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MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Monadnock Region ushers in the heart of the holiday season this weekend with a packed lineup of concerts, craft fairs, bazaars and family-friendly festivities. From candlelit ceremonies and Celtic performances to bustling artisan markets and interactive sing-alongs, communities across the region are offering plenty of ways to celebrate from Friday through Sunday.
Friday, Dec. 5
Dickens Fest Opening & Proclamation Reading — Jaffrey
6 p.m., The Park Theatre, 19 Main St. Join Jaffrey’s Town Crier, Obadiah Brimtop, for the candlelight opening ceremony of the New England Dickens Fest. Concessions available.
More information: theparktheatre.org
Heather Pierson Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas — Jaffrey
7–9 p.m., The Park Theatre, 19 Main St. The acclaimed jazz trio returns to perform Vince Guaraldi’s classic holiday score. Part of the New England Dickens Fest. Tickets $25 adults, $10 children.
More information: dickensfest.org
Midnight Betty with Mr. Bill — Keene
Nova Arts presents the Vermont-based duo Midnight Betty, joined by a full band for an evening of folk, country and indie originals.
More information: novaarts.org
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Un-Silent Night — Keene
7 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St. An interactive holiday sing-along led by Choir! Choir! Choir! All voices welcome. Tickets $40.
More information: thecolonial.org
Blame It on Sally Trio & Ben Jennings Quartet — Alstead
7 p.m., LEAF Charter School, 6 Baine Way. A night of original Americana, jazz and funk. Benefits the Community Kitchen. Tickets $15; children 12 and under free.
More information: blameitonsally.com
Hunter Root — Brattleboro, Vt.
7 p.m., The Stone Church, 210 Main St. Singer-songwriter blending rock, folk, grunge and psychedelic influences.
More information: stonechurchvt.com
Light Up The City Tour Kickoff — Keene
6–7 p.m., KPRD. Free cocoa, popcorn, candy canes and maps for the holiday light display tour. Voting runs dec. 5–23.
More information: keenerecreation.com
Cathie Ryan & John Doyle: An Irish Christmas — Putney, Vt.
7:30 p.m., Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill. Two celebrated Irish performers share songs, stories and traditions.
More information: nextstagearts.org
United Church of Christ Christmas Fair (Early Hours) — Keene
4–7 p.m., 23 Central Square. Early shopping and light supper. Fair continues Saturday.
More information: ucckeene.org
Saturday, Dec. 6
Holiday Craft Fair — Keene
8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Jonathan Daniels Preschool, 227 Maple Ave. Handcrafts, holiday décor, gifts, food and raffles. Free.
More information: jdplayhouse.com
Craft Fair — Swanzey
9 a.m.–2 p.m., Monadnock Regional Middle High School, 580 Old Homestead Highway. Hosted by End 68 Hours of Hunger. Free.
More information: mrsd.org
Holiday Bazaar — Keene
9 a.m.–2 p.m., Keene Center Genesis, 677 Court St. Local vendors with holiday goods. Free.
More information: genesishcc.com
Old Homestead Garden Club Greens Sale — Swanzey
9 a.m.–2 p.m., Dillant Hopkins Airport, 80 Airport Road. Wreaths, berry bowls and greens benefit local scholarships.
More information: oldhomesteadgardenclub.org
Holiday Trees — Peterborough
9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Peterborough Town Library, 2 Concord St. View themed trees and vote for favorites. Campfire and cocoa at 6:30 p.m. Free.
More information: peterboroughtownlibrary.org
Museum Store Open House — Keene
9 a.m.–noon, Historical Society of Cheshire County, 246 Main St. Discounts, artisan gifts and refreshments.
More information: hsccnh.org
All Souls Holiday Bazaar — West Brattleboro, Vt.
9 a.m.–3 p.m., West Village Meeting House, 29 South St. Artisan wreaths, baked goods, art gifts, brunch and raffle.
More information: ascvt.org
United Church of Jaffrey Christmas Fair — Jaffrey
10 a.m.–2 p.m., Mildred Cutter Memorial Hall, 54 Main St. Gift baskets, baked goods, vendors and live music. Free.
More information: ucjaffrey.org
Cotton Mill Open Studio & Holiday Sale — Brattleboro, Vt.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Cotton Mill, Cotton Mill Hill. Open studios, artisan goods and Vermont Jazz Center performances. Free.
More information: cottonmill.org
Fieldhouse Craft Fair — Swanzey
Noon–6 p.m., The Fieldhouse at Homestead Mills, 2 S. Winchester St. Benefits a youth soccer team. Free.
More information: swanzeyfieldhouse.com
Cottage Core High Tea — Keene
Noon–2 p.m., Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St. Storytelling, tea and treats in a woodland-themed setting. Free.
More information: keenepubliclibrary.org
Handel’s Messiah (Christmas Section) — Peterborough
4–5:15 p.m., Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main St. Community chorus with Apple Hill String Quartet. Free.
More information: puuc.org
Diane Ammons — Jaffrey
6 p.m., The Park Theatre, 19 Main St. Pianist and vocalist performing pop, country and American Songbook favorites.
More information: theparktheatre.org
Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas — Brattleboro, Vt.
7 p.m., Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St. Acclaimed Celtic ensemble performs holiday favorites.
More information: latchis.com
The Twinkling Silo Winter Market (Day 1) — Keene
11:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Road. Vendors, wagon rides, music, fire pits, workshops and food trucks. Free (donations encouraged).
More information: stonewallfarm.org
Sunday, Dec. 7
The Twinkling Silo Winter Market (Day 2) — Keene
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Road. Holiday shopping, DIY workshops, music and treats.
More information: stonewallfarm.org
Holiday House Tour — Keene
2–4 p.m., Court Street. Tour decorated homes with treats and beverages, followed by a 4 p.m. seated concert. Ticket prices vary.
More information: keeneholidayhousetour.org
Keene Chorale Winter Concert — Keene
3–4:30 p.m., United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square. Rejoice and Be Merry, directed by Jonathan Colby. Tickets $10–$25.
More information: keenechorale.org