This month in the Lakes Region, you’ll find a packed calendar of events, workshops, and hands-on experiences that allow you to tap into your creative flair and craft one-of-a-kind holiday gifts (or, perhaps, a seasonal keepsake for yourself).
From paint-and-sip nights to candle-making classes, check out these upcoming local events to ensure the perfect handmade gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Make a festive wreath
Wreath Workshop at Moulton Farm
Register in advance to decorate a fresh, 12-inch balsam wreath at the Meredith farm on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. While there will be no shortage of decorations to choose from at the event, you can also bring any items you’d like to use for personalizing your wreath.
Wreath Workshop at Prescott Farm
On Saturday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 13, Prescott Farm’s Innovation Center is hosting two holiday wreath-making workshops, where you’ll leave with your own festive winter decoration. Tickets are discounted for members ($15), and pre-registration is encouraged.
CREATE A HOLIDAY ORNAMENT OR CENTERPIECE
ORNAMENT WORKSHOPS AT ARTS ALLEY
For a dose of “who-liday” cheer, stop by Arts Alley for a Grinch-inspired ornament workshop on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Concord hub’s Rose & Rye diner. The 6-8 p.m. class includes two sea glass ornaments, all materials, guided instruction, and the option to upgrade to a “GrinchGang” bundle for your group. Not into “The Grinch?” There will also be a Wednesday, Dec. 10 evening workshop where guests can create a personalized, wood-burning ornament for their trees.
HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE WORKSHOP AT MOULTON FARM
Spruce up your (or your giftee’s!) home with a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece. On Thursday, Dec. 18, choose a base from Moulton Farm’s selection and fill out your centerpiece with an assortment of fresh greens, berries, cones, and flowers, plus any additional embellishments you’d like to bring in from home.
KNIT A COZY BLANKET
diy chunky knit blanket workshop at hobbs tavern
Craft the ideal gift for the cozy homebody in your life at Hobbs Tavern! On Sunday, Dec. 7, The Hayloft space at the tavern is hosting a beginner-friendly chunky blanket workshop, where attendees will learn how to hand-knit a warm throw blanket in colors like plum, forest, or cranberry. Purchase tickets in advance.
give the gift of scent
Botanical Perfume Blending at Seven Birches Winery
Explore the art of scent, taste a variety of wines, and create your own custom Eau de Parfum at Seven Birches Winery on Saturday, Dec. 6. Sarah Yeager from Bloom Lab Perfumery will guide guests through the perfume-making process at the winery located within the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. Space is limited, so be sure to grab tickets ahead of time.
Holiday Candle Workshop at Arts Alley
Make a sweet, handmade holiday gift at Arts Alley on Friday, Dec. 19. Spend the evening scent mixing, decorating, and crafting candles — all materials will be provided. There will also be food and drinks available to purchase during the 6-8 p.m. class.
Bayberry Candle-Making at Prescott Farm
Since the 16th century, the fruit of the bayberry shrub has been used to make candles, and its scent is one we still associate with the holiday season. Leaning on the pleasant aroma of this native shrub, this workshop at Prescott Farm on Saturday, Dec. 20, offers the chance to craft your own tapered candle.
PAINT A MASTERPIECE
Floral & Watercolor Workshop at The Lake Estate On Winnisquam
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, visit the Lakes Region’s newest luxury resort to design a festive floral arrangement — then, use those blooms as your inspiration for a watercolor painting. Your ticket includes a glass of wine and snacks, with cocktail service available at the cash bar.
Adult Watercolor Workshop at the Lakes Region Art Association Gallery
Whether you’re a beginner artist or have years of painting experience, head to the Lakes Region Art Association Gallery on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for an afternoon watercolor workshop, where you’ll pick up a few new techniques and paint a design by artist Pat Edsall. Register in advance by phone (603-289-5437 or 603-472-3733) or email (patedsalldesigns@gmail.com).
Paint & Sip Night at Hobbs Tavern
Join local painter Doodlin’ Di on Thursday, Dec. 11, for a casual and fun night of painting at Hobbs Tavern. Sip a craft brew in The Hayloft, dig into a specialty pizza, and paint the night away with new friends. Secure tickets in advance through Eventbrite.
Start a Sourdough Journey
Sourdough Bread Baking at Prescott Farm
When it comes to thoughtful holiday gifts, you can’t go wrong with baked goods! Whether you’d like to give someone a baked loaf of sourdough bread or a sourdough starter for their own baking journey, Prescott Farm’s workshop on Saturday, Dec. 20, will equip you with all the knowledge you need to master the art of sourdough bread.
OTHER HOLIDAY CRAFTS
Open Holiday Craft Making at Seven Birches Winery
Right up until Christmas Eve, Seven Birches Winery is hosting daily open holiday craft hours for those who’d like to craft a handmade gift on their own schedule. Simply pop over to the winery during tasting room hours to paint your own wine bottle or glass ($15 each) or assemble a holiday greeting card ($5 each). While you craft, savor a glass of wine or cider, or opt for a tasting flight.
Berry Picking Basket Workshop at Meredith Fine Craft Gallery
With guidance from an expert basket maker and League of NH Craftsmen member, Alice Ogden, craft a functional berry picking basket at the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery on Saturday, Dec. 6. All materials needed to craft the 11-by-5-by-4-inch basket will be included, from New Hampshire black ash splints to oak handles. Call 603-279-7920 to register in advance.
Up-Cycled Paper Making at Prescott Farm
Did you know you can make your own sheets of paper out of … well, paper? At Prescott Farm’s Saturday, Dec. 6 class, Larry Frates will teach the art of creating up-cycled, handmade sheets out of recycled paper.
Christmas with the Cows at Brookford Farm
This Christmas celebration and German-inspired market is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit, carol with cows, and craft festive goodies. Whether you want to design a custom gnome home, build a holiday wreath, or make a DIY candle, you can do all that and more at the Canterbury farm’s annual Christmas event (happening Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14).
Victorian Christmas Card Workshop at Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm
Want to put a Victorian spin on your holiday cards this year? Join the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm on Saturday, Dec. 13, to learn the history of Christmas card-making during the Victorian era and whip up your own 19th-century-inspired card. The event is free to attend, and pre-registration is recommended.
Christmas at Canterbury
Canterbury Shaker Village’s seasonal celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, will feature a holiday concert, village tours, festive cocktails, and so much more — including the chance to craft wintry keepsakes like a holiday wreath or ornament. Plus, the village store will be open, selling artisan-quality goods (think textiles, soaps, and candles) for your holiday shopping.
This is just the start of the festive fun in store around the Lakes Region this December. For more holiday happenings and seasonal events, browse our full events calendar.