Keep the Magic Alive North of Boston

Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to the festive season and pack away the decorations, we can't help but reminisce about the magical moments we shared North of Boston. From the lively holiday festivities at our local businesses to the enchanting winter lights adorning our picturesque downtowns, the spirit of the holidays truly illuminated our charming region. And guess what? We're determined to keep that vibrant spirit alive throughout the year!

If you didn't get a chance to experience the holiday magic here, fret not. There are countless reasons to visit us throughout the season and make even more lasting memories in the new year.

Here's What's Happening This Month

January 6 & 7: Can My Baby Fly?, Gloucester Stage

The Award-winning pediatrician Dr. Brian G. Orr presents a one-man show at Gloucester Stage sharing enlightening, humorous, and heartfelt stories from his 40+ years as a pediatrician. Building on the success of his book A Pediatrician’s Guide Journal: Caring for Children in a Broken Medical System the next chapter in stories is coming to the stage.

January 13 & 14: Sweet Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute, Firehouse Center for the Arts

Don’t miss the return of America’s #1 James Taylor tribute Sweet Baby James, as Nashville musician Bill Griese performs the songs of the legendary JT. Griese delights audiences using only his uncanny Taylor-like vocals & guitar playing and a refreshingly authentic stage presence. Enjoy the ultimate James Taylor experience!

January 13: Old Newbury Christmas Tree Bonfire, Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm

Say farewell to the holiday season with the Newbury community for their annual Old Newbury Christmas Tree Bonfire. Visit the first floor of the 1690 Spencer-Pierce-Little Farmhouse from 3–4 pm then walk down to the town-sponsored bonfire and enjoy food, beer, wine, and more from local vendors until 8 pm. Pre-purchase your parking pass for a guaranteed spot in the parking field here.

January 14: Headlands, Rockport Music, Shalin Liu

Get up close and personal with the incredible local musical talent we have on the North Shore with Rockport Music’s Upstairs on Main music series! On January 14th enjoy Headlands, Rockport’s own beloved Americana band! With their exciting three-part vocals that put their stamp on whichever musical genre they choose, whether an acoustic trio or a full-blown band with percussion, fiddle, and horns, you can be sure HEADLANDS treat their audiences to thrilling harmonies, tight arrangements, and humor!?

January 15: MLK Day Celebration, Gloucester Meeting House

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s MLK Day event will feature Renée Graham, Boston Globe Associate editor and Columnist as the keynote speaker on Monday, January 15th. The event also includes a one-on-one conversation with Renée and Michea McCaffery, Chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team (GRJT), as well as a performance by by renowned vocal artist Gordon Michaels, and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his own voice via audio recording.  

January 19–27: New Works Festival, Firehouse Center for the Arts

The Firehouse is committed to the development of new work. Over the past 22 years, more than 250 have been performed on their stage first-through their annual Firehouse New Works Festival. This festival fosters the growth of New England playwrights while showcasing the talent of local and regional actors and directors. Playwrights from across New England submit their 10-minute shorts, one-act, and full-length plays to an independent panel that select the festival’s shows in anonymous readings. Directors and their casts then work with selected playwrights to produce two weekends of original theater.

January 20: Chicken Pot Pie Culinary Workshop, Appleton Farms

Is there anything more comforting than a chicken pot pie for dinner on a chilly night? Learn how to make this classic pie from complete scratch with Appleton’s baker Kami. This immersive class will first walk you through all-butter pie dough, followed by utilizing chicken bones to make stock for the gravy base and finally, putting it all together with farm fresh vegetables to create a delicious meal, yum! Check their calendar of events all season long for more delicious classes and events for the whole family.

January 20 & 21: Gloucester's So Salty

Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions and businesses during the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival on January 20 and 21, 2024 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm! Over 1,800 people came out last year to share their salty pride while enjoying free ice sculptures and cultural activities around Downtown Gloucester. The Cape Ann Museum is partnering with Discover Gloucester and several area cultural institutions and businesses to offer?two full days of free programming in the coldest part of the year. Inspired by the annual?Salem’s So Sweet?event (happening Feb. 9–11), this two-day event will include ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities, and much more.

January 25: An Evening with John Cusack & High Fidelity Movie Screening, The Cabot

With an impressive body of work spanning the course of three decades, John Cusack has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and respected actors of his generation, garnering both critical acclaim as well as prestigious accolades for his dramatic and comedic roles. On January 25th John Cusack will host a screening of his movie High Fidelity, followed by a live conversation and Q&A moderated by Emmy Award winning Lifestyle Host and TV Personality, Anna Rossi. Photo courtesy The Cabot

January 25–27: Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival

Lift your spirits and laugh the cold away with this three-day celebration of comedy and spirits in Salem. Featuring top local and national performing comedians and locally crafted spirits. Hosted at Notch Brewing and Deacon Giles Distillery. Check out the comedian line-up.

January 26: Beginnings, A Celebration of the Music of Chicago, Blue Ocean Music Hall

Beginnings formed in 2002 as a tribute to the music of super-group Chicago. The band makes its home in the New York City metro area and regularly performs for highly enthusiastic and loyal audiences all over the United States. Performing in Chicago’s original, classic-era 7pc. configuration, Beginnings delivers the world’s most authentic live Chicago concert experience, bringing the legendary band’s extensive catalog to life, with stunning detail, accuracy, and intensity. Photo courtesy Blue Ocean

January 27: The Dating Game LIVE, The Larcom Theatre

Much like the original game show from the 70s, one contestant will ask three people who are hidden behind a curtain questions that help them determine which of the three they would like to get to know better. The audience will watch three episodes unfold LIVE! The Contestants are real people, not actors! One couple from each episode will receive a complimentary date on the North Shore!

Single and want to be considered for the show? Apply by Jan. 12.

Sip and Savor All Month Long

Delight in These Delicious Dining Specials

Whether your New Year's resolution includes cutting back, doing more, or saving money, our local restaurants have some great options to satisfy your tastes this month.

Partaking in Dry January?

Burtons Grill and Bar has you covered. Check out their zero-proof cocktails including their Paloma Pura, Blueberry Hibiscus Spritz, and Harvest Sparkler for a delicious libation while upholding your New Year's resolution.

Want to have your cake and eat it too?

Burtons is also the place to go to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day on Saturday, January 27th. We'll all be craving more sweet treats by the end of the month and you can celebrate this food holiday with their delicious Seven Layer Chocolate Cake. It's topped with chocolate frosting, hot fudge, Maldon sea salt & raspberry coulis. *And* like many of Burtons' items, it’s gluten-free!

Calling all Chowder Lovers!

Legal Seafoods Chowda Day holiday is back this year – mark your calendars to enjoy one of their tasty treats at a discounted price on Monday, January 15th! They’re offering $1 cup and $2 bowl of their famous clam chowder, dine in and take out, no purchase of entrée required, plus $10 quarts and $30 gallons to enjoy later. Celebrate National Soup Month and Chowda Day at Legal Seafoods in Peabody and Legal C Bar in Lynnfield.

Wine and Dine on January 25th

On Thursday, January 25th join Winebow Imports and Davio’s Lynnfield for an interactive Italian wine tasting! This unique wine event provides the opportunity to taste premium reds from Piedmont, Tuscany & Veneto paired with Davio’s passed appetizers! Featured wineries include Altesino, Castello di Bossi, Damilano & Zenato! $50 per person plus tax and gratuity.

If Portuguese wine is more your thing, head to 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar on Thursday January 25th for a Portuguese Wine Dinner Pairing. Event includes a four-course intimate dining experience that will feature their Chef's creations including Pan Seared Monkfish, Crispy Octopus, Grilled Wild Boar, and Filo Crusted Cheesecake, all paired with a selection of Portuguese wines.

Cheers to a delicious 2024!

Experience More North of Boston

Browse Our Digital Guide from Yankee Magazine

"The region just North of Boston contains everything people associate with New England: seashore and ski mountains, culturally vibrant cities and farmland, historic landmarks and Instagrammable restaurant dishes, family attractions, and inns where couples and solo travelers love cozying up to recharge. It’s all so close to “the Hub” yet a world apart. In this digital guide, you’ll discover how captivating this scenic and easy-to-navigate region is year-round."

We agree! Browse the digital guide.