Festival of Trees, parades and holiday concerts: Things to do in Seacoast
We are in full swing for the holidays. This weekend, head out onto the Seacoast and make your spirits bright. You can head to Dover for their Festival of the Trees, go to parades in Portsmouth, Rochester and more towns, or sing along with the UNH Department of Music at its Seasonal Spectacular concert.
Read on for a look at things to do this weekend:
Dover’s Festival of Trees
What: Dover’s premier holiday festival will feature 35 elaborate trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, all available to be taken home through silent and live auction or raffle drawing. The event also includes live choir performances, free goodie bags for kids, a scavenger hunt for kids, refreshments and holiday desserts, and even a visit from Santa.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Rivermill at Dover Landing
Cost: Free
More info: dovernh.org/FOT
The Bang Group’s ‘Nut/Cracked’ at The Dance Hall
What: David Parker’s Bang Group first brought the house down with their performance of Nut/Cracked at The Dance Hall in 2016. This hilarious rendition of the storied holiday production is performed to perfection by a company of exquisitely trained artists.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Dance Hall, 7 Walker St., Kittery, Maine
Cost: $15 to $30
More info: thedancehallkittery.org
CLUB 3S Wintry Mix
What: The weather forecast this December at CLUB 3S is a Wintry Mix in this all-request dance and karaoke party. You are driving the sleigh.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.
Where: 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth
Cost: $12
More info: 3sarts.org
Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade
What: "History Lights Our Way" is the theme to the 2023 Portsmouth Illuminated Parade. View from Market Square, Congress Street, Islington Street, and Pleasant Street.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. Prior to the parade, at 5:30 p.m. is the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Market Square, Portsmouth
Cost: Free
More: Portsmouth 2023 holiday parade and tree lighting: What to know before you go
Somersworth Festival Association Holiday Craft Fair
What: The craft fair will feature over 175 talented artisans offering unique wood crafts, acrylic and pottery items, candles, paintings, bird houses, primitive decor, mugs, tote bags, snowmen, wind chimes, kids' items, doll clothes, jewelry, and food, as well as sewn, knitted, and crocheted items and more. Vendors will be inside and outside. The cafeteria will be offering food for sale.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Somersworth High School, 11 Memorial Drive, Somersworth
Cost: Free
More info: nhfestivals.org
Christmas Market at Church of Eliot
What: There will be crafts hand made by church members, a cookie walk (16 feet long!), huge bake sale, candy table, raffle for many gift cards, breakfast sandwiches and burgers and hot dogs for lunch. We are all live this year except for our silent auction.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: First Congregational Church of Eliot, 1361 State Road, Eliot, Maine
Cost: Free
More info: eliotucc.org
Center for Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
What: Join Center for Wildlife for our annual Holiday Bazaar makers market here at Center for Wildlife. Shop from a variety of local artisans and makers, enjoy holiday crafts and meet our non-releasable ambassador animals.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Center for Wildlife, 385 Mountain Road, Cape Neddick, Maine
Cost: $12
More info: blackbaudhosting.com
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
What: Experience seasonal and holiday traditions of times past. Event held in rain, snow, or starlight.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth
Cost: Free to $32
More info: strawberybanke.org
Seasonal Spectacular concert
What: The UNH Department of Music welcomes in the holiday season with our second annual Seasonal Spectacular concert. This concert will feature selections from the UNH Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Concert Choir, Jazz Bands, Chamber Singers, Symphonic Band, Wildcat Marching Band, and other surprises! Enjoy some of the finest ensembles on the New Hampshire seacoast performing exhilarating music from familiar classics to modern works and jazz.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Where: Johnson Theatre, UNH, Durham
Cost: $20 general admission, $15 senior and military, $10 students, $20 live-streaming
More info: unharts.com
‘A Polar Express Christmas’ parade
What: The parade route will begin on Wakefield Street by the triangle at the entrance to the Spaulding High School. It will proceed south on Wakefield Street, turn right onto Union Street, turn left onto North Main Street to South Main Street, and disband in front of the Rochester Common.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Rochester
Cost: Free
More info: business.rochesternh.org
Exeter, Hampton, Rye, Kittery parades: Here's our list of Seacoast NH and Maine 2023 holiday parades, festivals, celebrations
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Festival of Trees, parades and holiday concerts: Things to do
