Happy Tuesday, Manchester. In today’s edition: A Christmas Carol, the Manchester holiday parade, a four-course holiday brunch with live jazz, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Airlifted pets find hope: Pilots to the Rescue landed in Manchester with 24 dogs and 11 cats, bound for Darbster Rescue and Toby’s Dream Rescue, after surpassing 2,000 animal lives saved this year — get all the details.

Furniture as fine art: At Manchester’s Currier Museum of Art, an exhibit honors 30 years of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters, featuring juried, finely crafted pieces by leading artisans and on view until February — read the full story.

Beloved Queen City tradition returns: Manchester’s Miracle on Elm Street holiday drive launched Dec. 1, with proceeds benefiting Webster House. Donations of gift cards, small gifts, and funds aim to brighten the season for residents — see how to participate.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol
• Taste bold Manchester brews under stars
• Celebrate community at MHT Holiday Parade
• Shuffle three miles in Santa suits
• Shop local and support senior dogs
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Winter concerts with jazz: Manchester Choral Society rings in the season with Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert plus Holiday Family Pops on Dec. 13 (7 pm) and Dec. 14 (3 pm) at Manchester Memorial High School, joined by The Backbeat Big Band and soprano Kay Patterson. Caroling at the Currier Museum pops up Dec. 6 at noon. See dates, lineup and tickets.

A bittersweet sendoff: Manchester’s Rock N Roll Meatballs is calling it quits after about a year. The music-themed spot will serve a few “encore” days in December, with its final day and concert on Dec. 27. Owners cite parking woes and unsustainable costs (think a $4,800 October electric bill). They’re eyeing a future spot, no location yet. Get closure dates and reasons.

Upgrade burrito night: Family-owned since 2006, Consuelo’s Taqueria builds hefty, customizable burritos with carnitas, pastor, grilled veggies, or fish. Choose bowl, Grande, or Mojado, then pick red or green sauce. Ideal for nights when cooking is optional and salsa heat needs fine-tuning.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎄 2025 Christmas Tree Jubilee @ Liberty House | Thursday (12/4) at 10:00am – Whether you’ve got an attic of ornaments or just good taste, this fundraiser showcases themed trees and wreaths to benefit Liberty House and local veterans. Donate a tree or wreath, or just come gawk, bid, and feel virtuous between cocoa sips.

🎺 Jingle Brass @ Rex Theatre | Thursday (12/4) at 7:30pm – Think your holiday playlist has range? Symphony New Hampshire’s Jingle Brass is back, with a brass quintet serving carols, bold fanfares, and fresh arrangements that put the mall soundtrack to shame. Rich harmonies, brilliant shine, and zero inflatable reindeer, just the good stuff.

🎭 A Christmas Carol @ The Palace Theatre | Thursday (12/4) at 7:30pm – Holiday season calls for our annual Scrooge tune-up at the Palace, with ghosts, carols, a live orchestra, and family-friendly cheer. It is the Dickens classic you know, upgraded with professional actors and special effects, and warm enough to thaw even your inner Grinch.

🎨 Painting with Steve @ William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Steve Pascucci is ready to turn your morning into a mini art retreat as he guides you through a beginner-friendly acrylic painting class. All supplies are included, and you’ll walk out with a finished masterpiece you can proudly show off. It’s a relaxed, creative session perfect for all skill levels, especially if you’ve never picked up a brush before.

☃️ Winterfest 2025 @ Backyard Brewery and Kitchen | Friday (12/5) at 5:00pm – Winterfest is back and bigger, corralling 20-plus Manchester brewers for a one-night craft beer love-fest under the stars. Bundle up, claim a fire pit, and work through porters, sours, lagers, and experimental pours, with good food and better company, yes outside, on purpose.

This weekend

🐶 Vendor Fair @ Gail Fisher’s All Dogs Gym | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Ready to holiday shop without the mall madness? Hit All Dogs Gym for local vendors, a bake sale you’ll ‘buy for others,’ Santa photos with your leashed MVP, and the warm fuzzies of supporting Old Dogs Go To Helen, our favorite senior-dog rescue.

🏃 BASC Santa Claus Shuffle @ Veterans Memorial Park | Saturday (12/6) at 2:30pm – Trade the treadmill for a three-mile out-and-back with a sea of Santas, and yes, the first 1,400 in-person or virtual registrants snag the suit. Walk, jog, shuffle, then call it cardio for the cookie season. It’s corny, festive, and weirdly delightful.

🥁 Manchester Holiday Parade @ Elm Street | Saturday (12/6) at 4:00pm – The holiday parade is back, which means downtown gets twinkle lights, marching bands, and the annual game of “is that my old dentist in a reindeer hat.” Bring your comfy shoes, a thermos, and your patience for adorable chaos. It is peak small-town magic.

🎤 Scott Spradling Band @ Rex Theatre | Saturday (12/6) at 7:30pm – Trade the mall soundtrack for the real thing and rock around the tree with a full big band. Scott Spradling’s crew revives swing, big band, and early rock, with live horns, guest vocalists, and all the Christmas hits, old and new.

🍽️ Four-Course Holiday Brunch with Live Jazz Quartet @ LaBelle Winery Amherst | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – If your December playlist needs real instruments, not tinny speakers, book the four-course holiday brunch at LaBelle’s Amherst winery with the Joe Deleault Jazz Quartet. Festive room, proper plates, wine if you fancy, and it’s family-friendly. Seats disappear faster than ribbon candy.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Chris Isaak @ Tupelo Music Hall – 7 pm
• 12/2 Mark209 @ Litchfield School District – 7 pm
• 12/3 Kuarantine @ Angel City Music Hall – 8 pm
• 12/4 Student Recital #5 @ Art Center – 1 pm
• 12/4 96 Bitter Beings @ The Bungalow Bar & Grill – 6 pm
• 12/5 Far Beyond Driven (Pantera tribute) and more @ Jewel – 7 pm
• 12/5 Ghosts of Jupiter @ The Shaskeen – 8 pm
• 12/6 Mr. Aaron @ BNH Stage – 11 pm