The yuletide spirit is alive this weekend! ‘Tis the season to sip hot cocoa while wearing an ugly sweater, watching “Elf,” and celebrating the winter solstice. Coincidentally, all things you can do at the events we’ve rounded up below for your convenience! How will you usher in the official start of the winter season?
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.
Dec. 18
Grinch Storytime, Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH – Join Miss Amanda on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10 am – 11 am for a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and one or two Grinch themed crafts. Registration Required – Family Event. More info here.
Ornament Glimmer, Muse Paint Bar, Manchester, NH – Come get into the spirit of the season with us! Our artist instructors will lead you step-by-step to create four round wooden Grinch-themed ornaments complete with ribbon and jingle bell. Feeling inspired? Follow along or create whatever you like. This event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Muse Paint Bar. Tickets – $35. Get tickets here.
Reading Dragons & Friends Kick-off Party, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Grades K-12. It’s time once again for Reading Dragons! Celebrate the start of our Winter Reading Challenge with a dragon and friends-themed party on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 4:30 pm, full of crafts, games, hands-on activities, and tasty snacks. You can sign up for this year’s challenge, learn about all the exciting new additions, and earn a special Reading Dragon’s prize just for attending! No registration is needed to participate in this event. Online registration opens on Dec. 18 – please visit nashualibrary.beanstack.org to sign up. You may start logging your reading when the challenge officially begins on Dec. 22.
Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) Holiday Mixer & Meet-Up, The Derryfield Restaurant, Manchester, NH – Get ready to mix, mingle, and make connections with female entrepreneurs at the Women Entrepreneurs Network Holiday Mixer! This event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at The Derryfield Restaurant. Get tickets here.
6th Annual Winter Solstice Soirée, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH – The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year. Celebrate this turning point and light up the year’s longest night with The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire. Join us on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5 – 8 pm for what has become a much-anticipated yearly gathering of friends, food and fun—so much so that we need a bigger space! Register here.
Waypoint Family Center – Holiday Family Movie Event In-Person, Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH – Join for the Waypoint Family Center holiday family movie event at the Winchell Auditorium in the Manchester City Library. This event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5:30 pm – 7:45 pm. More info here.
Queen City Improv Holiday Show, Derry Opera House, Derry, NH – Queen City Improv will celebrate the holidays with a Holiday Show on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 7:30 pm – 9 pm at The Derry Opera House in Derry, NH. The performance will feature fan-favorite improv games, audience participation, and seasonal surprises. The show is rated PG-13 for some adult humor. Get tickets here.
Dec. 19
Indoor Farmers’ Market, Milford Town Hall Auditorium, Milford, NH – We have a great indoor market lined up this year with 23+ vendors and lots of variety. We aim to provide you with a diverse selection of fresh and locally made/grown products. More info here.
Kids’ Night Out!, YMCA of Greater Manchester, Downtown Manchester, NH – The kids are taking over the Y! Join us this Friday, Dec. 19 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Welcome to Kids’ Night Out, where kids ages 3 to 12 years get to take a night out and play with their friends for a while. With different themes and activities each month, this is sure to be a great time! This month’s Kids’ Night Out theme is Frozen. Did we mention dinner is included and it’s FREE with a YMCA family membership? So tell the family you’re going to the Y for Kids’ Night Out, and we’ll see you there! Register here.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Dizmas, Diz’s Downtown, Manchester, NH – Join us at Diz’s in Downtown Manchester for “Have Yourself a Merry Little Dizmas” on Friday, Dec. 20 from 4 – 9 p.m.! Diz’s elves are ready to make your evening merry and bright with festive fun, a free hot cocoa station, and our signature comfort food. Sip holiday drinks, savor specials from our seasonal menu, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere perfect for gathering with family and friends. Don’t miss this magical night of good cheer, great food, and warm memories! Plan ahead for pre- or post-show dining near The Palace Theatre or The REX. Save your table at www.dizscafe.com Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Ugly Sweater Party, The Peddler’s Daughter, Nashua, NH – Get Ready to Rock Your Ugly Sweater! Break out your finest questionable knitwear! Our Ugly Sweater Party returns on Friday, Dec. 19 from 9 pm – 11 pm! Join us for a night filled with: Live music from GoodFoot; Prizes courtesy of our friends at Bellavance Beverage Co. and Maker’s Mark; A perfect night for pints and poor fashion choices; A little friendly competition. Don’t miss out on the fun! Grab your ugliest sweater and let’s make some unforgettable memories!
Ugly Sweater Karaoke, Casey Magee’s Irish Pub & Music Hall, Nashua, NH – Join us on Friday, Dec. 19 from 9:30 pm – close, for our annual Ugly Sweater Karaoke Dance Party Contest hosted by DJ Bobby Lane! We will be giving away gift card prizes for the top three ugly sweaters!
Dec. 20
Red River Theatres presents Elf, Red River Theatres, Concord, NH – Ring in the holidays with Buddy the Elf! Will Ferrell stars in this endlessly delightful family comedy filled with laughter, heart, and festive fun for all ages. Bring the whole family on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10 am and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa as part of the celebration. $12 RRT Members. $15 Not-Yet Members. **Includes complimentary hot cocoa with tickets! Get tickets here.
Yule Festival & Artisans Fair (A Holiday Fundraiser), The Sheraton, Nashua, NH – Join us on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 am – 4 pm for an enchanting day of Yule time fun, activities, as well as an Artisan’s Market to enjoy as Winter unfolds. This will be a special funding event for gifts and support for children with special needs, supported by the Bartlett School & Assessment Center. Admission is a small gift donation to place under our Yule Holiday Giving Tree at the entrance of the festival. Your support is appreciated. More info here.
2nd Annual Craft and Vendor Fair, Mill Falls Charter School, Manchester, NH – Come join us on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 11 am for some shopping, right before the holidays! We’ll have a blend of crafters and vendors, right here at Mill Falls. We’ll also be doing raffle baskets made from items the vendors have donated! All proceeds go directly to Mill Falls. More info here.
Hygge Hangout, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Embrace the season by getting hygge, a Danish tradition of spending cozy time connecting with family and friends. We’ll have the Theater set up on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 1 pm – 4 pm for reading, playing quiet games, journaling, or enjoying time by the “fire.” We’ll also provide craft supplies and warm beverages. Bring cozy activities to work on if you’d like! This is a self-directed program; pop in for a bit or stay the whole time. Open to ages 18+. For a family-friendly version event of this event, stop by the Activity Room from on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Annual Yankee Swap, Shanghai Osaka Asian Fusion Restaurant, Nashua, NH – Annual Yankee Swap. Bring a gift for a yankee swap – elephant swap with a $25 maximum value. The actual swapping of gifts will commence on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 pm. Dress up in your festive or humorous Christmas attire.
New Hampshire Association for the Deaf Holiday Party, Alpine Club, Manchester, NH – POT LUCK CASH BAR YANKEE SWAP 50/50 RAFFLE. Santa will bring gifts for children. If you have a child under the age of 16, please contact socialevents@nhadinc.org and tell them the age and gender, what kind of toys your child likes. Your child must be present to receive the gift. This event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 5 pm – 10 pm. Cost: member = $12. Non-member = $14. Family of 3 or more = $25. Senior citizen 62+ = $10. Questions about the party? Contact socialevents@nhadinc.org.
Ugly Sweater Party, Tortilla Flat Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Merrimack, NH – MIX, MINGLE AND JINGLE! Tis the season to rock those ugly sweaters! Join us Saturday, Dec. 20 from 7 pm to close for our annual UGLY SWEATER PARTY! Be sure to get your picture taken with our spicy Grinch and Cindy Lou Who! Live music in our lounge with Matt Jackson! Prizes and giveaways with a GRAND PRIZE winner for the UGLIEST and best sweater! Come kick off your Holidays with some Mexican spice and margaritas on ice! And remember, the uglier the better!
The Derryfield takes over Ugly Sweater Party!, The Derryfield Restaurant, Manchester, NH – Get ready to rock your ugliest sweater at the Derryfield takeover – it’s going to be a festive night to remember! The party kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8 pm. Get tickets here.
King it On: Hannukings at Hop Knot, The Hop Knot Restaurant & Bar, Manchester, NH – Ain’t Mitzvahavin’ is going on the road this year as part of Hannukings 2025 for a KING IT ON CROSSOVER! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 pm at The Hop Knot for Hannukings, Hosted by Luke Laroe, an ALL JEWISH KINGS SHOW! (Probably) New Hampshire’s first all Jewish drag show.
Dec. 21
Holiday Flea Market, Arts at the Armory, Somerville, MA – It’s Official! After an amazing outdoor season, we’re moving indoors for two magical Holiday Markets! Find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for that one-of-a-kind person. Explore two jam-packed floors of gift-buying goodness — featuring curated vintage treasures and handcrafted artisan creations. Join us on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 10 am – 4 pm for our 13th Annual Holiday Markets at the Arts at the Armory in Somerville! Don’t miss the festive vibes, local talent, and all the holiday fun! More info here.
9th Annual Salem Holiday Market, Old Town Hall, Salem, MA – A beloved Salem tradition returns! Celebrate the comeback of the Salem Holiday Market, now in its 9th year! Explore two enchanting floors inside Old Town Hall on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 11 am – 4 pm featuring over 60 artists, makers, and vintage dealers with handcrafted gifts and rare holiday finds. It’s your last chance to shop handmade and support local before the season ends – don’t miss it!
Winter Solstice Community Market, Auspicious Brew, Dover, NH – While you’re busy boycotting Amazon, Target, and Home Depot, why not mark your calendar for our… WINTER SOLSTICE COMMUNITY MARKET! This Sunday, Dec. 21 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Shop small, support local. Billionaires don’t need your money. You can keep your cash circulating in our local economy by shopping with these amazing artists, makers, and healing practitioners.
Winter Solstice Sound Bath & Tea Gathering, Bella Vita Dance Academy, Manchester, NH – Join us on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 4 pm – 6 pm, the longest night of the year, for a restorative Winter Solstice Sound Bath – pause, release, and welcome the light. More info here.
Sip & Give Holiday Fundraiser & Celebration, The Spot, Nashua, NH – Join us on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 5 pm – 9 pm for Sip & Give at The Spot. Your contribution will directly add a little magic to the holiday season as we support our community together! All proceeds will be going directly to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter! If you’d like to perform, please contact Mike. Thank you, Family. More info here.
Planning Ahead?
Dec. 31: Once Upon a Midnight: NYE at 815, Manchester, NH
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party at McIntyre Ski Area, Manchester, NH
Dec. 31: Local Street Eats Presents: Disco & Diamonds New Year’s Eve Party, Nashua, NH
Dec. 31: NYE Party at the Peddler’s Daughter, Nashua, NH
Jan. 22: 20th Annual New England Winter Wine Spectacular, Manchester, NH
Jan. 28: Women’s Business League Nashua – Mix and Mingle, Nashua, NH
Jan. 29: The Granite Stage: Showcasing New Hampshire’s Talent, Manchester, NH
March 5: Granite Game Summit Spring 2026, Nashua, NH