research) and making beautiful and unique prints which can be used for gifts, decorations, cards, or anything your heart desires!

Cape Ann Art Haven has a great selection of art focused morning workshops during Winter Vacation for kids on break!  Kids can take part in morning sessions, afternoon sessions or stay for a full day!

Parents and teens! Come to the Community Life Center on Tuesday, December 12th for a presentation by HAWC representative. She will be teaching about healthy relationships, digital safety for teens, and provide tips and strategies to promote healthy communication among teens.

Join us for a winter solstice celebration, welcoming the returning light and all the beauty that this season offers. We will kick off the event with a walk into Camp from Battis Farm. Enjoy a tour of the meadows and listen to the sounds of our resident winter birds. We will have a fire and drink warm beverages, while roasting marshmallows. If there is a snow cover, there will be opportunities to learn a bit about tracking, and overwintering animal behaviors. For those of us wanting to get crafty, there will be materials to create ornaments for your holiday tree or a favorite window.

The Rowley Girl Scouts and RMLP look forward to seeing you at Rowley Town Common for the Lighting of the Common at 4:30pm. Caroling, cocoa, cider and candy canes and genuine Hallmark small town vibes.

Enjoy touring private residences and unique spaces throughout Greater Newburyport, all decorated in holiday style both inside and out. All proceeds benefit the Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association and is sponsored by Gibson Sotheby’s. Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 day of. Visit www.nbptholidayhousetour.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Dance is a New England tradition, and Ipswich Recreation invites you the Ipswich Town Hall Winter Ball. Swing in the New Year with the Marsh Hoppers Big Band, neighbors and family! Free and public dance, music, merriment and more!

Come to Beverly Massachusetts for a two night Holiday Market and family holiday fun! There is so much to do all weekend long with live music, Mr. and Mrs. Clause, Holiday story time, great food, pop up artisan markets and awesome deals from local merchants!