2025 Holiday Season in Newburyport!

Now-December 11

Port Gingerbread Contest

Create at home, then show off your masterpiece at the exhibition! Open to all ages and skill levels, the gingerbread contest is a chance to let your imagination soar! Explore the amazing creative potential of such humble ingredients as flour, butter, sugar and molasses…and don’t forget a touch of spice! We can’t wait to see your showstopper! Registration deadline December 7, deliver your completed creation by December 11. FREE

https://www.portgingerbreadfestival.org/create

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November 13-14

Emotional Support: 3 holiday plays

Actor's Studio of Newburyport

This production includes 3 Holiday plays by Marc Clopton. Each is indirectly related to our need for emotional support during the holiday season. Thanksgiving Prayer brings an agnostic southern family (plus one) together on the night before Thanksgiving. Reclaiming Wonderment finds Santa and two elves behind the scenes in Santa’s Village at a suburban mall. Robots, Skates and a Thing or Two brings a widowed mother of three face to face with a not completely unexpected visitor.

https://www.newburyportacting.org/event/emotional-support/

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November 22

Handmade Holiday-Creating with Connection

Tinkerhaus

Before the holiday rush hits, take a moment to slow down and make something meaningful.Join us for our Holiday Craft + Connection Day — two creative sessions designed to spark joy, creativity, and togetherness.Family & Kids 4+. Bring the little makers!  Expect cozy vibes, cocoa, and memory-making in full swing. Crafts using kite paper, wood, felt and wax!

https://www.tinkerhaus.org/events/2025/11/22/handmade-holiday-creating-with-connection

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November 24

Tinkerhaus Annual Wreath Decorating Party

Tinkerhaus at Port Vida

Kick off the holiday season with a festive night out at Port Vida! Join us for an evening of creativity, laughter, and holiday cheer as you design your own beautiful, custom wreath to take home. Enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere at Port Vida — their full menu and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the night. All proceeds support Tinkerhaus, a local nonprofit makerspace providing art programs, scholarships, and community workshops for kids, adults, and individuals with disabilities. Gather your friends, grab a margarita, and get crafty for a cause — this event sells out every year, so grab your tickets early!

https://www.tinkerhaus.org/events/2025/11/24/tinkerhaus-annual-wreath-decorating-party

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November 30

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

As the holiday season approaches, Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in the most fitting way for this seaport town... by US Coast Guard boat! Welcome Santa on the Sunday after Thanksgiving as he and Mrs. Claus dock at the boardwalk and begin to parade through downtown Newburyport, then gather in Market Square for the annual Christmas tree lighting and carols. FREE

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/newburyport-s-santa-parade-tree-lighting-152770

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December 1-December 24

Gift Wrapping Station

Newburyport Public Library

This year we are happy to provide a self serve Wrapping Station to all library visitors. All standard supplies are provided so all you need to bring is your gifts and holiday cheer. If you are feeling adventurous, we invite you to try out some of our fun wrapping tutorials to create unique bows, bags, and boxes that will add a little extra pizzaz to your giving this year. Supplies, including wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and bows, will be available. Open to all. FREE (while supplies last).

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December 1

A Sinatra Christmas

Firehouse Center for the Arts

A Sinatra Christmas” is coming to The Firehouse Center with all your holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” & “White Christmas”, mixed with Frank’s iconic beloved songs including “My Way” & “New York, New York”, performed by Rich DiMare and The Ron Poster Trio.

https://firehouse.org/event/sinatra-25/

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December 2

Christmas Markets In Prague and Germany (VIRTUAL)

Newburyport Public Library

Visit amazing Christmas markets in Prague and four cities in Germany. With very few international tourists and mostly locals enjoying good food, good friends, and a festive atmosphere, December trips are quite different from summer visits. Presenter Gene Flynn is an Illinois native who has taught at the College of Lake County and Harper College, and serves on the board of the Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University. He frequently gives travel presentations to libraries and senior centers around the country, and has traveled to more than a dozen European countries. FREE and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/christmas-markets-in-prague-and-germany-virtual/

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December 2

Jingle and Mingle Event

Greater Newburyport Adult and Community Education at the Grog

Join us for an evening of festive fun and community spirit. Let’s jingle and mingle together for a good cause! Enjoy live music by the Chuck Walker Trio, delicious Lite Bites and a Cash Bar. Come one, come all! Friends, GNACE teachers, students, supporters, and community members – all are welcome. Bring a partner, a friend (or a few) and celebrate the season with us.

https://newburyportadulted.org/product/admission-tickets/

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December 2

A Charles Dickens Christmas (VIRTUAL)

Newburyport Public Library

Charles Dickens has famously been called “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” Inspired by the writings of Washington Irving earlier in the 19th century, Dickens wrote five Christmas novellas between 1843 and 1848 and over a dozen short stories between 1852 and 1866. Each of these--including the perennial favorite A CHRISTMAS CAROL--helped to shape how the holiday season is celebrated in Britain and America. This program explores these wonderful flights of holiday fantasy and their lasting influence. Presenter Dr. Bill Thierfelder is a retired professor of Arts and Humanities, with a PhD in English Literature, an MA in Theology, and a BA in English with additional concentrations in music history and art. FREE

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/a-charles-dickens-christmas-virtual/

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December 5

Greater Newburyport Children's Chorus Holiday Favorites

Downtown Newburyport

Singing downtown during Newburyport's first invitation night of the season, our students from 2nd - 12th grade will be performing holiday favorites and a few extras! FREE

https://www.gncchorus.org/

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December 5-7

Wicked Wonderland!

Joppa Dance at Firehouse Center for the Arts

This year’s show, Wicked Wonderland centers around a community lacking in holiday spirit. Two friends, Wilinda and Avaba, navigate their way through mischievous elves, sulking teens, flying monkeys and more, trying their best to inspire joy as they go. With a wizard missing in action, they’ll have to resolve the challenge on their own- through love and friendship. Great fun for the whole family!

https://firehouse.org/event/wicked-wonderland/2025-12-05/

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December 5, 12, 19

Holiday Movie Matinees

Newburyport Public Library

Come and enjoy a Popular Holiday Movie in the theater-like screen and sound system with fellow film buffs. FREE and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.org/events-calendar/calendar/

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December 5, 12, 19

Holiday Invitation Nights

Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

Enjoy merchant hospitality, live entertainment, shopping, and dining in beautiful and festive downtown Newburyport, The Tannery, Merrimac Place, and Horton's Yard. Spend your evening strolling from shop to shop as you stock up on holiday gifts while enjoying munchies and beverages offered by local merchants.  These Newburyport Invitation Nights will get you in the holiday spirit and will turn any Scrooge into Kris Kringle. FREE

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/holiday-invitation-nights-2025-152777

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December 6

Gingerbread House Decorating

Newburyport Public Library

Participants will use frostings, candy and different cereals and edible snacks to decorate their own original gingerbread house! All houses are baked and assembled, leaving the fun part to you! This program will be open to both adults and teens. Presenter Mandy Roberge is a henna artist and crafter who has been offering a wide variety of henna and craft workshops at libraries for over 15 years. FREE

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December 6

Holly Jolly Christmas Fair

Central Congrational Church

Free hot chocolate or coffee at the entry, Annual Basket Raffle, Gorgeous Jewelry & Accessories Room, Decorated Wreaths Auction, Our “World Famous” Cookie Walk, “Kids-Only Activity Center” & Santa Photo booth, Country Store: beautiful homemade items, Sweet Shoppe and Baked Goods, Fair Passports with an opportunity to win a Prizem Souper Luncheon - with Fish Chowder, Baked Beans and Sandwiches here or to-go. See you at the Fair! FREE

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/holly-jolly-christmas-fair-12-06-2025-161611

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December 6, 7

Holidays at the Cushing House

Museum of Old Newbury

Guests will enjoy exquisite decorations, festive music and the company of friends and neighbors for two days of first floor walk-through tours. The grand 1808 Cushing House is a perfect space to highlight the talents of area garden clubs and decorators including volunteers from the Newburyport Garden Club, Newburyport Horticultural Society, Newbury Garden Club, and West Newbury Garden Club.

https://www.newburyhistory.org/calendar

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December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21

Santas Workshop

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

Bring the family to Newburyport to visit Santa in his traditional workshop on Saturdays and Sundays in December, share your wish list, and snap a photo with Mr. Claus! Then enjoy strolling around beautiful downtown Newburyport which will be decorated for the holiday season. FREE

https://business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/santa-s-workshop-2025-152771

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December 8

Ornament Swap and Make a Mini-Wreath Event

Newburyport Public Library

This month we will be embracing the season of sharing by hosting a holiday Ornament Swap. Bring your old ornaments to share and grab a few new-to-you options for your home displays. The library will also be providing supplies to make your own miniature wreaths, a returning favorite from last year. FREE and open to all.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-programs-16/

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December 9

Healthier Holidays with Empty Nest Kitchen (VIRTUAL)

Newburyport Public Library

Let's explore really delicious holiday dishes with Mediterranean flair to incorporate into your celebrations without feeling weighed down.

Presenter Christine Van Bloem has been teaching cooking for a long, long time, and she is still excited to cook, teach, and share with you. After surviving a heart attack in 2020 and the loss of her brick & mortar cooking school business, Christine found new purpose cooking for her own empty nest.

https://newburyportpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/healthier-holidays-with-empty-nest-kitchen-virtual/

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December 10

Greater Newburyport Children's Chorus Winter Concert

Central Congregational Church

All are welcome to come hear the kids sing! Lots of holiday music to get you in the holiday spirit! FREE

https://www.gncchorus.org/

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December 11

Illuminations: Christmas by Candlelight

Skylark Vocal Ensemble at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Newburyport

This holiday offering provides a respite from winter’s darkness—both literal and figurative—illuminating the season with warmth, wonder, and timeless beauty by GRAMMY®-nominated vocal ensemble Skylark.

https://www.skylarkensemble.org/illuminations.html

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December 12-14

Port Gingerbread Festival Exhibition

Central Congregational Church

Now in its third year, the Port Gingerbread Festival is a  contest and public exhibition of artistic gingerbread creations made by people of all ages.  From “traditional” gingerbread houses to ships, churches, lighthouses, carriages or castles – the possibilities are endless! FREE

https://www.portgingerbreadfestival.org/

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December 12-21

A Nutcracker Panto!

Theater in the Open, at Firehouse Center for the Arts

A goofy spin on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, join Clara for an unforgettable Christmas, filled with pratfalls, snowballs, and plenty of laughs. Whether a Theater in the Open Panto has been part of your holiday tradition in the past, or you’re joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to welcome you to the Firehouse for some holiday cheer.

https://www.theaterintheopen.org/2025seasonpage

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December 14, 16

Winter Fanfare! Songs of Joy and Hope.

Newburyport Choral Society

An emotion-packed holiday concert that energizes singers and audience members alike.  It opens with André Thomas’s African Noel, echoing the foot stomping energy of Dan Forrest’s rousing Jubilate Deo from our spring concert.  The program features a brass ensemble, percussion, organ, piano, the Youth Choir of Immaculate Conception, NCS' own small chamber ensemble, and sing-alongs with our audience.

https://www.newburyportchoralsociety.org/events

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December 15

Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra: A Holiday to Remember Christmas Concert

Firehouse Center for the Arts

The 17-piece orchestra will be playing the Christmas songs that you most love. You will hear favorites such as, Do You Hear What I Hear, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, A Grown Up Christmas List, White Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and many more. The DBCSO  is made up of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings as in a symphony orchestra. It also includes a rhythm section of guitar, bass, keyboards, percussionist, and drum set as in a jazz combo or show orchestra. The orchestra also includes four outstanding vocalists!

https://firehouse.org/event/deep-blue-c-studio-orchestra-2/

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December 16

Classic Holiday Film: It's a Wonderful Life

Firehouse Center for the Arts

After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

https://firehouse.org/event/its-a-wonderful-life/

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December 17

Holiday Concert: Catie Curtis and Grace Morrison

Firehouse Center for the Arts

Singer-Songwriters Catie Curtis and Grace Morrison take the stage for an evening of music sprinkled with holiday classics. Celebrate the artistry of music with these incredible musicians all taking the stage together!

https://firehouse.org/event/singer-songwriter-christmas/

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December 19-21

She Sings From Her Soul Holiday Concert

A local favorite returns! Five young women help you celebrate the season with stunning solos, duets and group harmonies singing your favorite Holiday tunes along with songs that delve into the true meaning of the season. Nothing will help you get into the holiday spirit more than this joyful evening. Featuring Ella Faria, Liz Solange and Janie Zanibonie. Location TBD.

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December 20

Holiday Family Sing-a-Long

Firehouse Center for the Arts

Bring the kids and join our wonderful vocal hosts in singing classic Christmas songs.

https://firehouse.org/event/christmas-family-sing-a-long-2/

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December 21

Morning Music Series with Greater Newburyport Children's Chorus

Chococoa

Our high school ensemble, Great Port Sound, will be performing from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lots of holiday music and cheer! FREE

https://www.gncchorus.org/

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