2008 Holiday Highlights
November 28-30
Rockport Holiday Homecoming Weekend
December 6
Santa's
Arrival by Boat, 3:45 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:00 p.m.
December 13-14
Seaside
Village Open House
7th Annual
Gallery Stroll
December 14
Open
Houses in the Inns, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy the warmth of the season at
several of Rockport’s finest accommodations.
December 20
Christmas Pageant , 5pm
December 31
CHRISTMAS
TREE REMOVAL/RECYCLING
Rockport
Boy Scout Troop 20 will pick up your old Christmas tree and recycle it. Tree pickup
on Saturdays, December 27, January 3, and January 10, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Trees must
be free of ornaments, lights, and tree stands. Trees should be
put outside
prior to our arrival. $4 donation. Call 978-546-9501 or email treepickup@verizon.net
to schedule pickup, providing your name, address, telephone number, and which
day is best to pick up your tree. Service for Rockport and Gloucester.
Christmas Events in Rockport, December 2008
DECEMBER
3
ROCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
at the First Congregational
Church, 12 School Street, 7:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
5
ROCKPORT LEGION BAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
at the Rockport United
Methodist Church, 36 Broadway, 7p.m. Free.
(Inclement weather date December
19.)
DECEMBER
6
AN ARTFUL TOUCH GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
5 Main Street. Wine & cheese
served with Simon Pearce glass items.
SANTA
PAWS IS COMING!
to the Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck, 11 a.m. - 2
p.m. Have your dog's picture taken on Santa's lap! $10 donation benefits Cape
Ann Animal Aid. Laughs and treats for everyone. 978-546-1364 or 978-283-6055.
TUCK'S
CANDY FACTORY
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free demonstrations of candy-cane, ribbon candy, and Satin Stick making. Come
in and watch and sample! Bring the whole family for an old-fashioned holiday treat,
or call and mail a treat to a loved one. 978-546-6352.
CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR
at the First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 9 a.m. - 1
p.m. Featuring a wide range of Christmas decorations and ornaments, including
fresh hand-crafted wreaths, greenery arrangements, and unique gifts. Hand-crafted
and hand-knitted items, Christmas past items. Home made cake, cookies, and other
Christmas treats baked by Rockport's best bakers. Call 978-546-6638. The church
is handicapped accessible from the School St. entrance.
ADVENT
FAIR
at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Featuring
gifts, jewelry, cards, African jewelry, baked goods, a soup luncheon, and the
best holiday greens on Cape Ann!
BOY
SCOUT TROOP 20'S ANNUAL CLAM CHOWDER IN A BREAD BOWL
at the Old Firehouse,
3 Dock Square, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate, and corn dogs also available.
STOFFA GALLERY
OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 'til
Christmas. Variety of small original paintings. Prints on canvas by Mary Douyard,
Dorothy J. Ramsey, Michael Stoffa. Digital photography by Tom Philbrook and hand-crafted
decorative tiles by Bob Bliss. Hot cider and Christmas goodies. 978-546-7108.
CAPE
ANN JAZZ BAND
performing brassy Christmas music throughout downtown, 3
p.m. - 5 p.m.
SANTA'S
ARRIVAL BY BOAT
Tuna Wharf, 3:45 p.m.
TREE
LIGHTING CEREMONY
Dock Square, 4 p.m. Carol singing around the tree. Hot
chocolate donated by The Fish Shack Restaurant, Dock Square Mall.
TREE
LIGHTING DINNER
at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant, 25 Main Street, 4 p.m.
- 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Rockport Rotary Club and featuring the Rockport High
School Jazz Band. $10 per person. Open to the public.
DECEMBER
7
SANTA PAWS IS COMING!
to the Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck,
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Have your dog's picture taken on Santa's lap! $10 donation benefits
Cape Ann Animal Aid. Laughs and treats for everyone. 978-546-1364 or 978-283-6055.
MARILYN
SWIFT SOLO EXHIBITION
opening reception today, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the
Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. Exhibition continues through December
31.
WINTER
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street,
through December 31.
OPEN
HOUSE AT THE SEWALL-SCRIPTURE HOUSE
at the Sandy Bay Historical Society,
40 King Street, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Carol singing to an old-fashioned pump organ and
an electric train for the children. 978-546-9533.
DECEMBER
11
HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
at Tuck's Candy Factory, 7 Dock Square, 3:30
p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Santa joins Senator Bruce Tarr and North Shore 104.9 for this
annual benefit for children of the North Shore. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and
enjoy live music, refreshments, and more.
DECEMBER
13
AN ARTFUL TOUCH GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
5 Main Street, with select
holiday specials.
SEASIDE
VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE
featuring unique gift ideas and refreshments in the
shops throughout the downtown area.
SCANDINAVIAN
JUL FEST
at Spiran Hall (corner of School Street and Broadway), 9 a.m.
- 1 p.m. Santa Lucia Pageant, children's dancing, Spiran musicians, traditional
foods and gifts, holiday greens, and luncheon. Free admission. 978-546-2229.
MRS.
CLAUS COOKIE SALE & CRAFT BAZAAR
at Rockport United Methodist Church,
36 Broadway, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cookies, crafts, and chowder.
GINGERBREAD
HOUSE CONTEST Event Cancelled
at the
Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vote for your favorite
sweet construction
TUCK'S
CANDY FACTORY
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free demonstrations of candy-cane, ribbon candy and Satin Stick making. Come in
and watch and sample! Bring the whole family for an old-fashioned holiday treat,
or call and mail a treat to a loved one. 978-546-6352.
HAYRIDES
ALONG BEARSKIN NECK
Departing from Dock Square, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy
a hay wagon ride pulled by a team of Belgian draft horses along Bearskin Neck.
SEVENTH
ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The first day of this popular
introduction to Rockport's galleries, studios, artists, and artisans.
QUINTESSENTIAL
BRASS
12 p.m. - 2 p.m., performing traditional carols, holiday classics,
and jazzy Christmas favorites throughout downtown.
SOLSTICE
SINGERS
12 p.m. - 2 p.m., strolling and singing songs of the season throughout
downtown.
STOFFA
GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
'til Christmas. Variety of small original paintings. Prints on canvas by Mary
Douyard, Dorothy J. Ramsey, Michael Stoffa. Digital photography by Tom Philbrook
and hand-crafted decorative tiles by Bob Bliss. Hot cider and Christmas goodies.
978-546-7108.
DECEMBER
14
AN ARTFUL TOUCH GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
5 Main Street, with select
holiday specials.
SEASIDE
VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE
featuring unique gift ideas and refreshments in the
shops throughout the downtown area.
SEVENTH
ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The second day of this popular
introduction to Rockport's galleries, studios, artists, and artisans.
ROCKPORT
INNS OPEN HOUSE
featuring tours at the inns, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy the
warmth of the season at several of Rockport's finest accommodations including
Addison Choate Inn, Captain's House, Old Farm Inn, Seafarer Inn, Seven South Street
Inn, and Yuletide Inn.
GINGERBREAD
HOUSE CONTEST Event Cancelled
at the
Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vote for your favorite
sweet construction
DECEMBER
15
ROCKPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAMBER MUSIC AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
at
the First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 7:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
16
ROCKPORT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL BAND WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERT
at the
Rockport High School Auditorium, Jerden's Lane, 7:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
17
ROCKPORT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL WINTER CHORAL CONCERT
at the Rockport
High School Auditorium, Jerden's Lane, 7:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
18
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
at the First Congregational Church, 12
School Street, 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Women's Fellowship. Christmas music
and readings by Hope Norton and Phil Swanson, followed by Christmas tea.
ROCKPORT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT
at the John Lane Performing Arts Center,
Jerden's Lane, 7 p.m. Bands and chorus.
DECEMBER
20
AN ARTFUL TOUCH GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
5 Main Street, with select
holiday specials offered.
TUCK'S
CANDY FACTORY
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free demonstrations of candy-cane, ribbon candy, and Satin Stick making. Come
in and watch and sample! Bring the whole family for an old-fashioned holiday treat,
or call and mail a treat to a loved one. 978-546-6352.
CAPE
ANN JAZZ BAND
12 p.m. - 2 p.m., performing brassy Christmas music throughout
downtown.
STOFFA
GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
'til Christmas. Variety of small original paintings. Prints on canvas by Mary
Douyard, Dorothy J. Ramsey, Michael Stoffa. Digital photography by Tom Philbrook
and hand-crafted decorative tiles by Bob Bliss. Hot cider and Christmas goodies.
978-546-7108.
NORTH
SHORE CHRISTIAN MEN'S CHOIR
performing in Dock Square, 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
63rd
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Dock Square and Main Street, 5 p.m. A torch-lit
live re-enactment of the Nativity. (inclement weather date: December 21).
ANNUAL
OPEN HOUSE
at the Rockport National Bank, 16 Main Street. Stop in after
the Pageant and enjoy some holiday refreshments.
CHRISTMAS
PAGEANT HAM & BEAN SUPPER
at the First Congregational Church, 12 School
Street, immediately after the Pageant. A traditional ham and baked bean supper,
served by the members of the church. A real bargain at $9 for adults and $6 for
children 12 and under. Macaroni and cheese and hot dogs will also be offered.
Desserts and drinks are included. For information call 978-546-6638 or 978-546-8021
(days), 978-546-3157 (evenings). Open to the public.
CHRISTMAS
TREE PRIME RIB DINNER
at the Emerson Inn by the Sea, One Cathedral Avenue,
immediately following Rockport's annual Pageant. $42 with 10% of all dinner sales
to benefit the Christmas Tree Fund. Reservations recommended. 978-546-6321.
CALLING
IN THE ANGELS: A SOLSTICE INVOCATION
at the Unitarian Universalist Society
of Rockport, 7:30 p.m. John Ananda and friends of Back to Source.
DECEMBER
25
SANTA VISITS DOCK SQUARE
to greet the children of Rockport, 10:30
a.m.
DECEMBER
31
NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER
at the Emerson Inn by the Sea, One Cathedral
Avenue, seatings begin at 5:00 p.m. Five course gourmet dinner. $75 per person.
Reservations required. Overnight packages also available. 978-546-6321.
NEW
YEAR'S ROCKPORT EVE 2008
6 p.m. to midnight. Six hours of continuous entertainment.
85 shows to choose from! (See Highlights section on the back for more details.)
978-546-9038.
CHRISTMAS
IN ROCKPORT
HIGHLIGHTS
Now in its 24th year, the Christmas in Rockport
celebration offers a unique blend of the new and the old. Traditional programs
include Santa's arrival by lobster boat and the Dock Square tree lighting (December
6), open houses at several of Rockport's charming inns (December 14), the 63rd
annual Christmas Pageant (December 20), and Santa's visit to Dock Square on Christmas
morning. Some of the more recent additions to the festivities include the two-day
Gallery Stroll (December 13 & 14), a marvelous opportunity to meet the artists
of the Town and purchase unique gift items.
The year will conclude on December
31 with one of the Town's youngest traditions, New Year's Rockport Eve 2008, celebrating
its 12th anniversary. Sites throughout downtown Rockport will host children's
activities (clowns, puppets, magic, story tellers, etc.), and music for all tastes
(classical, jazz, rock 'n roll, country and western, folk, blues, songs of the
sea, etc.). Join us in Dock Square for a midnight celebration to welcome 2009.
Buttons are on sale at many Rockport and Gloucester businesses and on December
31. For further information and a full schedule of events, check the New Year's
Rockport Eve web site: www.newyearsrockporteve.com
or call 978-546-9038.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Feel the warmth of the season in one of New England's most
picturesque towns, where Christmas is still celebrated the way it used to be.
Join us for the tree lighting and the Pageant; the fairs and the festivals; the
concerts and the strolling minstrels. Plus, over 100 quaint shops and art galleries
offer an abundance of unique gifts for the whole family in every price range.
And a variety of seaside inns and restaurants remain open for your holiday enjoyment.
Rockport
is easily accessible by car (Route 128) and train (MBTA). As the map below indicates,
the downtown business area is extremely compact and most of the shops are within
walking distance of one another. Public restrooms are located on T-Wharf and Beach
Street, and are open on a daily basis. Free on-street parking is available.
SPONSORS
The Chamber of Commerce appreciates the financial support given to the month-long Christmas in Rockport program by the following businesses, who welcome your patronage during the holiday season and throughout the year. We particularly wish to acknowledge and thank Granite Savings Bank, this year's lead sponsor for Rockport's annual Christmas Pageant.
GALLERIES
An Artful Touch Gallery
Barn Gallery
Borsari Gallery
Kaihlanen Gallery
Mosher
Gallery
Rockport Art Assn.
Square Circle
Michael Stoffa Gallery
Summer
House Gallery
Windemere Art & Antiques
RESTAURANTS
Bean & Leaf Café
Coffee
Shop
Dunkin' Donuts
Fish Shack Restaurant
Helmut's Strudel
Hula Moon
Grand
Café at the Emerson Inn by the Sea
My Place by the Sea
Porticello
Bistro
Red Skiff Seafood & Grille
Rockport House of Pizza
Roy Moore
Lobster Company
Sandy's Bay Bakery
SHOPS
AliKat
Artesano's
Bearskin Neck Leathers
Blue Gate Gardens
China
Gifts International
Christmas Dove
CJ's
Comfort First Shoes
Crackerjacks
Delphinus
Jewelry & Gifts
Good
Dog! Gallery
House of Glass
John Tarr Store
Joncien
Katie's Gift Shop
La
Provence
London Venturers
Lula's Pantry
N. Cassel
Nordic Impressions
Out
of the Blue
Pier & Main Fine Gifts
Sycamore
Hollow
The Emporium Ltd. Gifts & Cookie Shoppe
The Galleree
The Last
Resort
The Paper Mermaid
The Pewter Shop
The Prince & the Pauper
Toad
Hall Bookstore
Tuck's Retail Corp.
Village Silversmith
Willoughby's
INNS
Addison Choate Inn
Beach
& King Street Inn
Beach Knoll Inn
Beech Tree Bed & Breakfast
Bulfinch
House
Captain's House
Eagle House Motel & Guesthouse
Eden Pines
Emerson
Inn by the Sea
Inn on Cove Hill
Lantana House
Linden Tree Inn
Old
Farm Inn
Peg Leg Inn
Pleasant Street Inn
Sally Webster Inn
Seafarer
Inn
Seven South Street Inn
Tuck Inn B&B
York House Bed & Breakfast
Yuletide
Inn
OTHER SPONSORS
C.H.
Cleaves Insurance
Consigli Construction Company
Cooper Associates
Den-Mar
Rehabilitation & Nursing Ctr.
Bill Elwell & Associates, Inc.
Granite
Savings Bank
Gray, Gove & Gove, Inc.
Hammer in Hand
Neal Jacobs
New
Year's Rockport Eve
Open Book Systems, Inc.
Poole Construction Company
Rockport
Construction Group
Rockport Music
Rockport National Bank
Rockport Rotary
Club
Safford Investments
Seaview Farm
Paul Sena
Smith Ace Hardware
and Lumber
Carroll K. Steele Insurance
Twin Light Beverages
Law Office
of Robert Visnick
John J. Walsh Insurance
Sydney Wedmore, M.D
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Cape
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33 Commercial
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