10 Best New Hampshire Events to Do This Weekend: Nov 13-15

New Hampshire is fully committed to Christmas shopping as local markets and craft shows prepare for the weekend.

While Halloween has only recently passed and Thanksgiving remains weeks away, the state’s retail and artisan communities are already prioritizing Christmas shopping. This seasonal pivot brings a concentrated schedule of community events, ranging from large-scale craft fairs in Portsmouth to charitable bazaars in the White Mountains.

The surge in seasonal activity serves a dual purpose for the local economy. For many residents, these events offer a way to bypass generic retail options in favor of juried, handmade goods. For community organizations, these gatherings act as critical fundraising vehicles for local social services.

Artisans gather in Portsmouth and Londonderry

The Seacoast region will host multiple high-end craft events on Saturday, November 14. The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is staging its “Handmade in the Harbor” event at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club at 135 Congress Street. The show features more than 30 juried artists displaying pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, and metalwork. Admission is $10 for the Saturday session from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday hours running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Simultaneously, the 27th annual Seacoast Artisans Holiday Show will take place at Great Bay Community College, located at 320 Corporate Drive. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and costs $8 for admission, while children 14 and younger enter for free. The show includes a cash raffle and lunch provided by Gather.

Historic buildings congress street near market square downtown portsmouth hampshire usa

In southern New Hampshire, the Londonderry United Methodist Church at 258 Mammoth Road will host the ‘Tis the Season Craft Fair on Saturday, November 14. Running from noon to 6 p.m., the fair features over 40 artisans and various food vendors. Unlike the Portsmouth shows, admission to this event is free.

Outdoor activities and musical performances

For those looking to spend time outdoors before the onset of winter, several natural landmarks remain accessible. Mount Major in Alton offers a moderate 3-to-4-mile round-trip hike that reaches an elevation of 1,786 feet. The trail provides views of Lake Winnipesaukee through the trees, though hikers should be aware that upper ledges can become slippery or icy during November.

Rye Harbor State Park provides a more relaxed coastal alternative. The park sits on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Isles of Shoals. Visitors can walk the coastal paths to watch fishing boats without the heavy crowds typical of the summer months.

Live music is also scheduled throughout the weekend. In Portsmouth, Michaela Anne will perform a mix of country, rock, and Americana at The Music Hall Lounge on Friday, November 13, at 8 p.m. John Splithoff is scheduled to perform his "Stripped Tour" at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m.

Community impact through seasonal shopping

The weekend’s activities extend beyond traditional commerce into direct community support. On Sunday, November 15, the Starting Point Holiday Bazaar will be held at the North Conway Community Center at 78 Norcross Circle. The bazaar runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features handmade goods and crafts.

Proceeds from the North Conway event are designated to support the work of Starting Point, an organization that assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Carroll County. This model allows shoppers to direct their holiday spending toward local social safety nets.

In Manchester, the Palace Theatre will host the final performances of the musical Fiddler on the Roof from November 13 through November 15. The production includes a Friday evening show at 7:30 p.m., two Saturday performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and a final Sunday performance at noon.

A new dining option in Newmarket, Hopestill Restaurant & Bar, will be open Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for those seeking a Portuguese-inspired meal in the downtown area.

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