Happy Thanksgiving! After the turkey has been carved and the pies have been eaten, take the weekend to find some time to wind down and relax. Get in the holiday spirit with one of several holiday shows, attend a winter market or burn off those Thanksgiving calories with some swing music.
Read on for a look at things to do this weekend:
‘The Nutcracker’ at The Star Theatre
What: Begin your holiday season with The Dance Annex’s “The Nutcracker.” Follow Clara on her magical journey to the Land of the Sweets.
When: Friday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25 at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 26 at 1 p.m., plus more dates in December.
Where: Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine
Cost: $34
More info: thedanceannexstudio.com
Model Airplane’s Funksgiving at 3S Artspace
What: For over a decade, Model Airplane has come together from all over the country to bring two nights of nonstop funk and soul to southern Maine. This year, for the first time ever, they’re bringing the party to Portsmouth
When: Friday, Nov. 24 at 8 p.m.
Where: 3S Artspace
Cost: $13 members, $15 general admission advance, $20 GA day of show
More info: 3sarts.org
‘A New England Christmas’ at Pontine Theatre
What: Pontine presents an original adaptation of Frank Stockton’s “Captain Eli’s Best Ear,” the story of a widowed sea captain who cleverly engineers his Christmas celebrations to get him his heart’s desire – a new family.
When: Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.
Where: The Plains School, 1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth
Cost: $29 to $32
More info: pontine.org
‘What the Dickens’
What: Cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future – only this time the audience decides how the story goes.
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth
Cost: $15
More info: playersring.org
Holiday Open House at the Forest Society Education Center
What: Visitors will enjoy hot cider and ornament crafts with the Forest Society and partners the Gundalow Company and Tailwinds: Raptor Education Conservation. The open house is free, however registration is required.
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Creek Farm, 400 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth
Cost: Free
More info: forestsociety.org
‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ at New Hampshire Theatre Project
What: The show features holiday music and a foley artist playing live sound effects. Its charming message fits perfectly with NHTP’s season theme, as George Bailey learns that he does indeed make a difference to the town of Bedford Falls.
When: Saturday, Nov. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: New Hampshire Theatre Project, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth
Cost: $28 to $32
More info: nhtheatreproject.org
New Legacy Swing Band at The Rockingham Ballroom
What: The 17-piece New Legacy Swing Band will offer up a calorie-free musical smorgasbord of jazz, big band classics, rock ‘n’ roll, Latin and more along with sides of swinging holiday favorites.
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket
Cost: $25
More info: rockinballroom.club
Spirit of Old Portsmouth: Winter Markets 2023
What: The winter edition of the Spirit of Old Portsmouth Artist and Makers Market: featuring two unique slates of local artists.
When: Sunday, Nov. 26, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth
Cost: Free
More info: pressroomnh.com