Embrace the Enchantment of the Holidays this December

As December arrives, the North of Boston region is ready to sparkle with winter magic and festive cheer! From twinkling holiday lights to cozy traditions, there’s no shortage of seasonal fun to enjoy. Whether you're discovering charming small towns, savoring seasonal treats, or experiencing the warmth of local events, December brings something special for everyone. Read on for the latest edition of the North of Boston Buzz!

Nov. 29–Dec. 29: A Colorful Christmas at Castle Hill, Ipswich

Visiting Castle Hill at Christmas is a time-honored tradition. Don’t miss this year’s festival of color. Each room in our 1920s mansion is decorated with a different vibrant color scheme. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate, try the Crane holiday eye spy, and shop in the Castle Hill Gift Shop. Christmas at Castle Hill runs Fridays, November 29, December 6, 13, and 20, 4-8 pm; Saturdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 10 am-4 pm; Sundays, December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 10 am-4 pm; and December 26-29, 10 am-4 pm.

Nov. 30–Jan. 1: Winter Lights on Cape Ann

Celebrate the spirit of the season on Cape Ann! Pack up the car and come enjoy the 5th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their storefronts with twinkling lights and creative window displays! Over 100 lighted locations will help bring joy to all those who visit from Small Business Saturday through New Years Day!

Dec. 5–8: Marblehead Christmas Walk, Marblehead

Well known as one of the finest holiday happenings in New England, Marblehead Christmas Walk is a signature event that captures the warmth of the holiday season throughout the entire town. Join the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce for a festive weekend including Thursday Night Preview Shopping, the Friday Tree Lighting, Saturday's Santa’s Arrival by lobster boat and Parade, the Artisan's Markets, Gingerbread festival, music and so much more!

Dec. 14: Deck the Docks, Maritime Gloucester

Join Maritime Gloucester for their annual Deck the Docks event, a fun-filled day of Holiday Joy, Maritime Gloucester Style! Enjoy children's crafts, readings, music, food from The Cravery and The Lobster Roller Food Trucks, free hot cocoa and more. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival by Schooner to greet all the good boys and girls and the annual lighting ceremony and celebration of Gloucester's iconic Lobster Trap Tree!

Dec. 26–Jan. 1: Salem's Frozen Fire Festival, Salem

Once again, Salem's multifaceted winter event Frozen Fire Festival returns! Inspired by the City of Salem's creative culture and in collaboration with locally-founded placemaking, entertainment and hospitality firm, The Anthem Group, downtown Charlotte Forten Park (now home to Anthem's Harborwalk Garden) will be transformed into the annual Frozen Fire Festival – a must-see experience for all ages.

Beginning on December 26th and continuing throughout New Year’s Day, guests will enjoy dynamic daily programming and entertainment like cirque performers and fire installations. The Frozen Fire Festival welcomes guests to enjoy multiple hospitality outlets and food trucks, including both the S’mores and Hot Chocolate Garden as well as The Polar Bar, featuring a curated collection of local and international brews alongside a robust wine and specialty drink selection. The Frozen Fire Festival will also include two curling rinks to add to the outdoor, all-ages fun this winter.

The event is free and open to the public, plus festival specials and VIP packages are now available for purchase!

What To See & Do This Month:

Dec. 1: Cape Ann Makers Market Holiday Sip & Shop, Cruiseport Gloucester

Dec. 1: Holiday Pops, Cape Ann Symphony, Manchester/Essex Regional Hough School, Manchester-By-The-Sea

Dec. 4, 11, 18, 24: Beauport Hotel's Jingle Bar, Gloucester

Dec. 5-22: A Christmas Carol, North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly

Dec. 6 & 7: Cape Ann Big Band Holiday, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

Dec. 6, 13, 20: Newburyport Holiday Invitation Nights, Newburyport

Dec. 7 & 8: Holidays at the Cushing House, Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport

Dec. 7: Amesbury Holiday Parade, Amesbury

Dec. 7: Christmas Tea at Phillips House, Salem

Through Dec. 8: SeaFestival of Trees, Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury Beach

Dec. 8: Christmas Afternoon Tea at Long Hill, Beverly

Dec. 13 & 14: Beverly Winter Markets, Beverly

Dec. 14: Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek, Gloucester

Dec. 14: Holiday House Tour and Market, Newburyport

Dec. 14: Middle Street Walk, Gloucester

Dec. 14: Meet the Saint Bernards, Smolak Farms, North Andover

Dec. 14: Home for the Holidays Special, Gloucester Stage Company

Through Dec. 15: "YES!" Year End Show from the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Gloucester

Dec. 15: Santa at Sea, Beauport Cruiselines, Gloucester Photo credit Beauport Cruiselines

Dec. 20–22: The Nutcracker, Presented by North Atlantic Ballet, The Cabot Theatre, Beverly

Through Dec. 23: Salem Trolley & The Gallows, A Christmas Carol, Salem

Dec. 26–Jan. 1: Frozen Fire Festival, Charlotte Forten Park, Salem

Through Jan. 4: Winterlights at Stevens Coolidge House and Gardens, North Andover

For a full calendar of events visit the event calendar on our website.

Tis' the Season for Winter Fun for Everyone!

As winter settles in across the North of Boston, the region comes alive with exciting seasonal events and unique experiences. Get ready to lace up your skates at MarketStreet Lynnfield’s beautiful outdoor skating rink, immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Salem’s Frozen Fire Festival, or cozy up with friends and family for a memorable meal in a private igloo at Mile Marker One in Gloucester. Whether you're gliding on ice, marveling at festive lights and fire displays, or dining in a snowy retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December!

MarketStreet Lynnfield Ice Skating Rink:

The outdoor ice skating rink at MarketStreet Lynnfield is the perfect spot to embrace the season. Open daily through February 23rd, this charming rink is surrounded by shopping, dining, and nooks for relaxing. After a spin on the ice, grab a warm drink or explore the nearby stores for holiday shopping. Bowl at King's or savor a delicious meal at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Legal C Bar, or Burtons.

Frozen Fire Festival in Salem:

Salem’s Frozen Fire Festival is a dazzling celebration of winter with fire dancers, ice sculptures, and light displays that will leave you in awe. Held in downtown Salem at Charlotte Forten Park from December 26th through January 1st, this unique event combines the magic of winter with the warmth of live performances and festive entertainment. Now in its third year, Frozen Fire Festival continues to be a centerpiece for dynamic winter entertainment, artisan shopping, hospitality and craft libations. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing fire and ice installations while taking in captivating fire and cirque performances. This vibrant destination offers an unforgettable experience for the senses, is family-friendly and open to the public with no cost for admission!

Igloo Dining at Mile Marker One:

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, head to Mile Marker One in Gloucester, where you can enjoy a cozy meal in one of their private, heated igloos. Overlooking the harbor, these unique igloos provide a comfortable and intimate setting, perfect for enjoying an outdoor winter feast with loved ones while staying warm and snug. The igloos are great for parties of two and up. The domes can accommodate larger parties, opening the door for celebrations, corporate meetings lunches and endless group fun! An extra-large dome is currently being constructed, which will be able to accomodate more than 20 people!

Hungry For More?

We've collaborated with @TasteofMassachusetts to highlight some of the region's most beloved eats and treats! Take a look and get ready to get hungry!

Did you know you can visit a medieval castle when you visit North of Boston? The Hammond Castle was built in the late 1920s by scientist/inventor and collector John Hammond, Jr.(1888-1965). Today it lives as a beautiful and informative museum and is currently decorated for the holiday season–it’s an attraction not-to-be missed!

Watch the video to learn more about their impressive display!

When in Newburyport be sure to visit The Tannery Historic Marketplace which boasts two amazing date night sister restaurants, Brown Sugar by the Sea and The Joy Nest. Both offer great dishes and amazing Ramen, but their cozy comfort style make them perfect for a date destination.

Watch the video for more mouthwatering inspiration!

New Years Eve Events:

Dec. 31: Soul Rebel Project, The Cut, Gloucester

Dec. 31: New Years Eve Bash with The Fools, Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Dinner, Davio's Lynnfield

Dec. 31: Frozen Fire Festival, Salem

Dec. 31: Rockport New Year's Eve

Dec. 31: NYE Launch, Salem