Events for November and December

Ready or not, here come the holidays! Looking for that perfect locally made gift? Want to immerse yourself in festive décor? Craving a dose of your favorite Christmas music? The next couple of months feature everything from an inspiring showhouse and beautifully decorated trees to pops concerts and artisan fairs.

Editor’s note: As of press time in late September, the following events were still going forward as planned. However, due to evolving information about Covid-19, it’s possible some were canceled or postponed after this issue was published. Please confirm events are happening before heading out. No matter what, we hope you enjoy a wonderful (and safe) holiday season!

NOVEMBER 6-14

Christmas at The Fells Decorator Showhouse

In need of holiday décor inspiration? Tour the main house at The Fells to see how professional interior designers, floral artists, decorators and talented volunteers use their personal sense of style and interpretation of Christmas cheer to transform the gorgeous historic home. On weekends, tour-goers can enjoy lunch in the dining room café. Also open is the holiday gift boutique, where you can find items created by regional artisans. The showhouse begins with the preview gala on November 5 from 5-7 p.m., which includes music, appetizers and a chance to meet the designers. Gala tickets are $100 and reservations are required. The price includes one return ticket per person. Weekdays, 1-3 p.m.; weekends, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $8 for children and free for children under 5.

John Hay Estate at The Fells • 456 Route 103A, Newbury • (603) 763-4789 • thefells.org

NOVEMBER 4

The Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

Call it gift-giving research. This annual event and benefit for the New Hampshire Food Bank offers the chance to taste hundreds of spirits. In addition to more than 130 tables of premium and ultra-premium spirits available for sampling, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet distillers from around the world while enjoying bites from the state’s top restaurants. The showcase is the culmination of Distiller’s Week, which is filled with seminars, tastings, celebrity panels and more. Distiller’s Week details will be posted at distillersshowcase.com, so check back often for new and exciting events. Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $60.

DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown 700 Elm St., Manchester • distillersshowcase.com

NOVEMBER 6-7

Holiday Open House and Kitty Angels Weekend

Now celebrating 31 years, this pet- and kidfriendly event offers special sales of vintage Christmas and holiday décor, plus a number of activities and entertainment. The two-day event includes raffles, music, horse and pony rides, demonstrations by artists, food vendors, a petting zoo and more. Kitty Angels will be offering information on the organization, adoptions and donations. Representatives from the Amherst Animal Hospital, who have worked alongside Kitty Angels for decades, will also be on hand. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Treasures Antiques, Collectables & More • 106 Ponemah Rd., Amherst • (603) 672-2535 • treasuresnh.com

NOVEMBER 14

Bedford Handmade

The Bedford High School Handmade Fair is a celebration of local artists and artisans. Get your start on the shopping season and support local businesses. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The fair will benefit all of the class student council accounts and the Manchester Animal Shelter.

Bedford High School • 47 Nashua Rd., Bedford facebook.com/bedfordhandmade

NOVEMBER 19-20

Farm Fare

Keep your holiday celebration local by shopping for everything you need to make a delicious feast and more at Farm Fare at Stonewall Farm in Keene. You’ll find items from area farms and specialty food producers who will be selling locally raised meats, produce, bread and stuffing mixes, berries, appetizers, wine and beer, desserts, condiments, rubs and herbs. Farm Fare will also feature crafts and other handmade goods perfect for gift-giving.

Stonewall Farm • 242 Chesterfield Rd., Keene (603) 357-7278 • stonewallfarm.org

NOVEMBER 20

The Great New England Craft & Artisans Show

In addition to the more than 100 juried artisans, craftspeople and specialty food vendors, the fair also includes activities, live holiday music, food samples, demonstrations, door prizes and a café. Handmade items for sale range from apparel and jewelry to wood products and metal art. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry is $5.

The Rim Sports Complex • 311 Winnacunnet Rd. Hampton • gnecraftartisanshows.com

NOVEMBER 20-28

Bektash Feztival of Trees

This year the Bektash Shriners of New Hampshire are planning both in-person and virtual experiences. What remains the same are the beautifully decorated artificial trees, which are available for purchase, and the chance to win raffle prizes.

Bektash Shriners of New Hampshire • 189 Pembroke Rd., Concord • (603) 225-5372 • nhshriners.org

NOVEMBER 20-21

Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour

Fair warning: It might be tough to pass up the many lovely items you’ll discover on this self-guided tour. Each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving, a number of artists open their homes and studios to the public in a celebration of art, community and the holidays. Admission is free.

Portsmouth • portsmouthartstour.com

NOVEMBER 20-21, 26-28

Christmas at the Castle

Tour the Lucknow mansion at the Castle in the Clouds, festively dressed for the holidays by creative businesses and designers to reflect their take on holiday carols. Browse the artisan fair, and have fun making crafts. Tickets and times vary.

Castle in the Clouds • Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd. Moultonborough • (603) 476-5900 castleintheclouds.org

NOVEMBER 26-28

Littleton Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees celebrates the season and community by gathering a collection of trees decorated by local businesses and putting them on display at the Littleton Opera House. All tree displays will be raffled off. The event is offered both virtually and in-person. Friday, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission to the Opera House is $5, online admission is by donation.

Littleton Opera House • 2 Union St., Littleton (603) 575-5324 • leadlittletonnh.com/festival-of-trees

NOVEMBER 26

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

The holiday rock concert is back in 2021 with its new winter tour “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” 3:30 and 8 p.m.

SNHU Arena • 555 Elm St., Manchester snhuarena.com

NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 4

Southern New Hampshire Festival of Trees

This nine-day event is filled with food, fun, entertainment and, of course, decorated trees. This year, many of the trees will incorporate gift certificates in the décor. Enjoy baked goods and refreshments in the Candy Cane Café, and daily performances by local schools, dance studios, theatre and church groups. All trees will be raffled off at the close of the event. Nov. 26, 5-9 p.m.; Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Nov. 28, 12-5 p.m.; Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and over.

Pelham Municipal Building • 6 Village Green, Pelham snhfestivaloftrees.pelhamcommunityspirit.org

NOVEMBER 27

Keene Holiday Craft Show

Forget Black Friday and support small businesses at this annual fair held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Shop for handmade goods from around New England, including pottery, artwork, glassware, floral arrangements and designs, jewelry, photography, food products, knitting and more. The Annual Keene Holiday Craft Show has been kicking off the holiday season for over a decade now, and organizers carefully curate the selection of vendors. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Keene High School • 43 Arch St., Keene keenecraftshow.com

DECEMBER 1

Arts in Reach Tablescapes

Arts In Reach (AIR) is partnering with Ethan Allen for the return of Tablescapes. This exciting event will showcase stunning holiday displays created by the Seacoast’s community of talented designers, artists and florists. The opening party will include a silent auction, light refreshments and award presentations. The tabletop designs also will be available for the public to view. All Proceeds benefit Arts In Reach, a Portsmouthbased nonprofit that empowers teenage girls through inclusive, creative community. Opening party, Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. Additional viewing Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Suggested donation of $10.

Ethan Allen, 775 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth (603) 433-4278 • artsinreach.org

DECEMBER 1-2

Exeter Festival of Trees

Enjoy the festive atmosphere, admire the beautifully decorated trees, and stop in for a bake sale treat. Raffle tree tickets will be sold for a chance to win a special committee tree filled with local business gift cards and certificates. All proceeds from the festival go to the Community Children’s Fund providing warm clothing and bedding vouchers to the Seacoast area children in need. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Exeter Town Hall • 10 Front St., Exeter (603) 772-2411 • exeterareacharitablefoundation.org

DECEMBER 4-5, 8 AND 11-12

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees

Organizers of the Festival of Trees are optimistically planning to celebrate the 22nd Wolfeboro Festival. This annual benefit features more than 65 trees, uniquely decorated by area businesses and organizations, and displayed on two levels at the Wright Museum. In addition to the trees, the exhibit features continuous entertainment and light refreshment. The preview gala cocktail reception takes place on December 2 from 6-8 p.m. Admission is $65.

The Wright Museum • 77 Center St., Wolfeboro (603) 569-2981 • wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com

DECEMBER 3

12th Annual Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees will feature over 35 trees elaborately decorated by local businesses and organizations to be auctioned and raffled off. 4-8 p.m.

Rivermill at Dover Landing • 2 Washington St., Dover dovernh.org/festival-of-trees

DECEMBER 11-12

Symphony NH Holiday Pops

This annual holiday concert will feature selections from the “Nutcracker” and “Sleigh Ride” as well as singalongs. Saturday, 6:45 p.m.; Sunday, 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $60.

Keefe Center for the Arts (Saturday) • 117 Elm St., Nashua Concord City Auditorium (Sunday) • 2 Prince St., Concord (603) 595-9156 • symphonynh.org

DECEMBER 11

Boston Pops Holiday Concert

Capturing the magic of the Holiday season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics, and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. They are joined by the Metropolitan Chorale, known as one of Metro Boston’s premier choral ensembles. Santa Claus will make a guest appearance during the concert’s finale followed by the traditional Boston Pops holiday singalong to bring this special performance to a close. 7:30 p.m.

SNUH Arena • 555 Elm St., Manchester • snhuarena.com

DECEMBER 18-19

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops

Join the PSO winter solstice weekend as we shift from darkness to light and celebrate the season with cheer and joy. A perennial family favorite, this year’s holiday pops program includes an international flavor that celebrates humanity during the holiday season. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $15 for students and children.

Portsmouth High School • 50 Andrew Jarvis Dr. Portsmouth • (603) 686-8133 portsmouthsymphony.org

Submitting Events

New Hampshire Home is always on the lookout for events that may interest our readers. If you have one to submit for consideration, send details to ethoits@nhmagazine.com. Please note that calendar production occurs two months before each issue is published.