Marblehead, Salem, Lynn, and the entire North Shore are steeped in tradition, and locals love to celebrate the holidays. From holiday markets, to theatre, to community-wide celebrations, we cherish our old-fashioned festivities. Here are some of our favorite holiday events for 2019 – enjoy!
Zoo Lights at the Stone Zoo
November 22 – January 4
Zoo Lights turns Stone Zoo into a winter wonderland, attracting thousands of visitors to stroll tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Visit the zoo animals and our reindeer! Spot over 40 life-size animal sculptures made from millions of LEGO® bricks. Warm up by an open fire and make s’mores.
Appleton Farms Holiday Market
November 22, 5-8PM
Kick off the holidays with a trip to Appleton Farms family-friendly Holiday Market. Enjoy 20+ artisanal foods, handcrafted gifts, local craft beer, wine and a signature cocktail. Plus, kids activities and barnyard animals. Support local farmers – admission is free!
Holiday Live Shows At Lynn Auditorium
November 29: A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage Brings Holiday Cheer to The Lynn Auditorium on November 29th at 1:30 PM. This Stage Musical Celebrates Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” Comic Strip and 1965 Television Special; Showcasing the Music of Vince Guaraldi.
December 5: The Elf on The Shelf Christmas Musical
This all-new musical and premiere stage production includes an exclusive invitation to Santa’s North Pole. Features an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe.
December 7: The Nutcracker
This beautiful holiday classic is filled with magnificent scenery, stunning costumes and the amazing music by Tchaikovsky.
December 8: A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale is brought to life on the stage.
Marblehead Christmas Walk
December 5-8
Marblehead’s historic charm and the festive spirit of the holidays create an enchanting experience throughout the entire town. For full details including a map and trolley routes, Click Here. Here’s the fun-filled schedule:
Thursday, December 5
HOLIDAY SHOPPING PREVIEW PARTIES & UGLY SWEATER CONTEST
Sensational shopping and good cheer, raffles and more! From 5 to 8 PM, throughout Town.
HOLIDAY DÉCOR BY MARBLEHEAD GARDEN CLUBS
5 to 7 PM; King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper Street
GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL OPENING RECEPTION
5 to 6:30 PM, Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street
TREE LIGHTING AND CAROLING
6 PM Festivities Begin, Lighting at 7PM. St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant Street
December 6
FREEZE DANCE
4 to 6 PM, Shubie’s Marketplace, 16 Atlantic Avenue
GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL
4 to 6 PM, Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
6 PM, Entertainment & Festivities Begin; 7 PM Tree Lighting. At National Grand Bank (across from 91 Pleasant Street)
LOBSTER TRAP TREE LIGHTING WITH GLOVER’S REGIMENT
7:15 PM Tree Lighting with historical re-enactors. Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant Street
Saturday, December 7
SANTA’S LANDING BY LOBSTER BOAT
9 AM performance: “A Dancer’s Dream”. At 9:30 AM, Santa & Mrs. Claus step ashore! State Street Landing.
MARBLEHEAD HOLIDAY ARTISANS MARKETPLACE
10 AM to 5 PM, Marblehead Festival of Arts, Artisans Market; at King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper Street
MARBLEHEAD CHRISTMAS PARADE
11:45 AM along State Street Landing, Washington Street, Atlantic Avenue, and Pleasant Street
GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL
10 AM to 4 PM, Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street
SANTA’S WORKSHOPS
10 AM to 5 PM, along Atlantic Avenue
CANDLELIGHT STROLL, MARBLEHEAD HISTORIC DISTRICT
4:30 PM, at the Old Town House
OLD NORTH FESTIVAL CHORUS
8 PM, Old North Church, 35 Washington Street
Sunday, December 8
GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL
Noon to 2 PM, Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street
MARBLEHEAD FESTIVAL OF ARTS HOLIDAY ARTISANS MARKETPLACE
10 AM to 4 PM, King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper Street
SANTA’S WORKSHOPS
Noon to 4 PM, along Atlantic Avenue
OLD NORTH FESTIVAL CHORUS
7:30 PM, Old North Church, 35 Washington Street
Christmas in Salem Holiday House Tour 2019
December 6-8
2019 is the 40th anniversary of Historic Salem, Inc.’s largest fundraiser. Homes are beautifully decorated for the holidays and open for three days of tours. Christmas in Salem encourages visitors to enjoy Salem’s distinctive restaurants and shops. Ride the trolley from downtown parking to the tour; enjoy local history and a festive ride. For tickets, Click Here.
Christmas at Castle Hill, Ipswich
December 6-8
It’s worth the drive to Castle Hill for “An Old-Fashioned Christmas”. This 1920’s mansion is festively decorated by garden clubs, florists, and designers. Visit the Castle Hill gift shop and Harbor Sweets pop up cafe. Enjoy live holiday entertainment. Shop the Christmas Greens Courtyard for beautiful wreaths, kissing balls, and fresh cut greenery. It’s three days of holiday fun:
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 5-8PM:
Make Friday a date night with evening tour hours, a cash bar, light appetizers, and festive music.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 10AM-4PM:
Tour on Saturday for holiday decorating ideas. Enjoy live music, fresh baked cookies and cider, and a family treasure hunt.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, NOON-4PM:
Visit with Santa Claus from 12pm-2pm, take photos, and do the holiday treasure hunt. Enjoy live music, fresh baked cookies and cider. For full details and tickets, Click Here.
2019 Holiday Classics Benefit Concert, Salem
December 13
In this holiday performance to benefit Project OUT, singer Nicole Lashomb takes us down memory lane with Holiday Favorites & Seasonal Classics. For details and tickets, Click Here
Pop-Up Holiday Market at GALA in Lynn
December 14-15
Shop local at the Downtown Lynn Holiday Sale at GALA in the LynnArts building. This two day event features local art, greeting cards, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, Lynn merchandise and much more… and it’s Free!
Experience the North Shore Lifestyle
If you’d like to learn more about the North Shore lifestyle, we recommend Our Favorite Summer Events and Life On The Water In Marblehead. The professional Realtors here at Sagan Harborside Realty have the expertise to find you the perfect home. Just give us a call at 781-593-6111.
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