The holidays are a busy time for museums in the Merrimack Valley branch of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, highlighted by Canterbury Shaker Village’s Christmas at Canterbury, which take place on Saturdays, December 8 and 15.
Designed for families, the events include a magic show, model trains, cookie decorating, holiday card-making, live music, and visits with ‘Father Christmas.’ Caroling with the Canterbury Singers and an outdoor tree-lighting conclude each evening outside the historic Shaker Schoolhouse.
“Christmas at Canterbury is a wonderful way to start a new family tradition or do something different on date night,” said Executive Director Susan Bennett.
In addition, one-hour candlelight tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, December 6, 7 and 9, and Thursday and Friday, December 13 and 14. Reservations are strongly recommended.
“People love being at Shaker Village in early winter to experience the peaceful beauty of this hillside and see the simple decorations and twinkling lights in the historic buildings,” added Bennett. “Holiday picture-taking is encouraged with festive locations in both indoor and outdoor settings.”
For more information, including times and prices, visit shakers.org.
In Manchester at the Currier Museum of Art, several holiday themed events will take place, including Caroling in the Galleries on Saturday, December 8 from noon to 1:30 pm. At this event, visitors will be greeted by caroling, courtesy of Manchester Choral Society. New Hampshire residents enjoy free admission from 10 am to noon through a partnership with the Botnick Family Foundation and E&R Laundry and Dry Cleaning.
Music & Mimosas: Brunch at the Currier takes place on Sunday, December 9. At this monthly event, made more festive during the holidays, visitors may enjoy a continental station, made-to-order omelets, pancakes, French toast and other classic breakfast and lunch offerings while entertained by local musicians. A special ARTtalk occurs after brunch.
At Noon Year’s Eve Party on Monday, December 31, visitors may ring in the New Year a few hours early. Activities will include family-friendly, art-making activity, face painting, live entertainment and more. The celebration will end with bubble-wrap fireworks and a huge balloon drop.
For more information about any of these or other events, visit currier.org.
On Saturday, December 1 at the Millyard Museum in Manchester, two events take place with Holiday Open House expecting Santa in attendance. In addition, the free event will feature holiday storytelling, raffles, board games, refreshments and more.
Holiday Open House will take place at the same time as American Girl Doll Tea Party in which children will take a tour of the Millyard Museum through the eyes of an American Girl. The tour will be followed by refreshments and crafts.
For more information, visit manchesterhistoric.org.
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.