New Hampshire businesses, groups and organizations are bringing you some creative and socially distanced events this holiday season. Be sure to get tickets in advance if possible and be familiar with the COVID-19 protocols that will be in place. Events are also subject to cancellation, so check their status before you go. In addition to these events, you’ll also find a listing of parades, Christmas tree festivals and more holiday events at www.parentingnh.com.
The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 Where: Barn Z’s Drive-In in Barrington For more information: www.nede.org/performances
The New England Dance Ensemble is celebrating their 20th anniversary of “The Nutcracker.” NEDE has created a professional cinematic performance for a socially distanced nostalgic drive-in movie theater experience. You can also enjoy the performance at home.
The Palace Holiday Spectacular
When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 18-20 Where: Palace Theatre in Manchester For more information: www.palacetheatre.org
A show filled with classic Christmas entertainment reminiscent of those golden age television variety shows from Dean Martin and Perry Como. Filled with beautiful voices, breath-taking dancing, gorgeous costumes, rib-tickling fun, and even a visit from a very special guest, Santa Claus! With over 30 classic Christmas songs, the show will warm the heart and soul with Christmas spirit.
Candlelight Stroll under the stars
When: Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Where: Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth For more information: www.strawberybanke.org
Strawbery Banke Museum welcomes visitors to travel through 300-plus years of daily life in the waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. The museum grounds will glow with hundreds of lighted candle lanterns, and house doors and railings are adorned with handmade decorations. Visitors stroll along candlelit pathways and are greeted along the way by costumed role players and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. An outdoor-only experience.
The Fright Before Christmas
When: Friday-Saturday, Dec. 4-6 Where: Fright Kingdom in Nashua For more information: http://frightkingdom.com
Krampus has come to town to spoil everyone’s holiday cheer. Fright Kingdom will be transformed into a horribly scary winter wonderland. You will encounter rabid reindeer, crazed carolers, cannibalistic elves and other merry mayhem-makers. There’s also a creepy Christmas costume contest and food truck on-site. Recommended for older kids.
Santa in the Park
When: Saturday, Dec. 5 Where: Greeley Park in Nashua For more information: www.facebook.com/events/817536299066192/
Santa is making a special stop in the park. Drop in between noon and 2 p.m. to visit Santa. Folks can wait in line to take a picture (socially distanced) with Santa. All children will also receive a free gift.
Gift of Lights
When: Nov. 26 through Jan. 3 Where: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon For more information: www.nhms.com
The original drive-thru holiday experience. New Hampshire Motor Speedway will trade in the checkered flags for more than 2.5 million twinkly LED lights for the 10th annual Gift of Lights. The 2.5-mile drive-thru light show will feature the Tunnel of Lights, 520 displays and 80 different scenes.
Holiday Pops
When: Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Where: Dana Center at St. Anselm College in Manchester For more information: www.symphonynh.org
Join Maestro Roger Kalia as he leads a brass ensemble comprised of SNH musicians in holiday favorites to ring in the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas at the Farm Reimagined
When: Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19; 10 a.m. to noon Where: Forgotten Farm in Hooksett For more information: www.facebook.com/events/811231973023830/
Enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a free takehome craft. Weather permitting, you can walk down the hill to visit the goats and chickens, and visit the bunnies. Find a holiday gift in the barn store.
A Magic Journey
When: Dec. 11-23 and 27-30 Where: Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury For more information: www.shakers.org
The Magic Journey begins at the “magic wardrobe,” winding through the North Shop Barn, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. The Barn features artist-created vignettes, including a Shaker Christmas, a dollhouse and skating panorama, and snow-laden forest scenes. More surprises await, including a Find-the-Elf treasure hunt, and, on weekends, an artisan market of handcrafted holiday gifts. Hot cocoa and cider will be available, and the Moolicious and Sweet Crunch Bakeshop food trucks will be at the Village on Dec. 12 and 19. Also, on Dec. 12, from 3-4 p.m., there will be a live musical performance by Massimo Paparello and his brass quartet, Eau De Vie Quartet.
