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Make the most of the holiday season this year with our roundup of December activities. Ready, set, celebrate!

Newburyport Holiday House Tour

December 14

The Anna Jacques Hospital Aid Association presents this house tour for a glimpse into Newburyport’s finest residences and how they deck out for the holidays. Complimentary chowder and coffee are served at City Hall. www.ajh.org/aid-association/aidholidayhousetour

Marblehead Christmas Walk

December 5 through 8

A North Shore staple now in its 49th year, the Marblehead Christmas Walk joins the community together for a weekend of holiday cheer. Highlights include the Gingerbread Festival at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, the tree lighting, the Christmas parade, and the artisans’ marketplace. marbleheadchamber.org/christmas-walk

An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Castle Hill

December 6 through 8

See each room of the Castle Hill Mansion decked out for the holidays during this three-day extravaganza. Come for appetizers, a cash bar, and festive music on Friday evening, or bring the whole family on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for shopping, live entertainment, fresh baked cookies, and more. thetrustees.org

Deck the Halls at Hammond Castle Museum

December 7 through 20

Local community groups have sponsored the decoration of each of the rooms, and once you explore the museum on a self-guided tour, vote for a winning room! hammondcastle.org

See a Christmas Carol

December 6 through 22

A family holiday tradition since 1989, North Shore Music Theatre’s A Christmas Carolis an award-winning musical adaptation of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirit of Christmas. nsmt.org

Winterlights at the Stevens-Coolidge Place

Through December 29

See the historic estate in a whole new light this December, the grounds and garden decked out from head to toe in shimmering holiday lights. Get your tickets early for this one-of-a-kind event, running Thursdays through Sundays until December 29. thetrustees.org

Four Centuries of Christmas Tours at the House of the Seven Gables

Through December 31

Through the end of December, daily tours at Salem’s historic House of the Seven Gables will be replaced by “Four Centuries of Christmas” house tours, detailing how Christmas celebrations have evolved since the house was built in 1668, when the Massachusetts colony had temporarily banned Christmas. 7gables.org/event/four-centuries-christmas-tours-2/

Hike with The Trustees

December 13 or 18

On the 13th, enjoy a brisk, three-mile hike through the dunes of the Crane Wildlife Refuge by the light of the December full moon, called the Long Nights Moon by the Algonquin tribes. Or, on the 18th, celebrate the shortest day of the year with a candlelit walk through Ward Reservation to a solstice celebration on Holt Hill, where participants can warm up by the fire and watch fire performer and dancer Tetra. Full Moon Hike: thetrustees.org Winter Solstice Celebration: thetrustees.org

Rockport Makers’ Festival 

December 14 and 15

This town-wide festival and holiday market returns for its second year to bring artisans and craft makers, live music, food trucks, horse and carriage rides, and “crafty events” to downtown Rockport for a weekend of free holiday festivities. www.rockportmakers.com

Appleton Farms Reindeer Quest

December 24 through January 3

Get the whole family outside for a hike this winter break and search for the birch wood reindeer on the grounds of Appleton Farms, free for members and just $5 for nonmembers.  thetrustees.org