The holidays have infused our local entertainment options. Here are some of the highlights.
Holiday Handmade Market at UNH
About 125 New England exhibitors will be in Durham offering unique, handmade products at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore Center this weekend — and rumor has it Santa will stop by. The Holiday Handmade Market takes place Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more here.
Holiday shows at The Orchard Chapel
Tickets are going fast for The Word Barn’s 12 Nights of Christmas series at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls. This weekend’s shows include A Nova Scotia Christmas with Cassie & Maggie on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($25), the Ed Gerhard Christmas Concert on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($35), and the Heather Pierson Trio Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday from 3:30-5 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Music and more at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall’s weekend begins with a Toy Drive + Hardcore benefit show in Kittery featuring Jivebomb, Gumskab, Zinc, Headcase, and Retract on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($15 plus a toy). Next up is the PMAC Teen Rock, Blues, and Jazz Show on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. ($10). Then comes a live radio play performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 3-5 p.m. ($10-$22). Learn more here.
What the Dickens! at Newmarket Millspace
When local improv-comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction takes the reins of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, the audience decides how the story goes. What the Dickens! An Improvised Christmas Carol will be staged at the Newmarket Millspace on Friday and Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
Christmas parties at The Rockingham Ballroom
Dance your way into the holidays at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Dance instructor Kim Carpentino hosts a Christmas Party with 603 Line Dance on Friday from 7-10:30 p.m. ($15). And 15-piece orchestra The Rockingham Groove provides the music for a Holiday Bash on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Two live shows at The Stone Church
Experience the vibes of an early Grateful Dead concert when Wolfman Jack presents Primal Dead at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Then, on Saturday, Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club joins forces with the Jonee Earthquake Band for an all-ages holiday show from 7-10:30 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Third Annual Holidaze Show at STAR Theatre
Find out how Maine-based comedy character C.L. Thomas handles the crazy holiday season during the 3rd Annual Holidaze Show at the Kittery Community Center. Humorist and performer TTTom Clark will bring his beloved alter-ego back to life on the stage of STAR Theatre on Friday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Community Chorus at South Berwick: Snow Angel
The 60 voices of the Community Chorus at South Berwick will present their 50th annual holiday concert twice this weekend. “Snow Angel” will be performed at Eliot United Methodist Church on Saturday from 3-4:30 p.m., and at Christ Church Episcopal in Exeter on Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $17-$20. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Pro Musica December concerts
Portsmouth Pro Musica celebrates its 40th season this weekend with the world premiere of “Where the Owls Live,” by local composer Greg Brown. The concert will be performed at Phillips Exeter Chapel on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m., and at South Church in Portsmouth on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Dorks in Dungeons Holiday Special
Dorks in Dungeons invite you on a fantastical journey as they try to make deliveries across the realms of Continentia during a one-night-only show on Saturday. The local fantasy-improv comedy troupe presents its Holiday Special at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth from 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.