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.
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
Wellesley Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Wickford Village Festival of Lights, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2023
Marblehead Christmas Walk, Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, 2023
Dec. 8-10, 2023 weekend:Woodstock's (Vermont) Wassail Weekend, Dec. 8-10, 2023
Rockport, Mass. Holiday Shopping Night, Dec. 8, 2023, 4-9 p.m.
West Concord, Mass. Holiday Stroll, Dec. 9, 2023
Chatham, Cape Cod, Mass. Christmas by the Sea, Dec. 8-10, 2023
Dec. 15-17, 2023 weekend:Rockport, Mass. Live Christmas Pageant, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 5 p.m.
Dec. 22-24, 2023 weekend:Rockport, Mass. Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Weekend, Dec. 23-24, 2023
Kennebunkport, Maine, Christmas Prelude, Nov. 30-Dec. 10, 2023
Cape Ann, Mass. Winter Lights, Nov. 25, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
Newburyport, Mass. Invitation Nights, Dec. 1, 8, and 15, 2023
Portsmouth, N.H. Vintage Christmas, December 2023
Jackson, N.H. Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, ticketed event, weekends until December 17, 2023
Provincetown, Cape Cod, Mass. Canteen Holiday Market, Weekends in December, 2023
Holiday Market at Snowport, Seaport District, Boston, Mass., outdoor market, Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 2023
Rockport (Massachusetts) New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
First Night Chatham (Cape Cod, Massachusetts), Dec. 31, 2023
First Night Northampton 24 (Massachusetst), Dec. 31, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024
First Light Provincetown, (Cape Cod, Massachusetts), Dec. 28, 2023-Jan 1, 2024
First Night Portsmouth (New Hampshire), Dec. 31, 2023
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 2023. Enjoy your holidays!
-M.A. Barrett (December 2, 2022, updated December 13, 2023)