Marblehead’s 52nd annual Christmas Walk & Holiday Stroll starts Thursday, Nov. 30, and runs through the weekend with all the traditional highlights along with some new additions.
“We’re really happy to keep this awesome event going,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Katherine Koch. “The energy is definitely there.”
Favorites from the weekend include the Christmas tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by lobster boat, parade, Gingerbread Festival, shopping and more.
New events to look forward to? How about reindeer rides in the side parking lot at Shubie’s.
“We’re really excited,” said manager Doug Shube. “We’re having little reindeer rides with ponies from Hunters Haven Farm.” The rides, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 12-3 p.m., are free for kids. Shubie’s is also hosting tastings all weekend.
Robert Simonelli, owner of The Landing Restaurant, looks forward to the Christmas Walk every year.
“I love the tradition of Santa coming in by lobster boat. Seeing all the families, everyone getting together, the magic in the kids’ eyes. It’s just a fun thing to see.”
Here are some events to check out:
Thursday, Nov. 30
- Ask Lizzie Live on Instagram from Mud Puddle Toys (Tune in at @mhdcurrent), noon
- Marblehead High School tenors and basses sing at TQM Wealth Partners, by Crosby’s
- Holiday shopping preview: Sip, snack, shop at retailers around town, 5-8 p.m.
- St. Michael’s tree lighting and carols, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 1
- Gingerbread Festival at Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., 3-6 p.m.
- MHS and Veterans School singers will perform at TQM Wealth Partners (near Crosby’s), 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Tree lighting & musical performances at National Grand parking lot across from 91 Pleasant St., 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Students will sing.
- Lobster trap tree lighting with Glover’s Regiment at Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., 7 p.m.
- Family Songfest at Marblehead Little Theatre, 161 Washington St., 7:30 p.m. The MHS Jewel Tones will sing.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Free trolley service, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Parking at Marblehead High School)
- Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by lobster boat at State Street Landing, 9 a.m. Hot cocoa, music
- Heart of Christmas Fair, St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Christmas Fair, Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. MHS a cappella singers and Veterans after-school chorus will perform 12-1 p.m.
- Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Winter Artisan Marketplace, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Holiday Artisan Marketplace, Abbot Hall, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Holiday Gift Expo at Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Veterans Middle School String Ensemble performs at Old Town House, 11 am
- Parade leaves from State Street Landing, 81 Front St., 11:45 a.m. The MHS Marching Band will perform.
- MHS a cappella groups will carol along Atlantic Avenue, 1:15-2 p.m.
- MHS a cappella groups will carol along Washington Street, 1:30-2:20 p.m.
- Living Nativity, come pet the animals outside Star of the Sea parish center, 80 Atlantic Ave., 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Gingerbread House Party at Marblehead Bank, 21 Atlantic Ave., with mini-equines, ornament decorating, hot cocoa and more. 1-3 p.m.
- Tea in the Tavern, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 1-4 p.m.
- Old Men of Marblehead sing sea shanties outside Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St., 1-3 p.m.
- Brown and Glover Schools Chorus perform at Old Town House, 2 p.m.
- Greater Salem Ballet Nutcracker at Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St, 2 p.m.
- The Songs of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St., 7:30 p.m.
- Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert, 35 Washington St., 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Free trolley service from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Parking at Marblehead High School)
- Holiday Gift Expo at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Winter Artisan Marketplace at Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Artisans Marketplace at Abbot Hall 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Santas Paddle Around Marblehead Harbor to raise money for Marblehead Food Pantry, State Street Landing, 11 a.m.
- Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Dog & Santa photos at Pawsitively Marblehead, 52 Atlantic Ave., 12-2 p.m.
- Reindeer Rides at Shubie’s, 16 Atlantic Ave, noon-3p.m.
- The Shooting Stars will sing at Abbot Hall, 1 p.m.
- Tea in the Tavern, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 1-4 p.m.
- Caroling and story hour, Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., 2-4 p.m.
- A Family Songfest at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St., 2 p.m. MHS a cappella groups will perform.
- Lessons & carols at St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St., 5-6 p.m.
- Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert (featuring student singers), 35 Washington St., 7:30 p.m.
