It is going to be an especially festive weekend on the Seacoast, with holiday season taking over. Here are some of the top upcoming events.
Button Factory Open Studios 2023
Get your holiday shopping done early and support local makers all at once this weekend. Artists and crafters will open their doors to the public and offer their handmade wares during the 36th annual Button Factory Open Studios in Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Dan Blakeslee’s ‘Draw Them In’ at PMAC
Musician and artist Dan Blakeslee has been drawing posters to promote his shows for three decades now. His work is showcased in “Draw Them In: A 30 Year Rock Poster Retrospective” at the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. He’ll celebrate the exhibit (and a book launch) with a performance on Friday from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Standup comedy in Portsmouth
Laughter abounds in Portsmouth thanks to McCue’s Comedy. Boston’s Andrew Della Volpe headlines at Rio Tequila Cantina with Kathy Gilmour and Ian Rice on Friday from 7-8 p.m. ($20). Corey Manning headlines at the Roundabout Diner with Kathy Lynch, Liam Hales, and Mike O’Brien on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
‘The Sound of Music’ at The Music Hall
If classic musicals are one of your favorite things, head over to The Music Hall this month. They’re teaming up with the Ogunquit Playhouse to present “The Sound of Music” in Portsmouth through Dec. 17. Show times this weekend are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 12 and 5 p.m. Prices vary. Learn more here.
‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Players’ Ring
The Players’ Ring has been bringing Christmas ghosts to Portsmouth for 28 straight years. This year’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” comes from Maine-based Dickens scholar Tom Frey. Show times for opening weekend are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $18-$31. Learn more here.
‘Nut/Cracked’ at The Dance Hall
You’ve never seen “The Nutcracker” like this. New York-based dance company The Bang Group presents its eclectic take on Tchaikovsky’s classic, complete with swing-era jazz and tap dancing, at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday and Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. and Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30 (running low!). Learn more here.
Tim McCoy record release shows at The Stone Church
Local legend Tim McCoy is releasing a brand new LP on Friday, and he’ll celebrate with a pair of shows at The Stone Church in Newmarket. McCoy and his rock quartet will support Boston’s Swinging Steaks on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20). They follow with a matinee show featuring The Figgs on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. ($20). Later that same night, Mike Dillon & Punkadelick take the stage with guest Skunk Jesus at 8 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Visit the families of Christmases past and learn about their holiday traditions at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. The museum’s historic houses will be decorated and open for touring during the annual Candlelight Stroll, taking place Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. and Sundays from 4-8 p.m. through Dec. 17. Tickets are $16-$32. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade
Head to Market Square for the annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., and stick around for the 2023 Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade, which steps off from Islington Street at 6 p.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “History Lights Our Way” — a nod to the city’s 400th anniversary celebration. Learn more here.
12 Nights of Christmas at The Orchard Chapel
Get your fill of holiday cheer with The Word Barn’s 12 Nights of Christmas at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls. The series begins with A Cape Breton Christmas with Coig on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25), followed by the Rock My Soul Holiday Concert on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25) and many other events through Dec. 21. Learn more here.
Community Chorus at South Berwick: Holiday Light
The 60 voices of the Community Chorus at South Berwick will celebrate the season with two Holiday Light concerts this weekend: at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newington on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m., and at Philip W. Hussey Theatre at Noble High School in North Berwick on Sunday from 3-4 p.m. Tickets are $14-$17. Learn more here.
Dave Strong and Scotchka at WSCA
Catch a pair of fun regional acts live at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday. Local pop-punk and rockabilly singer and guitarist Dave Strong will share the Button Factory Stage with Albany, N.Y.-based queer emo band Scotchka during this special split-bill show on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.