This weekend is sure to light up your life with holiday cheer! It’s got ugly sweater parties. It’s got craft markets. It’s got holiday parties. It’s got The Polar Express. It’s even got Astronaut Santa. From the NH World Christmas Market at Anheuser Busch Biergarten, to The Grinch Paint Night at Chunky’s, to holiday pet portraits at Bonfire, you’re bound to find something to get you in the holiday mood!
Music and the arts more up your alley? Check out our Weekly Entertainment report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.
Multi-day Event:
New Hampshire World Christmas Market, Anheuser Busch Merrimack Biergarten, Merrimack, NH – The New Hampshire World Christmas Market is a new outdoor holiday celebration inspired by the historic Christmas markets of Europe, and specifically the German Weihnachtsmärkte. While inspired by the celebrations in Europe, Christmas Around the World is our theme! This all-volunteer initiative was created to bring international holiday traditions to New Hampshire, while also supporting charitable efforts across the region. We hope you join us! Saturday, Dec. 13: 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday, Dec. 14: 10 am – 4 pm. More info here.
Dec. 11
Easterseals Adult Day Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Open House, 555 Auburn St, Manchester, NH – Join us for a festive day of creativity and community! Come explore beautiful handmade creations from participants of the Manchester Adult Day Program – including crafts, artwork, baked goods, and more! Interested in supporting our event by donating a raffle prize? Contact Sue Reynolds at 603.621.3591 or smreynolds@eastersealsnh.org. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! This event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 9 am – 6 pm at John A. Samenfeld Center, 555 Auburn Street, Manchester, NH. Register to attend here.
Seaglass Tree Class, Manchester Craft Market, Mall of NH, Manchester, NH – Join me to make your own beautiful lighted seaglass tree. This class takes place on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 pm – 7 pm at Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of NH. Choice of colors available. Go beachy with shades of blue and seashells, go traditional with greens and gems, or be unique with colors like purple, pink and yellow. Get tickets here.
NH Catchem Card Show on the Road!, The Venues at the Factory, Manchester, NH – Catch Em’ Card Show is hitting the road AGAIN and we are back in Manchester, NH! Join us for a special edition of New England’s favorite midweek trading card and collectibles event, now in a brand new city! Dive into a night of Pokémon, sports cards, Magic the Gathering, One Piece, and more—right in the heart of Manchester. Join us on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm at The Venues at The Factory. What to expect: Top-tier vendors with premium cards and collectibles; Free raffles for all attendees. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or new to the hobby, this is your chance to trade, shop, and connect with the vibrant local card community.
Puzzle Race, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Can your team complete a jigsaw puzzle faster than your friends and neighbors? Each team will receive the same 500-piece puzzle provided by the library and will have two hours to complete it. The team that finishes first is the winner! Prizes are awarded to the fastest three teams. This event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6 – 8 pm. *Registration is required – only one person from each team should register. Teams can have two to four players. Teams may bring sorting trays, a small lamp (outlets may not be available, so rechargeable or battery-powered is best), magnifiers, etc. If you’d like to participate and don’t have a team, please email marketing@nashualibrary.org. Register to participate here.
Granite State Gather: Holiday Edition, Evolution Bistro & Bar, Manchester, NH – ‘Tis the season to mingle, connect and grow your network. Join us for a Holiday Granite State Gather this Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6 – 8 pm at Evolution Bistro & Bar in Manchester NH. Featuring live music with Acoustic Duo Gus & Jean – cozy vibes, an amazing cash bar and light bites, plus our first ever Ugly Sweater Social. Bring your best (or worst😉) holiday sweater, build meaningful professional relationships and share the magic of what your business brings to New Hampshire. Free and open to all small businesses. Come network, laugh and leave with new connections that matter. More info here.
The Vanderbilt Room Presents “Steve Sweeney”, The Vanderbilt Room, Hudson, NH – Join the King of Boston comedy for a night of laughs. Join us on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 pm – 9 pm for an unforgettable night of food and laughter as Boston comedy legend Steve Sweeney headlines at The Vanderbilt Room in Hudson, NH! Your ticket includes: Full Italian buffet; Headlining set from Steve Sweeney; A night out you’ll be talking about for weeks. Get tickets here.
Ecstatic Dance, The Spot, Nashua, NH – Ecstatic Dance is coming to The Spot! Join us on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm for an hour of free-form movement — no choreography, no judgment, no booze. Just music, breath, and letting your body move the way it wants to. Ecstatic dance helps release stress, process emotions, and reconnect with yourself and community in a safe, sober space. Come move what words can’t say. No Booze. All Vibes.
Dec. 12
Holiday Show, Gallery at the Block, Manchester, NH – It’s that time of year again! The holiday art show that started this whole Gallery at the Block movement! All pieces are priced under $500 for this show! Thank you to all the artists who submitted! Join us in the main lobby on Friday, Dec. 12 from 5 pm – 8 pm. Live music. Treats and goodies as always.
Speed Dating in Lowell! Ages 25-35, Dragonfly Cafe, Lowell, MA – Tired of dating apps? Meet singles in person who actually want to date! Want to just meet someone in person and have a real conversation?? Join us at Speed Dating! This event will take place on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Dragonfly Cafe in Lowell, MA. More info and get tickets here.
Snowy Silence, Muse Paint Bar, Manchester, NH – Wear your best Christmas sweater and come join our most festive event of the season! Paint and sip to our holiday playlist while our artist instructors lead you step-by-step through the painting. Follow along or customize yours however you like! This event will take place on Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 pm – 9:30 pm. Arrive @ 6:30-6:45 pm. Bar/Kitchen Open @ 6:30 pm. All ages welcome! Get tickets here.
The Grinch Paint Night, Chunky’s Cinema & Pub, Manchester, NH – Bridget is back at Chunky’s on Friday, Dec. 12 starting at 7:15 pm and she is utilizing our SPACIOUS lobby & bar (or theater) to guide you through a full size painting! Tickets are only $45 and there are limited seats available. The bar is open through the entirety of the event for classic crafted cocktails! Area is open 1 hour before the painting starts to order dinner and drinks! 12/12: THE GRINCH! Get tickets here.
Jigsaws & Jammies, Nashua South Cafeteria, Nashua, NH – Nashua South DECA presents Jigsaws & Jammies! Open to everyone—families, faculty, and community members welcome. Wear your pajamas for a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Food, friendly competition, and prizes for puzzle winners! This fundraiser will take place on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 pm – 9 pm and supports the Nashua South DECA chapter—the largest in New Hampshire with 144 students—as they prepare to represent Nashua at the NH State Career Development Conference this February. Register here.
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, Harpoon Brewery at Queen City Center, Manchester, NH – Join us this Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 pm for our Ugly Sweater Holiday Party – wear the craziest sweater you have, enjoy tunes from DJ Mike and dance your way into the holiday spirit! Whether your sweater is sparkly, silly, or straight-up questionable, wear it proudly and get ready for a night of seasonal fun!
Dec. 13
Breakfast with Santa, Trinity High School, Manchester, NH – Join us for Breakfast With Santa this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 am – 11 am at Trinity High School! Bring your little ones for a magical morning of food, crafts, stories, and photos with Santa. The event is FREE—all are welcome! Donations to the Student Council are kindly accepted.
Polar Express Party, Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH – All aboard for a magical trip to the North Pole for those who truly believe. We’ll be taking off on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 am and you’re not going to want to miss this one! Experience the magic of the season with the story, crafts and snacking fun. Babies to Grade 5 are invited. Registration is required. For more information, please call 624-6560.
NH Audubon’s Holiday Craft Fair, McLane Center, Concord, NH – Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 am – 3 pm at the McLane Center in Concord for NH Audubon’s annual Holiday Craft Fair! We will feature 33 talented local vendors offering a wide variety of unique handmade items, perfect for holiday gifts. There’s something for everyone, from jewelry and pottery to clothing and greeting cards. B’s Tacos will be on-site with their food truck, serving up delicious Mexican cuisine. We’ll also have a raffle, with proceeds supporting NH Audubon’s mission to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and people. More info here.
North East Artisan Knife Show, Jewel Music Venue, Manchester, NH – Join us at the North East Artisan Knife Show on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 am – 6 pm. Our goal is to create an artist-centric show for knife makers here in New England. The New England area is home to some of the most skilled and talented makers in the country. However, while we have any number of gun shows, hunting and fishing expos and collectors expos, we have been sadly lacking in shows the highlight the incredible artists working here in our backyards. Please, take a moment, check out the website and if you are a maker, want to sponsor us or attend, please grab your table, sponsor ship package or tickets now, while there is still space! More info here.
Pop-Up Board Game Cafe, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Come in out of the cold to enjoy a warm beverage while trying out some of today’s popular board games! Jason from Board Game Club will be available to help you set up and get through those first few turns. This event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 am – 2 pm.
Pints for a Purpose, The Old Court, Lowell, MA – Join us for an afternoon of cheer, community and giving as we raise $10,000 to support 100 families through The Sun Santa Fund. Come Grab a Pint and Help Us Spread Cheer! Enjoy live music from Paul Belley & Chris Brunelle, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss our live auction at 2:30 pm! This event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 pm – 4 pm. More info here.
Sweet Little Things’ Holilday Oddity Market, Hive Public Market, Lowell, MA – Our Holiday Oddity Marketplace is up next! Come find peculiar and unusual gifts from local artists and makers on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 pm – 5 pm! Beware, Krampus is coming!
A Very Merry Bookmas: a holiday romance book faire, The Venues at the Factory, Manchester, NH – Get ready for a cozy holiday celebration filled with all your favorite romance books, authors, and festive cheer at A Very Merry Bookmas! This event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 pm – 4 pm. Get tickets here.
Holiday Craft Fair, Harpoon Public House at Queen City Center, Manchester, NH – It’s that time of year – save the date for our first Holiday Craft Fair, taking place this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 pm – 5 pm! Local vendors, beers, and holiday cheer!! Reach out today to secure your vendor spot! Spots are limited! Contact us at manchesterevents@harpoon.com for more information & to register.
Celebrate Christmas at Manning House, 2013 Elm St, Manchester, NH – Join us for Christmas at the Manning House this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 pm – 7 pm. A time-travel experience to 1925 with guided tours, seasonal décor, and warm refreshments. Timed tickets available. May light grow where we gather.
Santacon Manchester 2025, Elm Street, Manchester, NH – Never mind the stocking, stuff this date in your calendar! Book a babysitter, don your finest festive attire and join us for a evening of good cheer for all mankind. As always this is a free event – there is no charge to join our crawl but the bar tabs are your own responsibility. Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13 on Elm St!
5:00 pm – Skrewball Party at The Stark Brewery
6:30 pm – The Shaskeen Irish Pub
7:30 pm – Bonfire Country Bar
8:30 pm – Strange Brew Tavern
9:30 pm – The Wild Rover
10:30 pm – McGarveys
People’s Pub Night, The Peddler’s Daughter, Nashua, NH – We will be having our next PEOPLE’S PUB NIGHT on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 pm at the Peddler’s Daughter in Nashua. Come out and meet your comrades! We in the SP-SNH also planning new social events, so stay tuned for more information!
Sound Off Saturdays: an 80’s Christmas Party, Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant, Manchester, NH – Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 9 pm to help us bring back that unmatched 80s Christmas vibe with the decade’s greatest hits! Pay what you want. DJ Myth on the turntables Shawn Caliber as your host. Wicked Joyful pop-up shop! Giveaways Christmas attire encouraged, but not mandatory!
The Gender Blender, The Hop Knot, Manchester, NH – December Gender Blender is moved to the SECOND SATURDAY! No show on the first Saturday! ChiChi Marvel is back to host with a stellar cast of performers! This month she will be joined by Ima Cummings, Miguel Marvel, Cici Nebula and Jhonny Conjure! As always, the Gender Blender is 21+ with No Cover! Get here early for good seats and good eats before the show gets going! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 9 pm.
Wheels of Oz: A Wicked Broadway Bash (18+), REMIX Skate & Event Center, Manchester, NH – You asked, we listened! Celebrate Broadway on wheels with our first-ever Wicked-themed 18+ roller skate night — just in time for the cinematic release of Wicked For Good! Skate the night away on Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 9 pm to all your favorite Broadway hits, with a special focus on Wicked’s iconic songs. Favorite song request! Our staff will gladly play your favorite showtunes throughout the evening to keep the magic going. Get tickets here.
Dec. 14
Once Upon A Christmas Breakfast, Derryfield Country Club, Manchester, NH – Join us for a special Once Upon A Christmas Breakfast at The Derryfield Country Club. Magic and memories await! Get ready for an enchanted Once Upon A Christmas Breakfast with the Princesses of Dreamer’s Hollow! This event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9:30 am at The Derryfield Country Club. Get tickets here.
Astronaut Santa at the Discovery Center, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH – Join us on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 11 am – 4 pm to greet Astronaut Santa! Okay hear us out… rockets go about 4.9 miles per second, so Santa must have visited NASA for some advice on how to deliver gifts efficiently at some point! Astronaut Santa is splashing down at the Discovery Center! Included with general admission, visit with Astronaut Santa by our space flown shuttle tire upstairs! After your visit, explore the exhibits, shop the Science Store, add a planetarium show for $7 a ticket. Cost: Included with general admission tickets.
Small Business Craft & Wellness Holiday Fair, Humble Warrior Yoga, Manchester, NH – Join us on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 pm – 4 pm for our annual Small Business Craft & Wellness Holiday Fair, a cozy community celebration featuring local makers, wellness pros, and thoughtful holiday gifts. This festive afternoon has something for everyone: handcrafted candles, artisan goods, beauty services, wellness experiences, sweet treats, and more. More info here.
The Polar Express Book Reading, Pembroke City Limits, Pembroke, NH – ALL ABOARD! We have a live reading of the Polar Express on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 pm! Stick around for a special guest from the North Pole. This is a free event, all ages welcome! Let’s get in the holiday spirit!
Cookie Party with Cake. Vegan Bakery, Auspicious Brew, Dover, NH – Come celebrate the season and decorate your very own locally-made, vegan holiday cookies with Deb Simmons from Cake. Vegan Bakery. This event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 1 pm – 4 pm. Each $20 kit includes 5 of Deb’s gourmet cookies + decorating supplies. All ages; kiddos VERY welcome! Gluten-free cookies available. Please RSVP by 10 pm on Thursday, Dec. 11. Ticket sales will close at this time. Get tickets here.
Holiday Pet Portraits, Bonfire Country Bar, Manchester, NH – Bring your good boy (or girl) to Bonfire on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 4 pm – 7 pm to have their Christmas picture taken! Bonfire is providing a gorgeous holiday backdrop for FREE. Be sure to stop by our outdoor bar for hot chocolate and a couple of boozy holiday options too! Check your Chirstmas card photo off the to-do list ** This is an outdoor event. Service pets ONLY inside the bar.
Planning Ahead?
Dec. 15: Zine Making Workshop at CoLab, Manchester, NH
Dec. 20: The Derryfield takes over Ugly Sweater Party, Manchester, NH
Dec. 20: Winter Farmers Market, Milford, NH
Dec. 20: Mill Falls 2nd Annual Craft and Vendor Fair, Manchester, NH
Dec. 21: Sip & Give Holiday Fundraiser & Celebration, Nashua, NH
Dec 31: Once Upon a Midnight: NYE at 815, Manchester, NH
Jan. 22: 20th Annual New England Winter Wine Spectacular, Manchester, NH
Jan. 28: Women’s Business League Nashua – Mix and Mingle, Nashua, NH
March 5: Granite Game Summit Spring 2026, Nashua, NH