Learn about Indigenous people of the Cochecho, holiday fun: Community events this week

Talk on the Indigenous people of the Cochecho

DOVER — Join us at the Dover Public Library on Monday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. for a lecture on Indigenous Land Stewardship.  This event is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. The program is free and open to the public. Sign up is needed to get a link to view the program virtually. For more information or to register, visit the library’s website at library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Learn about the Hutchinson Family Singers

SOMERSWORTH — Liberty is our Motto: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Somersworth Public Library. The year is 1876, and New Hampshire's own John Hutchinson tells his family’s story "straight from the horse's mouth" and sings their music with lyrics provided. Originally from Milford, N.H., the Hutchinson Family was among America's most notable musical entertainers during the mid-19th century. Sponsored by NH Humanities.

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‘Elf the Musical’ opens Nov. 30

PORTSMOUTH — “Elf The Musical” presented by The Music Hall and the Ogunquit Playhouse, "Elf the Musical" will run at The Music Hall Wednesday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 18. For tickets go to TheMusicHall.org, call 603-436-2400 or visit the box office at 28 Chestnut St. in downtown Portsmouth, N.H.

Presentation on 'The Remarkable Life of Celia Thaxter'

Imagine being 4 years old and sailing off with your family to live at a lighthouse out in the ocean! The stuff of fiction, yes? But this is exactly what happens in the unique story of Celia Laighton Thaxter, the wild and free child of the Isles of Shoals who became a famous poet, painter, and folklorist. The Lane Memorial Library of Hampton invites you to join them Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. for "The Remarkable Life of Celia Thaxter," a slide presentation by Stephanie Voss Nugent. An actor and researcher, Voss Nugent invites participants to join her "backstage," as she transforms historical research into performance, tracing Celia's life from her childhood on White Island Light to her unexpected fame as a writer. Voss Nugent is ACT ONE’s founding executive director and a professional actor, producer, and director. The presentation is 60 to 75 minutes with Q&A at the end of the event. Register online. Sponsored by the Friends of Lane Memorial Library.

2022 Festival of Trees Online Silent Auction

EXETER – The Festival of Trees bidding will be online for the second year and benefit the Community Children’s Fund. The in-person event will be open for two days again this year. The link to the online auction will be available to bidders when the festival opens on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. and will remain open until Thursday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.  Once the auction goes live on Nov. 30, a link will be posted on the FOT website: www.exeterareacharitablefoundation.org/festivaloftrees as well as on the FOT Facebook Page: Festival of Trees – Exeter, NH. Visit the link or call the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce at 603-772-2411 for more information.

Holiday pop-up shopping event in Rochester

ROCHESTER — Alex and Associates will host a pop-up holiday shopping event on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. Lots of great vendors offering gifts and certificates. Alex and Associates Group is at 1 Windhaven Dr., Rochester. Parking is on site and at building next door.

13th annual Festival of Trees in Dover

DOVER – The 13th annual Dover Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, Dec. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rivermill at Dover Landing. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature more than 35 trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, all available to be taken home through silent and live auction or raffle drawing. There'll be live choir performances, refreshments, free goodie bags for kids, a scavenger hunt for kids, and a visit from Santa. The main attraction will be the raffle tree, which will be fully decorated with hundreds of dollars in gift cards to local restaurants and retailers. Tickets for the raffle tree will be $5 each, or five for $20. For more information on Festival of Trees, contact Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 603-742-2218 or visit www.dovernh.org/FOT.

Holiday Tree Lighting, Festival of Trees in Rochester

ROCHESTER — The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Square in downtown Rochester. There'll also be a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Rochester City Mayor Paul Callaghan, and dance performances and caroling conducted by Studio 109 Dance, Voice & Drama, and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus, and more. Rochester Main Street will present its Festival of Trees at Studley's Flower Gardens greenhouse at 82 Wakefield Street on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 6 p.m. Admission is $5. There will also be a collection of items to benefit the Homeless Center of Strafford County. A collection sleigh will be available near the Parson Main statue. For more information and a list of items needed for the Collection for the Homeless, contact the Chamber office at 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org/treelighting.

Dock Square Tree Lighting

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — The traditional Dock Square Tree Lighting returns Friday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. with caroling with the Kennebunk High School Chamber Choir, the countdown from 41 and gathering with friends and family to kick off the holiday season.

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Holiday Artisan Faire

DOVER — Come by the Hindle Gallery at the Woodman Museum at 15 Summer St., Dover, for a wide-range of local hand-made goods including maple syrup, soaps, candles, woodworks, jewelry and more. The Holiday Artisan Faire will be open Dec. 1 to 23, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Village Christmas Fair

NEW CASTLE — New Castle Congregational Church will hold a Village Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the New Castle Recreational Building, Route 1B in New Castle. There will be morning coffee from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and homemade baked goods. Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will offer lobster rolls, fish chowder and hot dogs. There will be fresh holiday wreaths and greens, a silent auction, candy store, handcrafted ornaments and gifts, centerpieces and boxwood trees, baked goods, New Castle cookbook, vintage Christmas and jewelry. There will also be a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar Makers Market

CAPE NEDDICK, Maine — Center for Wildlife will host its annual Holiday Bazaar Makers Market on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local artists will have a variety of hand-made items for sale including paintings, pottery and more, warm refreshments will be served, Center for Wildlife live ambassador animals will be out and about for meet and greets and Santa will be on site for photos. This event is open to all ages. Pre-registration is recommended. A donation admission fee is required for anyone over 12 months of age. For more information and to book tickets, head to thecenterforwildlife.org/events.

Christmas Angel Fair

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The First Baptist Church, 130 Main St., South Berwick, Maine, will host itsbe having their annual Christmas Angel Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring country crafts, jams and relishes, knitted/crochet/quilted items, Rada knives, cookie walk, bake sale, and a white elephant Christmas room.  There will be a chowder and hot dogs luncheon.  Contact BJ Blaisdell 207-384-2063 for more information.

Holly Fair

STRATHAM — Stratham Community Church located at 6 Emery Lane, in Stratham is holding a Holly Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be greens, poinsettias, boxwood trees, homemade baked goods, candy, a Christmas room and jewelry. Join the fun at our silent auction. Bid cut off time 12 p.m., Sunday. The café will be open. Enjoy a.m. snacks and lunch sandwiches.

Christmas in the Country Fair

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — South Berwick and Wells Christian Church, 612 Emerys Bridge Road, South Berwick, Maine, will hold its fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Known for homemade chocolate covered cherries, homemade donuts (made on the spot) and unique crafts.  Beef stew or beans and hot dog lunch wit homemade pies.  The unique trash/treasure is a big hit. It will be worth the trip. For more information call 207-676-2714 or 207-384-9882.

Portsmouth Holiday Parade

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth's annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 3. The Tree Lighting in Market Square is from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and the parade steps off from Islington Street at 6 p.m. . Rain date: Sunday, Dec. 4 at same time.

Exeter Holiday Parade

EXETER — The Exeter Holiday Parade will be on Dec. 3 and will step off from the Osram property on Portsmouth Avenue at 5:30 p.m. and wind its way to High Street, passing the Bandstand on Water Street before dispersing along Swasey Parkway. Awards for various parade units will be given out in front of the Bandstand. Follow the Exeter Holiday Parade Facebook page for the latest information about this year’s event.

Holiday Open House at Creek Farm

PORTSMOUTH — Join the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for its first Open House at the Forest Society Education Center at Creek Farm on Saturday, Dec. 3, 400 Little Harbor Road, in Portsmouth, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors will enjoy hot cider and crafts with the Forest Society, GoodWork Seacoast, and neighbors at Little Harbor Chapel during this Holiday Open House. The Open House is free, however registration is required.

Kittery Holiday Parade

KITTERY, Maine — The annual Kittery Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade steps off from Post Office Square at 3 p.m. and concludes at John Paul Jones Park with a tree lighting.

'A Rock & Roll Christmas' Holiday Parade

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. The parade route will begin on Wakefield Street by the triangle at the entrance to the Spaulding High School. It will proceed south on Wakefield Street, turn right onto Union Street, turn left onto North Main Street to South Main Street, and disband in front of the Rochester Common. For additional information, call the Rochester Chamber office at 603-332-5080. Entry forms and guidelines can be found online at rochesternh.org/parade.

New Hampshire Gay Men's Chorus celebrates 25th anniversary

NEWINGTON — Join the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Road, Newington, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary winter concert series, Suddenly Silver Bells. Children (ages 12 and under) are admitted free. Advance ticket purchase advised. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.nhgmc.com/tickets/. Please have tickets available at the door, either by printing them or having them displayed on your mobile device. Call 603-263-4333 or visit www.nhgmc.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Talk on Indigenous people of Cochecho, holiday fun: Events this week