Get out there and make merry before December goes by in a flash of red and green.
Here’s an early holiday peek at this weekend’s festivities:
AMHERST — Experience a blend of American and German traditions at the Amherst German Christmas Market on the Village Green, 2 Main St., on Saturday. Admission is free.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Info: amherstchristmas.org.
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CLAREMONT — The third annual production of “Clara Dreamz,” a contemporary take on the classic “Nutcracker” ballet, plays at the Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Square, at 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Info: cohn.org.
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CONCORD — The Barter Players will present “Frosty, A Musical Adventure,” by Catherine Bush and Dax Dupuy, at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday at the Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St.
Info: 603-225-1111 or ccanh.com.
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DERRY — Rockapella, a longtime holiday season favorite, plays the Stockbridge Theatre on the Pinkerton Academy campus at 7 p.m. Friday.
The a cappella ensemble first got attention in the mid-1990s on PBS’ “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.”
Members include vocalist Scott Leonard, beatboxer Jeff Thacher, tenor Calvin Jones, tenor Manny Houston and bass George Baldi.
Info: pinkertonacademy.org or 603-437-5200.
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CONCORD and NASHUA — Symphony NH, lead by Roger Kalia, plays the Keefe Center for the Arts in Nashua at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and a matinee show at 3 p.m. Sunday at Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St.
Highlights include Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Christmas Overture” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”
Info: symphonynh.org.
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MANCHESTER — The 2nd annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony will kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. Claus hosting a story time event at The Bookery on Elm Street.
The actual tree lighting, including hot chocolate and caroling at City Hall Plaza, runs from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.
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LINCOLN — North Country Center for the Arts presents “A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story” at Jean’s Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, along with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The musical is an adaptation by NCCA’s executive artistic director Joel Mercier of the novella written by Charles Dickens.
The show, which is rated PG, has a 12-person cast with adult and youth performers as well as a three-piece band.
Info: jeansplayhouse.com.
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MANCHESTER — It’s a Very Merry Holiday Gift Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the DoubleTree by Hilton’s expo center, 700 Elm St.
Guests 21 and older can sample holiday liquor, wine and spirits.
Info: Facebook.
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PLYMOUTH and NASHUA — The Grammy Award-winning fiddler Eileen Ivers is back in New Hampshire with a Joyful Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St.
The musical star of “Riverdance” and a founding member of ensemble Cherish the Ladies, Ivers was a member of the Hall & Oates band, a featured instrumentalist on soundtracks including “Gangs of New York” and “Back to Titanic,” and she is one of the most awarded All-Ireland fiddle and banjo champion.
Info: flyingmonkeynh.com and nashuacenterforthearts.com.
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WOLFEBORO — The 19th TubaChristmas blasts its way into the holiday season at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church, 115 S. Main St.
The ensemble of tubas, baritone horns and euphoniums, usually seated at the back in bands, will get front seats this time.
Festive attire is encouraged. Donations will go to L.I.F.E. Ministries Food Pantry.
Info: Joe Ewing at 603-569-3861 or tubachristmas .com.
— Compiled by Julia Ann Weekes,
NHWeekend Editor
