Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend.
Seacoast:
Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap
Dec. 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Portsmouth Historical Society
10 Middle Street, Portsmouth
Come celebrate the holidays with the Portsmouth Historical Society at our Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap! Get out your most ridiculous sweater and bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to share with participants! You’ll get a chance to show off a recipe you love and take home plenty of new cookies to try. Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and bring a batch of your favorite cookies for this festive event!
Weird Themes Photography; Playing with Light
Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
North Church-Portsmouth UCC
2 Congress St., Portsmouth
Join the Weird Themes Photography Meetup Group to stroll around Downtown Portsmouth, and photograph the glowing light and activity!
Merrimack Valley:
Once an Outlaw
Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Bank of NH Stage at CCA
16 S. Main St., Concord
Once an Outlaw Band featuring Chris Anderson of the Outlaws is a powerhouse guitar-driven blues/southern rock experience. Fronted by renowned guitarist/vocalist, Chris Anderson and supported by an all-star lineup of musicians, Once an Outlaw Band is a must for any guitar, blues, or southern rock fan. Chris has worked and toured with Lucinda Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Hank Williams Jr, Steven Stills, and Warren Hynes, to name just a few. Rolling Stone gave his album, Old Friend, 5 stars.
Winter Wonderland Craft Market and Psychic Fair
Dec. 9, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Hooksett American Legion Post 37
5 Riverside St., Hooksett
Come join us on Saturday, December 9, at the Hooksett American Legion for the Winter Wonderland Craft Market & Psychic Fair, hosted by CAYA Reiki & Healing! Over 30 vendors, readers, crafters, artists, and more welcome you to a fun-filled day of family Holiday shopping! Whether you’re looking for unique hand-crafted gifts, psychic readings, healing, aura photography, or just to browse all of the talented vendors’ tables, you will find what you’re looking for!
Monadnock:
Turtle Paint Along
Dec. 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Frogg Brewing
580 Sawyers Crossing Rod, Swanzey
Matt Patterson will be guiding people through an acrylic turtle painting. The turtle we will be painting is a wood turtle. This species is one of the most beautiful turtles with bright red legs and neck and an orange pattern on the shell. They are found here in NH and are threatened and endangered throughout their range. Matt will supply a drawing on acrylic paper to paint 9×12. He will also supply brushes, paint and palette, water cups and paper towels. Everything that is needed to do the painting. 1 beer or drink will be included with each ticket.
Snarky Holiday Cross-stitch
Dec. 9, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
The United Church of Christ
28 Central Square, Keene
Let your inner Grinch off Mt. Crumpit and learn Counted Cross-Stitch technique. Perfect for working while out your Holiday Frustration or just celebrating with a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun. We’ll be making small hooped cross-stitch “ornaments” featuring the best of bad language. All material in included with registration.
Lakes:
Lakes Region Symphony
Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
Colonial Theater
609 Main St., Laconia
The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert festivities return featuring outstanding vocalist Sheree Owens. A brand-new mix of traditional carols and modern holiday fun by The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Sarah Reeves, and more. A concert that will surely light up your holiday spirit in grand orchestral style. Planned vocal selections include: Ave Maria / The 12 Days of Christmas / We Need a Little Christmas / Jingle Bells / My Favorite Things / Silent Night / The Christmas Song / White Christmas, and more.
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
The Hood Highlights Tour
Dec. 9, 2 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Hood Museum of Art
3 E Wheelock St., Hanover
Head on over to the Hood Museum for an in-person tour of all of the museum’s galleries! Meet in the Russo Atrium five minutes prior to the start time. No registration necessary.
Hanukkah Celebration
Dec.9, 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Kilton Public Library
80 Main St., West Lebanon
Hosted by the Jewish Communities of Vermont, head over to the Kilton Public Library for a Hanukkah Celebration! Join Kol Ha E’mek, UPVC, Shir Shalom & PJ Library in Hanukkah fun for everyone!
White Mountains:
A Cold River Radio Christmas Season Finale
Dec. 10, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The Majestic Theatre
31 Main Street, Conway
The Cold River Radio’s season finale show will feature some of their most loved and special Cold River Radio guests! With performances by Cassandre McKinley, Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher, Maine folk troubadour Dan Blakeslee, Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, The DellaValla Bluegrass Trio, 7-year-old Pierce Party and author David McPhail. This event will be hosted by Jonathan Party and his fabulous Cold River Radio Band featuring David Mattacks on Drums, Todd Baker on Double Bass, Mike Sakash on Soprano Sax, and Joseph “Sonny” Barbato on Piano.
Great North Woods:
A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story
Dec. 8 through Dec. 10, times vary
Jean’s Playhouse
34 Papermill Dr., Lincoln
A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story is a “ghostly” musical adaptation of the famous Charles Dickens classic featuring all your favorite characters, plus original music, spooky ghosts, and some unexpected twists and turns! As Ebenezer Scrooge wakes up the morning before Christmas, he has no idea an old friend is about to give him the scare of his life with the help of three ghostly companions. Scrooge must examine his haunted past, lonely present, and frightening future in order to rejoin his fellow man and discover the true meaning of Christmas. This original adaptation by NCCA Executive Artistic Director, Joel Mercier, has been adapted specifically for the intimate environment of Jean’s Playhouse, utilizing a professional cast of 11 adult actors, local youth performers, and a 3-piece band.
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at EGonzalesVerdi@nhmagazine.com