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November 29, 2023

Chamber Events

Holiday Stroll: Friday, Dec. 1

Santa Comes to Town: Saturday, Dec.2

Tree Lighting & Concert: Sunday, Dec. 3

Click for Full Details & Brochure Download

Sammy the Seagull Scavenger Hunt

Santa & Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec.2

Menorah Lighting: Thursday, Dec. 7

Holiday Shopping Night: Friday, December 8

Click for Full Details

Chamber Holiday Parties

(All parties are 5 to 7 PM)

Manchester-by-the-Sea: November 30 at Bravo by the Sea

Rockport: December 5 at Whale's Jaw Café

Essex: December 6 at Woodman's of Essex

Ipswich: December 13 at Ipswich Ale Brewery

Chamber Holiday Party: December 14 at the Chamber Visitor Center in Gloucester


Next Gen Holiday Party

December 7 @ 6 - 8 PM, Cape Ann Lanes & Laneside Pub & Brewery

The event is free and open to all but donations made to the Cape Ann DCF Holiday Gift Drive are highly encouraged. Register Today

Coffee & Connections

Thursday, December 7 | 9 - 10 AM

Register Today

 

Please join us next Thursday at 9 AM for our virtual Coffee & Connections. For new & prospective members, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce your business and meet other members and Chamber staff. For veteran members, it is a great way to let new members learn about your business and talk about anything new and exciting in the works for you. So grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and Zoom in from your home or office for an informal "Get to Know My Business" networking session. Also, if you know someone who would enjoy learning more about the Chamber, please invite them to attend! Register Now

Holiday Gift Drives

Member & Community Events

Please Check the Full Community Calendar for All Member Event Listings

ON-GOING EVENTS

Please See Holiday Event Calendar for More Holiday Events

Calendar Listings by Town

Essex Holiday Events

Gloucester Holiday Events

Ipswich Holiday Events

Manchester-by-the-Sea Holiday Events

Rockport Holiday Events

Menorah Lightings

The Public Menorah celebrates Jewish tradition, culture, and pride.

(Did we miss any? Let us know!)

Rockport Menorah Lighting by Chabad of Cape Ann

Thursday, December 7

6 PM

Barletta Park

RSVP Appreciated

Ipswich Menorah Lighting by Chabad of Cape Ann

Sunday, December 9

5 - 7:30 PM

Bottom of Town Hill followed by a Chanukah party at Gathr.

RSVP Appreciated

Lobster Trap Menorah Lighting

Tuesday, December 12

5:30 PM

Temple Ahavat Achim

Gloucester

RSVP Coming Soon

Tree Lightings & Programs

Essex: Memory Tree Lighting, Thursday, November 30 @ 6:30 PM at Town Hall

Ipswich: Memory Tree Dedication, Friday, December 1 @ 6:30 PM at Bottom of Town Hill

Rockport: Saturday, December 2 @ 4:30 PM at Dock Square

Manchester-by-the-Sea: Sunday, December 3 @ 3:30 PM at Town Hall Common

Addison Gilbert: Lights of Love, Tuesday, December 5 @ 6 PM

BankGloucester: Care Dimensions Tree of Lights. Monday, December 11 @ 5 PM

Gloucester Lobster Trap Tree: Saturday, December 9 @ 4:30 PM at Solomon Jacobs Park 

Beauport Hospitality Events

Hammond Castle Events

Cape Ann Museum Events

Captain Elias Davis House Tour: Friday, December 1 @ 2 -3 PM

CAM Studio Workshop: Friday Figure Drawing with Live Model: Friday, December 1 @ 1- 4 PM

First Fridays: Art After Hours: Friday, December 1 @ 6 - 8 PM

Middle Street Walk: Saturday, December 9 @ 10 AM - 5 PM

RAA&M 29th Annual Hand-painted Holiday Ornament Fundraiser

November 24 - December 31


One-of-a-kind hand-painted treasures by RAA&M Juried Artist Members. $50 donation each. While supplies last! Juried Artist Members have created miniature paintings on 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch masonite panels, provided by the RAA&M. The ornaments include many different forms of expression – holiday scenes, landscapes, seascapes, nocturnes, harbors, animals, still lifes, and more.

Wreath Decorating with Susie Talbot

Wednesday, November 29 | 5 - 7 PM

Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum


You choose a wreath from the freshest greens, we provide all the trimmings, bobbles and expert bow creations in your choice of ribbon. You leave with your custom wreath, just the way you imagined, ready to hang. Buy Tickets

Webinar: The Basics of Arbitration

Thursday, November 30 | 9 - 10 AM


The next webinar in the Morse Women Attorneys Webinar Series will discuss arbitration, an alternative to litigation. Each session in this series will focus on an area of law essential to the business lifecycle, start to exit and everything in between.


Employment Attorney Amanda Thibodeau and Litigation Attorney Paige Zacharakis will discuss the basics of arbitration. This webinar will include an overview of what arbitration is, a summary of the timeline and process, and pros and cons of electing arbitration. Learn More

Holiday Sip & Shop at Castle Hill

Thursday, November 30 | 2 - 7 PM


Castle Hill will host a Holiday Sip & Shop, featuring Ipswich’s three Trustees retail shops – the Crane Beach Store, Appleton Farm Store and Castle Hill Gift Shop. The Holiday Sip & Shop is free and takes place in the Great House at Castle Hill. Enjoy shopping Crane Beach and Appleton Farm "pop up" shops set up in the decorated first floor gallery of the Great House and browse the Castle Hill Gift Shop. Each Trustees retail shop will showcase their own unique mix of products

Holiday Sip & Shop at Downtown Ipswich Businesses

Thursday, November 30 | 4 - 8 PM


Join local downtown Ipswich businesses for an evening of socializing and sipping while shopping for your holiday gifts. The participating businesses will keep their lights on and serve up some holiday cheer as you browse and buy.


Click here to see a list of participating businesses (more may also join in - look for their lights on!)

Fall Exhibition - Deb Johnson

December 1 - 31

Addison Gilbert Hospital Lobby


Please join Addison Gilbert Hospital Fall Exhibition of local artist Deb Johnson.

Deb attended Montserrat College of Art and has studied with several well known artists. Most of her paintings are local scenes.

A Very Merry Essex Christmas Celebration

Friday, December 1 | 4 - 6 PM

Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive by boat at 5pm at the Essex Town Landing. There will be snacks, music & fun for all! 


Holiday Market in the Shipyard

Saturday, December 2 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Shop, Sip & be Merry!!! Sip while you shop from multiple vendors and our museum gift shop at this indoor shopping event. Fill your bags with vintage, artisan crafts & goodies.

Tree Jubilee at Marini Farms to Benefit the Ipswich Humane Society

Friday - Sunday, December 1 - 3 | See Website for Times


Tour the gallery of uniquely decorated trees and wreaths donated by local organizations, families, and businesses then choose the ones you want a chance to win! OVER 100 spectacularly decorated trees and wreaths will be raffled off (decorations and all!) at the end of the Jubilee. You never know what our donors will decorate their trees with! Proceeds benefit the Ipswich Humane Group to support the animals at the Ipswich Animal Shelter.

Holiday Fair

Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport

Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2

Christmas Bazaar

First Congregational Church of Rockport

Saturday, December 2 | 98 AM - 1 PM

Annual Rocky Neck Holiday Art Walk

Saturday, December 2 | 11 AM - 5 PM


Enjoy holiday snacks and sales at participating studios. Participating artists and businesses include: Michalak Fine Art on Madfish Wharf, Stephan La Pierre Studio, The Cottage, The Rudder, Side Street Gallery featuring Ken Riaf, Larry Dahlmer Studio, The Salted Cod Art House, The Cove Gallery Pop up Show, the Cultural Center at Rocky neck with a solo show by Ruth Mordecai and also visit our neighbors at Cripple Cove Studios and East Main Street Artists

The Paula Plum and Richard Snee Home for the Holidays Special

Saturday, December 2 | 7:30 - 10 PM

Gloucester Stage Company


Celebrate the Holidays at Gloucester Stage with your hosts Paula Plum & Richard Snee (Grand Horizons) for a one-night only fundraiser.Step into the retro television set as the Live Studio Audience for this late-night comedy show. Paula & Richard are joined by the What Time is it Mr. Fox Band live onstage as they welcome special guests Paul Melendy* (Tall Tales from Blackburn Tavern), and others! Full of holiday fun & sing-a-longs, tickets include open bar and dessert bar after the performance. Buy Tickets

2nd Annual Gloucester Fishtown Horribles "Parade of Trees"

Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3


2nd Annual Parade of Trees event. Last year we brought in over 30 decorated trees and are trying to top that with 45 trees this year. If you're wondering what a parade of trees is, it is a fundraising event where community members, businesses, families, and local groups decorate an artificial tree, wreath or something to resemble a tree (such as a ladder, easel, or a creation of your own) with lights, ornaments, tree skirt and gifts that would make your tree stand out. It could be something as simple as a local gift certificate or fit within a theme such as a beach themed tree where all ornaments and gifts revolve around time spent at the beach.

Choral Concert "A Vibrant Christmas"

Saturday, December 2 | 7 PM

Sunday, December 3 | 3 PM

Our Lady of Hope Church, Ipswich


Chorus North Shore will be presenting its first concert of the 2023-2024 season - A VIBRANT CHRISTMAS - featuring new director, Abigail Frost. The performance will include Daniel Pinkham's Christmas Cantata, John Rutter's Gloria and other holiday selections. Joining the Chorus: the Bel Canto Choir from Ipswich High School, Presto Festival Orchestra, and accompanist Jeffrey Patch. Buy Tickets

Three Sisters Fall Markets

Saturday, December 2 & 16 | 10 AM -1 PM


Join us for our wonderful fall markets at Three Sisters in Ipswich! Every other Saturday in November & December, shop our fall veggies for both holiday feasts & everyday meals. HIP/SNAP & EBT gladly accepted: all are welcome!

World War II Tower Tour: Watching the Coastal Edge

Sunday, December 3 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM


One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S. enhanced defenses with coastal patrols and built a network of watch towers at ocean edges. One tower, completed in 1944, now serves as Halibut Point State Park's newly renovated Visitor Center! We'll provide a guided "tower tour/talk" about Halibut's military history and the then cutting edge technology. Includes an opportunity to climb the five-story tower! Heavy rain/snow cancels. 

Open House at Sewall Scripture House in Rockport

Sunday, December 3 | 3 - 5 PM

Experience the historical ambiance of the Sewell Scripture House at the Holiday Open House

Addison Gilbert Hospital Holiday Tree Lighting:

A Lights of Love Event

Tuesday, December 5 | 6 - 7:30 PM


Join Addison Gilbert Hospital for a very special event to kick off the holiday season! The event will include raffles to benefit cancer care patients, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and holidays treats, Beauport festive ambulance visit, and holiday music.


Special thanks to Beauport Ambulance Service for sponsoring this event!

Amanda Armstrong Group Holiday Party

Thursday, December 7 | 4 - 8 PM


Please join us to celebrate the holidays at our office in Magnolia. An assortment of refreshments and beverages will be available to enjoy. Raffle tickets available for purchase to benefit Harborlight Homes. All are welcome! We hope you can stop by and say hi. Please RSVP Here

Rocky Neck Holiday Trek

Saturday, December 9


From vibrant paintings and sculptures to intricate ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, the Rocky Neck Holiday Trek offers a diverse array of one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts. Whether you’re seeking a thoughtful present or treating yourself, the Holiday Trek invites you to discover the joy of locally crafted gifts amidst the creative energy of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.

Yul Fest at Spiran Lodge

December 9 | 9 AM - 1 PM

Broadway & School Streets, Rockport


Join in the festivities at the annual Jul Fest Scandinavian Christmas Fair at Spiran Lodge. St. Lucia Festival, Lunch, Baked Goods, Nisu, Meats, Cheeses. Greens, Gifts & Linens will be available for sale.

Deck the Docks

Saturday, December 9 | 10 AM - 6 PM

Maritime Gloucester


10 AM - 4 PM: Museum store open

10 AM - 12 PM: Crafts & Activities in the classroom for young children

1:30 PM: Story time

4 - 6 PM: Art Haven art

Cocoa and cookies before and after the tree lighting on our pier.

Jingle Bell Walk

Saturday, December 9 | 11 - AM - 1 PM

Ipswich Town Wharf & Ipswich Town Hall


Join the Ipswich Interact Club for a day of holiday festivities and cheer! Greet Santa as he arrives at the Ipswich Town Wharf. Sing carols with Buddy the Elf as we await Santa’s arrival! Jingle bells will be available for purchase. Jingle your bells and follow our honored guest and Buddy the Elf on a festive “Jingle Bell Walk” to the Ipswich Town Hall at 45 Green Street. Keep a sharp eye out for the Grinch! Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts fit for a child to support the Marines in their organization, Toys for Tots! Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Walk proceeds will be donated to charitable activities and Interact Club activities. Learn More

Cynthia Curtis Customer Appreciation Pottery Sale

Saturday, December 9 | 11 AM - 4PM

80 Pigeon Hill St., Rockport


Cynthia Curtis Pottery invites you to the Annual Holiday Pottery Show and Sale. Celebrating her 29th year as a ceramicist and teacher, Cynthia once again opens her gallery and studio for a festive holiday sale filled with an array of beautiful stoneware pottery ideal for gift giving. The peaceful pottery nestled in the woods near magnificent quarries and colorful Atlantic coastline is home to Cynthia’s work and has been shared with over 1,300 students. Learn More

24th Annual "Celebrating our Customers"

Saturday, December 9 | 11 AM - 6 PM

Pauline's Gifts, Essex Ave.


24th Annual “Celebration of our Customers” as a Thank-you for Supporting my Small Business. Refreshments and Specials All Day!

Ken Riaf at Side Street Gallery

Saturday, December 9 | 1 - 4 PM

Rocky Neck, Gloucester


Join Side Street Gallery for an artist reception at the Side Street Gallery to celebrate the work of Ken Riaf, an ex-commercial fisherman who practices law in Gloucester. He is an artist, teacher and playwright in his spare time. His mixed media boxes contain found objects re-assembled into unusual, amusing and intriguing vignettes. Learn More

Sculptural Planters by Chris Williams

Sculpture Dedication for Gloucester’s 400th

Saturday, December 9 | 3 - 4 PM

Fishermen’s Memorial, Stacy Boulevard


Spearheaded by Generous Gardeners, four sculptural planters created by nationally renowned Essex sculptor, Chris Williams, will grace the Fishermen’s Memorial on Stacy Boulevard in Gloucester, MA. 2023 marks the 400th birthday of this fishing community. These “Fishnets” hold the treasures of the sea, capturing a moment of “A day in the life of the Gloucester fisherman.” See the Project Photos Here

Performing Arts Centers

Rockport Music

Shalin Liu Performance Center


Michael Feinstein: December 1 @ 8 PM

Cape Ann Big Band - Christmas Concert: December 2 @ 2PM & 7 PM

Vienna Boys Choir: December 3 @ 3 PM

David Benoit - A Charlie Brown Christmas: December 7 @ 8 PM

Handel’s Messiah: December 8 @ 7 PM

Florencia en el Amazonas - Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: December 9 @ 12:55 PM

Chelsea Berry - Holiday Album Release Show!: December 9 @ 8 PM

Lúnasa - Irish Solstice Celebration: December 10 @ 3 PM & 7 PM


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For details, please download the Advertising Contract or contact Cindy.

Soundings Sponsors

We extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors!


If you are interested in promoting with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com

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