(The Art of Christmas, as part of Dickens Christmas Towne, will enhance this popular annual holiday event at Nauticus/Half Moone Cruise Terminal)
Dickens Christmas Towne
November 17 through December 31
Nauticus/Half Moone Cruise Terminal
Dickens’ Christmas Towne, a magical holiday village in the Decker Half Moone Center, opens on November 17 and establishes a festive mood from the moment you walk in, with strolling carolers, photos with Father Christmas, live music, shops and a variety of family-focused activities. Among this year’s new offerings are themed tea parties, as well as “Scrooge’s Journey,” a theatrical presentation in the Town Square. Returning favorites will include puppet shows, magic acts, juggling, an hourly indoor snowfall, Father Christmas, Geoffrey the talking Christmas tree, and an elaborate children’s craft corner.
Additionally, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ Christmas Towne will give every child visitor a free copy of the classic book throughout the season. Visitors will also enjoy “The Art of Christmas” – the first-ever U.S. exhibition of original book sketches by Christmas Carol illustrator, P.J. Lynch. The Irish laureate for children’s literature is known around the world for his art. His original preparatory drawings and paintings are presented by Union Bank & Trust and will be on display inside Dickens’ Christmas Towne.
Winter Wonderland: Coleman Collection
November 23 through December 31
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
All the magical moving figures and holiday music once a tradition at Coleman’s Nursery and preserved and presented in a warm setting.
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
November 30, 8 PM
American Theatre
Brighten your holidays with this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. Combining theater and eye-popping technology performed in complete darkness, Lightwire brings stories to life in ways that will mesmerize children of all ages. The troupe has been featured on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and returns to The American Theatre after last year’s enchanting sold-out performance.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 30, 7:30 PM
December 1, 11 AM, 3 PM & 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall
The famous holiday classic makes its way on stage with all the well-known characters like Hermey The Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
December 4, 6:30 PM
Ferguson Center
Your favorite Peanuts characters come to life in this all-new touring stage adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s classic Emmy and Peabody Award-winning animated television special – all set to Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable music. Join the gang as they put on their own Christmas play and discover the true meaning of the season.
Hurrah for the Holidays
Presented by Hurrah Players
December 7-9
TCC Roper Center
Guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit is the annual production of HURRAH FOR THE HOLIDAYS; a joyful celebration featuring all the best music of the season – from your favorite classic standards to popular modern day hits. With the renowned Lisa Wallace kick-line dancers, a 6 foot dancing snowman, and a few festive surprises – it’s an event for the entire family.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8, 7 PM
TCC Roper Center
Based on the popular book by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is the funny, heartwarming, and mildly irreverent story of what happens when a church play is hijacked by six of the ‘absolutely worst kids in the history of the world’. A holiday tradition for 27 years, this event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 18, 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center
Cirque Dreams Holidaze continues to deliver holiday cheer stuffed with audacious acts to wonder-eyed audiences across the globe! Renowned director Neil Goldberg re-imagines the season with sparkle and suspense one can only dream of in a “holidaze.” Experience gingerbread men flipping mid-air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, penguins spinning, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 18, 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall
A holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, A Magical Cirque Christmas has it all – jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols with incredible live musicians on stage.
