Christmas-by-the-Sea

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, Chorus and Sound Waves and the Manchester-Essex 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. The tree lighting will go on at dusk regardless of the weather. Sponsored by the Manchester Woman's Club | Hot Chocolate donated by the Masons.

When:

Sunday, December 8, 2024 9am-4:30pm

Tree Lighting begins at 3:30pm

Location:

Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea

First Parish Church

Manchester Town Green

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Manchester Holiday Stroll

Shop downtown merchants, win prizes and have fun in Manchester Massachusetts!

Support Manchester Merchants, shop around town & collect stamps in your Holiday Passbook and you will have a chance to win some great prizes! Turn in your completed Passbook at Bravo by the Sea by 8:15 pm for a chance to win one of two prizes. This traditional passport shopping event will give participants an opportunity to see unique array of merchants in town, take advantage of holiday discounts, and maybe even win a great prize!

When:

Friday, December 6, 2024 4-8pm

Location:

Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea

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Santa-by-the-Sea!

Santa will arrive at Masconomo Park by lobster boat at 1 pm on December 2, 2017

Come to the the annual Jingle Bell Walk in Manchester! Santa will arrive at Masconomo Park by boat and lead the children in a parade around the park and then be available for pictures. There will also be a petting zoo, crafts, face painting, a candy cane hunt, refreshments and a visit from Mrs. Claus! Sponsored by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Community Center, Manchester Mothers' Club and the Parks and Recreation Department.

When:

Saturday, December 7, 2024 1-3pm

Location:

Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea

Masconomo Park

Manchester Community Center

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Friends of the Manchester Public Library Holiday Book Fair

Join the Friends of the Manchester Public Library to peruse the hottest new book titles from the Beverly Farms Bookstore! Adults’ and children's books, stocking stuffers, wrapping paper, cards, and more! Sponsored by Friends of the Manchester Public Library and the Bookshop of Beverly Farms. 20% of proceeds will go to the Manchester By The Sea Friends of the Library.

When:

Friday, December 1, 2023 4-8pm

Location:

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Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals at FPC

Come enjoy a Lindsay and Her Giant Puppets at Sawyer Free Public Library!

Bring the kids to First Parish Church for a fun puppet show featuring Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals! Lindsey & Her Puppet Pals is a funny, fast-paced interactive show to delight the young and the young at heart! Following the show, visit the Manchester Library for treats.

When:

Saturday, December 2, 2023 10:30am

Location:

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Today's Events
Upcoming Events

CraneOutdoors: First Day Hike in the Dunes

Start the year off outside with some fresh air. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

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Friday, January 2

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...

Where: Hammond Castle Museum

10:00 am to 8:00 pm

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CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

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Saturday, January 3

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

Where: Hammond Castle Museum

10:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum

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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Sunday, January 4

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

Where: Hammond Castle Museum

10:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

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Wednesday, January 7

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

10:00 am to 11:00 am

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Saturday, January 10

Sourdough Bread Workshop at Appleton Farms

In this culinary workshop, participants will learn to make bakery quality bread with local flour in their home oven. Culinary Program Manager Jess Porter will demonstrate mixing, folding, shaping, proofing, scoring and baking Appleton’s flagship Farmstead Sourdough. Class ends with fresh bread and...

Where: Appleton Farms

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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Sunday, January 11

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

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Saturday, January 17

Low-Sensory Play at North Shore Children's Museum

Join us for a low-sensory play session. For some children, visiting places like NSCM can be over-stimulating. This special play session will have reduced noise, crowds, and stimulation. While medical diagnosis is not required, we encourage that these limited tickets be used for families with a...

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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