A Newburyport tradition! As the holiday season approaches, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in the most fitting way for this seaport town... by US Coast Guard boat! Welcome Santa on the Sunday after Thanksgiving as he and Mrs. Claus dock at the boardwalk and begin to parade through downtown Newburyport, then gather in Market Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols starting around 4pm.
Gloucester's Holiday Parade is a great tradition to kick off the holidays! Come enjoy the parade, Santa, and the tree lighting at Kent Circle! Volunteers will line up parade participants at the State Fish Pier on Parker Street at 2:00 PM and will guide them through downtown Gloucester and on to Kent Circle for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Join the fun for the annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run in downtown Salem Massachusetts Thanksgiving morning and raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem! This is the largest race on the North Shore, now in its 21st year, with 2,000 anticipated participants. The first 1600 entries will receive long sleeve shirts. We give out awards in 5-year age groups. The pre and post-race meeting place will be in the Peabody Essex Museum Atrium. The race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.
Start your turkey day by burning off some calories with a run or walk along the Ipswich River! Every 10th adult finisher receives a large Russell Orchards pie; every child Fun Run finisher receives a 4" Table Talk pie. and you'll have a chance to win a ready-to-bake pie! Racers, runners, walkers or stroller pushers are invited to the Ipswich Town Hall bright and early on Thanksgiving Day for a 2.8 mile riverside run along Turkey Shore Drive and Labor in Vain Road. The 1.2 mile Kids Fun Run run starts at 8am.
At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest. Take a guided walk along our Halloween trail, lit by glowing luminaries and home to some interesting nocturnal animals that come out just for Halloween. Learn about local animals of the night and signs of the season on this, fun family-friendly walk. Kids activities and crafts in the barn and costumes encouraged, of course! Allow about one hour for this walk.
Join The Trustees in celebration of the holiday season at a special farmers market, featuring curated gift ideas, organic winter vegetables, & fresh baked goods from our own Farm Store along with a selection of other local edibles & gifts from area artisans, crafters, and producers of fine foods. There is no better way to knock some holiday to-do’s off your list with unique and memorable gifts, while simultaneously supporting small local businesses – and having a fun festive time while doing it!
Run through the haunted streets of Salem with ghouls, ghosts and goblins in this community favorite 5K event that takes place during the most fun time in Salem...October’s Haunted Happenings!
The Museum of Fine Arts will honor Memorial Day with an Open House and will waive all admission fees. Visitors can enjoy complimentary admission to the MFA's galleries, family activities and performances. This year, the MFA offers free admission - including access to the special exhibition “Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence” - for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the holiday with art and community!
Kids are invited to Cape Ann Art Haven for for a great Spring crafting experience! Paint an egg shaped buoy for Easter! All materials are included. Free for all ages. Please wear clothing that could be stained. Adult participation required this is not a drop-off event.
Join MFA for their annual MLK Day Open House, presented in partnership with Citizens. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Fashioned by Sargent”—for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community!
