2009 Holiday Highlights

November 28-30

Rockport Holiday Homecoming Weekend

December 5

Santa's Arrival by Boat, 3:45 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:00 p.m.

December 12-13

Seaside Village Open House
Gallery Stroll

December 13

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 19

Christmas Pageant , 5pm

December 31

New Year's Rockport Eve

Calendar of Events in Rockport for Holiday Guide 2009

NOVEMBER 27
ROCKPORT HOLIDAY HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Stay close to home and kick off the season in downtown Rockport. Galleries and shops beckon with an abundance of unique gifts in every price range.

15TH ANNUAL HAND-PAINTED HOLIDAY ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. Unique, highly-anticipated opportunity to purchase hand-painted ornaments by your favorite artists! On sale through November 29.

MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. A holiday show of small works, including over 300 original pieces of art. Continues through December 31.

TUCK'S CANDY FACTORY CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
in downtown Rockport, 7 Dock Square, 10 a.m. - 4 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.

HAY RIDES
Departing from Dock Square and riding along Bearskin Neck and back, from Noon to 2 p.m., courtesy of Rockport's Seaview Farm.

JIM MURPHY SOLO SHOW
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. "Hilltown, Harbor and Headlands", watercolor and oil painting exhibit, through December 11.

NOVEMBER 28
ROCKPORT HOLIDAY HOMECOMING WEEKEND CONTINUES
Stay close to home and kick off the holiday season in downtown Rockport. Galleries and shops beckon with an abundance of unique gifts in every price range. Hayrides and hot chocolate at Dock Square will help usher in the season.

HAY RIDES
Departing from Dock Square and riding along Bearskin Neck and back, from Noon to 2 p.m., courtesy of Rockport's Seaview Farm.

NEW MEMBER SHOW
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, through December 3. .

TUCK'S CANDY FACTORY CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
in downtown Rockport, 7 Dock Square, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (See November 27 listing for details.)

DECEMBER 3
THEATRE IN THE PINES
Presents "Dancing at Lugnasa" at Spiran Hall, 18 Broadway, 7:30 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 for students. Continues through Sunday, December 6

DECEMBER 4
ROCKPORT LEGION BAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
at the Rockport United Methodist Church, 36 Broadway, 7:30p.m. Free.

DECEMBER 5
FOURTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BLOOD DRIVE
hosted by the Rockport Navy Committee at the Police Station. Dedicated to all who are serving or who have served in the U.S. military, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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, baked items, and unique gifts.

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!

FIFTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR
at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 4 Cleaves Street, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Featuring jewelry, crafts, paintings by Judy Metcalf, and serving free hot cider.

OLD FIREHOUSE TRUST CRAFTS FAIR
3 Dock Square, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local crafters selling their Christmas wares for the holiday season.

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 CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (See November 27 listing for details.)

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S ANNUAL CLAM CHOWDER IN A BREAD BOWL
at the Old Firehouse, 3 Dock Square, Noon - 5 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate, and corn dogs also available.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
at Scout Hall, 47 Mt. Pleasant Street, Noon - 5 p.m. $35 while supplies last.

SOLSTICE SINGERS
strolling and singing songs of the season throughout downtown, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Departing from Barletta Park, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Provided by Friendship Carriage tours, $10 per trip

STOFFA GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1-4p.m. Hot cider and Christmas goodies. Mary Douyard, Dorothy J. Ramsey and Michael Stoffa--paintings and prints on canvas. Bracelets and photography by Rachel Douyard; photography by Tom Philbrook; handcrafted decorative tiles by Bob Bliss.

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.

TRITON BRASS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Presented by Rockport Music at Rockport Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 8 p.m. Tickets $23 to $40 for adults (discounts for seniors and students)

DECEMBER 6

SANTA PAWS IS COMING!
to the Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. (See December 5 listing for details.)

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S CHRISTMAS TREE SALE CONTINUES
at Scout Hall, 47 Mt. Pleasant Street, Noon - 5 p.m. $35 while supplies last.

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.

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, through December 31.

STOFFA GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1-4p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 'til Christmas. (See December 5 listing for details.)

DECEMBER 10
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.

ROCKPORT LEGION BAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
at the Rockport Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 7:30p.m. Free.

DECEMBER 12
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 FAIR
at Rockport United Methodist Church, 36 Broadway, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cookies, crafts, and chowder.

FIFTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR
at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves Street, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Featuring jewelry, crafts, art by Judy Metcalf, and serving free hot cider.

TUCK'S CANDY FACTORY CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (See November 27 listing for details.)

EIGHTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL
Noon - 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.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S CHRISTMAS TREE SALE CONTINUES
at Scout Hall, 47 Mt. Pleasant Street, Noon - 5 p.m. $35 while supplies last.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Departing from Barletta Park, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Provided by Friendship Carriage tours, $10 per trip

STOFFA GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1-4p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 'til Christmas. (See December 5 listing for details.)

DECEMBER 13
SEASIDE VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE CONTINUES
featuring unique gift ideas and refreshments in the shops throughout the downtown area.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S CHRISTMAS TREE SALE CONTINUES
at Scout Hall, 47 Mt. Pleasant Street, Noon - 5 p.m. $35 while supplies last.

HAY RIDES
Departing from Dock Square and riding along Bearskin Neck and back, from Noon to 2 p.m., courtesy of Rockport's Seaview Farm.

EIGHTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL CONTINUES
Noon - 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 the Addison Choate Inn, Beech Tree B & B, Emerson inn by the Sea, Rockport Inn and Suites, Sally Webster Inn, and Seven South Street Inn.

GEORGE MARTIN SOLO SHOW
opening reception today, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street. Exhibition continues through December 31.

DECEMBER 17
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 and Christmas tea.

DECEMBER 19
TUCK'S CANDY FACTORY CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
in downtown Rockport, at 7 Dock Square, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (See November 27 listing for details.)

STOFFA GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1-4p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 'til Christmas. (See December 5 listing for details.)

NORTH SHORE CHRISTIAN MEN'S CHOIR
performing in Dock Square, 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

64th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Dock Square and Main Street, 5 p.m. A torch-lit live re-enactment of the Nativity.
(Inclement weather date December 20)

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, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. $33 with 10% of all dinner sales to benefit the Christmas Tree Fund. Reservations recommended. 978-546-6321.

DECEMBER 20
STOFFA GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
41 Main Street, 1-4p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 'til Christmas. (See December 5 listing for details.)

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 2009
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.

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.

CHRISTMAS TREE REMOVAL/RECYCLING
Rockport Boy Scout Troop 20 will pick up your old Christmas tree and recycle it.
Tree pickup on Saturdays, January 2, 9, and 16, 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.

Return to Christmas on Cape Ann

Return to CapeAnnVacations.com

Return to CapeAnnChamber.com

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
33 Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 ~ 978-283-1601 ~ info@capeannchamber.com