Holiday

The Nutcracker & Gala Reception at the Firehouse Center

The Nutcracker performed by the Methuen Ballet is a perrenial favorite at the Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts after a Gala Reception in the Lobby!

Long a traditional favorite, Methuen Ballet Ensemble brings the holiday classic, "The Nutcracker" to Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Join us for this very special production of Methuen Ballet Ensemble's The Nutcracker.  Methuen Ballet Ensemble, an established local ballet company under the artistic direction of Vanessa Rae Voter, has staged The Nutcracker for over twenty-five years.  

When: 
Gala Reception and Show: Saturday, November 30, 2019 6pm
Saturday, November 30, 2019 3pm
Sunday, December 1, 2019 1pm
Location: 
Firehouse Center for the Arts
Newburyport
Holiday
Performance
Christmas
Ballet
Live Performance
Dance

Brooksby Farm Holiday Open House

Brooksby Farm in Peabody Massachusetts hosts a Holiday open house for the whole family!

Stop by and enjoy the wonders of the season at Brooksby Farm! Precut trees, wreaths, kissing balls, baskets and greens, sampling throughout the store, toys, unique gifts, jams, honey, maple, candles, campfire with s’mores, photo spots, barn yard animals, hot soups, letters to santa and more!

When: 
Saturday, December 7, 2019 Noon-3pm
Sunday, December 8, 2019 Noon-3pm
Location: 
Brooksby Farm
Peabody
Holiday Season
Holiday
Open House

Gingerbread Decorating Workshop at Marini Farm

Kids will learn how to decorate gingerbrad houses at Marini Farm in Ipswich MA!

Celebrate the season with us, friends and gingerbread fun. Decorate your very own gingerbread house and take it home to eat or display as a centerpiece during your holiday celebrations. Enjoy endless decorating options, from frosted roofs, gum drop fences and cookie christmas trees.

When: 
Fridays, November 29 - December 13, 2019 4-5pm
Saturdays & Sundays, November 30 - December 15, 2019 4pm or 7pm
Saturday, December 21, 2019 11am or 2pm
Location: 
Marini Farm
Ipswich
Holiday
Christmas
Cookie Decorating
Farm

Zoo Lights at the Stone Zoo - Stoneham

Stone Zoo for Northshore children and families

ZooLights will shine brightly beginning on Friday, November 22, 2019, Beloved holiday tradition returns to Stone Zoo.

ZooLights is set to once again dazzle visitors of all ages when it opens for the holiday season on Friday, November 22. This winter wonderland attracts thousands of visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see black bears, a bald eagle, Canada lynx, arctic foxes, and even reindeer! Enjoy more festive fun by warming up by the fire pits and toasting marshmallows for s’mores (available for purchase).

When: 
November 22, 2019 through January 4, 2020
Closed November 28, 2019
Closed December 25, 2019
Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through December 24.
On December 4, 11, 18 and 24, guests can also meet Mrs. Claus, who will be greeting visitors and spreading holiday cheer throughout the Zoo from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 
Stone Zoo
Stoneham
Holiday
Christmas

Festival of Trees - Saturday & Sunday

The Aleppo Shriners will be holding its Festival of Trees on Friday, November 22; Saturday, November 23; and Sunday, November 24, at the Shriners Auditorium (99 Fordham Road).

This event features a large number of beautiful trees with lots of presents to raffle. The event also features Pictures with Santa, Scavenger hunt around the trees, a raffle table, and live music.

When: 
Friday, November 22, 2019 from 4pm to 8pm
Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9am to 8pm
Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 9am to 6pm
Holiday

Festival of Trees - Friday

Aleppo Shriners Festival of Trees

The Aleppo Shriners will be holding its Festival of Trees on Friday, November 22; Saturday, November 23; and Sunday, November 24; at the Shriners Auditorium (99 Fordham Road).

This event features a large number of beautiful trees with lots of presents to raffle. The event also features Pictures with Santa, Scavenger hunt around the trees, a raffle table, and live music.

When: 
Friday, November 22, 2019 from 4pm to 8pm
Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9am to 8pm
Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 9am to 6pm
Holiday

Caring Santa Photo Session

Caring Santa Photo Sessions at North Shore Shopping Center in Peabody

Children with special needs and their families are invited to a special photo session with Caring Santa in an environment set up to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children with all abilities. The photo session will take place in the Lower Level of the Nordstrom wing.

When: 
Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: 
Northshore Mall
Peabody
Holiday

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Salem Heritage Days Festival
Salem Heritage Days is a week long celebration of Salem's history and tradition.
Celebrate the past and the present with neighbors, friends and visitors at the Annual Salem Heritage Days Festival. Events are scheduled around Salem throughout the week, kicking off with the annual Salem Maritime Festival and concluding with the Essex Street Fair, produced by the Salem Chamber of...
Where: Salem Common, Where: Downtown Salem
7:00 am to 9:00 pm
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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk
Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Andover Farmers' Market
Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
Where: South Church in Andover
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Marblehead Farmers' Market
Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Rockport Farmers' Market
The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
Where: Harvey Park - Rockport
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Haverhill Farmers' Market
Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
Where: Haverhill Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Yankee Homecoming Family Day

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming's Family Fun Day has a lot to offer in events and activities - Massachusettts.
Come to Nock Middle School as we start off our Super Saturday with good family fun!  Many local businesses, organizations and non-profits take part in our Family Day fun offering free crafts, games, activities and handouts.  Sit down for some lunch and listen to the band playing on the main stage...
Where: Rupert A. Nock Middle School
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum
North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
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Festival-by-the-Sea
Manchester Festival by the Sea celebrates art on Cape Ann and the local bounty of Artistry.
The Festival by the Sea is an annual event hosted by the Manchester Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, this all-day extravaganza taps into the long-line of local talent with musical and artistic performers alike. Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with...
Where: Masconomo Park, Where: Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Marketplace
Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses.
Where: Downtown Newburyport
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Kids Sail Free on the Schooner Lannon
Kids ride free on the 10:30am an Noon Saturday Cruise on the Schooner Lannon through Summer
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is a fixture on the Gloucester Harbor vista throughout the day in the warm months, but to really experience the Lannon, you need to come aboard and go for a cruise!  Sail and see lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.
Where: Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
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Boat Tour to Misery Island
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound Massachusetts
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline...
Where: Salem Ferry Terminal
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Long Hill Garden Tours
Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Circus Smirkus | 2025 Big Top Tour
Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour in Newbury Massachusetts!
Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour! Every summer, a freshly auditioned company of Smirkus Troupers, ages 10 to 18, take to the road in traditional mud show fashion for a two-month performance tour of New England. Backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians and...
Where: Spencer Peirce Little Farm
1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Waterfront Concert: The Salem Boyz
Join The Salem Boyz on the Newburyport Waterfront at Cashman Park during Yankee Homecoming week!
The Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series invites you to enjoy a varierty of music with Way to the River at Cashman Park. The Salem Boyz is a nostalgia-rich, 12-piece classic rock and dance band with horn section, made up of reunited high school friends from Salem, New Hampshire. Our passion...
Where: Waterfront Park
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach
Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...
Where: Salisbury Beach Stage
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
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Yankee Homecoming Fireworks

Yankee Homecoming will once again hold its traditional grand finale fireworks.
Display performed Pyrotechnico.  Co-sponsored by various local merchants, banks and the citizens of Newburyport. Bring your blanket or chair, sit and relax, listen to the concert and get ready for the oohs and aahhhs. A spectacular fireworks display is being planned for your enjoyment. Come early...
Where: Cashman Park
9:15 pm
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Saturday, August 9

Salem Maritime Festival
Celebrate 400+ Years of Maritime History at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Join us for the annual Salem Maritime Festival on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Salem Maritime National Historical Park on Derby Street. This event is free and open to the public. Salem Maritime Festival will feature a cardboard boat race, free tours and programs at historic buildings and the...
Where: Salem Maritime National Historic Site
11:00 am to 6:30 pm
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Hospital Point Lighthouse Open House
Take a tour of this historic Beverly landmark thats usually closed to the public as part of Trials and Sails!
One of Beverly's most familiar landmarks, this lighthouse commands a spectacular view of Salem Sound, and 3 other lighthouses. An enduring monument to Beverly's nautical heritage, it is one of 5 Massachusetts lighthouses that still retains its original Fresnel lens.
Where: Hospital Point Lighthouse
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Rockport Illumination & Fireworks
Rockport Massachusetts lights up the night with a mid-Summer fireworks show!
Come to Rockport Massachusetts for a day of family fun! After a day of events including a lobster dinner fundraiser, childrens activities, live music, art demos, printmaking and an art walk, a fireworks display will light up the sky over Rockport Massachusetts! The Show begins at 9pm, and will be...
Where: Downtown Rockport
11:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Boat Tour to Misery Island
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound Massachusetts
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline...
Where: Salem Ferry Terminal
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Long Hill Garden Tours
Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Tiny Tots Day at Beverly Homecoming

Kids will enjoy an afternoon of fun activities at Beverly Homecoming Tiny Tots Day.
Tiny Tots Day 2025 is a fun, free, family event put on by the fantastic Bev Rec Staff at beautiful Lynch Park! Bring your children ages 1-5 for all sorts of cool activities and crafts.
Where: Lynch Park
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Rockport Lobster Fundraiser for the Fireworks
Enjoy lobster at in Rockport Massachusetts to help fund the annual fireworks show!
What could be better than enjoying a lobster dinner in downtown Rockport with your family while helping a worthy cause? Rockport Lobstafest is a great way to get a taste of the freshest lobster possible while helping raise funds for the Annual Rockport Fireworks Show!
Where: First Baptist Church of Rockport, Where: Harvey Park - Rockport
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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