The Hippo

12/24/2025

2025 Year in Review
Check out to read about local food and events or download our always free E-Edition
at https://hippopress.com/
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on the cover
Year in review In this week’s issue of the Hippo, we take a look back at the year that was and consider some events to look forward to in 2026. Michael Witthaus looks at the difficult year for the local art scene (page 10). John Fladd asks foodies about the best things they ate (page 14) and looks back at the Manchester restaurant scene. In books, we consider some of our reviewers’ favorites (page 19). Amy Diaz picks her favorite films of 2025 (page 20). And Michael looks at the local music scene (page 27).

Also on the cover Get your holiday-week-energy-having kids and visiting relatives out of your house by going (or sending them) to a museum (page 13). Find parties and special meals on New Year’s Eve in Michael Witthaus’ roundup on page 24. Or, if you would prefer to end the year with some laughs, see a rundown of comedy performances slated for Dec. 31 on page 26. And, in this oddball betweeny week, relax with some live music at area restaurants and bars; find upcoming gigs in the Music This Week listing that starts on page 28.

12/17/2025

Cookie Art
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on the cover
10 Those holiday cookies aren’t just tasty treats, they are mini canvases, ready to become works of sugary art. In this week’s cover story, experts explain how to give your cookies a professional coating of glossy icing.

Also on the cover, Michael Witthaus talks to Ric Blair of The Celts before their Friday show in Derry (page 17). Find even more music this weekend, holiday and not. Michael checks out the music-forward eatery Riley’s Place in Milford (page 28) and find shows, holiday-themed and not, in the Music This Week (page 30) and in the Concert listings (page 34). And, need to relax? John Fladd recommends you make some just-the-basics banana bread (page 22).

12/12/2025

The December/January issue of the Senior Journal is now out! You can pick up a copy at many of the Hippo locations.
Read it online at https://hippopress.com/granite-senior-journal/

12/11/2025

This weekend do your holiday shopping at the Holly Jolly Craft Fair at the DoubleTree in Nashua.
December 14 from 9am to 3pm. Shop over 75 exhibitors. Free admission!

Come join us Sunday December 14th, 9 AM - 3 PM,  at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua Hotel!  FREE admission!  Do your holiday shopping at this fabulous arts & crafts fair with over 75 amazing artisans and buy American made holiday gifts!

12/11/2025

The Perfect Gift
Check out to read about local food and events or download our always free E-Edition
at https://hippopress.com/
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on the cover
Hippo’s Gift Guide Find gift ideas throughout this week’s issue. Michael Witthaus suggests gifts for art-lovers (page 14) and music fans (page 33). Henry Homeyer offers a gift guide for gardeners (page 18). John Fladd suggests some gifts for those bringing the greenery indoors (page 20). John also makes some suggestions for foodies (page 26) and we round up some books by local authors that could make good gifts for bookworms (page 31).

Also on the cover Michael Witthaus also previews a market showing off the art of fine knives (page 13). John Fladd previews the Currier and Ives Cookie Tour (page 25). Michael also talks to the band Slim Volume ahead of their Saturday, Dec. 13, show at Pembroke City Limits (see page 32).

12/09/2025

Check out the Holly Jolly Craft Fair at the DoubleTree in Nashua!
This weekend - December 14 from 9am to 3pm. Shop over 75 exhibitors. Free admission!

Come join us Sunday December 14th, 9 AM - 3 PM,  at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua Hotel!  FREE admission!  Do your holiday shopping at this fabulous arts & crafts fair with over 75 amazing artisans and buy American made holiday gifts!

12/03/2025

Get Green
Check out https://hippopress.com/ to read about local food and events or download our always free E-Edition
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on the cover
Need some greenery inside now that the outside is mostly bare trees and snowy ground? In this week’s cover story, John Fladd gets advice from local experts about picking plants and keeping them alive inside your abode.

Also on the cover Symphony NH has a packed December schedule (page 17). John Fladd looks at two upcoming area holiday markets — the New Hampshire World Christmas Market and the Amherst German Christmas Market, both slated for next weekend (page 20). Michael Witthaus talks to Ryan Green of acoustic duo Ryanhood ahead of their Friday, Dec. 5, show (page 26).

12/01/2025

Only 25 days until Christmas! Time to pack in as much holiday fun as possible. Hippo's weekly email newsletter offers a round-up of great holiday events and entertainment in the Merrimack Valley.
Sign up for the newsletter at hippopress.com/subscribe.

11/26/2025

Holiday Guide 2025
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on the cover
Get ready for six-ish weeks of non-stop holiday excitement! In our annual Holiday Guide, we round up holiday fun happening from Thanksgiving Eve to New Year’s Day. From screenings of Elf to Holiday Pops, community tree lightings to productions of The Nutcracker, check out our extensive guide to holiday events for all.

Also on the cover Speaking of seasonal fun, Michael Witthaus talks to Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, whose one-man A Christmas Carol has been a local tradition. This year marks his final U.S. tour (see page 33). Another annual tradition? Model Airplane’s Funksgiving show (see page 46), part of a weekend packed with musical performances. And John Fladd gets the information on Christmas With the Cows in Canterbury (page 38).

11/26/2025

We are thankful for the local communities who bring culture and enrichment to NH residents. Our communities are what make southern NH such a great place to live.

11/21/2025

In Praise of Cranberries
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on the cover
10 The shloop of a cranberry cylinder sliding out of its can is a very satisfying sound. But that’s not all cranberries can be. John Fladd offers more ideas for working cranberries into your cooking and cocktail making.

Also on the cover Michael Witthaus takes a look at The Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery in Concord (page 14) and talks to Jim Messina ahead of two New Hampshire shows this weekend (page 23). Back in the food world, John Fladd talks to organizers at the Holy Trinity Cathetral Frozen Polish Food sale (page 18).

11/20/2025

We are thankful for our readers who look to Hippopress for local news and events. Our readers give us purpose and have made the Hippo the largest weekly circulation in NH.