Christmas on Cape Ann

Open Houses in the Inns, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy the warmth of the season at several of Rockport’s finest accommodations including
Addison Choate Inn, Beach & King Street Inn, Beech Tree Bed & Breakfast, Old Farm Inn, Sally Webster Inn, Seven South Street Inn, and Yuletide Inn.

NOVEMBER 22
THANKSGIVING BUFFET
at the Grand Café at The Emerson Inn By The Sea, One Cathedral Avenue, 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Reservations required (978-546-6321). Adults $42.50, Children ages 3 -10 $21.25.

NOVEMBER 23
NEW MEMBERS EXHIBITION
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, through November 29.

THUMB BOX SHOW
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, through December 31.

13TH ANNUAL HANDPAINTED HOLIDAY ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER
at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, 10 a.m. One-of-a-kind ornaments painted by RAA artist members on sale through December 31.

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. Six days this season, today, tomorrow and every Saturday until Christmas. Come 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.

NOVEMBER 24
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 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.

NOVEMBER 25
WILLIAM BRADLEY SOLO EXHIBITION
opening reception today from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, exhibition continues through December 7.

DECEMBER 1
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. 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, Salvadoran crafts, African jewelry, baked goods, a soup luncheon and the best holiday greens on Cape Ann!

SANTA PAWS IS COMING!
to the Good Dog! Gallery, 6 Dock Square, 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

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 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.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 20'S ANNUAL CLAM CHOWDER IN A BREAD BOWL
at the Old Firehouse Trust, 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 handcrafted decorative tiles by Bob Bliss. Hot cider and Christmas goodies. 978-546-7108 www.michaelstoffagallery.com )

CAPE ANN JAZZ BAND
performing brassy Christmas music throughout downtown, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

HOLIDAY BAKE SALE
at the Fish Shack Restaurant, 21 Dock Square, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. A benefit for Girl Scout Troop 31.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Dock Square, 4 p.m. Carol singing around the tree. Hot chocolate donated by The Fish Shack Restaurant, Dock Square Mall.

DECEMBER 2
SANTA PAWS IS COMING!
to the Good Dog! Gallery, 6 Dock Square, 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

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.

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.

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

DECEMBER 3
ROCKPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAMBER MUSIC AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
at the First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 7
ROCKPORT LEGION BAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
at the Rockport United Methodist Church, 36 Broadway, 7:00 p.m. Free.
Inclement weather date December 14.

DECEMBER 8
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, the Cape Ann Finnish Singers, traditional foods and gifts, holiday greens, and luncheon. Free admission. 978-546-2229

ROCKPORT CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OPEN HOUSE,
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visit the Haskins Building (formerly the Madras Shop) at 37 Main Street. Learn about our educational programs, and future plans for a permanent performance center.

HAYRIDES ALONG BEARSKIN NECK
Depart from Dock Square, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy a hay wagon ride pulled by Belgian draft horses along Bearskin Neck.

SUMMER HOUSE GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
23 Dock Square, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Featuring Marilyn Swift, H. Keledjian, A. Eddy, and T. Reifers.

CAROLLING KAZOOS
6 p.m. Call Leslie at Joncien to participate and join in on the fun! 978-546-916

HOLIDAY BLOOD DRIVE
8:30am-2:30pm, at the Rockport Police Station, located at 168 Main Street in Rockport. Join us this holiday season in giving a gift that can save a life. Massachusetts General Hospital will provide a fully staffed, state of art bloodmobile to make donating as easy and comfortable as possible. To make an appointment, call Sharon at 978-290-1393 or go to http://rockportcares.homestead.com/Blood.html.

DECEMBER 9
SEASIDE VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE
featuring unique gift ideas and refreshments in the shops throughout the downtown area.

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. Enjoy the warmth of the season at several of Rockport’s finest accommodations including Addison Choate Inn, Beach & King Street Inn, Beech Tree Bed & Breakfast, Old Farm Inn, Sally Webster Inn, Seven South Street Inn, and Yuletide Inn.

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

CAROLYN LATANISION SOLO EXHIBITION
opening reception today from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, exhibition continues through December 31.

DECEMBER 10
ROCKPORT HIGH SCHOOL CHAMBER MUSIC AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
at the First Congregational Church, 12 School Street, 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 11
ROCKPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT
at the John Lane Performing Arts Center, Jerden's Lane, 7 p.m. Bands and chorus.

DECEMBER 13
ROCKPORT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERT
at the Rockport High School Auditorium, Jerden's Lane, 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 15
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 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.

SIXTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The first day of this popular introduction to Rockport galleries and artists.

SUMMER HOUSE GALLERY OPEN HOUSE
23 Dock Square, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Featuring Marilyn Swift, H. Keledjian, A. Eddy, and T. Reifers.

BABYSITTER SERVICES
at the First Congregational Church social hall, 12 School Street, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. For toddler and school age children, provided by Girl Scout Troop 187. This is an opportunity for parents to Christmas shop or enjoy Christmas activities in Rockport. Call Celene Lyon for reservations and fees, 508-284-8762. Walk-ins accepted.

DECEMBER 16
SIXTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALLERY STROLL
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The second day of this popular introduction to Rockport galleries and artists.

DECEMBER 17
ROCKPORT MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL WINTER HOLIDAY 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.

DECEMBER 22
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 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.

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

62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Dock Square and Main Street, 5 p.m. (rain date: December 23). A torch-lit live re-enactment of the Nativity.

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.

CHRISMAS TREE PRIME RIB DINNER
at the Emerson Inn By The Sea, One Cathedral Avenue, immediately following Rockport's Annual Pageant. $39.95, with 10% of all dinner sales to benefit the Christmas Tree Fund. Reservations recommended (978-546-6321).

DECEMBER 25
SANTA VISITS DOCK SQUARE
to greet the children of Rockport, 10:30 a.m.

DECEMBER 29
CHRISTMAS TREE REMOVAL/RECYCLING
Rockport Boy Scout Troop 20 will pick up your old Christmas tree and recycle it. Tree pickup on Saturdays December 29, January 5 and January 12, 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.

DECEMBER 31
NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER
at the Emerson Inn By The Sea, One Cathedral Avenue, seating begin at 5:30 p.m. Five course gourmet dinner. $75 per person. Reservations required. Overnight packages also available, 978-546-6321.

NEW YEAR'S ROCKPORT EVE 2007
6 p.m. to midnight. Six hours of continuous entertainment. 70 shows to choose from! (See Highlights section on the back for more details.) 978-546-9038

CHRISTMAS IN ROCKPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Now in its 23rd 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 1), open houses at several of Rockport's charming inns (December 9), and the 62nd annual Christmas Pageant (December 22). Some of the more recent additions to the festivities will occur on December 15-16, including the two-day Gallery Stroll, 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 2007, celebrating its 11th anniversary. Sites throughout downtown Rockport will host children's activities (clowns, puppets, magic, ventriloquist, 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 2008. 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). 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.

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