Holiday happenings: A guide to key events

Erik Hodges plays Scrooge in the Hatbox adaptation of

Erik Hodges plays Scrooge in the Hatbox adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."

"A Christmas Carol, the Musical Ghost Story" returns to the stage at the Concord City Auditorium on Dec. 7 and 8 with three performances, including a Saturday matinee.

“A Christmas Carol” will run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. through Dec. 17 at the Hatbox Theatre.

“A Christmas Carol” will run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. through Dec. 17 at the Hatbox Theatre. Courtesy

Erik Hodges plays Scrooge in the Hatbox adaptation of

Erik Hodges plays Scrooge in the Hatbox adaptation of "A Christmas Carol."

An original adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is currently showing at Hatbox Theatre through Dec. 18.

An original adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is currently showing at Hatbox Theatre through Dec. 18. Tim Goodwin

Boston Pops Holiday Concert returns to SNHU Arena in Manchester on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. to “Unwrap the Magic.”

Boston Pops Holiday Concert returns to SNHU Arena in Manchester on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. to “Unwrap the Magic.” Courtesy

Concord traditionally holds its tree lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Concord traditionally holds its tree lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. Monitor file

Published: 11-24-2023 8:42 AM

Through Nov. 26 Fez-tival of Trees

Enter to win raffles of trees decorated with an assortment of gifts and goodies. Nov. 21 to 22, 10 a.m. to 7; Nov. 24 to 25, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission $5, children younger than 12 free. For more information, call 603-225-5372 or email feztival@bektashshriners.org.

Nov. 24 Concord tree lighting

The tree lighting in Concord will take place at the Statehouse City Plaza from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. After Santa arrives, fireworks will be set off and there will be music, charity vendors, a burn barrel to toast marshmallows, hot beverages, and food vendors.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 23 ‘A Christmas Carol’

Come celebrate the holiday season as the Palace Theatre tradition continues with Charles Dickens’ classic story of Scrooge and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Tickets, $28 - $49, and showtimes at palacetheatre.org.

Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life”

Joe Landry has re-envisioned the beloved film classic as a 1940’s style radio play. Five seasoned actors bring George, Clarence, Mary and all the residents of Bedford Falls to life on that fateful Christmas Eve – over 40 different roles. Staged at the New Hampshire Theatre Project, 959 Islington St., in Portsmouth. Ticket cost range from $23 to $32. View show times and purchase tickets online at nhtheatreproject.org.

Nov. 25 - Nov. 26 ‘The Nutcracker’

Safe Haven Ballet is brings their spirited, full-length ballet of “The Nutcracker” to the Colonial Theatre in Laconia. Performance at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets starting at $40. Visit ColonialLaconia.com for more information.

Nov. 26 ‘The Grinch’

Safe Haven Ballet performs “The Grinch” at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia at 6 p.m. Tickets starting at $40. Visit ColonialLaconia.com for more information.

Dec. 1 - Dec. 17 ‘A Christmas Carol’

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Jill Pinard. This original retelling at Hatbox Theatre focuses on how the dream-like qualities of the ghost story aspect of Dickens’ work can bring about redemption. Is it “an undigested bit of beef” – a line in the original story – that leads Scrooge to have bad dreams or is he really being visited by ghosts intent on helping him redeem himself. Fridays and Saturdays performances are at 7:30 p.m., Sundays performances at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students, seniors, or members, and $19 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

Dec. 1 - 2Holiday Trees in Peterborough

Celebrate the holidays as a community and fill the library with decorated trees! There is no fee to register to decorate a tree. Friday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Town Library. For more information, visit peterboroughrec.com.

Dec. 1 ‘The Nutcracker’

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Safe Haven Ballet is brings their spirited, full-length ballet of “The Nutcracker” to Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua. Performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets starting at $40. Visit nashuacenter
forthearts.com for more information.

Dec. 2Lantern Parade

The parade will begin behind the M&T Bank (35 Main St. in Peterborough) and end at Putnam Park. Poles and lights will be distributed from distribution points set up in front of the bank beginning at 5:15 and the parade will leave promptly at 6. Follow the directions of parade monitors.

Dec. 2 - 3 Holiday Spectacular

Concord Dance Academy presents a spectacular Holiday Show every December. The show consists of many styles of dance and a variety of holiday songs. These optional performances are held at the Concord City Audi. The show is for people of all ages to enjoy an affordable one-hour performance. Each year the faculty adds new and exciting holiday pieces from the very traditional to the newest artists. This show will inspire all to get in the holiday spirit. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit concorddanceacademy.com/holiday-spectacular to purchase tickets.

Dec. 9 ‘The Nutcracker’

Celebrate the holidays with the tradition of the Nutcracker at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Audi (2 Prince St., Concord). Presented by Turning Pointe Dance, the family-friendly is a wonderful kick-off to the holiday season that retains the classical, magical experience for all ages. Tickets are $23 and available at the dance studio (371 Pembroke St., Pembroke), or online at turningpointecenterof
dance.com. For more information, call 603-485-8710.

Dec. 9 Boston Holiday Pops

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra returns to SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) to perform their beloved Holiday Pops concert. The show, entitled “Unwrap the Magic,” strives to capture the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $79.50. Visit snhuarena.com to purchase.

Dec. 9 Frosty

The Barter Players, are back with family favorite, Frosty. In playwright Catherine Bush’s adaptation of the classic story, a young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat. When he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life. Join Billy and Frosty as they embark on a New York City adventure filled with thrills and chills, and discover that the real magic of Christmas is love. Performances are Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord. Tickets starting at $15 at ccanh.com.

Dec. 10 Holiday POPS!

A New Hampshire favorite. Nobody rings in the holiday like Symphony NH. Join Maestro Kalia for a high-energy performance at the Concord City Audi (2 Prince St., Concord), starting at 3 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $65. To purchase, go online to symphonynh.org/23-24-events/holiday-pops-concord. For more information, call 595-9156.

Dec. 15 - 17A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story

Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative brings this holiday classic back to Laconia. This original adaptation by NH native Joel Mercier features a bright score, some twists and turns in the plot, stunning costumes and special effects, and some frightful ghosts, all while staying true to Dickens' original novella. A new Lakes Region holiday tradition, featuring granite state actors of all ages. Performances at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $18 to $22 at coloniallaconia.com.

Dec. 17 ‘The Nutcracker’

NH School of Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” With a cast of more than 50, come watch the falling snow, the growing Christmas tree, and the wonderful dancers of NHSB dance this holiday tradition. Performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Audi (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets available at the studio, and at the door. For more information, call 668-5330.