Whether you’re looking for some socking stuffers, a festive parade, tons of twinkling lights or a horse-drawn sleigh ride, the holidays are looking bright in the Granite State.
Get in the holiday spirit with this weekend lineup:
LOUDON — Gift of Lights, a 2.5-mile stretch of Christmas Light displays at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, runs through Dec. 30.
Cost is $35 per car or $60 for a bus, limousine or RV.
Info: nhms.com.
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CLAREMONT — Try “A Seussified Christmas Carol” by Peter Bloedel, at the Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Square, at 7 p.m. today and Friday.
It’s just what it sounds like — a mix of Dickens’ treasured Christmas tale and whimsical Seuss-eque rhymes.
The cast features more than 20 youths.
Info: cohn.org.
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DOVER — It’s “A Nice Family Christmas” at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 10 at The Strand, 20 Third St.
The story, by Phil Olson, is a comic take on family dysfunction and job woes.
Info: thestranddover.com
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HAMPTON — The Hampton Holiday Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday gets a summertime vibe with a “Surfboards & Snowglobes” theme.
Expect Hawaiian shirts, Jimmy Buffett tunes and a Hang Ten frame of mind.
Info: experience hampton.org.
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MANCHESTER — Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” plays the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., through Dec. 23. Tickets range from $28 to $49.
Info: Palacetheatre.org or 603-668-5858.
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CANDIA — Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St., features a horse-drawn ride at various times and dates through Dec. 24. Daytime and nighttime options are offered.
Info: visitthefarm.com.
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LACONIA — The family-friendly “Enchanted Characters Christmas Spectacular” takes over the Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The holiday showcase includes a medley of holiday classics and Disney songs by One Light Theatre, Celtic Irish dance by students at the Tara Little Studio, sweets and photographs with performers. Guests are invited to come dressed in their holiday attire or as their favorite character.
Info: lakeportopera.com.
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BEDFORD — The Bedford Women’s Club will present its Festival of Trees and Holiday Market from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Old Bedford Town Hall, 70 Bedford Center Road. There is no admission fee.
Info: bedfordwomens club.org.
MANCHESTER — Let It Glow from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Manchester Outpost, 1308 Wellington Road. Features include a snow globe photo booth, free food and chocolate bar, music by Fourth Degree, games, crafts and Christmas lights.
Info: church.one/ Manchester.
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NORTH CONWAY — The town’s Holiday Festival is on Saturday at Settlers Green.
Holiday happenings are scheduled throughout the day at the shopping village.
The tree lighting at the gazebo is at 4 p.m.
As part of a fundraiser, photos with Santa are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MWV Kiwanis’ decorated photo booth next to Talbots. Cost is $12 for a single photo and $10 for each additional copy.
Meanwhile, guests can guess how many peppermints are in a mason jar, take a slide on a mini tubing park, take in some caroling and venture into a light show.
Info: settlersgreen.com.
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PORTSMOUTH — The annual gingerbread house contest and exhibition is on display through Dec. 30 at the Portsmouth Historical Society, 10 Middle St.
The theme this year is “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.”
Info: portsmouth history.org.
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DOVER — The 14th annual Dover Festival of Trees will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Rivermill at Dover Landing.
The event will feature 35 trees as well as live choir performances, free goodie bags for kids, a scavenger hunt for kids, refreshments and holiday desserts, and a visit from Santa.
Info: 603-742-2218 or dovernh.org/FOT.
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PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth’s illuminated holiday parade lights up the streets with a spectacle of sights and sounds on Saturday.
Festivities begin with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and the celebrated parade at 6 from Goodwin Park on Islington Street to Market Square.
Info: cityofportsmouth.com.
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ROCHESTER — The holiday tree lighting starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Central Square.
Enjoy a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Paul Callaghan, dance performances, caroling, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
“A Polar Express” holiday parade is set for Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The parade will begin at the triangle by the R.W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, travel south on Wakefield Street, turn onto Union Street and then turn south on North Main Street and proceed through South Main Street, disbanding around the Rochester Commons.
Info: rochesternh.com.
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PORTSMOUTH — “The Sound of Music” echoes through The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., in a production featuring the Ogunquit Playhouse of Maine. It runs through Dec. 17.
Info: themusichall.org.
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— Compiled by Julia Ann Weekes/NHWeekend Editor
