Manchester, NH, bursts to life with festive cheer during the holiday season. The city's Christmas at the Palace, held at the Currier Museum of Art, boasts elaborate decorations and artful holiday-inspired exhibits. Bustling streets host the annual Holiday Parade, featuring creative floats and ending with Santa Claus on a vintage fire truck. For a unique visual treat, the Festival of Trees transforms the Millyard Museum into a winter wonderland of decorated trees with unexpected themes.
Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, Manchester offers a diverse array of events that capture the magic and joy of Christmas. Each event promises a memorable experience, showcasing the city's community spirit and holiday charm.
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The Top Christmas Events in Manchester
- Christmas at the Palace
- Holiday Parade
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Christmas Eve Service
- Santa Claus Shuffle
- Nutcracker Ballet
Manchester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Classical and contemporary holiday music fusion
Description:
The Manchester Symphony Orchestra presents a Holiday Pops Concert that blends classical masterpieces with contemporary favorites. This musical extravaganza takes place in the historic Palace Theatre, a venue that has hosted performances since 1915. The orchestra's rich sound fills the ornate auditorium, creating an immersive auditory experience. Guest vocalists join the ensemble for crowd-pleasing renditions of seasonal classics. Audience members can participate in a sing-along portion of the concert, adding their voices to the joyous celebration.
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Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dance company's unique interpretation of classic ballet
Description:
The Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater presents its distinctive interpretation of The Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre. This production infuses the classic Tchaikovsky ballet with local flair, incorporating elements of Manchester's history into the set design and costumes. The company has performed this holiday staple annually since 1983, evolving the show each year. Graceful dancers bring the story to life on stage, accompanied by a live orchestra. Audience members can attend a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and the unique aspects of this production.
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Manchester Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Palace
What to Expect:
Historic palace transformed into holiday spectacle
Description:
The grand Currier Museum of Art transforms into a holiday spectacle for Christmas at the Palace. Ornate decorations adorn the historic building, originally constructed in 1929. Visitors can explore themed rooms showcasing different holiday traditions from around the world. The museum's collection takes on new life with seasonal interpretations. You'll discover how art and holiday customs intertwine as you wander through the galleries. One highlight is the opportunity to create your own holiday-inspired artwork in the interactive studio space.
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Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local flair
Description:
Manchester's streets come alive with the annual Holiday Parade, a cherished tradition since 1965. Local businesses, schools, and community groups showcase their creativity with elaborate floats and performances. The parade route winds through downtown, passing historic mill buildings that once fueled the city's industrial boom. Spectators line the streets, bundled against the crisp winter air. Children eagerly await the finale featuring Santa Claus riding atop a vintage fire truck. Participate in the festivity by bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to local food banks along the parade route.
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Christmas Eve Service
What to Expect:
Candlelit service in historic cathedral
Description:
The Christmas Eve Service at Saint Joseph Cathedral offers a moment of reflection amidst the holiday bustle. This Neo-Gothic cathedral, completed in 1894, provides a stunning backdrop for the traditional service. Candlelight flickers throughout the sanctuary, casting a warm glow on the intricate stained glass windows. The cathedral's renowned choir performs sacred music that resonates through the vaulted ceilings. Attendees can participate in the centuries-old tradition of lighting individual candles while singing "Silent Night" to conclude the service.
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Santa Claus Shuffle
What to Expect:
Festive 3-mile run with participants in Santa costumes
Description:
The Santa Claus Shuffle turns downtown Manchester into a sea of red and white as runners don Santa suits for this unique 3-mile race. Established in 2000, this event has grown into a beloved holiday tradition. The course winds through the city's historic mill district, offering glimpses of Manchester's industrial past. Participants receive a complete Santa costume with their registration, creating a whimsical spectacle for spectators. After crossing the finish line, runners can warm up with hot cocoa and participate in a post-race celebration featuring live music and holiday-themed games.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Bedford)
What to Expect:
Uniquely decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms the Millyard Museum into a forest of creativity. Local businesses, schools, and community groups showcase their ingenuity by decorating trees with unexpected themes and materials. This event, started in 1995, has become a beloved Manchester tradition. The scent of pine fills the air as visitors meander through the displays. Attendees can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. One standout activity is the silent auction, where you can bid on your favorite decorated tree to take home.
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Christmas Market (Nashua)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with local artisans
Description:
Manchester's Christmas Market brings a touch of European tradition to New England. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares in charming wooden stalls lining the streets of downtown. The market, inspired by German Christkindlmarkts, was first introduced to the city in 2010. Visitors can sample regional delicacies and sip on warm mulled cider as they browse unique handcrafted gifts. One highlight is the opportunity to watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts like glassblowing and woodcarving.
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Gift of Lights (Loudon)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Description:
The Gift of Lights transforms the New Hampshire Motor Speedway into a dazzling drive-through light display. This 2.5-mile course features over 3.5 million LED lights arranged in intricate designs and animations. The speedway, which normally hosts high-speed races, slows down for this holiday spectacle. Visitors remain cozy in their vehicles as they wind through tunnels of light and past illuminated scenes. One highlight is the "Racing Pit Stop" display, where Santa's elves tune up his sleigh using racecar tools.
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Holiday Artisan Fair (Concord)
What to Expect:
Juried fair showcasing high-quality local crafts
Description:
The Holiday Artisan Fair at the Currier Museum of Art showcases the finest handcrafted goods from New England artisans. This juried event ensures a high standard of quality and uniqueness among the offerings. The fair takes place in the museum's modern wing, providing a striking contrast to the traditional artwork on display. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various craft techniques, from pottery throwing to jewelry making. One standout feature is the "Artisan's Choice" award, where participating craftspeople vote for their favorite item in the show.
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Christmas Tree Lighting (Salem)
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration with local performances
Description:
Manchester's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brings the community together in Veterans Park. This tradition dates back to the 1950s and has grown into a full evening of celebration. Local choirs and dance groups perform on a stage set up near the tree, showcasing the city's diverse talent. The massive tree, typically sourced from a New Hampshire farm, stands as a symbol of unity for the city. Attendees can participate in a countdown to the lighting, followed by a fireworks display that illuminates the night sky.
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Reindeer Fun Run (Derry)
What to Expect:
Family-friendly 1-mile run with reindeer antlers
Description:
The Reindeer Fun Run offers a playful twist on holiday fitness. This 1-mile course winds through Livingston Park, showcasing the natural beauty of Manchester's green spaces. Participants receive reindeer antlers to wear during the run, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The event, started in 2015, promotes family health during the indulgent holiday season. After crossing the finish line, runners can enjoy hot apple cider and participate in reindeer-themed games. You'll have the opportunity to meet live reindeer brought in from a local farm for the occasion.
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Holiday Train Ride (North Conway)
What to Expect:
Scenic train journey with onboard entertainment
Description:
The Holiday Train Ride offers a nostalgic journey through New Hampshire's winter landscape. Departing from Manchester's historic train depot, the vintage train cars are adorned with holiday decorations. This event revives the golden age of rail travel, allowing passengers to experience the romance of a bygone era. As the train winds through snow-covered forests and over frozen rivers, onboard entertainers lead caroling and tell holiday stories. Passengers can indulge in hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies while enjoying the passing scenery.
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Holiday Craft Fair (Bedford)
What to Expect:
Focus on eco-friendly and upcycled holiday crafts
Description:
The Holiday Craft Fair at the SEE Science Center emphasizes sustainability and creativity. This unique event showcases artisans who specialize in eco-friendly and upcycled holiday decorations and gifts. The fair, initiated in 2018, aims to promote environmental consciousness during the often wasteful holiday season. Visitors can learn about green crafting techniques through hands-on workshops. One popular activity is the "Trash to Treasure" contest, where participants create holiday ornaments using only recycled materials.
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Santa’s Village (Jefferson)
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience with STEM activities
Description:
Santa's Village at the SEE Science Center combines holiday cheer with educational fun. This immersive experience transforms the center into a North Pole workshop, complete with hands-on STEM activities. Established in 2012, the event aims to spark children's interest in science through holiday-themed experiments. Visitors can participate in "Elf Engineering" challenges, designing and testing toy prototypes. The centerpiece is a massive LEGO recreation of Santa's workshop, featuring moving parts and hidden details for guests to discover.
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Christmas Party (Hooksett)
What to Expect:
1940s-themed celebration with period music and dance
Description:
Step back in time at the Millyard Museum's 1940s Christmas Party. This unique event recreates the holiday atmosphere of Manchester during World War II. The museum's industrial setting provides an authentic backdrop for the celebration. Live big band music fills the air as attendees dance to period-accurate swing and jive. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1940s attire, adding to the immersive experience. You can learn about Manchester's contributions to the war effort through special exhibits integrated into the party setting.