MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) From holiday concerts and classic theater to community dances and family-friendly festivities, the weekend ahead is packed with seasonal events across the Monadnock Region and nearby Vermont.
Friday, Dec. 19
“The Personal History, Adventures, Experience, & Observation of David Copperfield the Younger”
6:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
A stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ coming-of-age novel follows a young man from a troubled childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of social injustice, personal growth and human connection.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
“A Christmas Carol,” presented by Project Shakespeare
7 p.m., First Congregational Church of Rindge
Project Shakespeare brings Dickens’ holiday classic to life as Ebenezer Scrooge journeys toward redemption in a family-friendly performance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
More information: www.projectshakespeare.org
Vermont Suitcase Company: “The Continuing Adventures of King Wenceslas and His Page Edith”
7 p.m., Next Stage Arts, Putney, VT
Back by popular demand, Vermont Suitcase Company returns with new snowy adventures, joined by Heedless of the Gale for seasonal songs and laughter.
More information: www.nextstagearts.org
MoCo Arts presents “The Nutcracker”
7–9 p.m., Keene State College, Keene
MoCo Arts School of Dance brings the holiday ballet to life with students performing ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop. Additional performances continue through Sunday.
More information: www.mocoarts.org
Start Making Sense: A Talking Heads Tribute
7 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, Keene
The seven-piece band recreates the sound and visual energy of Talking Heads’ legendary live performances, spanning the band’s full catalog.
More information: www.thecolonial.org
New England Youth Theatre presents “Little Women”
7–9 p.m., NEYT, Brattleboro, VT
The beloved story of the March sisters comes to the stage in NEYT’s holiday production. Additional performances continue through Sunday.
More information: www.neyt.org
Saturday, Dec. 20
Holiday Harmony 2025
3 p.m., Keene Public Library, Keene
The Keene Cheshiremen Chorus returns with seasonal barbershop favorites, a community sing-along and a light holiday reception. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
More information: www.cheshiremen.org
Nelson Solstice Party
7–10:30 p.m., Nelson Town Hall, Nelson
The Monadnock Folklore Society hosts its annual solstice celebration with music by the Solstice Sisters, a dessert potluck and a traditional New England contra dance. Admission is $10.
More information: www.monadnockfolklore.org
The Rear Defrosters: Honkytonk Release Party
7–10 p.m., Nova Arts Block/Brewbakers Cafe, Keene
The local honky-tonk band celebrates the release of a new album with a hometown show.
More information: www.novaarts.org
Antje Duvekot and Seth Glier
7:30 p.m., Next Stage Arts, Putney, VT
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters share an evening of intimate folk music and storytelling as part of Next Stage’s 15th anniversary season.
More information: www.nextstagearts.org
Keene Jazz Orchestra Holiday Swing Dance
7:30–9:45 p.m., Best Western Plus Keene
Dance the night away to classic big band sounds performed by the 18-piece Keene Jazz Orchestra, featuring vocalist Bella Holtz.
More information: www.keenejazzorchestra.org
Scarlett Castiglioni
The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
The 14-year-old Jaffrey musician performs original music and covers, showcasing her talents as a singer, guitarist and songwriter.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Granite State Ringers
The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
New Hampshire’s only elite handbell choir performs a program featuring challenging and contemporary handbell music.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Sunday, Dec. 21
Last Minute Larry Holiday Arts Market
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Brewbakers, Keene
Shop local and handmade goods at this annual holiday market, with proceeds benefiting Nova Arts.
More information: www.novaarts.org
Next Stage Winter Solstice Celebration and Community Sing
2–4:30 p.m., Next Stage Arts, Putney, VT
The annual solstice celebration includes a cookie swap, luminaria decorating and a community sing-along led by Rich Grumbine.
More information: www.nextstagearts.org
Westmoreland Town Band Holiday Concert
3 p.m., First Congregational Church of Walpole
The Westmoreland Town Band performs a free afternoon concert of holiday favorites.
More information: www.westmorelandtownband.org
Nelson Town Band Holiday Concert
4 p.m., Nelson Town Hall, Nelson
Enjoy holiday music and cookies during this free community concert.
More information: www.nelsontownband.org
Sunday With Santa
4–6 p.m., Birdies, Keene
Families can enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie and ornament decorating, and free hot chocolate.
More information: www.birdieskeene.com
Open Messiah Sing
7–9 p.m., United Church of Christ of Keene
The community is invited to sing along to Part I of Handel’s “Messiah” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” with professional soloists and instrumentalists.
More information: www.ucckeene.org
Elvis Christmas Concert starring Robert Black
The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
Award-winning tribute artist Robert Black performs Elvis Presley classics and holiday favorites in a Christmas-themed show.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org


