Please join Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) and Schooner Adventure on Thursday, January 15th at GMGI, for an evening exploring the city’s maritime past, present, and future.
From Sea to Shore: Gloucester’s Fishing & Foodways Through Time will examine the enduring relationship between sea and shore, from historic schooners and traditional fishing practices to leveraging marine genomic research to support sustainable fisheries.
Click the link below for more information and to register for this free event!
Featured Speakers: Tim O’Donnell, GMGI Research Scientist Emma Strand, Ph.D., GMGI Staff Scientist Justin Demitri, Historian and Author on Gloucester Fishing Heritage Emily Pearce, Executive Director, Schooner Adventure
Tuesday, December 30th is the last of our Gloucester Gratis Days this season, offering the chance for all our Gloucester neighbors to visit the Hammond Castle Museum for FREE, with your proof of residency!
You may have visited the Hammond Castle Museum in the past, but you haven’t seen it like this! Join us as we present our annual, museum-wide holiday installation: Deck the Halls. This season is more festive and lush than before as we partnered with local interior designer, Elaine Quinn.
Family Bingo Tuesday, December 30 | 3:30–4:30 PM Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester
Bring the whole family to the Library for an afternoon of bingo, laughter, and prizes!
Whether you’re a seasoned bingo pro or trying it for the first time, you’re invited to join the Sawyer Free Library for friendly competition, fun bingo calls, and the chance to win some great prizes. It’s a perfect way to spend time together during the holiday break.
Check out this compilation of video messages from GPS alumni, created by Marty Del Vecchio for the Gloucester Education Foundation’s recent 20th Anniversary Gala.
Please consider a donation to GEF’s year-end appeal before 12/31 to help support thousands of more kids like Rebecca, Trinity, Olivia, AJ, Thea and Nate. The programs that sparked their love for music, engineering, science, dance, theater and community – and led them to labs at Harvard and Northeastern; stages at Emerson, Suffolk, and Berklee; and tall ships sailing to St.Croix! – were make possible by the generosity of the Gloucester community. Over 20 years, YOU have helped raise over $11M for GEF! Thank you!
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is proud to present the original silent movie ‘Peter Pan,’ a 1925 American fantasy-adventure film as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series. It will be narrated by acclaimed actress Lindsay Crouse and accompanied on the pipe organ by maestro Peter Krasinski. This is great entertainment for the whole family during the holidays! Tickets are available at the door and online (strongly recommended) with more information at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free. The historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green and around the historic district. The side entrance at 10 Church Street has an elevator to the main level, if needed.
For decades the silent movie ‘Peter Pan’ was thought to be lost but in the 1950’s a well preserved copy was discovered in a vault in Rochester, New York. The film is based on a play written by Sir James Barrie and was directed by Herbert Brenon in 1924 and was filmed on Santa Cruz island. The plot explores fantasy, adventure and is a playful film armed with technical ingenuity and classic source material.
The presentation will be narrated by Lindsay Crouse, American actress who made her debut in the 1972 revival of Much Ado About Nothing. She has played many roles in numerous films and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Lindsay is a resident of Annisquam and a well-known celebrity on Cape Ann.
The film will also be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will display the diverse power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this memorable and nostalgic film.
‘Peter Pan’ is presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.
Middle Street Walk Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Sawyer Free Library · 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA
Celebrate the 27th annual Middle Street Walk, a beloved Gloucester holiday tradition where “the past is present!” Enjoy a festive day filled with music, art, community events, and FREE horse-drawn wagon rides along historic Middle Street. The Sawyer Free Library is excited to be part of the celebration with special programs for all ages.
Festivities at the Sawyer Free Library
10:30–11:30 AM — Holiday Music & Card Making for Kids Drop in for cheerful music and hands-on card-making fun — perfect for children and families.
12:00–2:00 PM — Walker Creek Saxophone Quartet Performance Enjoy a live performance from this talented saxophone quartet, filling the Library with seasonal favorites and jazzy flair.
1:00–4:00 PM — Tours of the Saunders House Historic WPA Murals Professional conservator Lisa Mehlin will lead 15-minute guided tours of the newly restored WPA murals in the historic Saunders House. Learn about their remarkable history and the intricate conservation process. Registration required at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.
1:00–1:30 PM — Gingerbread Creation Contest Winner Announcement Join members of the Middle Street Walk Committee — including Barbara Catalini of Cakes by Barbara — in the Children’s Room as they announce the winners of the 2025 Gingerbread Creation Contest. All gingerbread entries will be on display!
More details on Middle Street Walk festivities city-wide will be shared soon. We hope you’ll join us for this magical Gloucester tradition!
Gloucester residents are welcomed for FREE EVERY TUESDAY at the Hammond Castle Museum. Nearly a dozen Christmas trees, dozens of wreaths, garlands and hand-made bows, two Menorahs, and playful 3D printed touches including gumdrop garland and a replica of the castle styled as a whimsical gingerbread house fill the space. Thousands of twinkling lights and flickering candles set the scene while nutcrackers, gingerbread men, and hidden gnomes and elves add a bit of fun for little ones exploring with their families.
Over the last several seasons, we have grown this program, and that tradition of care has long been guided by our Director of Collections, Beth Welin, whose thoughtful eye has shaped its beauty from the start. This year we were also fortunate to have the generous support of Elaine Quinn, of Elaine Quinn Interiors whose time, encouragement, and friendship helped us elevate the experience for the 2025 season.
We invite you to join us and experience the beauty and joy of the season. Proof of Gloucester residency is required at check-in for all those with Gratis Day admission reservations.
– Gloucester Gratis Days Self-Guided Tours are available every Tuesday throughout the entire 2025 tour season from May 6th through January 4th. – Advance registration is recommended but not required. You may also register upon arrival in the Museum Shop.
Kick off the season in festive Rockport style! Join us for Holiday Shopping Night and enjoy an evening of cheerful lights, local treasures, and holiday spirit. Start at Dock Square, where shoppers can pick up a free Christmas in Rockport tote bag filled with a list of participating businesses, special coupons valid all season long, and a bonus raffle ticket. As you explore Rockport’s charming shops, you’ll find festive treats and refreshments offered by many local retailers and be serenaded by strolling musicians bringing holiday magic to the streets. Every purchase at a participating store earns you an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three exciting prizes. End the evening at the after party and live raffle drawing at Brackett’s Oceanview Restaurant where the celebration continues with good company, great prizes, and plenty of holiday cheer!
Cape Ann Community 