Scenic Shopping Holiday Events with Spotlight on Shops, 2021 - New England

So Many Holiday Shopping Events and Festivities in December, 2022!

After lockdowns in previous seasons, there is a big wave of holiday events this December throughout New England. Tree lightings, parades, special shopping days, artisan marketplaces, strolls, cookie tours, markets, Santa visits, concerts and lots of hot chocolate are offered to revelers participating in religious holidays and end of the year rituals. Many Scenic Shopping towns are among the beautiful towns that get decked out at this time of year and love to see you shop in their independent stores, boutiques and cafes. You can bundle up and venture out to enjoy this sparkly time of year in the unique shops and picturesque towns and cities that welcome locals and visitors alike. Although it would not be possible to attend them all, we have put together a list of events here. (More)

Get in the holiday spirit! Here's a list of events and festivals coming up during December, on weekends and on multiple dates throughout the month. Check for last minute changes before venturing out, especially due to inclement weather and Covid restrictions.

For more details about shops, restaurants and inns, see our webpages for these Holiday Season loving towns: Wickford RI, Nantucket MA, Rockport MA, Hyannis MA, Marblehead MA, Concord MA, Newburyport, Chatham MA, Hingham MA, North Conway NH, Portsmouth NH, Providence RI, Newport RI, Portland MAINE

December Holiday Festivals

Dec. 9-11, 2022 weekend:

Rockport, Mass. Holiday Shopping Night, Dec. 9, 2022, 4-9 p.m.

Rockport, Mass. Holiday Market, Dec. 10, 2022, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

West Concord, Mass. Holiday Stroll, Dec. 10, 2022

Chatham, Cape Cod, Mass. Christmas by the Sea, Dec. 9-11, 2022

Monadnock Region, in southwest N.H., includes Jaffrey, Currier and Ives Cookie Tour, ticketed event (cash only), Dec. 10, 2022, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

North Conway, N.H. White Mountains Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, limited tickets, check in Dec. 9, tour Dec. 10-11, 2022

Dec. 16-18, 2022 weekend:

Rockport, Mass. Live Christmas Pageant, Dec. 17, 2022, 5 p.m.

Events with Multiple Dates during the month of December, 2022:

Kennebunkport, Maine Winter Prelude, Dec. 1-11, 2022

Cape Ann, Mass. Winter Lights, Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023

Providence, R.I. Flea Holiday Markets, Fridays Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., and Sundays Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Portland, Maine, Merry Madness Kickoff, ticketed event, age 21+, Dec. 8, 2022, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Virtual event with special offers Dec. 8-31, 2022

Newburyport, Mass. Invitation Nights, Dec., 2, 9 and 16, 2022

Holly Jolly Hingham, Mass., Christmas in the Square, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 5-8 p.m., Saturdays until Christmas, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 2022

Portsmouth, N.H. Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke, advance tickets required, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2022

Portsmouth, N.H. Vintage Christmas, December 2022

Jackson, N.H. Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, ticketed event, weekends until Christmas, Dec. 2022

Provincetown, Cape Cod, Mass. Canteen Holiday Market, Weekends in December, 2022

SoWa Winter Festival at the SoWa Power Plant, South End, Boston, Mass., admission fee $10 by card (no cash) at the door, Wed.-Sun. in December until Dec. 11, 2022

Holiday Market at Snowport, Seaport District, Boston, Mass., outdoor market, Nov. 11 - Dec. 31, 2022

Annual Christmas Nativity Pageant, Rockport, Mass.

Special shopping events in Scenic Shopping towns are delightful gatherings that are a nice way to show some love to small businesses while getting holiday shopping done. I hope this list helps you learn about new festivities, and find out when your favorite annual celebrations are scheduled in 2022. Enjoy your holidays!

-M.A. Barrett (December 2, 2022, updated December 6, 2022)

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