Rochester Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests gather in downtown Rochester to watch the lighting of the holiday tree and listen to a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The evening includes live caroling, dance performances, and an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus. Attendees...

Spectators gather along the downtown parade route to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The procession features creative decorated floats, marching bands, community organizations, and special holiday appearances. Walkers along the route also hand out candy directly to attendees...

Hosted by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, the parade brings together community members to celebrate the holiday season. Spectators line the route to watch local participants, civic organizations, and businesses make their way from Wells Plaza north toward Wells Junior...

Visitors gather in Market Square to see the seasonal tree lighting ceremony. The community gathering is hosted by the Mayor and City Council to kick off downtown holiday celebrations.

Participants gather for a holiday 5K race supporting children in the local community. Organized by Massabesic High School's National Honor Society, the event brings runners together to celebrate the season and raise funds for a good cause. Attendees can check...

Visitors can experience a coastal holiday festival featuring tree lightings, street celebrations, and fireworks over the cove. The town comes alive with strolling carolers, live music, ice carving, and quirky traditions like the Hat Parade and Pooch Parade. Families can...

This coastal holiday festival transforms the seaside village into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and ocean views. Festivities include tree and bridge lightings, live holiday concerts, artisan craft shows, and children's activities. Visitors can also experience a festive...

This community gathering brings neighbors together right on Main Street to celebrate the season. Visitors come together to watch the lighting of the tree in the center of the village.

Visitors wander through museum galleries transformed into an enchanted wonderland of decorated trees, each styled around a unique theme. Guests can admire the trees, bid on artwork created by local artists and artisans, and enter raffles for prizes donated by...

Passengers take a round-trip train ride featuring conductor-led games, Christmas carol singing, letter writing to Santa, and a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Each guest receives a Christmas cookie on board and visits from holiday characters including Rudolph, Frosty,...

Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes, jazz vocalist and music therapist Claudia Zanes, and multi-instrumentalist Elena Moon Park lead an intergenerational communal sing-along. Audience members receive a songbook featuring traditional carols like “Silent Night” and “Let it Snow” alongside songs from...

Participants create their own unique coastal or Grinchy style sea glass Christmas tree in an instructor-led workshop. All tools and materials required to finish one tree are provided. Attendees also sample light snacks and a holiday wine tasting featuring four...

Participants use glass frits to assemble and decorate their own fused glass holiday sweater ornament with whimsical accents like snowflakes. Nancy from True Colors Glassworks guides guests through the art and science of glass fusing. During the session, visitors also...

Participants run or walk through scenic New England landscapes and rural roads along the Merrimack River, with the 5K covering a campus loop and the half marathon tackling a figure-eight course. After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate at...

Visitors explore Victoria Mansion's historic rooms decorated by local florists, designers, and artists to emulate Victorian-era splendor. Holiday tours are self-paced and docent-facilitated as guests walk through elaborate Gustave Herter interiors and view fresco-style wall paintings. Installations throughout the house...

Spectators can watch decorated community floats, marching band music, and Santa's sleigh travel along the parade route. Festivities continue at the park with live musical performances, holiday dance numbers, and a countdown led by Santa to light the bandstand. Families...

Guests gather at the terminal for a live theatrical send-off before boarding decorated historic passenger coaches. During the ride, costumed chefs serve hot chocolate and snickerdoodle cookies while passengers listen to a reading of The Polar Express and pass illuminated...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with a dazzling parade featuring creatively lit floats, marching bands, and community participants. Following...

First Night Portsmouth is an alcohol-free community celebration on December 31st. The event includes fireworks and ice sculptures.

Join the community in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a New Year's Eve celebration. While specific event details are not provided, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous dining and entertainment options to explore as you welcome the new year....

Experience the magic of Saco's Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights! This cherished tradition combines joyful daytime festivities, including story time with Santa and live caroling, with a breathtaking evening parade. Watch as Main Street comes alive with glowing floats,...

Concord Dance Academy members will participate in the local Holiday Parade. Competition Team members must participate; all other members are invited to walk or ride on a float.

Experience the magic of the holidays with a special trolley ride at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus on trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows by a fire pit, explore...

Join the 37th Annual Lobster Dip on January 1st, 2025, at Old Orchard Beach for a thrilling New Year's tradition. Brave the chilly Atlantic waters to raise vital funds for Special Olympics Maine athletes. This event offers a unique opportunity...