Even though the holiday season can get expensive after the gifts, decorations and other related items are purchased, the good news is that the “holiday spirit” is free! There are plenty of free events and activities on Cape Ann and across the North Shore to put you in a festive mood. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Visit Cape Ann’s most unique Christmas tree, the amazing Lobster Trap Tree in Gloucester, on Rogers Street. The following time-lapse video of the building of the tree by Shawn G. Henry highlights the positivity that this local holiday symbol brings to the community.
Visit: The Lobster Trap Tree on Facebook
2. Shop (or window shop) local for the season in charming downtown districts. Area towns have special “shopping nights” designated, where stores stay open late and serve refreshments and good cheer as well as special discounts. Gloucester holds a special Ladies’ Night and Mens’ Night for Main Street shopping, and Christmas in Rockport is also a popular event.
3. Find the seasonal local festival or pageant. Gloucester’s Middle Street Walk and Rockport’s Annual Christmas Pageant are fun and family-friendly events that will fill you with both cheer and nostalgia. Rockport also hosts a large New Year’s Eve celebration, with both free and paid events and activities.
The Rockport Annual Pageant. Photo: First Congregational Church of Rockport (UCC)
4. Take a drive to see the holiday lights during Winter Lights. Cruising about Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea’s main streets, through local neighborhoods and side streets to ooh and aah over the festively decorated businesses is sure to put a smile on your face.
5. Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit like giving your time and attention. Volunteer opportunities abound across the North Shore. Some ideas include:
- Teaching or mentoring through Wellspring House.
- Donating a Holiday Meal Basket at the Open Door Pantry.
- Donating to a toy and/or clothing drive, such as Project Uplift by Action Inc. or the North Shore 104.9 Toy Drive.
- Donating The Gift of Heat, through Beverly Bootstraps.
- Contact RSVP Volunteers of the North Shore to find many other local volunteering opportunities.
Below Are The Dates For A Few Gloucester Holiday events that you do not want to miss in 2023:
- Gloucester Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- Date: Sunday, November 26th
- Time: Parade starts at 3 PM
- Location: Starts at the State Fish Pier on Parker Street, winds through downtown Gloucester, and ends at Kent Circle
- Details: Parade welcomes Santa and includes a Tree Lighting Ceremony with activities like sitting on Santa’s lap, free popcorn, cocoa, signing holiday cards for troops, and Christmas music by the North Shore Bell Ringers.
- Santa Comes to Rockport and Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Date: Saturday, December 2nd
- Time: 1-5 PM
- Location: Rockport Harbor, T-Wharf, Mount Pleasant Street, and Dock Square
- Details: Santa arrives by lobster boat, parade with Rockport Forest Fire truck, children meet Santa for photos, tree lighting ceremony at Dock Square, caroling by Dock Square Carolers.
- Santa Arrives at Essex Town Landing
- Date: Friday, December 1st
- Time: 6-8 PM
- Location: Essex Town Landing
- Details: Santa arrives by boat, activities include visiting with Santa, enjoying clam chowder, hot chocolate, and caroling by Sound Waves.
- Middle Street Walk Gingerbread Contest
- Date for Entry Drop-off: December 7th (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM) & December 8th (before Noon)
- Judging Date: Saturday, December 9th (10:00 AM)
- Location for Entry Drop-off: Kyrouz Auditorium in Gloucester’s City Hall
- Details: Contest for crafting gingerbread houses, mansions, or creative shapes, judging criteria includes creativity, decorations, and workmanship.
- Buoy Painting and Lobster Trap Tree Lighting
- Buoy Painting Dates:
- Wed 11/29 – 3:30 – 5 PM – EGS, Veterans
- Thurs 11/30 – 3:30 – 5 PM – Plum Cove, Beeman
- Fri – 12/1 – 3:30 – 5 PM – W Parish
- Sat – 12/2 – 10 AM – 1 PM – Open to all
- Mon 12/4 – 3:30 – 5 PM – Rockport
- Wed 12/6 – 3:30 – 5 PM – O Maley, open to all
- Tree Lighting Date: Saturday, December 9th at 4:30 PM
- Location for Buoy Painting: Cape Ann Art Haven’s storefront at 180 Main St # B
- Tree Lighting Location: Main Street across from Art Haven
- Details: Children paint buoys for the Lobster Trap Tree, lighting ceremony includes caroling, cocoa, Santa’s appearance, and a party inside Art Haven’s studio.
- Buoy Painting Dates:
Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season from all of us at Atlantic Vacation Homes!
Where to Stay on Cape Ann for the Holidays
Atlantic Vacation Homes offers a wide variety of vacation rental homes across Cape Ann that would be perfect for your North Shore holiday getaway. To book your accommodations, simply view available rentals and enter your desired dates to get a quote. You can also call toll-free at (855) 853-9143 to speak with a Guest Experience Specialist.
