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Rockport MA
Christmas Events 2026
From Santa’s arrival by lobster boat to carriage rides, concerts and beloved local traditions, find everything happening in Rockport this Christmas season.
Some places decorate for Christmas.
Rockport seems to become Christmas.
Holiday Shopping Night
Friday, December 4th
Rockport kicks off the Christmas season the old-fashioned way. Holiday Shopping Night is one of the most beloved Rockport MA Christmas events, when shops stay open late, windows glow, music fills the streets, and neighbors and visitors gather for an evening of holiday shopping and good cheer.
Come early. Stay late. Christmas starts here.
Santa's Arrival On Lobster Boat
Saturday, December 5th
Santa’s Arrival, Tree Lighting & Christmas Carols
One of Rockport’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Santa makes his grand entrance the only way he should in a fishing village, by lobster boat, before making his way to Dock Square for the lighting of the tree and Christmas carols with the community.
A little seaside town, a lobster boat, and a tradition generations of Rockport families have shared.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Sunday, December 6th
Saturday, December 12th
Bundle up and take a ride through one of Rockport’s most beloved holiday traditions. Horse-drawn carriages make their way down historic Bearskin Neck, past decorated shops and toward the harbor, for a little old-fashioned Christmas magic by the sea. Free and open to all.
Christmas at Shalin Liu
Holiday Show Schedule
Holiday Performances at Shalin Liu
Celebrate the season with live music at Rockport’s beautiful Shalin Liu Performance Center, overlooking the harbor in the heart of downtown.
December 4 & 5
Cape Ann Big Band Holiday
December 6
Lúnasa: Winter Solstice
December 7 & 8
Vienna Boys Choir
December 11
Tony DeSare Holiday Pops
December 13
Take 6: Spread Love at Christmas
December 15
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan
December 18
Good Winter with Seamus Egan: A Celtic Christmas
December 19
Liz Longley: The Holiday Fuss Tour
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