Pick #1: Santa’s Arrival in Rockport!
It doesn’t get any more quintessential New England small town than Santa arriving by lobster boat in Rockport, Massachusetts. Santa is due at T Wharf at 1:00. He’ll then hop in “his sleigh” (umm…firetruck) for a trip downtown. The stores are open for holiday shopping and then the town comes back together in Dock Square for caroling and the annual tree lighting beginning at 4:00 pm.
Pick #2: Christmas at Castle Hill: The Season of Carols
Visiting Castle Hill at Christmas is a time-honored tradition for many New England families. Don’t miss this year’s spectacular “The Season of Carols”. Each room in our 1920s mansion is festively decorated for a beloved Christmas carol. You’ll find live music and dance, fresh baked cookies and cider, a treasure hunt, family activities, and a visit with Santa.
Make Friday, date night with evening tour hours, a cash bar, light appetizers, and festive music.
Come with friends on Saturday for great decorating ideas, shopping in the Castle Hill gift shop and Harbor Sweets pop up cafe, and more.
Bring the children on Sunday to visit with Santa, take photos, and hunt for carol-themed items in our holiday treasure hunt.
Persons named Carol get in free! Please bring i.d.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, December 1, 5-8pm
Piano music by Robert Allison
Cash bar with beer, wine, and our own holiday punch
Saturday, December 2, 10am-4pm
Season of Carols treasure hunt
11am Ipswich High School Chamber Singers and Bel Canto directed by Abigail Frost
12:00 String Quartet: Michael Hamill, Carlos Heymann, Alice Newell, & Ann Ward
Ipswich High School Chamber Players
12:30pm Ipswich High School Chamber Orchestra directed by Michael Coelho
1pm Ipswich High School Jazz Ensemble
2pm Ipswich Moving Company’s Youth Dance Ensemble
2:30pm Venti Players and Bright Phoebe
Sunday, December 3, 12noon-4pm
Season of Carols treasure hunt
12Noon-2pm Visit with Santa in the second floor bay
12Noon Ipswich High School Honors Brass
1pm Ipswich Middle School Clarinet Ensemble
2pm Brass Bells
3pm North Shore Ringers
Date & Time
Friday, December 1
Friday, 5-8PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, Sunday, 12Noon-4PM
Cost
Member: Adult $10, Child/Senior $5; Nonmember: Adult $20, Child/Senior $10; Ipswich resident with i.d. $10. Tickets are available at the door only.
Contact Information
978.356.4351 x4015
tschell@thetrustees.org
Pick #3: Polar Express 4D at the Museum of Science
READ MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Go on an extraordinary 4-D adventure this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS! When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D Experience® is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
Featured in digital 3-D and brought to life with 4-D multisensory effects, this is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy!
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s17)
LENGTH
15 minutes
LOCATION
4-D Theater, Blue Wing. Find on map
AUDIENCE
Recommended for: Grades toddlers – 12 and adults
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Good Morning Gloucester 
Nichole ! I love each and every post and your photos are just fabulous !
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And to think in my days we had to go to the department store to see Santa but then we did not have “GMG” and all the great contributors keeping up to date and informed. Nor was technology as speedy rotary phones not internet or cell phones…But the foundation and community are still so strong. Blessed indeed for many reasons! 🙂 Dave & Kim:-)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Keep those who cannot be home for holidays, Military, public safety, medical, fire – 7/24 and your thoughts and prayers tow simple words work wonders and many do go way above and beyond! (Thank You)!! 🙂
Thanks what a great arrival! 🙂
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